Communications

In Depth

For 90+ years, we have guided communications companies in bringing innovative technologies and new business methods to market. We advise on the legal and regulatory aspects of doing business, including transactional, litigation, licensing, advocacy and legislative matters. Our client base cuts across many industry sectors, including digital, social and traditional media, TV and radio broadcasting, cable and broadband, telecommunications, multi-video programming distributors (MVPDs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), GPS navigation, satellite and wireless. We leverage our deep industry knowledge and our unmatched experience in technology to help our clients monetize their content through constantly evolving channels.

Corporate

We have a long history of representing companies at all stages of the corporate growth cycle, from company formation through liquidity events. Our lawyers work with communications companies, service providers, investment firms and commercial banks in connection with mergers, acquisitions, private and public equity and debt financing transactions. We also regularly counsel clients on communications contract negotiations, equipment leasing, technology outsourcing and tax-efficient transactional structures.

Areas of Practice

• Commercial and distribution agreements
• Company formation
• Financings
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Public financings and private placements
• Sale and purchase of assets
• Strategic partnerships
• Tax

Litigation

Cooley litigators have extensive experience in complex communications litigation, representing clients in trial and appellate courts and before administrative agencies in cases involving broadcast, cable, wireless, telecommunications, satellite and internet issues. We are adept at litigating a broad range of disputes relating to transactions, corporate governance, communications standards, privacy and data protection, First Amendment rights, open access, radio and television affiliation agreements, syndication rights, wireless license rights, spectrum auctions and spectrum allocations, as well issues relating to broadcast retransmissions and other copyright disputes.

Areas of Practice

• Administrative proceedings
• Antitrust litigation
• Class action defense
• Contract and license disputes
• Employment litigation
• Privacy litigation
• Restructuring, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights
• Securities litigation
• Tax controversy

Regulatory

Cooley regularly counsels clients as they shape their businesses around technologies that use spectrum, satellite or global positioning navigation and create and distribute content on platforms regulated by government or state agencies. Our lawyers are well-versed in the regulatory issues that affect the communications industry, including FCC and FTC proceedings, antitrust and consumer protection provisions, privacy and data security issues and employment and benefits matters.

Areas of Practice

• Antitrust counseling
• Communications regulatory counseling
• Corporate governance
• Employment and benefits
• Export control and international trade regulations
• Privacy and data protection counseling and data breach response
• White collar defense

Intellectual Property

Cooley represents communications clients in the full scope of intellectual property prosecution, counseling and litigation, including patent, copyright, trademark, false advertising, licensing, trade secret and domain name. We focus on pragmatic aspects of achieving optimal business deals while counseling clients on protecting their IP rights and avoiding violations of others' rights. When necessary, clients can call upon our leading IP litigation practice, which has built a reputation for litigating communications technology cases ranging from major commercial competitor patent litigation to multi-defendant patent litigation involving non-practicing entities, and has substantial experience in the key litigation forums.

Areas of Practice

• Brand positioning
• Copyright and design protection
• Patent procurement and enforcement
• Portfolio management and analysis
• Technology transactions and licensing
• Trade secrets counseling
• Trademark protection and enforcement