In addition to its strong presence in Istanbul, Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki houses a team in Ankara that is well versed in appearing before a number of regulatory bodies, for example the Radio and Television Supreme Council and the Information Communications and Technology Authority. Kağan Dora brings experience in advising clients in the media and entertainment industry on a range of matters, including data protection compliance and licensing. Dora co-heads the practice with Mahmut Karyağdı, who focuses on contentious work, Bora Ikiler and Şahin Ardıyok.
Media and entertainment in Turkey
Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki
Practice head(s):
Kağan Dora; Şahin Ardıyok; Mahmut Karyağdı; Bora İkiler
Testimonials
‘The team is highly successful at leveraging their understanding of the relevant regulators to provide a practical risk-based assessment of the matters they are assisting with. Both in terms of structuring their advice for projects and in terms of providing guidance on how to structure regulator outreach, they are always willing to be adaptive and practical.’
‘Mahmut Karyağdı is able to rely upon his extensive experience in the field to provide timely and practical advice that takes into consideration commercial necessities.’
Key clients
Wavemaker İletişim Planlama Hizmetleri Limited Şirketi (a group company of WPP Turkey)
EssenceMediacom Turkey Medya A.Ş. (a group company of WPP Turkey)
GroupM Medya Hizmetleri Limited Şirketi (a group company of WPP Turkey)
Connect Dijital Hizmetler A.Ş. (a group company of WPP Turkey)
The And Partnership İletişim Hizmetleri Anonim Şirketi (a group company of WPP Turkey)
Rafineri Advertising Agency
Advertisement Agencies Association (“Reklamcılar Derneği”)
Mynet İnternet
Mynet Games
Twitch
Johnson and Johnson Sıhhi Malzeme Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi
Sony Columbia Pictures Corporation Limited
Twitter Inc.
United International Pictures
Bein Media Group Turkey (Krea/Digiturk)
Work highlights
- Provides ongoing advice to GroupM Medya Hizmetleri Ticaret Limited Şirketi (“GroupM”) on a range of matters, including contract negotiation processes with individual influencers.
- Advised United International Pictures on music licensing matters in Turkey.
- Acted for Bein Media Group Turkey (Krea/Digiturk) in a successful challenge to a decision issued by the Turkish Competition Authority concerning broadcasting rights of Turkish football.
BTS & Partners
BTS & Partners is well known in the Turkish market for advising large international social media platforms, streaming services, and gaming companies on data protection and compliance, regulatory, and licensing issues, among other areas. The practice is led by the quartet of Tugrul Sevim, Selin Beceni, who handles online content law matters concerning social media, Zeynep Unlu, who is well versed in handling advertising matters, and Yasin Beceni. Ece Ozelgin and Mine Hazal Senol are names to note.
Practice head(s):
Yasin Beceni; Selin Beceni; Tugrul Sevim; Zeynep Unlu
Other key lawyers:
Ece Ozelgin; Mine Hazal Senol
Testimonials
‘The team is well aware of the media and advertising industry.’
‘Their professionalism makes BTS Law Firm outstanding. BTS always brings more results than required. They respect and value their clients.’
‘BTS’ individuals are always willing to help. In addition, they are always trying to provide the easiest solution. Associate Mine Hazal Senol is an exceptional specialist.’
‘BTS is well-known in the media and entertainment field. The team is fully experienced in digital business and always ready with practical solutions.’
‘Their dedication and expertise have consistently exceeded our expectations. Their ability to provide tailored solutions to complex legal challenges has been invaluable. They have been prompt in addressing our inquiries and providing updates on the progress of ongoing matters.’
‘Zeynep Unlu and her team’s deep legal expertise and strategic acumen have consistently impressed us. Their ability to analyze complex situations, provide insightful guidance, and develop innovative solutions has been instrumental in our decision-making process.’
‘Their dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. Their responsiveness and accessibility have been particularly noteworthy.’
Key clients
Apple
Digiturk
LC Waikiki
Meta
Microsoft Corp & TR
Sahibinden
Netflix
Work highlights
- Provides ongoing advice to Meta on a range of legal matters pertaining to the client’s social media platforms.
ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law
The TMT team at ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law frequently handles compliance and regulatory matters for high-profile, international clients. Gönenç Gürkaynak and Ceren Yıldız co-lead the group; the duo bring extensive experience in advising on a broad range of issues concerning the media and entertainment sector, including broadcasting and data protection. Noyan Utkan is singled out for his contributions.
Practice head(s):
Gönenç Gürkaynak; Ceren Yıldız
Other key lawyers:
Noyan Utkan
Testimonials
‘The team has a very good understanding of the inner workings of Turkish Courts and has been able to secure quick results. They have a strong grasp of freedom of speech concerns that are at the center of internet access and content restrictions.’
‘ELIG’s practice is unique in that they have a team of experts with extensive experience in global removals and understanding of the Turkish laws. They go the extra mile to ensure that their client’s needs are met, especially on urgent and sensitive matters.’
‘The team consists of all highly skilled and experienced professionals. They are also very dedicated to their work and always go the extra mile to get the job done.’
‘Noyan Utkan is one of the great lawyers from ELIG. He has a deep understanding of the law.’
‘This team has excellent experience in its media and entertainment practice as a result of the wide range of legal issues they have worked on in this sector.’
‘Gönenç Gürkaynak and Ceren Yıldız offer excellent legal assistance that one can rely on when facing legal challenges in the media and entertainment field in Turkey.’
‘Their client portfolio consists of leading global internet companies, which gives them a unique experience on online mediums and a good sense of the regulatory dynamics.’
‘Ceren Yıldız and Noyan Utkan are very responsive when handling sensitive legal issues.’
Key clients
Google LLC
Google Reklamcilik ve Pazarlama Ltd. Sti.
Automattic Inc.
Twitter, Inc.
Twitter Internet Icerik Hizmetleri Ltd. Sti.
Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein
Led by Can Sözer, the practice at Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein is well versed in advising on a broad range of work in the media and entertainment sector, include licensing, data protection and compliance, regulatory issues, and advertising matters. The team has a strong track record in acting for clients before the the Radio and Television Supreme Council and the Information Technologies and Communication Authority. Berfu Öztoprak and Aybüke Gündel Solak bring experience in assisting prominent entities, such as Disney, Spotify, and TikTok.
Practice head(s):
Can Sözer
Other key lawyers:
Berfu Öztoprak; Ecem Elver; Yiğit Acar; Aybüke Gündel Solak
Testimonials
‘The team is very resourceful, responsive, and collaborative on media and entertainment law.’
‘Can Sozer and Berfu Oztoprak are both outstanding lawyers with timely and diligent work. They do good quality documents for bilingual clients in Turkish and English.’
‘They have a high-level of expertise. They analyze and advise with a holistic approach taking into account all the relevant laws and regulations.’
‘Ecem Elver was outstanding, especially in complex legal projects that require cooperation between different units of the firm.’
‘The people in the team were very knowledgeable.’
‘They are reachable and they respond to a client’s problems in a very short time. They have excellent communication.’
‘They are a very responsive, attentive and helpful team. They were a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Disney
Netflix
Spotify
Tencent
TikTok (Bytedance)
Amazon
Yemeksepeti
Apple Distribution International
Booking.com
Work highlights
- Advised Disney on renewing licenses for multiple channels.
- Advised Tiktok on day-to-day matters concerning access-blocking and content takedown procedures.
- Advised Netflix on commercial contract matters.
Gün + Partners
Gün + Partners stands out for its 'deep expertise and experience in the media and entertainment area'. The practice is well known for handling a wide spectrum of matters relating to music, sports, advertising, television, and cinema. Led by Hande Hancar and Uğur Aktekin, the team regularly handles licensing deals, talent agreements, regulatory and compliance issues, dispute resolution, and sponsorship agreements. Baran Güney brings expertise in advertising and consumer law.
Practice head(s):
Hande Hançar; Uğur Aktekin
Other key lawyers:
Baran Güney; Havva Yıldız
Testimonials
‘They are one of the leading firms in Turkey for media, entertainment, advertising, and IP.’
‘They have deep expertise and experience in the media and entertainment area.’
‘Ugur Aktekin is a giant in the field.’
‘Hande Hancer is smart, responsive, and a trusted advisor.’
‘Gün + Partners is a great and accessible firm to work with. The team is well-rounded, very knowledgeable and quick in their response.’
‘Hande Hançer and Baran Güney are very friendly and skilled lawyers. Their advice on advertising is clear and easily applicable.’
‘They are a great firm with a great team of lawyers who are experts in their field. The advice is clear and concise.’
‘The team is efficient, effective and really practical.’
NSN Law Firm
Based in Istanbul, NSN Law Firm's team stands out for its 'extensive knowledge and experience' in the media and entertainment space, and regularly acts for film and television producers, advertising agencies, broadcasters, and social media platforms. Under the leadership of Nazlı Selek and Bilge Derinbay, the group is well known for handling licensing agreements, advertising and marketing issues, and copyright infringements. Hande Ülker Pehlivan is a name to note.
Practice head(s):
Nazli Selek; Bilge Derinbay
Other key lawyers:
Hande Ülker Pehlivan
Testimonials
‘The are competent, easy to contact, collaborative and experienced.’
‘They stand out for their extensive knowledge and experience, in-depth legal analysis.’
‘The media and entertainment law team provides advice on advertising regulations and other regulatory matters. Their communications with the administrative authorities are excellent.’
‘The team is great at advising on regulations related to the media sector. They never miss the chance to inform us on any crucial legal developments.’
‘They provide comprehensive consultancy services in the field of media & entertainment law. Their commitment to handle the litigation process was exceptional. Under the leadership of Bilge Derinbay, NSN approached my case with unwavering determination and confidence.’
‘Bilge Derinbay’s extensive legal knowledge in copyright law and determination are particularly commendable for delivering dependable solutions.’
‘NSN Law Firm provides high-quality legal consultancy services in the field of media, advertising and copyright law.’
‘Bilge Derinbay is one of Turkey’s leading legal experts in the field of media and advertising law. This is why the service provided under her leadership is of exceptional quality.’
Key clients
BEŞIKTAŞ KÜLTÜR MERKEZI A.Ş. (BKM)
BKM MUTFAK
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SIKORSKI MUSIC PUBLISHING (A CONCORD COMPANY)
PROMO VERITAS
BORUSAN HOLDING A.Ş.
BORUSAN SANAT
BORUSAN CONTEMPORARY
CALLING MAG
BORUSAN OTOMOTIV İTHALAT VE DAĞITIM ANONIM ŞIRKETI
A.O. SMITH INCORPORATION
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE TEMIZLIK ÜRÜNLERI SANAYI VE TICARET A.Ş.
ZEY MEDYA REK. ORG. İNŞ. TURZ. GIDA SAN. VE TIC. LTD. ŞTI.
MOSKITOS FILMS
ALI SUNAL
MAÇA FILM
BIG BLOOM FILM YAPIM A.Ş.
MUUD MEDYA DİJİTAL YAYINCILIK ANONİM ŞİRKETİ
BELÇİM BİLGİN
EZO SUNAL
YILMAZ ERDOĞAN
KONTAK FILM
JUST PRODUCTION FILM TICARET LIMITED ŞIRKETI
TOLGA ÇEVİK
DEMETAKBAĞ
SABAH DURU
DURU FILMCILIK SINEMA VE DIŞ TIC. LTD. ŞTI.
DIGIFLAME
BLOOMBERG LP
Work highlights
- Advised Besiktas Kultur Merkezi A.Ş. (BKM) on the production of a Disney series broadcasted on the Disney + platform.
Gökçe
Gökçe's team has 'in-depth understanding of the complex legal nuances unique to Turkey's media and technology sectors'. The group acts for a solid client base of gaming, e-sports, broadcasting, advertising, and marketing entities in a range of matters. The practice is led by the triumvirate of Görkem Gökçe, Bedii Kaya, and Ali Paslı. Yagmur Yollu and Elif Aksöz are singled out for their contributions.
Practice head(s):
Görkem Gökçe; Ali Paslı; Bedii Kaya
Other key lawyers:
Yagmur Yollu; Elif Aksöz
Testimonials
‘First and foremost, their unwavering commitment to client success sets them apart. Each attorney is dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the clients and delivering tailored solutions.’
‘The team values collaboration and teamwork. Attorneys and staff work closely together to pool their collective expertise, ensuring that clients benefit from a multi-faceted approach to their legal matters.’
‘Görkem Gökçe has been recognized for his exceptional advocacy skills and a proven track record of winning complex cases. His attention to detail and dedication to clients makes him a valuable asset to the team.’
‘Elif Aksöz is known for her meticulous research and attention to detail, which has consistently led to successful outcomes for clients.’
‘As a team, they are fast and efficient. They always give you solutions right away.’
‘The legal team has exceptional expertise and experience. Each member of the team has a thorough understanding of the complex legal processes unique to Turkey, as well as the sophisticated requirements of businesses operating in the country.’
‘Gökçe’s considerable strength lies in their deep knowledge of both domestic and international markets.’
‘The team has an in-depth understanding of the complex legal nuances unique to Turkey’s media and technology sectors, and they are equipped to navigate complex regulations and craft innovative legal solutions.’
Key clients
Codeway Studios
Deep Vision
Scoutium
Robomotion
Dynasty Studios
Gybe Games
Devium Technology
Sihirli Bilet
Eternal Fire E-Sports
Alictus
Onedio
Narcade Games
All Stars Music / Sony Music Publishing
IMeanIt Creative
Gram Games
HUYA (nimo.tv)
Gameguru
Masomo (a Miniclip company)
Zeo Technology
Work highlights
- Acting for gaming company Masomo in disputes with service users.
- Assisting Swipeline with multiple agreements.
Güner Law Office
Under the leadership of Ece Güner, the team at Güner Law Office has a solid track record in advising on a broad range of matters within the media and entertainment industry, including employment work, dispute resolution, IP issues, regulatory matters, and corporate and M&A work. The group is also adept at representing clients before the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council. Burçak Kurt Biçer and Uğurkan Şeber left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Ece Güner
Key clients
The Walt Disney Company
Huzur Radyo TV A.Ş.
A&E Networks
Viacom International Media Networks
The New York Times Company
Dow Jones (The Wall Street Journal)
Deezer S.A.
NBC Universal
Warner Bros Discovery
Work highlights
- Provides ongoing advice to The Walt Disney Company in relation to broadcasting, contractual, and intellectual property matters.
- Assists Warner Bros Discovery with matters concerning its Turkish subsidiaries.
- Acts as counsel to NBC Universal on OTT regulations in Turkey.
Koc Attorneys at Law
Alper Koç leads Koc Attorneys at Law's team, which is often instructed in licensing, broadcasting, distribution, production and copyright law-related matters in the media and entertainment sector. Öykü Besen brings experience in handling television and streaming issues.
Practice head(s):
Alper Koç
Other key lawyers:
Öykü Besen
Key clients
HBO Max (HBO Nordic, HBO Turkey), Warner Media Europe, Warner Media Turkey
MBC Group – Middle East Broadcasting Center
O3 Medya (KSA)
Al Arabiya News Network
MBC Studios
Shadid
O3 Medya
Lanistar Medya
NO 4 Film
CB Film
CB Medya
Moroglu Arseven
Moroglu Arseven's team focuses on handling high-profile media and entertainment matters for clients in the sports sector. The group acts for coaches, agencies, sports clubs and individuals in contentious and non-contentious work. Benan Arseven and Isik Ozdogan co-head the practice, and Metin Abut brings experience in representing athletes and agents in matters.
Practice head(s):
Benan Arseven; Işık Özdoğan
Other key lawyers:
Metin Abut
Testimonials
‘They stand out for their professionalism, responsiveness, integrity and expertise. They are truly a top-level law firm all around.’
‘Metin Abut is a go-to lawyer for any case.’
‘They have set the bar extremely high from sponsoring cutting-edge sport, media, technology, and IP sessions to making a difference in industry. They are a go-to firm.’
‘Benan Arseven and Metin Abut are thoughtful and professional. Their level of care, conscientiousness, and attention to detail is unparalleled.’
OZDAGISTANLI EKICI ATTORNEY PARTNERSHIP
Burak Ozdagistanli leads the TMT team at OZDAGISTANLI EKICI ATTORNEY PARTNERSHIP, which has an excellent reputation for handling data protection, e-sports, social media and gaming work. Hatice Ekici Tağa handles IP matters in the media and entertainment sector, and Sumeyye Uçar brings experience in advising on advertising and marketing law issues.
Practice head(s):
Burak Ozdagistanli
Other key lawyers:
Hatice Ekici Tağa; Sumeyye Uçar
Testimonials
‘Burak Ozdagistanli is a very good IP professional.’
‘The dedicated team at Ozdegistan Ekici is always available. They have an explicit client focus.’
‘Sümeyye Uçar is good at handling tricky mediation issues.’
Key clients
Sony International Entertainment
Vava Cars
Eccho Rights AB
Reckitt Benckiser
Socios
Work highlights
- Assisted Eccho Rights AB with distribution agreements and production and co-production agreements with local TV channels and producers.
- Advised Reckitt Benckiser on compliance issues relating to its advertisements.
- Assisted Vava Cars with advertising matters.
ADMD/Mavioglu & Alkan Law Office
ADMD/Mavioglu & Alkan Law Office is well placed to assist with a broad range of media and entertainment matters, including copyright and IP protection, distribution agreements, and related corporate and M&A work. Under the leadership of Kardelen Lule, the team acts for a broad client base, including radio stations, advertising agencies, social media platforms, and gaming companies.
Practice head(s):
Kardelen Lule
Other key lawyers:
Can Cetingoz; Emine Ates; Orhan Yavuz Mavioglu; Mine Tamusta
Testimonials
‘ADMD is very easy to work with and they are very dependable.’
‘Kardelen Lule is solution oriented and assists with advertising and PR campaigns, the use of digital and mobile platforms, data optimization, privacy issues and content related matters.’
‘ADMD is a top-tier firm that offers high-quality and personalized services.’
‘Kardelen is a superb expert in media laws and regulations.’
‘An exceptional team of lawyers.’
‘Kardelen Lule is exceptional in her role, showcasing her experience, diligence, and a kind disposition. Can Cetingoz also stands out as a hardworking and creative professional.’
‘The firm has an outstanding reputation, characterized by a knowledgeable and highly experienced team.’
‘Both Mr. Mavioglu and Ms. Lule excel in addressing media-related matters. They truly showcase their exceptional expertise in this field.’
Key clients
Accurate Digital
Al Tayer Group
Amdocs
BICS
BMI
Chery Automotive
Coalition Inc.
Cup of Joy
IFS
Lobby Reklam
PFM
Sagemcom
Stary
Telecom Italia
Typhoon Defence
Gen Temizer
Based in Istanbul, full-service firm Gen Temizer is sought after by media sector clients to advise on broadcasting licenses, regulatory issues, gaming subscriptions, and data protection and privacy matters, among other areas. The ‘highly skilled’ Baran Gen heads up the TMT practice, in which Ceren Ceyhan is a key contact.
Practice head(s):
Baran Gen
Other key lawyers:
Ceren Ceyhan
Testimonials
‘They have good expertise in their field.’
‘Gen Temizer Özer has a diligent team that is practical and result orientated.’
‘Baran Gen is a highly skilled lawyer.’
Key clients
Balderton Capital
BBC
Bloomberg
Çamaşırhane
Deezer
Diffusion Capital Partners
Dream Games
Hadi Yazılım
Libra Softworks
Meta
Osborne Clarke
PlayStation
Reed Smith
Sunday
Tencent Music Entertainment
Work highlights
- Advised Sony Interactive Entertainment on a B2C subscription service.
- Advised the BBC on data protection issues.