John McLellan
Partner
Practice Areas
Corporate & Commercial Law • Media, Entertainment & Sports Law
- Admissions
- Hong Kong • England & Wales • Australian Capital Territory
- Professional Qualifications
- Civil Celebrant of Marriages
- Languages
- English • French
Contact
- Tel
- (852) 2230 2868
- Fax
- (852) 2845 1637
- jpm@haldanes.com
- Profile
John is a corporate, commercial and entertainment lawyer who represents a broad range of clients, including major film studios, television networks and record companies; international and regional movie stars and music talents.
Described by The Who’s Who of the Law as “One of Hong Kong’s leading entertainment lawyers,” John frequently speaks at international media conferences (including MIDEM, the Cannes International Film Festival and MIP).
Legal advisor to a number of industry bodies, including the Federation of Hong Kong Film Workers, the Hong Kong Performing Artists Guild, the Hong Kong Directors Guild, John is also an executive committee member of the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers.
Although based in Hong Kong, John has a wide-ranging practice and has acted in commercial transactions in most Asian jurisdictions, involving mergers and acquisitions (including due diligence and structuring), joint ventures and licensing arrangements; as well as more industry specific arrangements (film and television productions, sports and live events and artist issues).
John also acts for clients engaged in sports and events promotion, theatrical production, advertising and other forms of media.
He also writes regularly on industry legal issues and has been published extensively.
- Read more
Publications:
- IAEL 2004 – China – An Overview of a Burgeoning and Significant Market
- IAEL 2006 – Competition and New Frontiers (ii) – China
- IAEL 2009 – Back To The Future
- IAEL 2010 – Hong Kong
- IAEL 2014 – Development of Licensing Practice in Asia
- IAEL 2015 – Streaming Legal Issues in Asia
- Morals Clauses in Endorsement Contracts
- Hong Kong Copyright Law: Key Changes proposed in Copyright (Amendment) Bill 2014
- IAEL 2019 – “Spoofing” and Fake Plays
- IAEL 2021 – Exceptions and Limitations to Copyright in Asia
- IAEL 2022 – Catalogue Sales in Asia
Testimonials
“Incredible attention to detail and passionate advocacy for his clients.”
Who’s Who Legal
“John McLellan and his team at Haldanes have deep understanding and insights in the subject matters and has been instrumental in helping our firm navigate the complicated landscape.”
Legal 500
“John McLellan takes time to fully understand the issues at hand and comes up with solutions regardless of the difficult nature of the matters at hand.”
Legal 500
“John Paul McLellan is a prominent name in Hong Kong, where he excels in the full spectrum of transactional matters as well as licensing arrangements on behalf of clients in the film, television and sports industries.”
Who’s Who Legal – Telecoms, Media & Entertainment
Recognition
Who’s Who Legal 2023 – Telecoms, Media & Entertainment – Hong Kong (Recommended)
Who’s Who Legal – Sports & Entertainment 2020
Articles
