With extensive knowledge of IP protection clauses applicable to IT and employment contracts, Bird & Bird acts for a host of blue-chip companies, both domestic and international. Benoit Van Asbroeck is a particularly reputed figure who often appears before the Court of Justice of the European Union. Benoit is well-versed in the drafting and negotiation of complex TMT contracts, including energy digitalisation, distribution, and procurement. Elsewhere within the practice, Hein Hobbelen advises various significant telecoms clients on the full spectrum of competition law matters.

Stibbe handles a host of mandates for clients in the telecom space, frequently advising on legal challenges related to data retention legislation. Beyond this, the practice assists significant internet and social media service providers with domestic law queries and questions regarding the purview of intelligence agencies. Department head Erik Valgaeren, a practitioner with decades of experience, is internationally reputed for his extensive knowledge in the TMT sector. Names to note at senior associate level include Carolien Michielsen, who has worked on a number of key mandates of late.

ALTIUS routinely assists social media platforms, software companies and app developers, who turn to the team for its strength in litigation and other disputes relating to data protection. The practice, which frequently appears before the highest administrative court, is co-chaired by Gerrit Vandendriessche, who offers his insight on electronic communications, e-commerce and cloud computing. Fellow co-chair Jérôme Vermeylen is particularly focused on the IT sector, while other notable team members include Jan Clinck and Mathieu Maniet who shore up the practice’s expertise in data protection litigation. Mathieu, in particular, is well-versed in telecom regulatory laws – including lawful interception.

With a reputation for IT dispute resolution, the team at Fieldfisher is knowledgeable in the full array of system procurement, hardware and software matters, regularly utilising its expertise in systems development and support services. The department frequently advises clients on EU regulations concerning the digital single market, such as the Data Act and Data Governance Act. The practice is jointly headed up by Tim Van Canneyt and Stijn Debaene; the former is thoroughly seasoned in data protection, and is often engaged in technology contract negotiation and litigation, while the latter is focused on the media and telecom industries.

The team at time.lex is noted for its work with the European Commission and various domestic government bodies, among other clients, on legislative work in the data protection realm. Hans Graux is proficient in cloud services, including artificial intelligence and e-identification and trust services, whereas Frederic Debusseré is reputed for his expertise in technology related litigation, advising on proceedings related to digital copyright and data protection infringements. Ruben Roex assists domestic and international clients as a data protection officer, while other key names within the practice include Geert Somers, Edwin Jacobs and Jos Dumortier.

Cresco Advocaten's broad coverage sees them advising on corporate partnering transactions as well as strategic IT and IP matters, often assisting companies with strategic advice on portfolio growth. The department also excels in the implementation of technology solutions into products through licensing, OEM licensing and joint-venture arrangements. David Dessers is a key port of call for a number of domestic technologies companies and entrepreneurs, who turn to him for assistance with their fundraising and acquisitions activities. Olivier Van Raemdonck is a seasoned lawyer who routinely works on innovative ventures related to complex commercial transactions.

The longstanding IT and telecommunications department at Jones Day continues to aid clients through its assessment of industry developments in the technology and telecoms fields. The team is well-equipped to aid clients in this sector, possessing a wealth of experience in the full spectrum of matters, including compliance, antitrust and commercial work. Bernard Amory has provided long-term support on competition and regulatory mandates to media and IT companies alike  – both at the domestic and Europe-wide level. Alexandre Verheyden is a key contact for both private and public sector clients; Thomas De Muynck is routinely engaged in cross-border technology matters; and Jörg Hladjk is active in data protection and cybersecurity work.

The team at Linklaters, which is particularly proficient in data protection, assists IT clients on projects across a range of industries. The group assists domestic and international clients across the telecommunication sector, advising on the full spectrum of electronic communication matters, including regulatory work and transactional projects. Department head Tanguy Van Overstraeten – a market veteran with more than three decades of experience – regularly handles advisory, transactional and litigation work, and possesses a particular aptitude in IT outsourcing projects.

A popular referral partner for foreign firms requiring telecoms expertise, Lydian regularly assists a range of corporate clients on all manner of telecom mandates. The team has latterly strengthened its capabilities in the IT sector by some margin, working on international software and equipment procurement matters. The practice is led by Bastiaan Bruyndonckx, a highly knowledgeable practitioner who is particularly proficient in cybersecurity, IT and telecoms. Bastiaan’s experience in the data sector encompasses AI and big data projects, and he demonstrates particular prowess in data protection work.

With extensive knowledge of the technology sector, the team at Deloitte is well-equipped to assist clients on the full spectrum of IT and telecom work. The department regularly advises clients on highly technical engagements, offering expertise on cybersecurity, personal data and blockchain among other matters. Jurgen Egger leads the department’s IP practice, while Matthias Vierstraete provides the group with thorough expertise in IT law, including e-commerce and software development.

The team at Loyens & Loeff  is knowledgeable in the full spectrum of IT & Telecoms mandates, including contract law and regulatory work. The practice also routinely aids clients by conducting due diligence on cross-border mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Stéphanie De Smedt frequently advises clients on consumer protection laws in e-commerce, contractual liability risks, as well as IP. Disputes specialist Hakim Boularbah is another name to note.

Proficient in cross-border litigation and contract management, Monard Law possesses extensive knowledge on the full spectrum of technological solutions, as well as IT infrastructure. The team is headed up by Kristof Zadora, who specialises in data protection, internet of things (loT) and cloud computing. Other names to note include Stefanie Stappers, who is particularly well-versed in IT and public procurement law.

With noteworthy experience across the worlds of retail, financial services, and fintech in particular, the team at Osborne Clarke regularly assists significant domestic and international clients with various IT matters, including cloud computing agreements, software licensing, and contractual issues. Practice chair Benjamin Docquir is particularly knowledgeable in IP and technology matters, and often assists clients with the digital transformation of businesses, demonstrating particular expertise in data privacy law. Other key figures within the practice include Laurens Dauwe, who is proficient in IT litigation and internet regulation.