Alibaba may boost its legal team by around 25% in the next year as the Chinese e-commerce giant looks to grow its digital entertainment business and boost its profile outside of the mainland.

The Hangzhou-based company, which currently has 160 legal staff, could hire up to 40 additional lawyers in the near future as it looks to capitalise on its recently acquired media group, now known as Alibaba Pictures, and enhance its popularity among international brands and consumers.