From television and film, to printed media, to influencer marketing and gambling, DLA Piper’s far-reaching practice incorporates expertise in regulatory issues, corporate work, tax law and finance matters. The team is additionally praised for fielding ‘true professionals and experts in the field of media and entertainment IP litigation’. Alexis Fierens heads up the team and has specific expertise pertaining to media and entertainment-related IP rights. In Antwerp, Michaël Heene has a notable focus on contentious and advisory work in the audiovisual sector. Based in Brussels, data protection specialist Heidi Waem is a key contact for journalists and media companies.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The legal team at DLA Piper is a key long-term legal partner for our company. With offices in virtually every country of interest, I can rest assured that my company's litigation needs will be met with quality and professionalism in any jurisdiction.'

  • ‘Special recognition must be given to Alexis Fierens at DLA Piper Belgium. Mr. Fierens and his team are true professionals and experts in the field of media and entertainment IP litigation.'

  • 'Alexis Fierens has the unique ability to passionately micro-litigate a complex and technical IP case and at the same time orchestrate other legal teams across the world at the macro-level.’

Key clients

  • The Walt Disney Company / Fox
  • Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie (VRT)
  • Nemzeti Média- és Hírközlési (National Media and Infocommunications Authority Hungary)
  • Concord Music
  • 777 Partners
  • Eagle Football Holdings
  • Glory Kickboxing
  • Roblox
  • Royal Antwerp Football Club
  • KV Oostende
  • LG Electronics
  • Marriott Hotels International
  • Snap Fitness
  • Kinepolis
  • Duracell

Work highlights

  • Advising The Walt Disney Company, following the launch of its Disney+ platform in Belgium, on matters including the amended Audiovisual Media Services Directive and its implementation in Belgium.
  • Represented VRT with regard to a 'me too' claim against one of its TV presenters which was brought before the Criminal Court of Mechelen and subsequently the Brussels Court of First Instance.
  • Advised the Eagle Football group of companies on Eagle Football Holdings Bidco Limited completing its acquisition of a significant controlling stake in Olympique Lyonnais Groupe (OL Groupe).

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Alexis Fierens

Other key lawyers

Michaël Heene, Heidi Waem, Emma Stockman