Content Distribution
From the first regular broadcasts on the DuMont Television Network in 1946, television has been constantly evolving, and now it is on the cusp of some of its greatest changes. From broadcast to cable to satellite to telco delivered Internet protocol television, Patton Boggs attorneys have been involved in all aspects of this evolutionary process. Even the spectacular quality of today’s high-definition television is emerging into 3-D. But perhaps the most major transition impacting television is the shift to Internet delivery with online viewing anywhere, at anytime, on a vast array of viewing devices.
With each transformative change, complex legal and regulatory issues arise with respect to rights licensing as well as regulations affecting technology, spectrum, issues of fair licensing, and a litany of ever-changing legislative and regulatory requirements.
Attorneys in the Patton Boggs TechComm Group have represented content licensors and virtually every form of multichannel video distributor, including cable, telco video, direct broadcast satellite, and, today, online video providers. We have negotiated literally thousands of distribution licenses and played an integral role on Capitol Hill and at the FCC with each step in this evolutionary process.
Representative work includes:
- Negotiating and drafting licenses for content rights-holders and distributors, including retransmission consent and must-carry agreements
- Representing cable networks in carriage disputes
- Handling price discrimination and fair access cases
- Representing video interests in media mergers at the FCC and Department of Justice
- Assisting clients in copyright and trademark matters – and enforcing those rights
- Licensing satellite and terrestrial transmission facilities, including towers
- Securing spectrum rights
- Leading industry efforts for passage of critical copyright and communications laws
- Providing counsel to telephone companies engaged in IPTV distribution
- Representing video equipment manufacturers in commercial transactions and FCC proceedings
- Helping clients with privacy and security issues related to video distribution
Whether a network seeking cable or satellite carriage, a distributor looking for access to content, or a producer desiring to protect and distribute your content, the Patton Boggs TechComm team of attorneys can offer the advice and guidance you need to navigate this rapidly changing field.