We have a dedicated technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) team with outstanding experience in TMT operations gained locally and internationally.
We understand that you have a choice in providers of legal services, and that you expect technical excellence and keen business acumen from your legal advisors. You can expect that of us.
Our hands-on TMT experience, solutions-driven approach and genuine passion for what we do, means that you can also expect:
Approachable and energetic lawyers who are knowledgeable about your industry and easy to work with.
Strategic business and legal advice - legal advice in isolation does not deliver the value you are looking for, so we develop flexible and creative approaches to protect, and further, your interests.
Practical advice - ensuring that the arrangements you enter into are legally sound and accurately reflect the commercial position you are seeking.
Cutting edge solutions - thinking outside the box to identify and address the risks and develop solutions, particularly where the law lags behind business reality.
In addition to advising core TMT businesses on their unique requirements, our depth of knowledge of these sectors enables us to customise our full service offering so that we can advise these businesses on matters such as corporate structuring and transactions, taxation, employment, finance and dispute resolution in the context of their industry sector. Our clients also include investors and financiers involved in the TMT sectors, and users of TMT services.
Information Technology:
We have extensive experience in preparing, reviewing, advising and negotiating a broad range of IT arrangements from advice on software licensing through to complex systems implementation projects. We advise IT users and providers of IT services, and can work with you throughout the technology project lifecycle, from project definition/strategy, commercial and legal structuring, and vendor selection processes through to drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts and resolving disputes.
Media:
We have New Zealand’s largest, most experienced film and entertainment legal practice, with an association dating back to the 1970’s when we were involved with the birth of New Zealand’s modern feature film industry. We have maintained a key role in the film and television industry ever since.
We provide advice and transactional support for businesses involved in financing productions, exploiting rights, licensing technology, distributing content or facing competition or regulatory challenges.
Telecommunications:
Our telecommunications team includes lawyers who have been recognised internationally as leaders in their respective fields. Our specialist lawyers offer the gamut of commercial, regulatory (including competition) and dispute resolution advice to a range of communications companies, including fixed and mobile network operators, subsea cable system operators, service providers and suppliers to the industry. Recent TMT work includes:
Information Technology
Negotiated for New Zealand Racing Board with Media and Gaming Pty Ltd to replace NZRB's Jetbet system with M&G's proprietary wagering system Typhoon.
Advised the State Services Commission on various aspects of its Online Authentication Project, which is designed to enable users of Government Services to authenticate themselves with Government Agencies so as to receive services from them, including having only one logon across all of Government.
Advised Tertiary Education Commission on its ITP Benchmarking Project, which involved the provider building a database of financial and qualitative data on Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics and a system and capability to enable ITPs and the TEC to benchmark the ITPs and make use of the data in their processes. We also advised on the TEC’s Adult Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Tool Project, which is designed to help educators to identify the strengths and weaknesses of learners’ literacy and numeracy skills.
Advised on the creation by Advanced Metering Services (a joint venture between Vector and Siemens) of New Zealand’s principal smart metering system, utilising mobile technology to allow utility companies to undertake remote meter reading and to provide the platform for a smarter, real time relationship between utility companies and their customers, to better manage the demand for electricity and gas.
Advised EDS (now HP Enterprise Services) on its information imaging project (cheque processing) for New Zealand’s major banks, including the hardware and software supply arrangements underlying the project.
Advised on the development, integration and ongoing support of Loyalty New Zealand’s world-class points management system, managing the collection and redemption of points by Fly Buys’ members in New Zealand, in conjunction with Gen-I and Cardlink.
Advised Navman Wireless in relation to software development issues and electronic road user regulations.
Acted for Konnect Net Limited in relation to the establishment of its electronic interchange for medical records to be obtained by insurance companies from healthcare providers including privacy advice, agreements with software developers and customer contracts.
Media
Acted for major funders and producers of feature films and television programmes such as “Lord of the Rings”, “Power Rangers”, “Spartacus”, “Boy”, “The World’s Fastest Indian”, “Under The Mountain”, “Separation City”, “Matariki”, “The Volcano”, “The Vintner’s Luck”, “Predicament” and “Bro Town”.
Advising the New Zealand Film Commission on the interpretation and application of the Screen Production Incentive Fund Criteria, which allows local mid-sized film and television producers to claim a rebate for qualifying New Zealand expenditure.
Advised New Zealand Racing Board in its procurement of uplink trailers from Gencom Technology Limited to be used for broadcasting purposes.
Acted for the vendors on the sale of Games Advertising Online to United Business Media Group (listed on the London Stock Exchange).
Acted for Yahoo!Extra in relation to the streaming of on-line content and the formation of a joint venture between it and Telecom New Zealand.
Telecommunications
Advised Two Degrees Mobile Limited on the potential regulation of mobile termination rates (interconnect), including numerous submissions to the New Zealand Commerce Commission and Ministers.
Represented MCI WorldCom, Inc. in its US$1 billion joint venture with Telecom and Optus to operate the Southern Cross submarine fibre optic cable between New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii and mainland USA.
Advised Vodafone on its mGovernment programme under which public sector organisations can obtain mobile telecommunications under an SSC approved contract.
Advised Navman Wireless in relation to reseller arrangements with Telecom New Zealand, Telstra (Australia) and GPS Chile, and advising in relation to supply and distribution arrangements in New Zealand and Australia.
Recent recommendations:
The Chambers Global Guide (2008, 2009 & 2010 editions) recommend Minter Ellison Rudd Watts as a leading law firm in New Zealand for IT advice:
"Minters has developed a sound understanding of our business. It quickly identifies the key issues we face and how to address them."
“Always available, responsive and proactive.”
“Very good at explaining technical issues and producing sensible, decisive advice.”
In Australasian Legal Business (ALB) Magazine’s 'Technology, Media & Telecommunications' guide 2009, Minter Ellison Rudd Watts is listed as a 'leading firm' in New Zealand.
“John McCaywas chosen for his long standing relationships and ability to produce the goods.”
"Graeme Crombiewas the IT specialist who was timely, competent and knew the industry well.”
"Andy Matthewshad an exceptional knowledge of legal issues, understood economic elements, had a good network of contacts, provided good service, and was well-versed in the field.”
"Richard Wells was often chosen for media and telco.”
Andrew Horne, who rejoined Minter Ellison Rudd Watts in late 2009 having been a partner at one of the world’s leading international law firms, adds to the team his considerable experience in TMT litigation and dispute resolution.
Andrew Horne - “Our first choice when we needed to instruct external Counsel.” Barclays Bank UK
Recently joined team member Alison Lindsayhas been recommended as a leading individual by independent directories such as PLC/Global Counsel 3000, Asia Pacific Legal 500 (IT & Telecoms), Chambers Global Guide to the World’s Leading Lawyers (Telecommunications) and The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers (Regulatory Communications).
“Alison Lindsay is a renowned and technically accomplished lawyer”, Asia Pacific Legal 500 2008/9.
