Media & Communications
The media and communications sector is in a constant state of flux as a result of changes in technologies and modes of creation, consumption and distribution, the proliferation of regulations, and the emergence of new sector players. We aim to support you in your strategic and innovative projects by offering you recognised, cross-disciplinary expertise in media, technology and communications law.
We are one of the leading players in media and communications law in France, with a dedicated, highly specialised team recognised for its cross-disciplinary expertise in all legal aspects of the sector.
We advise on and litigate complex and strategic cases involving media law, copyright, audiovisual law, advertising law, press law and image rights.
We regularly advise our public and private clients on high-stakes disputes in the media sector (press, audiovisual, digital media, etc.) and in communication, entertainment, gaming, advertising, fashion, art and architecture. Our clients include publishers and producers, advertisers, communications and advertising agencies, and organisers of major sporting and cultural events.
Our team also has a strong transactional practice. It supports its clients in all their contractual transactions.
We work in a fully integrated way with all the firm’s practices (competition, new technologies, personal data, M&A, tax, employment law, public law) to offer our clients a high-level service covering all of their issues. We also have in-depth expertise in European law, thanks to our close links with our Brussels office.
Committed to developments in media and communications law, we participate in the development of new rules and standards alongside public authorities and sector representatives (copyright reforms, digital advertising, press-related rights, etc.), with a particular focus on innovation and new sector issues (AI, Web3, blockchain, NFT, relations with major digital platforms).
Areas of intervention
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We assist our clients in the protection, enhancement and defence of their copyright and related rights, particularly in the context of assignment, licensing, co-production or distribution contracts or transactions, as well as in their strategic negotiations and litigation (major platforms and rights holders).
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We represent our clients on issues relating to freedom of expression, defamation and the right of reply, the protection of privacy, the withdrawal of online content (e-reputation) and the liability of publishers and hosts.
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We advise our clients on changes to the applicable regulations in terms of relations between agencies and advertisers, sports or cultural sponsorship, as well as on the validation of marketing operations and disputes relating to advertising campaigns.
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We advise our public and private clients on their projects for the development, production, broadcasting and use of audiovisual and cinematographic works, as well as on the applicable regulations.
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Our teams are renowned for their ability to assist with the legal organisation of major sporting and cultural events, such as the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to which we actively contributed.
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we are particularly active in AI, the complex processing of personal data (at the heart of the sector’s concerns), and Web3/Crypto-assets (blockchain, NFT), which are becoming major issues for our clients.
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We maintain close links with the main French CMOs (SACEM, SACD, ADAGP, DVP, etc.), as well as with professional organisations active in the media and advertising sector (UDA – Union des Annonceurs; GESTE – bringing together the main operators of online services and content, etc.).
Awards
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Chambers Europe - France 2024
TMT
Band 3
Gide is well versed in a range of TMT issues, including IT licence agreements, data privacy compliance, and media and entertainment mandates. The team also handles contentious cases involving advertising regulations and distribution contracts.
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Legal 500 EMEA - France 2024
Intellectual Property: Copyright
Tier 1
Gide’s copyright team is a collaborative unit comprising partners and associates from the IP and TMT departments. Its expertise spans both litigation and transactional aspects of copyright law and in-depth knowledge of European copyright legislation, further reinforced by their presence in Brussels.
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Legal 500 EMEA - France 2024
Media & Entertainment: Television/Radio
Tier 2
Gide represents leading corporations, agencies and artists in the media sector. The team is developing innovative approaches to French and EU regulations, as well as advising clients on contractual practices. Copyright is another key area of expertise.
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Chambers Global - Africa-Wide 2024
TMT
Band 3
Gide is well regarded for its work across an array of transactional and regulatory matters in the TMT space, including cybersecurity, fintech and data protection matters. It has an excellent track record of acting for public authorities and government entities, in addition to corporate clients.