Clients rely on us for our high quality work in the media & entertainment sector. Desai & Diwanji has been active in the media and entertainment sector for over 30 years and advises a wide range of clients in the business of cinematographic films, television, OTT platforms, film distribution and exhibition, advertising and brand endorsement, music, publishing, print, electronic and digital media, and the like. With the influx of multinationals into the Indian media and entertainment landscape over the last two decades, the sector has become more corporatized and laws pertaining to intellectual property as well as IT have been overhauled to keep pace with the dynamic sector. Additionally, technology and innovation have forged ground-breaking avenues for media and revamped the pathways of the entertainment business. We are highly experienced in the dynamic terrain of this sector and the applicable laws, unique customs and trade practices involved in this sector. Through the years our clients have been key stakeholders in the Indian media & entertainment landscape, as also prominent foreign players, giving us unique insights into the workings of the industry and equipping us with the ability to provide specialised high-quality advice.
We represent newspapers, publishers, TV channels, cable companies, OTT platforms, film production houses, studios, film distributors and exhibitors, advertising houses, music companies, CG content providers, talent, private equity investors, venture capitalists and other investors in this sector. We advise our clients regularly on various legal aspects, including:
- applicable laws/ regulations, including data privacy and protection laws, cyber-security laws, , procurement of permits & consents
- all elements of structuring, negotiating, conducting due diligence and preparing documentation for mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, business transfers, asset transfer, technology collaboration and the like
- preparation and negotiation of all types of contracts for films, web series, TV serials, plays, reality shows and the like, such as co-production agreements and line producer agreements; distribution and exhibition agreements; satellite and broadcasting agreements; agreements with OTT platforms; endorsement/sponsorship contracts; in-film branding contracts; all types of business contracts; celebrity management contracts; internet and digital media related contracts, and the like
- contracts with talent such as artists, writers, directors, editors, singers, lyricists, music composers, and others (including social media influencers)
- contracts with crew member and others such as light and equipment providers, craft services, junior artist suppliers and the like
- IPR assignment and licensing agreements; agreements for book adaptations; rights acquisition agreements and option agreements
- event management agreements and contracts with all concerned stakeholders, property related agreements for outdoor locations and lands, agreements for rental of studios and the like
- Handling legal notices, out of court settlements, arbitration proceedings, litigation matters, copyright infringement cases, third party claims, criminal complaints all across India
Lawyers from the Media & Entertainment practice collaborate with members of the Firm’s other practice areas in order to provide clients with in-depth as well as domain-specific legal advice and solutions coupled with a seamless service experience, resulting in an efficient realisation of client objectives.