Technology, Media & Telecomms

Our experience

With a breadth of industry expertise across the team, our lawyers are able to advise Technology, Media & Telecomms (TMT) clients on both transactional and contentious matters, supporting them in growing their businesses and defending their reputations.

Arnold Bloch Leibler’s TMT group consists of strong commercial lawyers and litigators who have a solid understanding of the commercial and regulatory environments in which business operates. We help our clients bridge the gap between innovation and enterprise, from their first steps on the path to commercialisation through to exit via trade sale or initial public offering (IPO).

Our TMT lawyers act for entrepreneurs, technology innovators and institutes engaged in a range of sectors from life sciences, medical research, e-commerce and the internet, computer software development and support, and computer hardware to telecommunications.

We also advise individual investors, venture capital firms and funds in relation to their investments in technology-related enterprises. In particular, we have acted for many of Australia’s most successful start-ups – notably Looksmart Inc (which listed on the Nasdaq) and SEEK Limited, carsales.com Limited and Catapult International Limited (which listed on the ASX).

The proliferation of both traditional and online media channels means businesses need to be increasingly vigilant about what is communicated in the public domain. We have a Senior Communications Adviser who can assist clients with sensitive communications and issues management and a Competition team that is actively involved in many prominent advertising campaigns.

“The characteristics of ABL lawyers are that they are very commercial and outcome-focused, provide clear and fearless advice and add value in bringing their negotiation skills to the table.”

Client quote, Chambers Asia Pacific

Our work

Catapult International

Acted for Melbourne based technology company, Catapult Group International Ltd, in its successful listing on the ASX.

Kogan Mobile

Advised Kogan on its agreement with Vodafone, under which Kogan will be able to offer its customers mobile telephone plans on the Vodafone network. This strategically important deal marks Kogan’s re-entry into the mobile telephony market.

Square Peg Capital

Advised tech venture capital firm Square Peg Capital on its investment in South-Asia’s leading online property portal group, PropertyGuru, as well as its expansion into Israel.

Beyond International Limited

Acted for Beyond International — one of the world’s leading independent media organisations — in relation to a dispute with one of the world’s largest production companies, Endemol Group BV.

Panviva Pty Ltd

Advised this computer software company in relation to an investment in it by Telstra Ventures.

Industry Super Australia

Advised Industry Super Australia (ISA) on intellectual property and branding issues for its “In good hands” advertising campaign. The campaign included television, print, digital and outdoor advertising.

Catapult Sports

Advised in relation to its acquisition of all the assets of GPSports Systems Pty Ltd.

Mozo Pty Ltd

Advised this banking and insurance comparison website on a range of matters spanning regulatory and compliance, advertising and negotiating partnership and referral agreements.

TPI Enterprises Limited

Advised TPI Enterprises, the only Australian-owned poppy processing company, on its capital raising and ASX listing.

Tomizone Limited

Acted for Tomizone Limited, a New Zealand integrated WiFi technology company in relation to its reverse takeover of PHW Consolidated and backdoor listing on ASX.

Technology, Media & Telecomms Services

Business guidance and commercialisation

We protect clients’ interests by advising on appropriate business structures and negotiating legal documents, including shareholder agreements, employee share plans, confidentiality agreements licensing agreements, technology transfer agreements and third party arrangements.

We act on behalf of clients undertaking mergers, acquisitions, strategic alliances or joint ventures in relation to listing on recognised stock exchanges or negotiating arrangements with financial institutions. We also advise private equity and venture capital funds, private business angels and companies investing in start-ups, technology and emerging industry ventures.

e-business

Our team advises on the legal issues associated with electronic commerce, including electronic banking, digital signatures, encryption, data protection issues and privacy law. We are familiar with other aspects of internet and e-commerce-related advice, including enabling technologies, online contracting issues, legal recognition, online payment mechanisms and consumer protection issues.

New market establishment (Australian and offshore)

We can assist overseas clients assess, enter and successfully compete in Australian and Asia Pacific markets by:

negotiating alliances with strategic partners
documenting arrangements for the financing of and investment in projects
negotiating with customers and suppliers
overcoming regulatory issues and
securing protection of clients’ IP assets throughout the region.

Life sciences

For clients in the life sciences arena, we advise on a range of issues, including IP and technology licensing, government funding, corporate structuring and collaborative research and development agreements.

Privacy

We offer services to ensure business compliance with privacy and data protection legislation, including the protection of personal health and financial information and workplace-related privacy issues. Our team provides comprehensive advice, including assisting in policy development, staff training and conducting compliance audits.

Media and communications

Our dedicated Senior Communications Adviser has extensive experience working in the media, as well as senior industry and government communications roles, and can assist clients with sensitive communications and issues management to protect their reputation and brand positioning.