Related Practices
Related Industries
|
Covington’s technology practice involves new ventures and established firms as they develop state-of-the-art technology. In this capacity, we serve as translators. We explain the regulatory regime to the innovators who are developing the new technology, and we discuss with regulators how this new technology does (or sometimes, does not) fit within existing regulatory schemes. In many instances, we have to work with both ends: we may advise a company to tailor the product somewhat to comply with certain rules, and we ask regulators to waive or amend their rules to enable break-through technology to get to market. We also recognize that one-company solutions are not always ideal, so we frequently work with other companies and trade associations on cross-industry solutions to vexing regulatory problems.
Representative Matters
- Broadcasters on DTV Transition. Covington has represented the broadcast industry and individual broadcasters and affiliate boards for nearly two decades on the incredible range of technical, legal and policy issues surrounding the transition to digital television. We helped negotiate the DTV standard, and devised the new frequency table. We worked closely at every step with the FCC’s engineers and with engineers across the television industry. We also worked to develop the new rules and legal requirements to accompany the detailed technical analysis.
- Microsoft. We represent Microsoft before the FCC on various issuing surrounding its Media Center and DRM products. We obtained FCC recognition of Windows Media Digital Rights Management software as a permissible means to handle digital content. We also represent the company in ongoing rulemakings and waiver petitions involving plug-and-play issues, including industry-wide efforts to resolve these issues.
- Specialty Equipment Manufacturers. We have long represented one of the leading distributors of televisions to the healthcare field on FCC compliance issues. When its leading manufacturer discovered problems complying with an FCC rule, we sought a waiver of the FCC’s Part 15 requirements for one of the leading TV set manufacturer in this market.
Accolades
- Ranked by Chambers USA as a leading Telecom, Broadcast, & Satellite Regulatory practice (2004-2011).
- Ranked by Chambers USA as a leading Telecom, Broadcast, & Satellite Finance practice (2011).
- Ranked by Chambers USA as a leading Media and Entertainment practice (2007-2011).
- Eight attorneys recognized for Telecom, Broadcast, & Satellite and Media & Entertainment in Chambers USA (2011).
- One attorney recognized for First Amendment Litigation in Chambers USA (2011).
- Recognized by Chambers Asia in their ranking of foreign law firms active in the China Technology, Media & Telecom sector (2010-2011).
- Recognized by Legal 500 US as having a leading practice in Technology, Media & Telecoms, Telecoms and Broadcast (Regulatory), and Telecoms and Broadcast (Transactional) (2011).
- Recognized by Legal 500 UK in IT & Telecoms and Media and Entertainment (2012).
- Ranked by Legal 500 Asia Pacific for Beijing - Technology, Media & Telecoms - Foreign Firms (2009-2011).
- U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers, Communications Law and Technology Law: National and Washington, DC, first tier ranking (2011)
- Sports, Media and Entertainment Team of the Year (Intellectual Property Magazine Awards, 2010)
- Managing Intellectual Property Global Awards - Shortlisted in the pan-European category "New Media/Internet" (2010).
- Recognized by Practical Law Company in EU Telecoms, Media & Technology (2011).
- Ranked by Practical Law Company as a leading Telecommunications practice (2009).
- Three attorneys recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Communications Law (2011).
- One attorney recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Administrative/Regulatory Law (2011).
- Three attorneys recognized in The International Who's Who of Regulatory Communications Lawyers (2012).
- One attorney recognized in The International Who's Who of Internet & e-Commerce Lawyers for Internet & e-Commerce (2011).
- One attorney recognized in The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers for Regulatory Communications (2011).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|