TMT: Media
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : Australia
Band 3
About
Provided by Clayton Utz
The IT & Telecommunications practice is best known for undertaking the hardest, most complex, strategic and high-profile technology contracting matters in the Australian market, often with a delicate regulatory overlay. The projects they advise on shape the market for the clients, the industry and often establish the parameters within which other law firms are then required to advise. With respect to depth and quality of team, with 18 specialist IT+T partners they base this comparison on deal quality, deal size, strategic complexity and market significance. The calibre of our client roster includes Australia's largest banks; Australia's largest investment bank; Australia's central bank; Federal and State Government departments and agencies with the largest and most complex IT systems; A
The Clayton Utz Media team continue to be instructed by high-profile names on some of the most cutting-edge matters in the market. They act for a range of major players such as Reuters, Agence France-Presse, The Associated Press, Seven Network, Free TV Australia, NOVA Entertainment, Isentia and SANZAAR. The breadth and quality of the client base in the media sector is the match of any other law firm in Australia.
Chambers Review
Clayton Utz is noted in the IT and telecommunications space for its deep industry knowledge and frequent engagement by significant blue-chip clients on business process outsourcing, data and security matters. The law firm handles transactional matters for critical IT services in the financial and government sectors, including infrastructure procurements and migrations to new technologies, and maintains an impressive client base in the telecoms sphere, advising on everything from joint venture arrangements to access and interconnection agreements between carriers and service providers. Clayton Utz also fields prominent media ownership and broadcasting rights expertise, particularly well honed in the sporting field, and a well-regarded transactional practice, advising on strategic acquisitions and tie-ups. It additionally provides full support on regulatory issues and is well placed to access complementary expertise on IP and competition matters. Key clients include Westpac Banking Corporation, the Reserve Bank of Australia and nbn.
Work Highlights
- Clayton Utz advised the Brisbane City Council on the procurement of technology used to operate and integrate all parts of the Brisbane Metro transport system.
- Clayton Utz advised NOVA Entertainment Group on its worldwide trade mark portfolio.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The lawyers at Clayton Utz have an excellent understanding of commercial issues, and can work with us to develop practical commercial solutions that also protect our legal interests."
"Clayton Utz resourced our matters very well, provided extremely timely support and with impressive depth."
"The team have deep expertise that is complemented by an ability to quickly understand complex and evolving matters."
"Our business is very time-sensitive, which Clayton Utz are very responsive to."
"Clayton Utz make the most of their broader firm's knowledge pool and the net output is sophisticated advice that is thinking both a few steps ahead of the relevant issue as well as providing cutting-edge advice."
"The lawyers at Clayton Utz have an excellent understanding of commercial issues, and can work with us to develop practical commercial solutions that also protect our legal interests."
"Clayton Utz resourced our matters very well, provided extremely timely support and with impressive depth."
"The team have deep expertise that is complemented by an ability to quickly understand complex and evolving matters."
"Our business is very time-sensitive, which Clayton Utz are very responsive to."
"Clayton Utz make the most of their broader firm's knowledge pool and the net output is sophisticated advice that is thinking both a few steps ahead of the relevant issue as well as providing cutting-edge advice."
Notable Practitioners
Ken Saurajen is based in Sydney and acts for both public and private sector bodies on strategic technology and procurement projects, notably including those exploiting emerging technologies. Also a frequent adviser on software development, licensing and support issues, he is engaged by clients from a wide range of industries, but is particularly well known for his work in the financial services sector.
"I can't recommend Ken highly enough. He is extremely experienced, with a uniquely considered and calm demeanour that is effective in achieving our transaction objectives, particularly in M&A situations. Ken is a prominent top-tier adviser and leader."
"Ken is a trusted adviser who provides sound commercial advice on complex technology contracts and I would highly recommend him."
"For large contracts, I really trust him. He has excellent oversight of the market in the space and understands the drivers."
Simon Newcomb specialises in the handling of technology transactions, being particularly well known for his work on behalf of public sector clients at local, state and Commonwealth government level. An experienced, Brisbane-based manager of complex procurement and outsourcing mandates, he is also well-versed in cybersecurity issues.
"Simon is extremely knowledgeable in the IT area."
Bruce Lloyd is both an experienced competition lawyer and head of the TMT group at Clayton Utz. He is respected for his advice to major telecommunications clients.
Timothy Webb combines a strong IP focus with experience in handling disputes to service clients in contentious and non-contentious mandates. Issues related to copyright, patents and trade marks fall under the umbrella of his expertise and he has represented clients before the Federal and Supreme Courts.
"He is outstanding. His responsiveness is great, as is his eye for detail and knowledge of the law. He exceeds my expectations."
"An excellent professional in every aspect. He has an excellent knowledge of IP and trade mark laws and provides an immediate response in every situation."
"Tim is always a pleasure to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Clayton Utz
Australia
Members
Provided by Clayton Utz
Akmal Chunara
Angie Freeman
Bruce Lloyd
Head of Department
Cameron Gascoyne
Claire Bothwell
David Benson
Geoff Hoffman
Ian Bloemendal
Joel Parsons
Joel von Thien
John Dieckmann
Lyndal Sivell
Monique Azzopardi
Robert Dearn
Sam Fiddian
Walid Sukari