Pairs a well-reputed media practice with strong telecoms expertise. The team covers transactional, contentious and non-contentious matters in the fields of television, publishing and online media. Also noted for its remarkable insight into the African telecoms market. Sources highlight the firm's strengths as being its 'regional cover, knowledge of clients' businesses and good-quality associates.'
Chambers Europe 2017

Audiovisual regulation

Our Media team draws on over fifteen years’ experience of working closely with the French Higher Audiovisual Council (Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel, CSA). We are particularly well placed to assist our clients in obtaining the authorisations necessary for the broadcasting of television and radio channels, or the necessary approvals in the event of capital restructuring or the sale of television or radio channels. We are active in a number of disputes, and our academic presence mean Gide plays a key role in France’s changing audiovisual regulatory environment.

Broadcasting

The core of our activity is to offer all-encompassing legal assistance to national radio and terrestrial TV broadcasters, and to specialised DTT, cable or satellite TV broadcasters, particularly as regards their relationships with producers and the rightsholders’ representatives. Such assistance relates to both TV shows and fictions, and covers all legal aspects to help secure the creation of programmes, the broadcasting and distribution of existing programmes and the fresh production of new programmes.

Copyright

Our team regularly advises producers, talents and their agents regarding the collection and payment of royalties. The firm’s clients enjoy the team’s copyright expertise as well as its in-depth knowledge of European copyright legislation thanks to its close ties with the Brussels office.

Literary and artistic property rights

Gide quickly established itself as a recognised partner for publishers, radio and television companies in negotiations, mediation and disputes involving the application of literary and artistic property rights. The IP-TMT team also made a name for itself in the context of licence agreements for the broadcasting of works, the collection of statutory licences, royalty rights, and the scales applicable in terms of fair remuneration paid to the allocation companies or the collective management companies regarding the broadcasting or recording of music and video works.

Press and advertising law

For several years now, our Media team has been regularly advising or defending companies in libel and invasion of privacy proceedings. Our team is particularly renowned in the fields of advertising and sponsorship law, and in law applicable to sports events.

Experience includes:

• Conducting a study for the European Commission on the harmonisation of European legislation to combat Internet counterfeiting and piracy
   
• Advising the largest US majors to help distribute and broadcast their rights in France and in Europe
   
• Assisting French and foreign major radio and television broadcasting operators, as well as communication groups, on issues regarding all types of works (literary, graphical, musical, architectural, etc.), in both conventional and digital environments, and on issues regarding the marketing of music online and the distribution of works online
   
• Advising Radio and TV broadcasters on developing their DTT broadcasting on French digital terrestrial networks
   
• Assisting a leading foundation in the context of pre-action claims and copyright negotiations regarding the running of a photographs database
   
• Representing talents and international agencies in negotiations or disputes with copyright collection agencies and the payment of payment of fees in respect of copyright and related rights

Olivier Cousi specialises in media, entertainment and telecoms. He is also active in the regulatory sector, advising on the regulation of electronic communications in both France and Africa. He recently advised Radio France on several press and media matters.
Chambers Europe 2017

Olivier Cousi is a talented litigator acting for clients in media, entertainment and telecoms. He also advises on the regulation of electronic communications in France and Africa.
Chambers Europe 2016

A standout name in the telecommunications and media sectors, supporting both domestic and international clients. Its lawyers are particularly active on telecoms matters in developing economies, while its media expertise covers regulatory, licensing and rights protection issues. Draws particular praise for his skill in cross-border mandates.
Chambers Europe 2014