TMT: France

THE FIRM This renowned firm boasts one of the largest specialist IT and new technologies teams in France. The firm was one of the first to emerge in this area and has developed unrivalled expertise in the legal frameworks of IT and technological advances. The team has a domestic focus, and handles contentious and non-contentious IT matters across a broad range of sectors including energy, banking and telecommunications. Regular articles, publications and conference appearances reinforce the firm's exceptional level of engagement with the IT market.

Sources say: “A genuine institution.” “Very important on the French IT market.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS A “pioneer” of computer law, sources say Alain Bensoussan is an “uncontested specialist” on large-scale contracts, especially in the domestic market. He is also regularly involved in IT litigation.  

THE FIRM This dynamic team has respected practices in both IT and telecommunications. In IT, its clients include a major consultancy firm, which it regularly advises on large-scale outsourcing and system integration projects. Recent mandates have centred on assisting financial institutions with online compliance and the creation of e-commerce platforms. The firm's highly regarded telecommunications experts represent some of the largest companies in France in regulatory and competition matters. The team recently represented SFR in the Cour de Cassation regarding an arbitration decision made by ARCEP, the French telecommunications regulatory body.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources note practice head Ahmed Baladi's ability to “understand complex and innovative projects very quickly, and to build a proposal that explores different legal areas but remains simple and clear.” 

“Prominent” telecommunications expert Olivier Fréget took a lead role on the SFR arbitration decision.

THE FIRM This 15-lawyer TMT team has an established presence on the French market and an impressive client roster. The lawyers regularly draft and negotiate sizeable IT service agreements and are heavily involved in cloud computing matters, most notably for Microsoft. The team also advises on the creation of e-commerce platforms, and was recently mandated by Burberry on this topic. The telecommunications team is France Telecom's primary counsel and as a result is constantly active on high-profile contentious and non-contentious work in the field.

Sources say: “Very impressive depth of knowledge and expertise, a commercial attitude and an excellent turnaround speed.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christophe Clarenc recently joined the firm from Latham & Watkins. He is regarded as one of the most important telecoms lawyers in France, and considered exceptionally strong on competition and regulatory issues. He is frequently instructed on complex litigation cases as well as contractual and advisory work.

THE FIRM This exceptional team houses leading lawyers across the whole TMT spectrum. The IT practitioners specialise in large-scale service agreements and systems integration contracts, and are well versed in handling major international outsourcing deals. The team advises high-profile clients on issues related to their online presence as well as on their compliance with data privacy laws. The telecommunications group has an impressive understanding of national and cross-border regulatory legislation. It recently advised La Poste on the structuring and launch of a joint venture mobile network with SFR. The firm also boasts a growing media practice which is especially active for internet and television clients.

Sources say: “A full-service approach to TMT.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS The dual Paris and New York-qualified Rémy Bricard is a “smart, reliable and strong” lawyer who specialises in major IT services and outsourcing agreements for significant international clients. 

Laurent Szuskin has a deep knowledge of contractual and regulatory IT issues. Peers also highlight his internet expertise. 

Emmanuel Guillaume has over a decade's experience in-house at France Telecom and has a practical and applicable knowledge of telecommunications legislation.

Senior counsel Christian Blomet also has substantial in-house telecoms experience and is known as an expert in the field. He led the team's involvement in establishing the joint venture between La Poste and SFR.

THE FIRM This media boutique is well recognised on the French market. It has specialised publishing expertise, and is also highlighted by peers for its activity in sports media.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The “true media specialist” Josée-Anne Benazeraf heads the firm's TMT activities. She is particularly well known for her work in publishing as well as being very active on performing rights mandates.

THE FIRM This respected international firm enjoys a remarkable reputation in the IT and telecommunications markets. The IT team's recent work has been centred around major service transactions, such as customer relationship management implementation deals, on behalf of big-ticket clients on both the vendor and purchaser side. The firm's traditional IT outsourcing practice is accompanied by growing activity in business process outsourcing. Whilst they are involved in IT contract litigation, the lawyers' contentious work has recently been largely comprised of internet-related disputes, and the team represents some of the market leaders in e-commerce for such cases. The firm's data privacy lawyers are also considered to be amongst the best in France. On the telecommunications side, the team splits its time between representing major network operators on regulation and competition issues, and advising local authorities and state bodies, particularly in Africa.

Sources say: “The lawyers are innovative and creative on challenging topics. There is nothing we are not happy with.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Frédérique Dupuis-Toubol is “an established player in the market and well known for her expertise,” say sources. Her primary focus is telecommunications, but she is also actively involved in the team's IT work.

Peers consider Stéphane Leriche to be very much a “new-generation IT lawyer.” He has noteworthy knowledge of high-value transactions and strategic alliances for international companies.

The "absolutely excellent” Ariane Mole is the firm's data privacy specialist.

THE FIRM This independent French firm is active in issues involving both traditional and new media channels. The compact team is regularly instructed on contentious and non-contentious matters by important names in television, radio and publishing. The firm also offers notable expertise in libel cases, IP and new technologies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Michel Rasle has a wealth of experience in media law. His impressive portfolio of clients includes major TV channels, newspapers and publishing houses.

THE FIRM This independent French firm is best recognised for its strength in media law and IP. Interviewees are particularly enthusiastic about the team's activity in television, although it is also heavily involved in publicity, sport, new technologies, music and publishing.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees respect founding partner Pierre-Louis Dauzier's litigation skills and consider him “strong in TV and copyright.” He heads the firm's media team and is one of the key counsel for Canal+.

THE FIRM This five-lawyer TMT team is a strong choice for sports media issues in France and counts UEFA, the French Football Federation and the Ligue de Football Professionnel amongst its clients. Recent mandates have involved the sale of media rights contracts and the launch of a new digital terrestrial sports channel. The team is also active on internet and e-commerce, data privacy and IT agreements.

Sources say: “Very satisfied with their efficiency and human approach.” “We have a very trusting relationship.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Victoriano Melero leads the firm's TMT practice. He has a strong reputation in media and sports law and is equally active across contentious and non-contentious IT and internet matters. 

Yves Wehrli is regarded as “one of the top sports lawyers in France” and has an “unmatched knowledge of the sector.” He sits as a legal adviser on the UEFA Financial Fair Play panel.

THE FIRM This full-service French firm has been growing its media and technology practice steadily in recent years and now offers an impressive TMT team comprised of nine partners and 11 associates. The lawyers deal with transactions, litigation and regulatory work, and are particularly active on new media and IT matters such as e-commerce and online gaming. The team also includes specialists in film and television production. The firm is equally involved in domestic and international matters and has an impressive client base that includes famous museums, luxury hotels and global household names such as Twentieth Century Fox and Microsoft. It recently secured a dozen strategic contracts for the launch of Microsoft's new Xbox Live entertainment platform.

Sources say: “A dynamic team with an excellent client portfolio.” “Really strong lawyers; excellent for IT, for IP and for transactions.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Louis De Gaulle attracts praise for his broad knowledge of IT, IP and media.

The “proactive and smart” Beatrice Delmas-Linel enters the rankings following glowing client feedback. She has extensive international experience and was previously an in-house lawyer at Microsoft.

Frank Valentin specialises in IT and cinema IP litigation, and sources highlight his astute technical capabilities. 

Julien Horn focuses on TMT-related litigation. As well as IT and cinema infringements, his practice includes a very specialised knowledge of mass litigations related to online issues.

THE FIRM This independent French firm has a well-respected media practice and is equally active on contentious and non-contentious matters. The team is noted for its strengths in applying IP expertise across a range of media matters including advertising, entertainment and luxury goods. The firm is also involved in IT work, in particular cases relating to new media and e-commerce.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers regard Pierre Deprez as a key player in French media law and respect his long-standing experience in the field.

Vincent Fauchoux is a well-established name in IP, IT and new technologies.

THE FIRM This compact boutique enjoys a strong reputation in the French market, particularly in the field of IT litigation. The team represents important public and private clients across a range of industry sectors and recently advised various major companies on the creation and development of e-commerce platforms. Cloud computing and data privacy issues have also been a significant focus for the team of late.

Sources say: “Very good in IT litigation; I would recommend them with no hesitation.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS François-Pierre Lani is a key contact for the team.

THE FIRM This international firm has an established media practice in France and rapidly increasing activity in the IT sector thanks to some high-profile recent arrivals on the team. The media team is particularly well known for its contentious work and represents major international brands, television channels and film studios. The eight-lawyer IT team is especially visible on high-value litigations. Its clients are international industrial, pharmaceutical and retail companies, which the firm assists with the creation or defence of significant IT and outsourcing agreements. The firm also houses recognised data protection experts and enjoys growing activity in this field.

Sources say: “Prompt and direct.” “Very serious litigators.” “Excellent global coverage.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS The “outstanding” Stéphane Lemarchand recently moved from Bird & Bird to lead DLA Piper's IT and outsourcing practice. He is one of the most renowned lawyers in the field and has a particularly impressive portfolio of regular clients.

IT partner Carol Umhoefer is the firm's resident data privacy expert. She is “practical, succinct and straightforward.”

The esteemed Patrick Boiron heads the media group of the TMT department.

THE FIRM This boutique firm is dedicated principally to IT. Sources note the four-partner team's superior knowledge of computer law, internet law, data privacy and e-commerce. The firm also enjoys a solid reputation for litigation and IP in these areas. The team advises industrial players, financial institutions and public entities on major integration and outsourcing agreements. Clients include companies that require counsel on media regulation as well as technology issues.

Sources say: “One of the best firms in Paris for IT litigation.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources describe the highly experienced Bruno Grégoire Sainte Marie as an “excellent and dedicated litigation lawyer.” He frequently represents both providers and users of cutting-edge IT and technology systems.

The high-flying Christiane Féral-Schuhl has over 20 years' experience in the field and, alongside advising commercial clients and public bodies, regularly publishes on IT law. She was recently elected as chief of the Paris Bar, a position she will hold throughout 2012 and 2013.

THE FIRM This 11-lawyer team is involved in both telecommunications and IT, particularly internet and new media matters. The firm offers a strong outsourcing practice and in-depth knowledge of online gaming platforms. The firm has links to India and recently created an India desk in the Paris office, affording the TMT team a marked advantage on outsourcing cases that involve the subcontinent. In telecoms, the lawyers advise both public and private entities on regulation and competition law.

KEY INDIVIDUALS US and French-qualified Bradley Joslove heads the practice. His recent activity includes outsourcing negotiations, commercial contract agreements, licensing agreements and major litigation on behalf of internet and telecoms players.

THE FIRM This established firm houses recognised experts across the whole of TMT. In IT, the team's recent work has focused on service agreements, outsourcing, data protection, e-commerce and cloud computing, which is currently a significant growth area. Copyright, authors' rights and press and audiovisual regulatory issues comprise the majority of the firm's media work, and the lawyers represent household names such as MTV and Canal+. The media team was recently selected by the EC to contribute to a report on the implementation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive across 30 jurisdictions. On the telecoms front, the lawyers are active on both international and domestic transactions as well as regulatory work. They advise major network operators and state bodies, with notable activity throughout Africa.

Sources say: “The team is truly exceptional.” “Tremendous stature within the French business community.” “Excellent negotiators.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Olivier Cousi is a renowned media specialist whose recent mandates include regulatory work on behalf of TV channels and complex litigation in the publishing sector. He has also been assisting the EC with the Audiovisual Media Services Directive.

Sources say telecoms partner Rémy Fekete has “amazing knowledge of regulatory issues in Africa and in France.” Interviewees are quick to highlight his international experience along with his precision and high-quality advice.

THE FIRM This 20-lawyer team is active across all areas of TMT and aims to provide a full service to its prestigious clients. Its thriving telecoms group recently drafted a report on the reform of European interconnection rules for the EC, and advised the Moroccan Telecommunications Authority on the reform of its regulations for broadband deployment. On the media side, the firm counts heavyweights such as Nintendo and Pathé amongst its clients and it advises rights owners, producers and broadcasters on regulatory and contractual work as well as on contentious issues. The firm is involved in the drafting and negotiation of large IT agreements and is highly visible on innovative IT matters. The Paris team offers a leading domain name practice and works closely with Facebook on issues of this nature.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The “excellent” Winston Maxwell is described by sources as “a great lawyer for licensing questions, particularly internationally,” and “a very impressive lawyer on regulatory issues.” He excels in both media and telecoms, and is regularly invited by government bodies to sit on expert panels in these fields. His key clients include ARCEP, Alcatel-Lucent and eBay.

THE FIRM This two-partner boutique is active on media, IP and internet issues. Its clients include advertising agencies, high-profile brands and major online players from France and abroad. The team has expertise in various niche areas including art, music and publishing. It is considered a leader for Creative Commons licensing and enjoys a long-standing relationship with the Wikimedia Foundation. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jean-Philippe Hugot is a strong litigator with extensive experience in criminal business litigation. He has in-depth knowledge of the issues affecting clients in the luxury goods, art, publishing and audiovisual production industries. 

Olivier Hugot wins praise for his expertise in free software licensing. He is “a real specialist with a precise, meticulous and dedicated approach,” enthuse sources.

THE FIRM This compact team is establishing itself in both IT and telecommunications, and receives glowing client feedback. Its IT work centres around data privacy and the internet, and it regularly advises recognised e-commerce names on the regulatory issues that affect their online operations. The firm has particular expertise in online gambling, and the team conducts legislation compliance audits for companies in this field that are entering the French market. On the telecommunications side, the team maintains its activity on behalf of states and operators in Africa. Recent mandates include advisory work pertaining to the international launch of a VoIP service.

Sources say: “Responsive, knowledgeable and available.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS French and US-qualified lawyer Annabelle Richard is “an infinite well of knowledge when it comes to gaming legislation and international law,” comments a source.

French and UK-qualified Diane Mullenex is noted as having “an amazing mastery of the sector, with an incredible knowledge of both the legal elements and the technology.”

THE FIRM This eight-lawyer TMT team focuses on IT and new technologies. Its recent work includes data privacy, software publishing and online gaming. The team divides its time equally between advisory, contractual and contentious work, and often applies its sector-specific expertise to corporate deals in the TMT field. The firm is also active on telecommunications and media issues, and is increasingly instructed on technology matters by Chinese companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources highlight founding partner Daniel Kahn as “a brilliant figure with sound judgement on legal issues.” 

Fabrice Perbost is a prominent name in technology and IP, and enjoys a solid reputation in the Paris market.

THE FIRM This global firm fields solid corporate and regulatory lawyers in the TMT field. The team's recent telecoms activity includes litigation on behalf of major operators, and regulatory advice and negotiations regarding the launch of a global telecoms network. The IT lawyers recently secured a major international master web hosting agreement and multiple local agreements on behalf of a leading brand. The team is also active in media matters, with notable recent activity in the domain of advertising distribution.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jean-Luc Juhan is a partner in the TMT practice and a key contact for the team.

THE FIRM This well-regarded independent firm has an 11-lawyer team working on media and new technology mandates. The team is especially known for its activity in the music industry and counts various major record labels amongst its clients. It has a strong film and television practice, and also represents various household names in internet issues. Sources commend the firm's expertise in industry lobbying as well as contractual, contentious and corporate work.

Sources say: “One of the most important firms in Paris for media law.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources are in no doubt about founding partner Eric Lauvaux's stature as a music lawyer, saying “he is a real media specialist who is very highly regarded in the French market.”

THE FIRM This TMT team is predominantly active in telecoms work. It recently advised NRJ Mobile on all the commercial and regulatory agreements required for it to become a full mobile virtual network operator in partnership with SFR. On the IT side, mandates include major international service agreements, outsourcing and cloud computing contracts. The team also advises a broad range of significant clients on e-commerce and data privacy issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Marc d'Haultfoeuille continues to win recognition for his work in IT and telecoms. His regular clients include financial institutions, international brands and public bodies.

THE FIRM This eight-lawyer team is best known for its corporate TMT work, but is also active on the regulatory side and continues to develop its activity in this area. The firm has recently been involved in multiple telecommunications cases in Africa, representing both state authorities and network operators.

Sources say: “An excellent group of lawyers. What I want from a lawyer is a consultant and an adviser rather than someone who just points out risks; they always encourage entrepreneurship.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Saam Golshani has “strong personal skills and always provides great advice.” His clients include major IT and telecoms service providers as well as investors that focus on the technology and innovation sectors.

THE FIRM This international firm is strong in IT, IP and media. Its recent media work includes co-production agreements, piracy litigation and legal advice regarding advertising campaigns. Clients include publishers, international advertising agencies, film directors and production houses. In IT the team advises companies and consultancies on their IT agreements, and also handles regulatory issues and litigation. The team recently represented L'Oréal and its subsidiaries in a major case involving trade mark infringements and selective distribution agreements.

Sources say: “The team is very practical and commercial, and has a lot of experience of working with an international clientele.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Masson remains active across a wide range of TMT issues. His recent activity includes negotiating and advising on IT and e-commerce matters, and carrying out contentious and non-contentious work for media content owners. 

Gérard Delile offers a wealth of experience in the media field. His practice centres on IP, and he draws praise for his skill in negotiations and litigation.

THE FIRM The Paris office of this UK firm enjoys a strong reputation in the French TMT market, particularly with regard to telecommunications. Its recent activity has largely focused on contractual and advisory mandates relating to broadcasting, and the launch or transfer of satellite networks. The team offers deep cross-practice expertise, often advising on the public law, corporate and financing elements of a deal.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers describe Lucien Rapp as “a regulatory specialist with a huge reputation in telecoms.” His client portfolio includes international public bodies as well as private sector giants such as Canal+ and Audiovisuel Extérieur de la France.

THE FIRM This seven-lawyer media team represents eminent names from a range of sectors including sport, audiovisual production, the press and online gaming. Its recent work includes regulatory advice, cross-border litigation and media-related competition issues. Amongst the firm's numerous clients are Canal+, Betclic and 20 Minutes, a daily free newspaper in France.

Sources say: “One of Paris's major firms in the media field.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Pascal Wilhelm has many years' experience in advertising, audiovisual and competition law. He has also been busy in anti-piracy and sports broadcasting of late, and continues to receive recognition for his work in online gaming.

THE FIRM This specialised boutique continues to build its market reputation, particularly in the telecommunications field. It advises European and global clients on French and EU legislation and compliance issues, and comes recommended for litigation cases. The two partners also act on IT service agreements, licensing and outsourcing issues, and have notable insight into the new technologies, pharmaceuticals and media sectors.

Sources say: “Strong on the technical side as well as being excellent litigators. No matter how busy they are, they always find time for us.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS The “reactive and solution-oriented” Anne-Solène Gay is a prominent figure in the market and leads the firm's TMT activity. She has commendable regulatory expertise and recently acted for CFE-CGC/UNSA France Télécom-Orange on a dispute regarding the French state's allocation of 4G licences.