Media & Entertainment

Winston has a robust and sophisticated deal team that regularly handles cross-border transactions for major and independent studios and private equity firms in the global media and entertainment sector. We are a leader in special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) transactions. Since 2016, we have worked on more than 40 SPAC IPOs raising aggregate gross proceeds of US$14+B, and 20 business combinations with an aggregate enterprise value of US$26+B, including representing SPACs with a focus on media and entertainment in their IPOs and business combinations. Beyond M&A and private equity transactions, we have experience in major studio feature film finance, as well as the structured financing of television programming.

The First Amendment is a cornerstone of the media and entertainment industry. Our lawyers fiercely protect our clients’ rights in matters involving freedom of speech and of the press, including defamation, commercial disparagement, and trade libel matters. Our reputation as a trial lawyers’ firm has led to prominent roles in high-stakes federal litigations and arbitrations involving the First Amendment, including trying the nation’s largest defamation case in recent years.

Our team is widely recognized for our litigation and counseling experience related to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, including a series of landmark victories for internet service providers (ISPs) and other digital media companies—wins that continue to shape the law governing technology-driven media content. We also handle disputes related to patent, trade dress, and advertising, as well as issues relating to film and television distribution agreements and licensing, anti-piracy and copy protection, and rights of publicity/owners’ rights.

Participants in the media and entertainment sector require sophisticated counsel to assist them in protecting, leveraging, and expanding their innovative products, content, and services. We negotiate and draft IP licenses and transfer agreements; evaluate IP portfolios and related due diligence activities in connection with commercialization and corporate transactions; and provide strategic guidance on optimal structures for IP transactions. We also handle marketing, advertising, talent, production, and supplier agreements, as well as other contracts for the development, distribution, and streaming of content and ancillary products.

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