Stewarts announces the launch of a new Media Disputes department.

The newly established department will be led by partners Patrick Dunaud and Ryan Dunleavy who has recently joined the firm from DMG Media (Associated Newspapers Limited) where he was Group Legal Advisor.

Patrick was admitted to the Paris Bar in 1979. His practice encompasses a broad range of complex, cross border litigation and regulatory issues for US and European media and telecommunications clients.

Ryan has more than 14 years’ experience in conducting global media and communications disputes. He specialises in data protection, privacy, cyber security, defamation and reputation management.

Patrick and Ryan have represented major international producers, publishers, advertising and marketing companies, and telecommunication service providers including Warner Bros, Disney, Fox, HBO, Thomson Reuters, Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal, DMG Media, and IMG.

The department will deal with media disputes in the UK and throughout Europe in relation to intellectual property rights, privacy and defamation, breach of confidence, regulation and competition law.

Managing Partner John Cahill, comments:

“We are delighted to welcome Ryan who will, alongside Patrick Dunaud, spearhead the launch of our new Media Disputes Practice.

“Today’s world is increasingly driven by content. Global entertainment and news businesses face an increasingly challenging environment. We are well placed to help them react swiftly to disruption and defend their legal rights.”