Netflix is expected to become the first global streaming service to offer a fully localized Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) service in Russia. 144 million Russian residents will soon be able to access localised Netflix’s content with Russian subtitles, dubbing and local films. Russian regulatory framework for SVOD is extremely complex, and Hogan Lovells team has helped Netflix to navigate it successfully to launch the service in compliance with Russian legal requirements. To enter the Russian market Netflix partnered with NMG, a top Russian media holding.

The Hogan Lovells team was led by corporate & finance partner Oxana Balayan (Russia) with support from senior associates  Maria Kazakova (corporate & finance), Serafima Pankratova (corporate & finance), Julia Gurieva (IP) and associates Ekaterina Nuzhdova and Denis Shakhov (corporate & finance); the group were also assisted by a team of partners and counsel in London and Moscow. Our Hogan Lovells team advised on all aspects of the deal including corporate transactional support as well as advice on e-payments, contracts, regulatory, data privacy and IP.

Commenting on the deal, partner Oxana Balayan said: “This deal is a game changer for Netflix, and has set new standards for foreign streaming services in Russia, itself a growing population. This deal is a testimony of Netflix’ pioneering mindset, drive and professionalism.”

She added: “It was a real privilege to have worked with Netflix on this transaction and is yet another example of the breadth and depth of the global practice and our ability as a firm to work seamlessly across jurisdictions and practices.”