DLA Piper has advised TCL Technology Group Corporation (TCL) on its Olympic TOP Programme sponsorship agreement. On 20 February, it was announced the global technology company TCL will be an official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner through to 2032.
TCL is a leading global tech brand in display panels, TVs, home comfort and mobile devices. Founded in 1981, TCL operates its manufacturing and R&D centers worldwide and has products and services in 160+ countries.
After more than 40 years of transformation, innovation and progress, TCL Industries and TCL Technology are now focusing on three core industries: consumer electronics, display technology and clean energy. TCL is one of the top TV brands and has achieved consistent growth globally. In 2024, TCL’s TV shipments reached a record 29 million units in global market, an increase of 14.8 per cent over 2023. Furthermore, its Mini LED TV global shipments surged by 194.5 per cent year on year. And in North America, Europe and emerging markets, TCL has gained significant market share due to increased sales of its large-sized and high-end TVs. Other TCL consumer electronics products, such as air conditioners and RayNeo’s smart glasses, are also leading global markets with their innovative features. In 2024, the display arm of TCL – TCL CSOT ranked second globally in TV panel market share. Its application of Polymer Stabilised Vertical Alignment technology and Fringe Field Switch technology were pivotal in enhancing visual experiences for viewers.
The TOP Programme is the highest level of Olympic sponsorship providing exclusive, global marketing rights to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Olympic teams to a select group of international sponsors. As such, there are only a small number of collaborations globally.
Horace Lam, Co-Head of IPT, Asia and Co-Country Managing Partner for China led DLA Piper’s team. He was supported by partners Benjamin R Mulcahy (IPT, Los Angeles) and Alexander Steinberg (Corporate, New York), of counsel, Asher Yan, consultant, Shuting Zhang, both part of the IPT practice in Beijing and associate James Stewart (IPT, Washington).
Horace commented “This exciting sponsorship underscores TCL’s commitment to excellence and innovation on a global stage, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on the Olympic and Paralympic games.”
TCL is the third company that DLA Piper has advised in relation to the TOP Programme, highlighting the firm’s knowledge and experience in navigating complex partnerships and advising on high-profile sponsorship agreements.
