Dr. Martin Diesbach is one of Germany’s most renowned lawyers for media and entertainment law. In particular, he advises German and international media companies on digital business models and all legal matters around the development, financing, production, and evaluation of audiovisual products, with a focus on movie financing. He also represents clients in media law litigation. Dr. Diesbach regularly gives lectures on media law, publishes on current legal questions and was one of the experts on the Legal Committee of the German Bundestag to reform German copyright law.
Awards & Recognitions
Chambers Europe 2020-2023
Recommended lawyer in the category “TMT: Media”
"He rises to the top of the rankings following his involvement in prominent media law mandates. His expertise covers film productions, licensing and distribution agreements and remuneration schemes for freelancers, making him a top choice for holistic advice." (2023)
“He is an incredibly gifted lawyer; smart and pragmatic. He understands the business and the laws and he knows how to calibrate the questions that I ask." (2022)
“Martin is one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the production industry. He really knows all of the ins and outs of the industry and is very good at identifying what the issues are and finding solutions. His judgement is incredible. He is someone I trust implicitly.” (2021)
Chambers Europe: Germany 2018
Recommended lawyer in the category “TMT: Media”
“Martin Diesbach is best known for his work on copyright and publishing, but also assists with broadcasting rights and gaming law. He recently represented Da Vinci as previous shareholders of the horse opera ‚Apassionata‘ in copyright and music law disputes with the current owners.”
Handelsblatt in cooperation with Best Lawyers: Germany's best lawyers 2018–2023
Recommended lawyer in the category "Media and Copyright Law" (2018–2023)
Recommended lawyer in the category "Media and Entertainment" (2020-2023)
Recommended lawyer in the categories “Entertainment Law” and “Media Law” (2019)
Lawyer of the Year in the category “Media and Entertainment” (2018, 2023)
JUVE Handbook: Commercial Law Firms 2018–2022/2023
Leading individual in the category “Copyright Law” (2018–2023/2024)
Frequently recommended lawyer in the category “Contract and Copyright Law/Transactions and Financing” (2020-2022/2024)
Client about him "very good, very detailed and up-to-date, helpful", "best and largest law firm in Germany in this special field" (2023-2024)
Competitor about him "very experienced in the industry and excellently networked" (2023-2024)
Frequently recommended lawyer in the category “Technology and Media: Media” (2018/2019, 2019/2020)
Client about him: "very good" (2022/2023)
Client about him: “great advice on media law” (2021/2022)
Competitor about him: "experienced in the field, excellently networked" (2022/2023)
Competitor about him: “very experienced” (2020/2021)
Competitor about him: “very strong in classic media law,” “wide expertise, especially good for the entertainment industry” (2019/2020)
Competitors about him: “Great negotiator, always highly motivated and competent” (2018/2019)
The Legal 500: Germany 2018–2023
Recommended lawyer in the category “Media: Digital Content” (2023)
Recommended lawyer in the category “Media: Entertainment” (2018-2023)
Leading Individual in the category “Media: Entertainment” (2019–2023)
“Highly regarded Martin Diesbach advises the world's largest companies on media and copyright, regulatory and licensing issues.” (2021)
“The highly respected Martin Diesbach is considered an outstanding advisor in the field of movie financing and in representing clients in media law disputes.” (2020)
“Renowned Martin Diesbach” (2018)
Who’s Who Legal: Germany 2018–2021
Recommended lawyer in the category “Data” (2020, 2021)
Recommended lawyer in the category “Sports & Entertainment” (2018–2021)
Recommended lawyer in the category “Technology, Media & Telecommunications” (2018)
“Martin Diesbach ranks highly among peers thanks to his impressive handling of the production and financing of media and entertainment projects.” (2020)
“Martin Diesbach is revered for his profound understanding of movie financing issues as well as his expertise in advising clients on digital business models.” (2020)
“A pre-eminent practitioner in the entertainment law sector. He is internationally recognized as one of the principal experts in movie financing matters.” (2018)
“A powerhouse in the field of media and entertainment law and is well respected for the first-rate counsel he delivers to clients on digital business models.” (2018)
Who’s Who Legal: Data 2018–2021
Recommended lawyer in the category “Telecoms & Media” (2018–2020)
“Martin Diesbach is an ‘outstanding lawyer’ who excels in advising German and international media companies on the development, production and financing of projects.” (2020)
WirtschaftsWoche in cooperation with Handelsblatt Research Institute; Issue 46/2022
TOP lawyer 2022 in the category "Copyright Law"
WirtschaftsWoche in cooperation with Handelsblatt Research Institute; Issue 43/2020
Recommended lawyer in the category „Copyright Law“
Managing IP (2023)
Recommended lawyer in the category "Notable Practitioners" (2023)
