Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

Baker & McKenzie’s information technology and communications practice is considered one of the firm’s core areas of expertise. The team has advised a broad spectrum of suppliers and end-users on IT, and has extensive experience representing local cable and satellite television stations.

The firm represented Taiwan Broadband Communications (TBC) in relation to credit facilities arranged by a collaboration of banks for the refinancing of existing indebtedness to the TBC group.

Another transaction saw the firm advise EQT Greater China II on its acquisition of Gala TV. This included legal due diligence, the preparation of the sale and purchase agreement, and the subsequent Investment Commission application.

The busy team finished the year acting for MediaTek, Taiwan’s leading chip designer, on its acquisition of Ralink Technology, a global technology leader in wireless home networking and broadband access.

For the past few years, Lee and Li has been actively growing and expanding its telecom and media practice. Additionally, the firm has specialised in policy research projects for the government in relation to fixed network and 3G mobile network regulations, and the establishment of the National Communication Commission.

The firm assisted MBK Partners in reaching an agreement with Wang Chung Broadband Media to sell the shares of China Network Systems and 11 cable system operators in Taiwan for a total value of US$2.4 billion.

Another highlight was advising on Carlyle Group’s sale of Cheng Ting/KBRO. This deal resulted from the failure of the proposed acquisition of Cheng Ting by Taiwan Mobile due to legal restrictions on the shareholding of cable operators.

One client comments: “You would be hard pressed to find a better law firm in Taiwan than Yangming Partners on telecommunication matters.”

Led by partner Robert Leewho, the practice frequently collaborates with the firm’s mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property and litigation teams to provide the best solutions for clients.

The firm recently acted for one of the first foreign investors in a Taiwan mobile telecommunications operator. Another transaction involved representing global telecommunication providers in connection with the development of infrastructure in the Taiwanese telecommunications sector.

Other highlight included representing circuit design and manufacturing corporations in connection with IP matters across the Asia Pacific region.

Jones Day’s telecommunications, media and technology practice is highly praised for its analytical and innovative work. This four-partner team has advised multinational corporations, media owners, and telecommunication companies on various matters over the last 12 months.

A very busy year saw the firm advising Scripps Networks Interactive with issues regarding the distribution of TV channels through a direct broadcasting satellite in Taiwan. The team also assisted Walsin Lihwa Corporation in using a subsidiary to acquire all equities of Miradia and its subsequent divestures. Yet another notable highlight was representing D-Link Corp, a designer and manufacturer of networking, broadband and digital electronics, in defence of a claim in the Hsinchu District Court filed by ZyXEL Communication Corp.

Tsar & Tsai Law Firm’s growing telecommunications and IT practice has shown considerable expertise in structuring deals on acquisitions. The firm also has vast experience in advising on cable, satellite and direct broadcasting laws.

A major highlight was successfully assisting Mitsui & Co on its 85% share purchase of ShopNet Co, the operator of the VIVA home shopping channel in Taiwan. A merger control approval from Taiwan’s Fair Trade Commission was required, and the firm is assisting both Mitsui and VIVA on post-closing corporate matters.

The firm also successfully assisted China Network Systems in concluding a US$1.1 billion syndicated loan agreement with syndicated banks.

LCS & Partners had a very busy year advising leading corporations in this field. For example, it advised KKBOX Inc in HTC’s investment in the company. This significant transaction further strengthened KKBOX Inc by providing it with a solid alliance with a rising telecom product and services company. Another notable transaction was advising Fubon Media Technology in the first joint venture between a Taiwanese TV shopping company and a Chinese cable company.

Lee Tsai & Partners is highly regarded for its “in-depth knowledge of the media and entertainment industries”, says one competitor. The firm provides media and entertainment companies with comprehensive advice in relation to broadcasting rights.

The firm’s attorneys also have experience advising international financiers, distributors, networks and studios in the film and media sector.

The past year saw the team represent an affiliate of one of the world’s largest investment banks in a proposal to acquire one of Taiwan’s cable television system operators.

Winkler Partners brings together Taiwanese and international expertise on creative, solutions-oriented work in the IT, telecommunications and media sectors.

The firm advised a major international cable TV channel and programming provider on licensing negotiations, Taiwan regulatory issues and other related matters. Another transaction saw the team represent a Taiwan-based vendor of geographical information systems in licensing arrangements.

Formosa Transnational

Formosa Transnational’s technology law department consists of an elite team of highly experienced attorneys that have worked on some of the most important domestic telecommunication transactions. The firm advised a leading semiconductor company in patent litigation involving specialised technology issues. Another transaction involved advising a telecom operator on the Compliance and Personal Data Protection Law.

Formosan Brothers

Formosan Brothers’ practice in IT, Telco & Media has been kept busy this past year. A notable transaction was defending a client that is active in the TV and online shopping services and e-commerce sector in Taiwan on various actions concerning patents, copyright and trade marks.