TMT: Telecommunications | Europe

The international law firm Bird & Bird stands out for its top-tier telecommunications practice, with further notable capabilities in IT and data protection mandates. The team regularly assists with nationwide 5G rollouts, broadband expansions and product launches, with further expertise in regulatory mandates covering EECC and frequency allocations. Furthermore, the law firm is recommended for its experience in IT procurement, outsourcing and the development of new platforms as well as IT security. Its expertise in data protection ranges from GDPR compliance and data breaches to international data transfers and proceedings. The practice is well positioned to cater to a diverse clientele, which encompasses well-known telecommunications providers, technology companies and car manufacturers, further illustrating its market standing aided by its excellent international network.

Baker McKenzie houses high-level IT and telecommunications departments, catering to a diverse clientele from the automotive, technology and software sectors. The team often assists with large IT projects in the automotive industry, handling digital products and contract negotiations. The firm has additional expertise in data protection law, handling cybersecurity and administrative proceedings pertaining to alleged GDPR violations. Furthermore, Baker McKenzie is highly respected for its work on telecommunications regulation including Europe-wide EECC and comprehensive compliance advice. With its prowess in handling M&A transactions in the telecommunications world, the department shows itself to be well rounded. As an internationally present law firm, Baker McKenzie is a top choice for clients seeking cross-border capabilities.

CMS boasts impressive bench strength with expertise across the full spectrum of TMT. The team has a top-tier offering for IT mandates, displaying involvement in complex mandates including outsourcing, cloud contracts and product rollouts as well as the implementation of large IT structures. Additionally, clients enjoy the firm's prowess in handling blockchain technologies, M&A transactions and data protection issues including data transfers, cyber attacks and GDPR compliance. The department also remains one of Germany's top media law firms, with particular expertise in e-sports, online streaming and copyright law. CMS's additional strength in freedom of expression, licensing and personality rights cases as well as gaming law complements its offering. Lastly, the team advises on EECC, cooperation agreements and nationwide network creations within the telecommunications sector. Its prestigious clientele includes multinational telecommunications providers, banks, e-commerce platforms and public broadcasters.

Noerr is a German law firm boasting incredible bench strength across its offices and offering outstanding TMT advice. The firm is particularly appreciated for its expertise in IT law, ranging from large outsourcings and global IT infrastructure projects to the implementation of software systems and projects. The firm's additional strength in IT-related litigation as well as data protection issues such as data leaks and healthcare-related data processing complements its strong offering. Additionally, the law firm gains praise for its advisory work in the telecommunications sector, assisting with network rollouts, licensing procedures and broadband expansions as well as network sharing. Furthermore, Noerr's media practice is appreciated for its prowess in handling copyright, broadcasting and online streaming as well as film production-related mandates. Similarly, clients benefit from the team's experience in funding and discrimination disputes. Its clientele, comprising international market leaders from the technology, financial services, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors, attests to the firm's excellent market standing.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a respected full-service law firm with a comprehensive TMT offering spanning telecommunications, IT and media law. Its team is particularly known for assisting with telecommunications regulation and M&A transactions, covering issues such as new broadband connections and the EECC. Additionally, Freshfields receives praise for its strength in IT law advising on M&A-related IT issues as well as outsourcing projects, fintech, application development and software agreements. The firm complements its holistic offering with its media law coverage, often advising on broadcasting licences, competition law and consumer protection as well as gambling advertising.

The law firm Hengeler Mueller houses a respected TMT practice with capabilities across media and telecommunications law. The team regularly advises on large 5G network rollouts and auctions thereof, with further expertise in feed-in contracts for public broadcasters and TV distribution agreements. Additionally, clients benefit from the firm's ability to handle proceedings against state authorities and to assist with the implications of the EECC implementation. Furthermore, the team is sought after for its strength in all media law-related mandates, especially those pertaining to copyright liability proceedings and new media. Licensing agreements, music streaming and copyright directives as well as negotiations with collecting societies constitute further areas of expertise. Its clientele ranges from well-known German telecommunications providers to international technology players, illustrating the firm's standing.

The international law firm Jones Day houses a recognised TMT practice with expertise in telecommunications as well as data protection mandates. The team regularly advises on telecommunications regulation including EECC and MTR, with further prowess in handling broadcasting licences and electronic communication issues. Clients also benefit from the team's expertise in regulatory proceedings in front of national and European authorities. Furthermore, the data protection team assists with GDPR compliance, the implementation of whistle-blower systems and M&A-related data transfers. Jones Day regularly caters to clients from the hospitality, software and financial services sectors, where it draws on a strong international office network.