TMT: Telecommunications | Europe

Bird & Bird enjoys an outstanding reputation in the telecommunications sector. The firm assists clients with contentious and non-contentious matters regarding the roll-out of the fibre network in the Netherlands, as well as representing clients in litigation concerning access tariffs and obligations. The team advises clients from the technology and telecommunications sectors on compliance with EU telecoms regulations, such as the Electronic Communications Code. Team members act for clients on spectrum auctions and infrastructure issues. In addition to its strength in the telecommunications sector, Bird & Bird represents clients in media sector disputes relating to freedom of information and defamation claims. On the non-contentious side, the team advises on broadcasting and production agreements and applications for licences. Team members additionally assist IT clients with commercial agreements and contract negotiations, as well as with matters involving blockchain technology and e-commerce.

The firm is well-regarded by clients from the telecommunications sector. The team is well regarded for advising on regulatory matters, such as frequency auctions and the transition to fibre networks. It works closely with the firm's outstanding corporate department to assist with transactions and commercial agreements in the IT and telecommunications sectors. Team members also have experience in data protection mandates, advising on data sharing, compliance with GDPR regulations and interactions with the Data Protection Authority. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Brinkhof has a standout reputation across the full range of the TMT sector, in particular offering market-leading expertise in matters concerning data protection, media law and technology regulations. The firm advises on a number of high-profile and contentious data privacy matters, including the right to be forgotten, data breaches, the processing of data of minors and the use of website cookies. Additionally, the firm acts on data exchanges and the use of data in live streaming, as well as advising on regulatory investigations and compliance. Brinkhof is a popular choice with media sector clients, representing them in highly publicised litigation concerning disinformation, defamation and freedom of information, as well as disputes relating to jurisdictional issues. The team advises clients on media regulations and drafting contracts. Brinkhof is also highly sought after for IT outsourcing matters, including licensing agreements and contract negotiations, but also in litigation proceedings. The law firm also handles matters in the telecommunications sector, including compliance with both Dutch and EU regulations and the roll-out of 5G and broadband networks. Additionally, team members represent clients in licence fee disputes.

bureau Brandeis has a reputed media practice representing an array of local and international clients, including well-known publishers, broadcasters and streaming platforms. The law firm often advises clients on regulatory matters and also has a strong focus on contractual mandates, including publishing agreements, sponsorship agreements and advertising contracts. The team assists clients with media licence applications and film distribution mandates, as well as representing clients in contentious cases concerning the right to report. Additionally, its lawyers have telecommunications expertise sought by clients including radio broadcasters and cable operators. The firm is experienced in assisting with telecommunications regulations, both in a contentious capacity and advisory.

Kennedy Van der Laan boasts market-leading expertise in several areas of TMT, particularly regarding media regulations and IT outsourcing. The law firm handles a number of high-profile media disputes relating to the publication of misinformation, defamation claims and advertising litigation. The team is also highly esteemed for its work in the technology sector, advising on outsourcing and procurement agreements, the launch of new platforms, opening new data centres and licensing contracts. Kennedy Van der Laan also represents clients in telecommunications matters, including disputes on regulations and strategic frequency auctions. It also acts on data privacy matters, advising clients on the use of biometric data and data sharing agreements, as well as representing clients regarding alleged breaches of GDPR.

Pels Rijcken is a reputable telecommunications specialist firm that also has a notable presence in data protection matters. The law firm acts for a wide range of clients from the public and private sectors, advising on matters that range from disputes relating to the 5G roll-out in the Netherlands to data protection investigations and breaches. The team has a strong contentious practice, representing clients in class actions around data privacy and disputes concerning the right to be forgotten. It also handles non-contentious matters, advising on telecommunications licensing matters and data protection regulations. Team members are experienced in technology sector mandates, advising on the IT aspects of developing new apps and on technology licensing disputes.