Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Industry focus: IT and telecoms

Co-led by Steven De Schrijver and Nicole Van Ranst, Agio Legal‘s offering covers the provision of commercial assistance to large technology companies,  the out-tasking of IT services and technology M&A work.
The cross-practice team at Liedekerke is led by Etienne Kairis and is known for handling domestic and international matters pertaining to IP, IT and data protection.

Firms in the Spotlight Industry focus: IT and telecoms

Lauwers Law

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Lauwers Law stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of tax law, renowned for its profound expertise and a uniquely tailored approach that effectively navigates the complexities of tax law across Belgium’s diverse regional landscape.  Our comprehensive services cover a broad spectrum of tax-related matters, including corporate taxation, international tax law, VAT, and …

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Industry focus: IT and telecoms in Belgium

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP is known for its expertise in digital transformation with projects concerning digital health, connected cars, fintech and cybersecurity notable areas of activity. The team is additionally well placed to advise on a range of telecoms matters. Filip Van Elsen, one of the practice co-chairs, frequently guides clients through complex outsourcing projects and software implementations; he possesses a strong background in digital innovation and transformation, including data protection and AI. Fellow co-head Peter Van Dyck frequently handles matters related to data protection, technology, and IP law and is well versed in IT services arrangements. Edward Taelman left the firm in March 2024.

Practice head(s):

Filip Van Elsen; Peter Van Dyck


Testimonials

‘Very smart and efficient; quick grasp of complex matters.’

Bird & Bird

Drawing upon its extensive knowledge of IT contracts, IP protection clauses and regulatory initiatives and changes, Bird & Bird provides comprehensive support to a diverse client base, including media players, international corporations and technology suppliers. The team is also well positioned to support its clients’ outreach to EU institutions. Benoit Van Asbroeck co-heads the practice and is equipped to advise on projects involving big data, blockchain infrastructure and the implementation of the European Electronic Communications Code. Co-head Hein Hobbelen frequently advises major telecoms clients on an array of competition law issues, including state aid matters.

Practice head(s):

Benoit Van Asbroeck; Hein Hobbelen


Key clients

European Commission


DigitalEurope


ASML


Work highlights


  • Acting as an integral part of the EU-funded SMART-BEAR project, which ensures that data-driven personalised healthcare solutions for seniors comply with GDPR regulations.
  • Spearheading the European Blockchain Sandbox project, bringing legal expertise to drive regulatory dialogue, identify legal obstacles, and ensure innovative decentralised technology solutions maintain regulatory compliance.
  • Represented a complainant in the European Commission’s investigation regarding Apple’s in-app purchase terms for e-books and audiobooks.

CMS

CMS‘ ‘tech-savvy’ technology, media and communications team stands out for its comprehensive handling of technology and communications matters, spanning contentious and non-contentious work. Internet of Things projects, cyber incident response and cross-border data transfers are some of the group's focus areas. ‘Truly exceptional lawyer’ Dirk Van Liedekerke co-chairs the team; his varied portfolio of work incorporates advice to major EU public operators on electronic communications regulation and contentious work related to inter-operator conflicts. IT expert Tom De Cordier completes the leadership team and is well versed in the implementation of the EU Data Act and mandates pertaining to AI. Deven Dobbelaere is a known name for telecoms regulatory advice.

Practice head(s):

Dirk Van Liedekerke; Tom De Cordier


Other key lawyers:

Deven Dobbelaere


Testimonials

‘The team is very knowledgeable in EU law, knowing all the ins and outs and going the extra mile by looking at the policy landscape (eg. dynamics between different DGs at the EU Commission) which is often key to make relevant decisions about EU matters. They are more tech-savvy than most law firm in Brussels.’

‘Dirk Van Liedekerke is a truly exceptional lawyer, combining encyclopaedic knowledge of the EU at large, great responsiveness and deep understanding of his client’s business.’

‘They value relationships over the long term and can be relied on.’

Key clients

Proximus


Airbnb


Amazon


Sagi (Telio Group)


Logidrive


Treasury Intelligence Solutions (TIS)


Work highlights


  • Created a joint venture with partners Ethias and the German Speaking Community of Belgium to roll-out an FTTH optical fibre network within the communes of the German Speaking Community.
  • Representing two US entities of Amazon in trade mark infringement proceedings against Christian Louboutin before the Brussels Court.
  • Representing Airbnb in a number of preliminary ruling cases before the European Court of Justice.

Crowell & Moring

Crowell & Moring‘s telecoms expertise includes the drafting and negotiating of a wide range of telecoms agreements, outsourcing projects and the representation of clients in merger control proceedings and antitrust investigations. On the IT side, the team’s experience extends to cloud computing mandates, IT outsourcing contracts and guiding clients through interactions with regulatory bodies. Thomas De Meese heads up the team and specialises in competition, telecoms and technology law; he is well versed in commercial telecoms litigation and also active in the field of internet access provider liability. Sari Depreeuw advises and represents a wide range of clients from the digital sector with IoT, autonomous vehicles and software among her areas of expertise. Frederik Van Remoortel is a further name to note, and Edward Taelman, who is singled out for his expertise in digital regulation, joined the team in March 2024.

Practice head(s):

Thomas De Meese


Other key lawyers:

Sari Depreeuw; Frederik Van Remoortel; Maarten Stassen; Edward Taelman


Testimonials

‘Strong individual expertise and good cooperation in the team so we got the answer we needed.’

‘Expert level lawyers who are driven to get the job done.’

‘Very capable team. Good knowledge and longstanding experience. Flexible thinking and to the point advice.’

Key clients

euRobotics


AI, Data and Robotics Association


AT&T


Belgian Esports Federation


Backcatalogue


ARTTS


MercadoLibre


Telenet/Liberty Global


The Greenshot


Work highlights


  • Advising the Belgian Esports Federation on the establishment of a regulatory framework and on how to assist industry players.
  • Advised different clients from the new technologies sector on a wide variety of IP and commercial/corporate issues, including the negotiation and drafting of strategic collaboration contracts.
  • Assisting Mercado Libre with the further development of its global IP and anti-counterfeiting strategies, as well as its trade policy issues.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper leverages its ‘great knowledge of the market’ to handle work across the IT and telecoms spectrum for clients ranging from hyperscalers to government entities and state-owned companies. Providing regulatory assistance for AI-driven services, securing authorisations for the global and national deployment of telecoms and technology infrastructure, and IT procurement and IT outsourcing projects are notable areas of activity for the firm. Kristof De Vulder heads up the practice and is described as a ‘master in IT contracting and related issues’. Raf Schoefs assumes a central role in the team’s significant IT outsourcing endeavours, and Nicolas Becker has amassed considerable experience in contentious IT contracting work.

Practice head(s):

Kristof De Vulder


Other key lawyers:

Raf Schoefs; Nicolas Becker


Testimonials

‘Great knowledge of the market, and strong advisory offering based on rich experience.’

‘Dedication, competence and structured advice.’

‘Up-to-date team capable of combining the IT knowhow with other domains of expertise (e.g. public procurement, IP, GDPR).’

‘I really appreciate the focus on finding practical solutions in contract negotiations and in implementing legislation. They are very solution-oriented.

‘Kristof De Vulder is outstanding in his knowledge of the IT sector.’

‘DLA Piper’s IPT team is a perfect match for our company in terms of team, culture and collaboration.’

‘Raf Schoefs and Kristof De Vulder are simply masters in IT contracting and related issues. We would not doubt whom to call for support in this field.’

Key clients

Adobe


Aliaxis


Argenta


Bank Nagelmackers


benerail


Cegeka


Conga


Digipolis


Dstny


EFTA


Foodpairing


Fluvius


Heidelberg


iDirect


Katoen Natie


Keytrade Bank


Kinepolis


Kuwait Petroleum (Q8)


Luminus


nexuzhealth


Nitro Software


Nviso


Ontex


Orange


Polhem Infra


SAP Belgium


SD Worx


Skeydrone


skeyes


Smartbit


SNCB/NMBS (Belgian railways)


Steria Benelux


Tokyo Electron Europe


Toyota Motor Europe


UCB


Work highlights


  • Advising Fluvius on the set-up and implementation of the country’s largest fibre-to-the-home cable project.
  • Advising the market leader for electronic health systems on its strategic contract negotiations with one of the hyperscalers.
  • Advising a large supplier of equipment to fabricate semiconductor chips on its participation to a Horizon Europe project focusing on the research of innovative semiconductor technologies.

Stibbe

Described as the ‘leading tech law team in Belgium’, Stibbe is equipped to handle a wide range of IT and telecoms work with matters related to digital platforms, social media, data centres and telecoms all areas of strength. The team is additionally well placed to assist major clients with capex to opex transitions. Practice head Erik Valgaeren is praised for his ‘extensive practice and experience in IT, AI and data protection’. Carolien Michielsen is singled out for her IT contract drafting skills and her expertise pertaining to new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain. Both lawyers are praised for their ‘willingness and ability to engage in the understanding of complex technical and commercial issues’.

Practice head(s):

Erik Valgaeren


Other key lawyers:

Carolien Michielsen


Testimonials

‘Stibbe provided bespoke advice on legal aspects of a complex IT matter and took a collaborative and positive approach to the work involved.’

‘Erik Valgaeren and Carolien Michielsen at Stibbe are valued for their willingness and ability to engage in the understanding of complex technical and commercial issues and to provide legal advice and guidance appropriately within that context.’

‘The leading tech law team in Belgium. Great practical advice and support from corporate lawyers for setting up what it takes for a multinational company to quickly get going in Belgium. Excellent integration of teams, service oriented, accessible, responsive and fast.’

‘Erik Valgaeren has deep knowledge and extensive practice and experience in IT, AI and data protection. Business and commercially minded practical advice.’

‘Very good team work and collaboration skills.’

‘Fast thinking, looking forward, creating solutions.’

Work highlights


  • Providing legal support to TotalEnergies in relation to its project for replacing a business-critical custom-developed tool with a multi-vendor solution to manage core refinery and oil movement processes.
  • Advising Belgium Tower Partners, the first independent tower company in Belgium, on a variety of complex issues relating to its unique position in the Belgian telecoms landscape.
  • Assisting Proximus in litigation and commercial matters involving its telecoms agents.

ALTIUS

ALTIUS‘ offering includes assisting with acquisitions in the IT and telecoms sector, providing day-to-day advice for multinational organisations, and handling contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Gerrit Vandendriessche heads up the team; his far-reaching advisory practice encompasses computer law, electronic communications and e-commerce matters, while IT-related litigation is another area of strength. Jan Clinck‘s in-depth knowledge of new technologies is frequently brought to bear in both contentious and non-contentious mandates.

Practice head(s):

Gerrit Vandendriessche


Other key lawyers:

Jan Clinck


Key clients

Citymesh (part of Cegeka)


Coatue


Elisa Corporation


Vertica Capital Partners


AT&T


Niko


Puratos


Mediahuis


Google


Youtube (Google)


IBM Belgium


Work highlights


  • Represented Google in a Market Court appeal against a Belgian Data Protection Authority decision and assisted in proceedings before the Constitutional Court.
  • Assisted the telecoms group Citymesh (Part of Cegeka) with its acquisition of Dense Air Belgium SRL, the owner of a licence of part of Belgium’s telecoms spectrum.
  • Represented listed US company Analog Devices regarding the acquisition of the audio business of Seven Sensing Software, a Leuven-based software company.

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher‘s broad offering covers assistance with outsourcings, technology procurements, cloud computing issues and the commercialisation of new technologies. The ‘ pragmatic and compliant’ team is also competent in the area of IT disputes, handling matters ranging from mediation to litigation. The ‘hands-on’ Tim Van Canneyt jointly leads the practice alongside IP expert Stijn Debaene and French-qualified lawyer Olivier Proust. Van Canneyt’s practice extends to IT contract negotiation and litigation, while Proust excels in mandates with a privacy dimension. Hakim Haouideg and Nathalie Poupaert are further names to note.

Practice head(s):

Tim Van Canneyt; Stijn Debaene; Olivier Proust


Other key lawyers:

Hakim Haouideg; Nathalie Poupaert


Testimonials

‘Always with a pragmatic and compliant legal approach. This law firm can cover multiple areas of law and industries due to their set-up and partnerships.’

‘They always respect the deadlines.’

‘Tim Van Canneyt is great – hands-on and possesses a business mind.’

Key clients

Banque Degroof Petercam


Calypso Networks Association


Deployments Factory


Live Nation Entertainment


Infrabel


Sourcemap


Programmads


Telenet


EUNetworks


Ikanbi


Accenture


BICS


Billtrust


Euroclear


Mailchimp


Work highlights


  • Assisting IT service provider Dfakto with matters including the revamp of its contracting templates and the negotiation of IT contracts with a major French IT service provider.
  • Assisted Calypso Networks Associations with the negotiation of a partnership agreement with Apple, which will allow users of public transport across the globe to validate their transport ticket using their iPhone.
  • Advised euNetworks on a strategic acquisition in Belgium to extend its dark fibre network.

Jones Day

The team of ‘lawyers with strong technology backgrounds’ at Jones Day is active across areas such as  competition and regulatory issues in the telecoms sector, cybersecurity assessments in the context of transactional work, and contractual mandates. The firm is also well positioned to handle an array of venture capital work in the space. Jörg Hladjk, one of four heads of team, is praised for his great communication skills’. Fellow co-heads Bernard Amory and Alexandre Verheyden frequently handle domestic and EU-level competition work for telecoms clients, while co-head Thomas De Muynck is able able to bring his corporate expertise to bear on cross-border technology transactions for local and foreign multinationals and private equity funds. Regulatory issues connected with Belgian fibre roll-out fall among Yvan Desmedt‘s practice strengths, and Laurent De Muyter is recommended for EU regulatory issues.

Practice head(s):

Bernard Amory; Alexandre Verheyden; Jörg Hladjk; Thomas De Muynck


Other key lawyers:

Yvan Desmedt; Laurent De Muyter; Laurence Van Mullem; Tristan Verminck; Laura Tielemans; Lucie Fournier


Testimonials

‘The team is focused, skilled, experienced, client-oriented with cross-border expertise. A dream to work with them.’

‘Beranrd Amory and  Laurent De Muyter are simply outstanding experts in this field.’

‘The Brussels group has many lawyers with strong technology backgrounds. They seem to recruit technology specialists. This background helps them uniquely understand client needs. They have a large Brussels office, which means other client needs that arise in a matter can be handled.’

‘Jörg Hladjk is a technology specialist with great communication skills. He does a great job understanding the client’s business and then proactively identifying legal issues as they arise.’

‘Superb cross-European knowledge and advice, including on complex technical matters. Very quick and responsive.’

‘Alexandre Verhayden is very quick and responsive, and is quick at understanding complex technical points that have cropped up in our work. Very practical and strategic advice.’

Key clients

bpost


BT


ComReg


Deutsche Telekom / T-Mobile


ECTA


SAP


Telenet / Liberty Global


Data Protection:


Experian Information Systems


Verint Systems


Imperva


Affinius Capital


Ferro Corporation


Orange


Trustwave


Visible Alpha


Sonoco


Pluralsight


Corporate/M&A:


Salonkee


Partech Capital


Hi Inov Capital


Fortino Capital Partners NV


Cowboy SA


Work highlights


  • Advising the ECTA (European Competitive Telecommunications Association) on legality of the draft EU Recommendation on the regulatory promotion of Gigabit connectivity released by the European Commission on 23 February 2023.
  • Advising Affinius Capital on GDPR compliance in the context of US securities laws, including policies and procedures and related issues, such as data transfer mechanisms.
  • Advised Partech Partners SAS, as lead investor (joined by Microsoft and other investors) in the $37m Series B financing round of Luxembourg-based SustainCert SA.

Lydian

The ‘competent and flexible’ practice at Lydian covers advisory, transactional and contentious IT and telecoms work with telecoms operators, financial institutions and major tech companies among the clients which seek out the unit’s expertise. Practice head Bastiaan Bruyndonckx has far-reaching telecoms expertise and is described as a pragmatic and in-depth expert in all related matters concerning IT Infrastructure, technologies and GDPR’.

Practice head(s):

Bastiaan Bruyndonckx


Testimonials

‘Competent, flexible and listening to our needs.’

‘The team is very flexible when it comes down to meeting tight deadlines and is very knowledgeable of the industry and sector.’

‘Good personal and flexible service by Bastiaan Bruyndonckx.’

‘ Track records in technologies and data protection, both are inseparable, solution-oriented and quick.’

‘Bastiaan Bruyndonckx is a pragmatic and in-depth expert in all related matters concerning IT Infrastructure, technologies and GDPR. His knowledge helps clients to map out customised IT agreements and to advise with a pragmatic way in a complex and changing environment for companies.’

Key clients

Orange


Eurofiber


Deutsche Telekom


Temasek


Proximus


Ride Mobile


Nuwave


Quorum Analytics


Sippio Ltd


Belfius Insurance


Zurich Insurance


H. Essers


AT&T


AXA Bank Belgium


Work highlights


  • Assisted Orange Belgium NV in negotiating and concluding two commercial agreements with its direct competitor, Telenet BV.
  • Successfully assisted Zurich Insurance Group (through Zurich Global Ventures) with its strategic partnership with Qover.
  • Advised Eurofiber on the acquisition of public domain from local municipalities for fibre-optics installations and represented Eurofiber in legal proceedings against Fluvius.

Timelex

Information technology regulatory work is the mainstay of Timelex‘s practice with the ‘exceptional experts and great minds’ at the firm frequently instructed by governments, governmental bodies, multinationals and SMEs in the IT space. IT-related litigation, assistance with the drafting of legislation in areas such as AI, and the creation of legal frameworks for electronic communication in the public sector stand out as areas of activity for the team. Jos Dumortier is well positioned to advise on cybersecurity and regulatory issues associated with technological platforms, while Hans Graux has in-depth knowledge of cloud services, e-identification issues and artificial intelligence. Geert Somers, Edwin Jacobs, Frederic Debusseré and Ruben Roex are further names to note.

Practice head(s):

Jos Dumortier; Hans Graux; Geert Somers; Edwin Jacobs; Frederic Debusseré; Ruben Roex


Testimonials

‘Exceptional in-depth expertise in the area of IT and telecoms.’

‘High professionalism and exceptional in-depth expertise in the area. Jos Dumortier is an internationally renowned expert. His colleagues Geert Somers, Hans Graux and Edwin Jacobs are also very experienced with in-depth knowledge on privacy and data protection matters.’

‘The whole team includes exceptional experts and great minds in the field of data protection, technology & IT, IP and telecoms. ’

‘Jos Dumortier definitely deserves to be recognised as one of the top European specialists in IT & Data protection! He is simply the best! Also to mention and praise Geert Somers as a leading lawyer and expert in data & IP.’

‘Time.lex excels in several key areas. Their communication and collaboration are seamless, ensuring clients are well-informed. Their expertise in IT, IP, privacy, and data protection is impressive, offering robust legal support. They handle procedures and disputes with finesse.’

‘Edwin Jacobs has an eye for interests of the client, also for the details not expressly disclosed to him, but which he finds out from his own research or common sense.’

Key clients

European Commission


Belgian Government


Government of the Brussels Region


Luminus


Doosan Bobcat


Ansell


Cubic Telecom


Bank Van Breda Car Finance


Mazars


International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE)


Irish Council for Civil Liberties


Work highlights


  • Assisting Luminus in drafting contracts for e-mobility solutions.
  • Assisting Bank Van Breda Car Finance in drafting various IT contracts.
  • Assisting Mazars in drafting a contractual framework for its IT related procurement.

Cresco Advocaten

A popular contact for medtech and digital health clients, Cresco Advocaten‘s Antwerp-based practice is well placed to handle technology transactions, digitialisation mandates and work that lies on the nexus between information technology and intellectual property such as the monetisation of intellectual assets and dispute resolution. Olivier Van Raemdonck, who is described as ‘strong in negotiations’, leads the team alongside strategic transaction specialist David Dessers. Glenn L’hoëst adds to the technology transactions expertise at the firm with funding rounds and M&A areas of strength.

Practice head(s):

David Dessers; Olivier Van Raemdonck


Other key lawyers:

Glenn L’hoëst; Ward Verwaeren


Testimonials

‘Quick response to questions, professional cooperation, transparent and concrete feedback to help you get started with your project.’

‘Olivier Van Raemdonck is strong in negotiations, added value in external conversations, a lot of knowledge.’

‘The team takes time to explain thoroughly the implications of certain phrases or wording. It is also a diverse crew and I have always felt safe to raise my points of concerns.’

‘We worked together with two partners, David Dessers and Olivier Van Raemdonck, and both were always very respectful and kind. They never gave us the feeling that we were asking stupid questions. They were available to call when doubt creeped in.’

‘Our experience with Cresco has been entirely positive. They have adeptly guided us through our legal requirements, offering invaluable insights. As a software company, we’ve greatly benefited from their expertise in intellectual property and associated matters.’

‘The team, headed by David Dessers, consistently responds promptly to our inquiries and offers insightful feedback and solutions to our legal concerns.’

‘Insights by David Dessers are exceptional!’

‘Ward Verwaeren is a very pragmatic lawyer, who’s able to advise as if he was an in-house counsel.’

Key clients

KBC Group


Visualfabriq


Credix


Otra Solutions


Niets Distillery


Zerocopy


Vlerick Business School


Effex


Otiv


Spacewell


Septentrio


Arspectra


Wellbeing.ai


Techwolf


Zeopore


Cumul.io


Bothrs


Orsi


Ufo Drive


Mensura


Christelijke Mutualiteit


Pulsify


Hex-Rays


Timefold


Match Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Spacewell as outsourced legal counsel for the structuring, drafting and negotiation of ICT contracts on a worldwide basis.
  • Advised KULeuven spin-off called “EFFEX” on tech transfer matters and subsequent funding issues.
  • Advised Match Group as preferred Belgian counsel for the provision of strategic legal support with respect to IT and telecoms matters.

Linklaters

Linklaters‘ offering is chiefly directed at the customer base of IT service providers, with IT and business process outsourcing and the implementation of IT projects all falling within the unit’s purview. The team also provides transactional and regulatory assistance to telecoms clients. Tanguy Van Overstraeten heads up the practice; his mixed contentious and adviser practice centres on large IT outsourcing projects. Guillaume Couneson has significant experience pertaining to IT contracts and technology-related transitional services agreements. Claudia Allatta is highlighted for her international compliance expertise, while Valérie Heremans is a key contact for IT procurement mandates.

Practice head(s):

Tanguy Van Overstraeten


Other key lawyers:

Guillaume Couneson; Claudia Allatta; Valérie Heremans


Key clients

Vodeno


Agfa – Gevaert NV


Candriam SCA (New York Life Group)


PCAS SA (Seqens group)


TIP Trailer Services


Proximus


Orange Belgium


Work highlights


  • Advised Vodeno on the framework of the proposed development, implementation and provision of a Banking-as-a-Service software and technology platform to National Westminster Bank.
  • Assisted Agfa-Gevaert with the outsourcing of its IT (ICS) department globally towards Atos as part of its digital transformation program.
  • Advised Candriam on its negotiations with the Belgian IT service provider Cegeka for the replacement of its former provider in relation to the provision of IT infrastructure products and services.

Loyens & Loeff

The far-reaching offering at Loyens & Loeff handles work encompassing dispute resolution for IT and telecoms clients, regulatory advice on issues such as e-commerce legislation, and M&A work in the IT space. Contract law, employment matters and public procurement issues are additional areas of competence. Practice co-head Stéphanie De Smedt advises a wide range of clients form the IT sector on regulatory issues such as liability risks. Contentious expert Hakim Boularbah completes the leadership duo. Maria-Clara Van den Bossche‘s proficiency in Belgian court litigation and pre-litigation matters makes her a key contact for multinational tech companies.

Practice head(s):

Stéphanie De Smedt; Hakim Boularbah


Other key lawyers:

Maria-Clara Van den Bossche


Key clients

QNTM Group AB


JooS Consulting


Meta Platforms Ireland Limited


Amphenol


Infopro Digital Group


Omnivision Technologies


Tencent


Genesys Telecom


Tata Consultancy Services


Work highlights


  • Assisted QNTM Group with the acquisition of Actito SA, a Wallonia-based leading European software platform for Customer Activation.
  • Represented Meta Platforms Ireland in court litigation.
  • Assisted Bregal Unternehmerkapital GmbH and its portfolio company STP Informationstechnologie GmbH (STP) with a buy and build acquisition whereby acquiring all shares in the Belgian legal tech company Knowliah.

Osborne Clarke

The ‘experts in IT law and data protection’ at Osborne Clarke are known for providing assistance to IT providers on strategic IT projects and handling regulatory work for major technology and streaming platforms. Benjamin Docquir – praised for his ‘deep knowledge of the industry and data-related issues in particular’ – co-leads the team alongside technology legislation and regulations expert Laurens Dauwe. Antitrust and trade law specialist Roderick Nieuwmeyer joined from CMS in September 2022; he notably advises on the intricacies of EU competition legislation.

Practice head(s):

Benjamin Docquir; Laurens Dauwe


Other key lawyers:

Roderick Nieuwmeyer


Testimonials

‘Experts in IT law and data protection.’

‘Benjamin Docquir (Brussels) has very deep knowledge of the industry and of data-related issues in particular.’

Key clients

Moliére


Capgemini


Shurgard


Match Group


Greenomy


Cancom


Orderello


MyGamePlan


MyContourLab


P&V


Greentripper


OneGrid


Work highlights


  • Advising a consortium of major smart mobility operators, public transport operators and IoT providers on the Moliere project funded by the European Union Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA).
  • Advised Capgemini on a high-value and strategic public tendering procedure initiated by a major public transportation authority for the digital transformation and SAP migration of said transport authority.
  • Advising Match Group in relation to the abuse of dominance investigation against Apple by the ACM, the subsequent litigation before the Dutch courts and the administrative procedure.

Verhaegen Walravens

Verhaegen Walravens is known for its expertise in technology contracts work with the firm handling a high frequency of software, hardware and semi-conductor-related contracts. The firm is also active on telecoms issues with fibre optic deployments and MVNO agreements standing out as areas of activity. Emmanuel Szafran, praised for his ‘commercially-aware and thorough advice’ heads up the team and has developed a niche focus on the legal impacts of quantum computing. He is also well placed to advise on personal data protection and cloud computing contracts.

Practice head(s):

Emmanuel Szafran


Testimonials

‘Emmanuel Szafran has provided us with commercially-aware and thorough advice, with a keen awareness of Belgian-specific nuances (for example, the risk appetite of the Belgian Data Protection Authority).’

‘Very quick response, knows our industry very well. ’

‘Verhaegan Walravens are our go-to choice for Belgian data privacy matters due to their commercially aware advice, their ability to assist us on short notice if required, and their familiarity with our own processes and methods of working. We have primarily worked with Emmanuel Szafran and he has consistently provided us with good quality advice over a period of several years.’

Key clients

7Sensing


Bogart Beauty Retail


Brian Impact


EVS


Sony Depthsensing Solutions


Work highlights


  • Advised the company behind a multi-award-winning kid’s music and story player in all legal aspects of the deployment of its new EU-wide e-shop.
  • Assisted a company providing services in the consumer neuroscience field with the drafting and negotiation of a complex multinational software and AI technology licensing and services agreement.

Deloitte Legal

Deloitte Legal leverages the unit’s strong technological expertise to advise on issues encompassing data life-cycle management, the integration and launch of IT platforms, and blockchain mandates. Practice co-chair Matthias Vierstraete‘s far-reaching practice straddles IP and IT issues; he frequently assists clients with the review and negotiation of key agreements such as technology license agreements and SaaS agreements. Commercial law specialist Jürgen Egger completes the leadership team, and Willem-Jan Cosemans is a key contact for both IT litigation and IT due diligence relating to M&A work.

Practice head(s):

Matthias Vierstraete; Jürgen Egger


Other key lawyers:

Willem-Jan Cosemans


Key clients

Intix NV


Pro League


Tenbeo


Vandewiele / Belgian Monitoring Systems BV


Beeple NV


Nipro (NDTE NV)


European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS BV)


Elia NV


Beaulieu International Group NV (BIG)


Doggybites BV


Carvago Belgium NV


UC Leuven-Limburg


The Akkermansia Company


Work highlights


  • Assisting Intix NV with the drafting of essential template software agreements (SaaS agreement, End User License Agreement, etc.) and the drafting and negotiation of a reseller agreement with a global market leader.
  • Providing assistance to Nipro in the context of an international software reseller structure and the related contractual framework.
  • Assisting Vandewiele with the drafting and negotiation of a cooperation agreement relating to the development and commercialisation of a cloud-based software platform and accompanying software modules.

Deprevernet

Deprevernet, which is known for only representing public institutions within the telecoms space, is praised for its ‘unique knowledge and insight of how public authorities function’. The team’s contentious experience covers aspects of public law, criminal law and procedural issues. Sébastien Depré co-leads the team and is noted for his excellent ‘general administrative and constitutional law background’, while fellow co-lead Philippe Vernet is praised for his ‘incredible writing skills combined with pertinent and sharp arguments’. ‘Hands-on lawyer’ Jasper de Fauw and Grégoire Ryelandt, who is praised for his competition law expertise, are further names to note.

Practice head(s):

Sébastien Depré; Philippe Vernet


Other key lawyers:

Jasper de Fauw; Grégoire Ryelandt


Testimonials

‘Deprevernet is a relatively new firm specialised in the representation of public authorities which gives them a unique knowledge and insight of how public authorities function.’

‘Philippe Vernet has incredible writing skills combined with pertinent and sharp arguments. He will go deep into the details of the file and understand the economic background of each case. He forms an excellent team with Sébastien Depré who has an excellent general administrative and constitutional law background.’

Jasper de Fauw deserves to be mentioned as an excellent hands-on lawyer: pragmatic and thorough.’

Key clients

Belgian telecoms regulator (BIPT/IBPT)


Belgian Minister for Digital agenda


Belgian Minister of Economy


Belgian Minister of the Interior


Work highlights


  • Assisted the Minister and the Belgian telecoms regulator with the framework of an appeal launched by Telenet against certain provisions of the Royal Decrees governing the auction of mobile spectrum.
  • Assisting the BIPT/IBPT in various proceedings relating to the envisaged acquisition of EDPNET by Proximus.
  • Assisted the BIPT/IBPT in an appeal introduced by Telenet before the Market Court against a decision of the BIPT imposing a fine on Telenet for a lack of security measures on its network.

Monard law

Described as a ‘well-oiled machine‘, Monard law, joined by Buyle frequently assists domestic and international clients with issues such as the drafting and negotiation of IT contracts, licensing and distribution agreements, and a range of cross-border disputes before the commercial courts. Kristof Zadora – noted for his ability to ‘translate complex issues‘ – leads the practice and is equipped to advise on issues such as cloud computing, big data and the IoT. Jeroen Raskin has deep experience regarding transactions in the IT and telecoms sector, while Stefanie Stappers centres her practice on commercial contracts and litigation and works extensively with the Tomorrowland legal team.

Practice head(s):

Kristof Zadora


Other key lawyers:

Jeroen Raskin; Stefanie Stappers


Testimonials

‘They have a good knowledge of how IT projects are tackled and what the deliverables should be. They can translate this well into the necessary agreements that need to be concluded between the various parties.’

‘Kristof Zadora is very pragmatic and able to translate complex issues. Always a lot of focus on how to resolve as efficiently as possible.’

‘Stefanie Stappers has excellent knowledge of public law. She is also very pragmatic and works very well with our team on a host of different topics. A lot of practical experience to enrich discussions.’

‘The team at Monard Law is truly experienced in IT and telecoms. They have a very high standard of legal and technical (sometimes cutting edge) knowledge and give advice of a very high quality.’

‘The team at Monard Law is composed of a multitude of different profiles that find a seamless synergy which creates an enormous added value. It is a well-oiled machine where different people can handle most of your questions in line with their expertise, experience and individual strengths.’

‘The team led by Kristof Zadora is excellent. They respond swiftly and efficiently to our request for legal review, preparation and discussions and negotiations. ’

Key clients

WEAREONE.World BV


Computacenter


Chili publish


Solithor


Greenyard


Dobco Medical Systems


University College Leuven Limburg


UZ Brussel


Bullswap


Aurubis


E-contract


Work highlights


  • Assisting Computacenter with the conclusion of commercial agreements and compliance with specific Belgian regulations (including the public procurement legislation) in a variety of commercial relationships from supplier’s side.

Simont Braun

Simont Braun is active across regulatory matters, contractual issues, dispute resolution and M&A work in the IT and telecoms space. The team is notably strong in tech and data questions in the financial sector and disputes involving telecoms clients and relating to copyright principles. Fintech expert Joan Carette co-leads the team and is well positioned to assist clients with issues such as IT contracting, outsourcing and data regulatory compliance mandates. Trade mark litigation specialist Eric De Gryse completes the leadership team. Emmanuel Cornu leverages his IP expertise to assist telecoms clients in major disputes.

Practice head(s):

Joan Carette; Eric De Gryse


Other key lawyers:

Emmanuel Cornu


Key clients

Socios


Oxygen


Harmoney


Itsme


Work highlights


  • Assisting Belgian Mobile ID (Itsme) with the continuous process of being recognised as an e-identification means recognised at the European level under the eIDAS regulation.
  • Assisting Oxygen, an IT and consultancy company building tech solutions for the insurance industry, notably in the field of automatic document extraction.
  • Providing ongoing assistance to Socios.com concerning its arrival on the Belgian market; assisted the company with regulatory matters in relation to cryptocurrency legislation.