TMT: Telecommunications | Global

Baker McKenzie has an outstanding reputation for all areas of TMT across its numerous European offices, with reputable teams in Germany, the UK and Spain, and Italy. The lawyers handle transactional, regulatory, licensing and IP matters for clients across a range of sectors. The law firm is active in new technologies, such as cloud services, with additional experience assisting with cybersecurity and reputation management. Baker McKenzie's leading TMT practice is complemented by a prominent data protection offering.

Bird & Bird boasts a pre-eminent TMT practice across Europe with a strong reputation in the IT and telecommunications spaces. Clients benefit from the firm's network of offices, with distinguished teams in the UK, the Netherlands, France and Italy. The law firm advises a wide range of global clients on regulatory and commercial mandates, with experience acting on technology- and IP-related disputes. The lawyers have expertise spanning cross-border IP, data protection and outsourcing matters, as well as Internet of Things and 5G. Bird & Bird also assists clients in the media sector with partnerships and the production of content. The TMT practice works closely with its exceptional IP department.

The firm is active on complex M&A matters for leading telecommunications and IT clients. It utilises its well-reputed network across Europe for cross-border transactions, as well as for regulatory matters. It offers notable IT and telecoms practices in Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK presence. It is highly active in matters concerning AI and fintech, with further expertise in automotive technology. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

CMS has highly regarded teams in Germany, the UK and Belgium, which are complemented by a well-reputed offering in key CEE jurisdictions. The law firm frequently advises leading multinationals on product launches, such as streaming platforms, and digitalisation projects, as well as outsourcing agreements and commercial partnerships. It has additional expertise in broadcasting rights, particularly related to sport, and copyright. CMS often assists with M&A for media companies, including advising on the regulatory aspects.

DLA Piper is a top choice for international clients in the IT sector. The law firm has an impressive network across Europe, with key offices in the UK, France, Germany and Italy for IT and media matters, and further strength in Belgium. It handles matters relating to M&A, outsourcing and disputes across Europe. The lawyers also assist with regulatory and litigious matters, as well as content deals across multiple jurisdictions. The firm is increasingly active in the AI space. DLA Piper has further activity in advertising, broadcasting and gaming issues. The law firm additionally acts for telecoms operators on regulatory and contractual matters, with particular strength in Italy and the UK.

Freshfields has a well-reputed telecoms practice with notable strength in the UK and Germany, and an increasingly notable offering in Italy. It is recognised for its activity on large multi-jurisdictional transactions and complex competition matters. The law firm is active in tower infrastructure deals, as well as advisory mandates and regulatory issues.