Digital Media & Electronic Communications

Our digital media & electronic communications lawyers are geared to handle the challenges posed by these ever-evolving fast-paced sectors. Several team members have been consistently rated as leaders in specialist areas of Media, Communication & Technology law, with experience and expertise extending to jurisdictions across Africa.

Team members regularly represent clients before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee responsible for the media and communications sector. We assist clients in their dealings with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA); the advertising authorities; the competition authorities; and the civil courts both in South Africa and beyond.

Other services include advising on the licensing and regulation of the electronic communications sector (including radio frequency spectrum); advising on the publication of content (hard copy and electronic media); advertising law; lottery, gambling and competition law; administrative and constitutional law; dispute resolution and litigation services; and a full range of commercial services related to the sector, including due diligence investigations and the drafting of agreements.

We also provide advice to local and international clients such as leading commercial broadcasters across Africa; electronic communications services (voice and data) and network providers; print media and online publishers (newspapers and magazines); a diverse range of companies providing information and communication technology (ICT) services, software and hardware; and advertising agencies.

Top lawyers fully conversant with an evolving IT industry

Combining specialist commercial capabilities with Information Technology (IT) expertise, our technology lawyers ensure that clients are fully aware of the legal issues arising from the development, procurement and use of technology in their organisations.

With deep experience acting for large local and multinational clients across borders, particularly in Africa, the team has extensive experience in negotiating, drafting and finalising complex IT related agreements, including sophisticated outsourcing arrangements; the establishment of electronic banks and international licensing; and information technology development contracts. Other services include drafting electronic communications and website policies, and advising clients on the legal implications of electronic commerce.

In addition to legal expertise, our technology lawyers have technical qualifications and experience and are fully conversant with the latest developments in the fast-changing IT environment. The team is experienced in representing providers of IT services and infrastructure, as well as clients acquiring such services and infrastructure on a local and international level. From a litigation perspective, clients’ rights are protected and enforced through innovative, tactical and sustainable application of the law.

Electronic Communications and Transactions Act of 2002

All members of the team are able to provide opinions on issues such as the interpretation of IT related legislation, including the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act of 2002. Clients can also expect to receive expert advice on a variety of other services, including telecommunications networks and IT outsourcing agreements; software development and licensing; software resale; original equipment manufacturer and distribution agreements; IT system supply; equipment purchasing and rental; and software escrow and disaster recovery arrangements.

The team also advises on electronic payment and other IT services contracts; website and data hosting contracts; IT application service provider agreements; electronic commerce and internet-related transactions; litigation and dispute resolution; due diligence investigations; and franchising.

Digital Media & Electronic Communications practice area overview – download now.

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