Media, Broadcasting and Entertainment
Thomson Geer is one of Australia's leading law firms providing legal advice on all media, broadcasting, and entertainment matters.

We advise and assist our clients on matters including defamation (including litigation, complaints management and pre-publication advice), contempt of court, suppression orders, copyright and trade marks, content production and licensing, sponsorship and advertising arrangements, privacy and confidentiality and dispute resolution.

Thomson Geer has the largest dedicated media law practice in Australia, with lawyers recognised as leaders in the industry.

Our clients include Australia's largest media organisations across newspapers, radio, television and online, international social media platforms and internet service providers, production companies, music industry participants and book publishers.

Defamation


We act for many of Australia's largest media outlets and international online giants facing defamation litigation against them. Our team also advises companies and organisations on defamation issues. We assist them to resolve defamation claims practically and commercially without the need for litigation.

Open justice


Our team acts for media organisations in relation to suppression orders, statutory reporting restrictions and contempt of court. Our aim is to protect the media's rights and ability to report on issues for their audiences by ensuring the principals of open justice are applied. We also assist with accessing court documents and materials relevant to their reporting.

Intellectual property


In the media industry, content is a valuable asset to be protected. Copyright and trade marks aim to safeguard those assets. Our team helps clients protect their content through copyright litigation. We also manage the trade mark portfolios for several leading media companies.

Content licensing, sponsorship, advertising arrangements


Our team advise on commercial agreements for the use of content, as well as partnerships and sponsorships that drive marketing campaigns. We also advise on strategies to protect content and brands from unauthorised use such as "ambush marketing".

Media and online regulation


There are a raft of laws, regulations and voluntary codes that govern Australia's media landscape. Many are being introduced or changed to catch up with the rise of digital platforms. Our team advises on television and radio broadcasting codes of practice, as well as laws and regulations directed at digital media publishers and online platforms. We advise on a wide range of regulatory issues including online safety, misinformation and disinformation, and the removal of content.

Pre-publication advice


Our team is available 24/7 for urgent pre-publication queries and clients rely on us every day and night of the week. Our pre-publication advice is given regularly to all major mainstream media organisations as well as many of our smaller clients. Our advice goes beyond simple legal advice and has the potential to shape the content of news published and consumed by millions of Australians daily. Our pre-publication advice also covers clients seeking clearance of marketing and advertising materials.

What others say

"Band 1, TMT: Media"
Chambers and Partners Asia Pacific 2024, 2023
"Expert knowledge of defamation law"
Client, Chambers and Partners Asia Pacific 2023
"They are extremely capable in handling complex and sophisticated matters. I trust them completely."
Client, Chambers and Partners Asia Pacific
"Tier 3, Media and Entertainment"
Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024
"The media team at Thomson Geer crafts bespoke solutions
for major media publishers and broadcasters involved in
high-profile disputes."
Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Experience
Key people

Built around principle of quality and value.

John-Paul Cashen

Partner
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Melbourne
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Justin Quill

Partner
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Melbourne
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Marlia Saunders

Partner
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Sydney
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What others say

Band 1 TMT: Media
Chambers and Partners Asia Pacific 2023
Expert knowledge of defamation law"
Client, Chambers and Partners Asia Pacific 2023
Advice is typically given in plain English and is therefore more easily actioned"
Client, Chambers and Partners Asia Pacific
Tier 4, Media and Entertainment
Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2022
The media team at Thomson Geer crafts bespoke solutions
for major media publishers and broadcasters involved in
high-profile disputes"
Legal 500 Asia Pacific