Counsel

Anna Tanova

Head of IT and Media Practice

Languages

Bulgarian
English
French

Anna Tanova is a counsel at CMS Sofia in the Commercial, Regulatory and Dispute Resolution practice group. She leads the Media and IT practice groups.

Anna specialises in electronic communications, competition and intellectual property law, and has extensive experience in advising clients in the audio-visual industry, electronic communications service providers, and in the advertising industry.

She is a recognised expert in copyright and media law, advising the media industry on all major developments in Bulgarian copyright and media law. Anna represents the Association of Bulgarian Broadcasters, ABBRO, in all working groups of the Ministry of Culture and before parliamentary committees in all legislative procedures relevant to the sector. Anna participates in several self-regulatory and anti-piracy initiatives.

Anna advises clients in the pharmaceutical sector on the sector-specific regulation of the distribution of medicinal products, advertising and clinical trials in Bulgaria.

Before joining CMS, Anna was head of the legal department at bTV Media Group, part of Central European Media Enterprises (CME).

Awards & Recognitions

01 –

Quote

"Anna Tanova is a renowned expert in IP, media law, electronic communications regulation and competition law. She is a great and knowledgeable negotiator. CMS is responsive and a reliable partner with impressive industry knowledge."

Legal 500
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"Anna is particularly able to translate complex issues into clear and understandable matters and to provide creative business solutions."

Legal 500

Relevant experience

An international provider of electronic communications services on the provision of broadband connectivity in Bulgaria. We are advising the client on the regulatory and commercial aspects of this project for Bulgaria. The matter is being handled by CMS UK.
Several US and UK audiovisual production projects filmed in Bulgaria.
US-based media and entertainment companies on several trademark protection cases and proceedings.
The entry of a VOD platform into the Bulgarian market. We advised the client on consumer protection, e-commerce, copyright, competition and other regulatory matters relating to the platform and the relationship with the subscriber.
One of the largest TV broadcasters and DTH and cable platform operators before the Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) and the Court in cases of alleged abuse of dominant position.
Negotiations with the Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) of music rights on tariffs applicable to broadcasters and electronic communication service providers.
The Alliance of the Technology Industry, ATI, on intellectual property issues, legislative procedures for amendments to the Bulgarian Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, trademark protection and a variety of day-to-day legal matters.
Pharmaceutical companies on regulatory issues related to clinical trials in Bulgaria; reviewing several contracts and forms related to clinical trials.
On the establishment of the wholesale distribution of medicinal products in Bulgaria, regulatory and practical aspects.
Several training sessions on competition compliance for consumer goods companies and the media industry.

Memberships & Roles

Chairperson of the Board of the National Council for Self-Regulation in Advertising
Sofia Bar Association

Education

2016 - MA in UK, EU and US Copyright Law, Kings College London
2014 - Postgraduate Degree in EU Competition Law, Kings College London
2004 - Master of Law (LL.M.), Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”

Practice Areas

Antitrust, Competition and Trade Intellectual Property

sectors

TMC - Technology, Media & Communications

Insights

Global Reach