The Technology, Multimedia, and Communications practice group at Tilleke & Gibbins has been bolstered by the addition of Jeffrey J. Blatt, who has joined the firm’s Bangkok office as an Of Counsel. Jeffrey brings to the firm nearly 30 years’ experience in helping telecommunications companies to define strategic and business objectives, handle contract negotiation through closing and enforcement, and leverage technology acquisitions and capabilities to create new market opportunities.

From 1981 through 1996, Jeffrey was a partner at the law firms of Irell & Manella and Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman based in Los Angeles. He represented a broad spectrum of Silicon Valley clients, including Sun Microsystems, Apple Computer, Sony Electronics, and Intel, on issues of intellectual property, technology licensing, and transactional matters. In Hollywood, he worked with virtually every major studio on intellectual property protection and technology matters arising in motion picture production.

Following his experience in private practice, Jeffrey moved in-house, where he was the Group General Counsel to Usaha Tegas Sdn. Bhd., the Malaysian parent holding company of Astro, Maxis, and MEASAT Satellite. He was responsible for the business and legal affairs of Astro’s operations in areas including technology acquisition, satellite procurement and space segment licensing, encryption and antipiracy, Internet products and interactive services, international regulatory and licensing matters, and dispute resolution. In 2000, he founded X [Ventures], a firm providing consulting and representation to the international satellite, television broadcast, film, multimedia, and high-technology industries.

Jeffrey will continue to serve as Special Counsel to Usaha Tegas Sdn. Bhd. and its group of companies. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Sri Lanka Telecom Plc (SLT), and also sits on its Senior Tender Board, where he provides guidance on end-to-end fixed and wireless telecommunications issues.

Within the Tilleke & Gibbins team, Jeffrey works closely with associates David Duncan and Yingyong Karnchanapayap in serving clients in all aspects of international technology, multimedia, and communications transactions. He can be contacted at +66 2653 5644 or [email protected].