TMT: IT & Telecommunications
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Australia
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+61 2 9230 4000About
Provided by Allens
Allens' TMT lawyers advise on all technology-related issues, including software and system developments and procurements, cloud arrangements, outsourcing and offshoring arrangements, e-commerce agreements, domain names, IT dispute resolution and IT aspects of corporate transactions.
We act in many of Australia’s largest and most significant information technology deals, as well as assist small internet start-ups with their quite different legal requirements. We have acted on both sides of outsourcing negotiations, for vendors and purchasers of technology businesses, for software and hardware suppliers and customers, and for companies drafting technology patents.
We have acted for participants in every sector of the telecommunications industry. We advise on the Australian regulatory framework, regional telecommunications legislation, third generation telephony, shared facilities access, litigation, privacy and competition laws.
We provide Media & Broadcasting law advice to television broadcasters, subscription television operators, radio networks, Internet web portals, Internet-based distributors of goods and services, film producers and financiers, newspapers, book publishers and advertising agencies (e.g. cross media reforms, sports law, commercialisation of digital content, access, intellectual property, advertising, content rights, content regulations etc.).
Chambers Review
Allens takes prominent roles on major TMT-related M&A transactions and advises government and corporate clients on large-scale technology outsourcing projects. It is a preferred practice for fintech and electronic payments mandates as well as data exchange and commercialisation and privacy matters. The law firm also advises Australia's major telecommunications companies on governance and regulatory issues. In the media space, Allens has a respected distribution and broadcasting advisory team which represents major players in the acquisition of sports broadcasting and other media rights and in corporate activity, including media joint ventures. Media clients also benefit from the firm's ability to offer a full suite of intellectual property advice.
Work Highlights
- Allens advised the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board on its second significant mobile telecommunications tower assets acquisition in New Zealand.
- Allens advised Foxtel on all arrangements to procure and sell the "Hubbl" media streaming product in Australia.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The TMT team has great industry experience, approaches problems with pragmatic, solutions-focused advice and always delivers within the required timeframes."
"Allens provide commercial practical insights and advice, and have a deep understanding of our business. The lawyers are leaders in their technical knowledge."
"My experience is that there is no one better than Allens."
"The TMT team has great industry experience, approaches problems with pragmatic, solutions-focused advice and always delivers within the required timeframes."
"Allens provide commercial practical insights and advice, and have a deep understanding of our business. The lawyers are leaders in their technical knowledge."
"My experience is that there is no one better than Allens."
Notable Practitioners
Gavin Smith is based in Sydney and advises on both IT and telecommunications-related issues, being particularly well known for his expertise in the digital acceleration field where these often intersect.
"Gavin Smith is one of the best in his field, globally."
"Gavin Smith is highly commercial and strategic. He understands complexity and is able to distil legal issues while being engaging and personable."
"Gavin is always able to provide reasoned and exceptional advice. He is always available and is a leader in Australia in his field. He is the safest pair of hands."
Valeska Bloch is particularly well known for her work on behalf of startup tech companies and in connection with disruptive technologies, and also advises extensively on data governance and breach issues and cybersecurity questions.
"Valeska Bloch is both very easy and a joy to deal with. She's good at translating complex concepts into language our stakeholders can understand."
"We would not hesitate to go to Valeska for any privacy-related concern. She is a great talent - very thorough and an expert in her field."
"She's obviously really intelligent and switched on, but she's also really easy to communicate with. She's really got that combination of expertise and approachability."