TMT: Media
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Australia
Band 4
Contact number
+61 2 9226 9888Chambers Review
Bird & Bird is recognised for its expertise in corporate transactions for telecommunications companies and digital businesses, fintech, cloud technology and the related data protection issues. The law firm advises technology and communications companies on leasing and licensing issues as well as data centre and mobile network expansions. It is also experienced in assisting clients with matters relating to satellite-based projects. Bird & Bird's growing media practice is valued by clients from traditional and new media alike for its guidance on defamation, pre-publication, privacy and regulatory matters.
Work Highlights
- Bird & Bird acted for the Crypto Open Patent Alliance in proceedings against Craig Steven Wright. The proceedings, in particular, focused on the authorship of the Bitcoin White Paper, published under the name “Satoshi Nakamoto”, the unknown individual credited with creating Bitcoin. Mr Wright is an Australian who has claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto.
- Bird & Bird acted for Take-Two Interactive Software/Rockstar Games in a dispute relating to copyright infringement concerning unauthorised modifications to the code for Grand Theft Auto V.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Bird & Bird are very clear and reasonable about the information they want from us and give us very practical guidance on worst-case scenarios and likely scenarios."
"Their resources and commitment to the case were very impressive. They also have a specialist team across all areas of media law."
"Bird & Bird are very clear and reasonable about the information they want from us and give us very practical guidance on worst-case scenarios and likely scenarios."
"Their resources and commitment to the case were very impressive. They also have a specialist team across all areas of media law."
Notable Practitioners
Thomas Jones is a highly experienced, Sydney-based handler of telecommunications sector mandates who advises service providers on numerous aspects of the development of new projects. He is particularly well known for his mastery of regulatory issues.
"Thomas Jones is a trusted adviser."
Julie Cheeseman is an accomplished litigator who is noted for her expertise in media and acts for clients on contentious and non-contentious matters. Her practice extends to the IT and privacy and data sectors.
"Julie Cheeseman is an excellent technical lawyer with a deep understanding of her clients' businesses. She is extremely hard-working and a warm and compassionate person."
"Whatever we send her way will be managed well and appropriately; we don't need to chase her or worry. Julie will have all well in hand."
"Julie Cheeseman was across all of the issues; she was very professional and a strong leader."
Shane Barber advises prominently on telecommunications issues, acting for some of Australia's leading service providers in that sphere and offering especially well-honed expertise where cross-border mandates or the regulatory aspects of network rollout projects are concerned. He is based in Sydney.
