Media, Entertainment and Sports

The Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry in India has experienced consistent growth over the past decade, driven by significant legislative updates aligning with international treaties. These changes accommodate rapid technological advancements, global content convergence, the entry of foreign players, corporatization of local M&E companies to meet global standards, and seamless access to global content monetization and distribution platforms.

Sports in India is witnessing a surge in interest beyond cricket, with improved performances in international events and the rise of Indian leagues across various sports. This upward trend is set to continue.

Our dedicated team is recognized as a leader in these fields, renowned for its responsiveness, incisive analysis, and a blend of legal and commercial expertise. We provide innovative solutions tailored to the evolving legal and regulatory framework, ensuring a business-focused approach.

Structuring, Regulatory and Advisory

We assist domestic and international clients in realizing their creative and commercial visions through optimal legal structures. Our services include:

• Strategic structuring of joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and investments in media companies.
• Acting as production counsel for film financing, including equity offerings.
• Advising on importing foreign films and co-production treaties with various countries.
• Guidance on business models for content production and acquisition across films, television, online platforms, and sports.
• Celebrity talent management, endorsement deals, and establishing social media and e-commerce platforms.
• Navigating censorship, broadcasting, satellite, audiovisual, and OTT distribution rights in India.

Documentation and Transaction Support

Our team excels in drafting and negotiating media contracts for both traditional and OTT platforms, including:

• Talent and crew agreements (fixed fee, revenue share, or hybrid models).
• Celebrity endorsement arrangements for management companies and consultants.
• Content financing, production, purchase, and distribution agreements for studios, production houses, and broadcasters.
• Marketing arrangements, including tie-in deals, barters, and sponsorships.
• Format licensing, option purchases, remakes, adaptations, and merchandising for films, books, and digital avatars.
• Talent performance agreements for live and recorded events, gaming, music, and podcast distribution.

IP and Due Diligence

We help clients maximize the value of their intellectual property and mitigate risks through:

• Managing IP libraries and brands for enhanced valuation and monetization.
• Conducting due diligence to verify IP ownership and identify issues.
• Assisting with copyright and trademark registrations.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Our litigation services include:

• Formulating litigation strategies and analyzing risks and liabilities.
• Representing clients in civil, criminal, and arbitration cases involving IP infringement, privacy violations, cyber-crimes, and competition law.
• Advocacy in the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, Competition Commission, Censorship Appellate Tribunal, and other fora.
• Facilitating settlements and mediation proceedings.

Content – Legal Review

We assess scripts, web content, advertisements, and pre-censor film versions to identify and minimize legal risks, delivering comprehensive legal clearance reports.

Digital Forensic

We collaborate with law enforcement in the cyber-crime domain and assist clients with digital forensic investigations.

News

We advise leading news channels on permissible content, ratings, and monetization of archival content through documentaries and other formats. Our team supports negotiations with journalists, editors, and publishers to ensure clear, enforceable contracts.

Defamation

We guide clients through defamation laws, helping them manage legal risks associated with reporting and publishing content.

Digital Media

We negotiate licensing agreements for digital content (music, videos, online publications) and ensure compliance with advertising standards and consumer protection laws governing digital media.

Marketing and Advertising

Our services include:

• Advising advertising agencies on corporate and regulatory matters.
• Representing celebrities in brand ambassador and endorsement roles, ensuring compliance with ASCI guidelines and consumer protection laws.
• Guiding content production houses on marketing, advertising, and PR, including censorship requirements.
• Supporting transactional documentation for marketing arrangements like tie-in deals and sponsorships.

Sports Leagues

Beyond representing sports personalities, we advise on establishing sports leagues, covering financing, sponsorships, player acquisitions, and compliance with domestic and international regulations.