One of the oldest French IT and data law firms, Alain Bensoussan-Avocats Lexing advises on the full range of legal issues in the field, including cybersecurity and cloud computing. At the forefront of technology, the team is advising robotics companies regarding patents, trade marks and the design of their innovations. The firm is led by Alain Bensoussan, a veritable veteran in IT law, with over 40 years of experience. Jean-François Forgeron is the head of the IT law practice. Benoît De Roquefeuil is particularly well-known as a litigator. Frédéric Forster has strong experience in electronic communications issues and competition law. Virginie Bensoussan-Brulé has expertise in internal investigations and compliance programs. The head of the AI and robotic technologies law department is Jérémy Bensoussan.
Industry focus: IT and internet in France
Alain Bensoussan-Avocats Lexing
Practice head(s):
Alain Bensoussan; Jean-François Forgeron; Benoît De Roquefeuil; Frédéric Forster; Virginie Bensoussan-Brulé; Jérémy Bensoussan
Testimonials
‘Responsive and pragmatic.’
‘A highly proven methodology for GDPR compliance.’
‘Frédéric Forster demonstrates an exceptional capacity to adapt to the degree of expertise of his interlocutors and different levels of compliance in order to best respond to the needs of the company, notably by enabling the subjects to be prioritised according to their importance or complexity.’
Key clients
DXC Technology
SAP
Valeo
Vinci
Blue Frog Robotics
Fédération des entreprises de propreté
Port du Havre
Net Wash
Work highlights
- Assisting a software company that specialises in the creation of information systems in the context of a dispute against a solution integrator company.
- Represented a computing solutions company in a dispute to obtain recognition of its right of ownership.
August Debouzy
A key name in the IT world, August Debouzy advises major French and international clients with regard to their cross-border digital projects. Testament to its capabilities, the practice has been advising Microsoft for over 25 years, recently on licencing agreements with other entities to promote innovative technologies and digital transformation. Mahasti Razavi co-heads the IT practice alongside Florence Chafiol and Alexandra Berg-Moussa. Associate Anne-Sophie Lampe shows promise in IT litigation and is solicited by companies for some of their largest IT disputes. Hiring two associates in May 2021, the firm is committed to growing the practice.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Emmanuelle Mignon; Anne-Sophie Lampe; Nicolas Quoy; Charles Bouffier; Eden Gall
Testimonials
‘The August Debouzy IT/Data team is certainly the best in terms of the key points sought by a client: a very precise understanding of the issues at stake in our industry, unequalled responsiveness and flexibility, outstanding legal expertise in both counseling and litigation, a ton of creative legal thinking, true leadership in IT/Data related topics based on the managing partner’s and associates’ vision of what the 3.0 lawyer will be in coming years.’
‘All team members are the best in their respective fields and also have the highly sought-after ability of being able to take over files which are not initially theirs and to handle them in the best possible way, which increases pace and and makes their impact on our legal department even more significant.’
‘Competing law firms cannot compare with such a tailor-made client care.’
‘Mahasti Razavi, in addition to leading the firm as a whole in an extraordinary fashion, is the top lawyer for IT/Data topics in France and beyond, always setting the highest standards of excellence for her team.’
‘Florence Chafiol is the absolute leading specialist for privacy matters and has all the qualities that a client is looking for in a partner, no exceptions.’
‘Charles Bouffier is a central pillar of the August Debouzy IT/Data team. His extremely detailed knowledge of the new technologies sector, in particular the cloud business and its challenges, his much appreciated ability to work fast to assess the most complex legal issues and his unique ability to draw clear legal strategies in litigation or serving the business in negotiation, has no equivalent in competing law firms.’
‘Eden Gall is certainly the next top IT/Data lawyer at August Debouzy and also a product of the excellent academy that August Debouzy also is. This ability to train the best lawyers in their field necessarily increases the feeling of great confidence in working with this law firm. Eden Gall has the great ability to deeply understand client’s needs and its internal organisation which makes him a true business partner in addition of an outstanding lawyer.’
Key clients
Microsoft
Accor SA
Total SA & Total Global Procurement
Veolia Environnement
Meero
MyMoneyBank/Cerberus
EDF
Pernod Ricard
Zuora
Claranet
Aptiv
Work highlights
- Assisted Veolia Environnement with its contractual negotiations for a variety of large-scale contracts, seconding several of the firm’s attorneys to assist with a major review of contracts when they include privacy issues.
- Representing Zuora, Inc., in an expert assessment summary proceedings (‘référé-expertise’) brought by the Groupe UGC.
- Advising Cerberus/MMB on several IT contracts in the context of a key project relating to the acquisition of the retail banking activities in France of HSBC for €1.9bn.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie‘s cross-practice capabilities in IT deliver full-service solutions to clients wherever information technology is concerned, notably advising on outsourcing, digital transformation, and lT disputes. Rémy Bricard founded the firm’s information technology and communications practice in Paris and is an expert in structuring and negotiating complex IT and telecom contracts and projects. Laurent Szuskin co-heads the practice alongside Rémy Bricard. Francis Donnat joined the firm in 2021, after extensive in-house experience at Google and France Télévisions. Magalie Dansac Le Clerc specialises in IT transactions and regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
BNP Paribas
Covage
Evernex
IES Synergy
Roquette
Sodexo
Crédit Agricole Group
Egis
Oracle
Work highlights
- Advised Crédit Agricole Indosuez Wealth Management and its IT/Fintech subsidiary named Azqore on the negotiation and signing of a strategic, long-term, ITO & BPO agreement with Société Générale and a ‘back to back’ agreement with CapGemini.
Bird & Bird
One of the most renowned international IT firms on the French market, Bird & Bird draws on its strong intersectorial abilities to handle complex IT matters from clients in diverse industries. The firm has particular expertise handling hosting liability issues deriving from UGC content, with the team having recently published an EU geo-blocking regulation guide. Co-head of the practice alongside Merav Griguer, Stéphane Leriche is increasingly involved in market-leading matters with clients such as NextMind, an innovative brain-sensing wearable device that allows hands-free control of technology with direct brain commands.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Credit Mutual Arkéa
Nissan Motor Co
Oney Banque
Mastercard
Orange SA
NGO EU Desinfolab
Doctolib
Nextmind
IQVIA
Biosency
Novocure
Huawei
Workday
Blue Yonder
Mphasis Wyde
Sentinel One
Work highlights
- Successfully defended Doctolib, France’s main Covid-19 vaccination scheduling platform, in litigation before the Conseil d’Etat brought by several professional associations to suspend the contract between the French Health Department and Doctolib because of Doctolib’s use of Amazon cloud services for hosting its platform.
- Assisting Credit Mutuel Arkea and its subsidiary Arkea Banking Services with the structuring and negotiation of a major IT and business process outsourcing with AXA Banque.
- Acting as counsel for Orange SA including Orange Bank, for sensitive matters relating to data, privacy and cybersecurity issues.
Derriennic Associés
IT boutique Derriennic Associés offers a ‘full niche service’ to leading software producers, IT services providers and IT manufacturers. Particularly noted for its strength in litigation, the firm has been representing Thales Communication & Security in an ongoing dispute before the Administrative Court of Bordeaux relating to the implementation of a new ticketing system for public transport in the urban community of Bordeaux. Francois-Pierre Lani is head of the department and has experience as a jurist and as in-house counsel for major companies such as AXA. Alexandre Fievee stands out for his expertise in new technologies. Pierre-Yves Margnoux negotiates complex IT contracts. Georges Jenselme is particularly well known as a mediator. Bruno Ducoulombier has over thirty-five years of experience in advice and litigation under his belt.
Practice head(s):
François-Pierre Lani; Pierre-Yves Margnoux; Georges Jenselme; Bruno Ducoulombier; Alexandre Fievee
Testimonials
‘François-Pierre Lani is an IT expert in both consulting and litigation and that is why we call on him. We also work with his associates who are very good.‘
‘The team is composed of experts in the field of IT.‘
‘Lawyers who know what they are talking about and offer reliable analysis and judgements thanks to the experience of IT litigation acquired over the years and a team whose knowledge is constantly updated.‘
‘Excellent relationship with Bruno Ducoulombier and his team with whom we have been able to have a real team work.‘
‘Their knowledge and consideration of the uses, practices and techniques stands out.‘
Key clients
Audioptic Trade Services (ATS)
SAB
Thales
Legrand
Valéo
Kühne + Nagel
Xiaomi
AFNOR
BPCE / Natixis
La Banque Postale
Aareon
Infor
DLA Piper
DLA Piper has a particularly strong offering in the negotiation of highly complex agreements for the design, implementation, worldwide deployment and operationalisation of strategic IT solutions, both on-premise and SAAS. The firm is also well regarded for its contentious work, including IT project failure assistance, ERP implementation liabilities issues, outsourcing termination issues, software compliance claims and termination liabilities. Stéphane Lemarchand is recognised as an IT disputes specialist. Jonathan Rofé‘s expertise lies in outsourcing agreements. Frank Valentin joined in 2021 from ADVANT Altana.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Stéphane Lemarchand; Fabienne Panneau; Denise Lebeau-Marianna; Frank Valentin
Testimonials
‘Very good knowledge of the pharma sector. Very good expertise in the field of digital contracts (SaaS etc…). Pragmatic, business-oriented approach.‘
‘Flexibility, listening, availability.’
Key clients
Airbus
ATR
C2E Market
Capgemini
Covea
Dior
Filhet-Allard
HCL
Infor
L’Oreal
Linkedin Corporation
LVMH
Michelin
Microsoft Corporation
Oracle
Pathé
Pierre Fabre
Plateforme des Données de Santé (Health Data Hub)
Sanofi
Société Générale
Sopra-Steria
Thom Europe
Work highlights
- Assisting Société Générale with the drafting and negotiation of a services agreement related to the back-office operations and a large part of the IT services of Société Générale Private Banking’s international entities with Azqore.
- Assisting C2E Market with the implementation of its marketplace for the exchanges of energy saving certificates.
Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP
Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP‘s particular regulatory expertise makes it the firm of choice for clients seeking to navigate the regulatory landscape of cutting-edge technologies. Transactional work and IT service outsourcing and fintech matters are equally areas of focus. The arrival of Etienne Drouard from K&L Gates LLP in early 2020 strengthened the firm’s offering in IT. David Taylor has a unique insight into domain name and internet-related intellectual property matters, notably handling such matters for Facebook. Christine Gateau specialises in IT litigation. A name to watch in the IT space, Patrice Navarro was welcomed to the partnership in January 2021. Mikael Salmela also contributes in TMT and healthcare matters.
Key clients
Kosovo Telecom
Advancia Teleservices
Association Française de la Relation Client (French Customer Relations Association)
Groupe CANAL +
Work highlights
- Regularly advises Facebook on the recuperation of domain names, including online global enforcement, the recovery of gTLDs, handling of judicial requests and inquiries received from the French police, French courts and individual users, as well as on the management of judicial requests and inquiries received in other jurisdictions.
- Assisted Boursorama with its online CRM strategy in compliance with consumer protection rules and e-commerce regulations as well as with digital advertising tracking technologies.
- Provided legal guidance to Aéroports de Lyon in connection with the implementation of a facial recognition project, requiring the drafting of a data protection impact analysis on the processing of biometric data for submission to the CNIL (French Data Protection Authority).
CMS
CMS Francis Lefebvre Lyon Avocats has built a reputation in the IT space in contentious and non-contentious matters for technology, media and communication sector clients. Regularly advising market-leading online platforms such as AirbnB, Amazon and Deliveroo, the firm is well known for its regulatory expertise. Taking on cutting-edge projects, the team also assisted car manufacturer Hopium with the launch of its hydrogen car. Anne-Laure Villedieu manages the department.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Hopium
Batiman
Sage
Work highlights
- Assisted Batiman with the drafting of a complex IT agreement in order to implement a new IT solution to manage the whole supply chain of the client from supply to sell.
- Advised Hopium, a listed hydrogen car manufacturer, on the drafting and negotiation of major commercial and technology agreements involving notably the licence of intellectual property rights.
De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés
De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés’s IT team combines regulatory strength with expertise in complex litigation, acting for a diverse client base that includes start-ups and public bodies. The firm is the first independent French law firm to qualify as a Europrivacy official partner by the European Centre for Certification and Privacy. Georgie Courtois is the name to note at the firm and has developed particular knowledge in the field of technological innovation, namely artificial intelligence, Big Data, and robotics. Julien Horn handles transactional and contractual work on IP and IT assets. Cécile Théard-Jallu has built strong experience acting for international groups and SMEs in the fields of health, mobility and digital technologies. Louis de Gaulle specialises in intellectual property, new technologies, commercial law and public law.
Practice head(s):
Georgie Courtois; Louis de Gaulle; Julien Horn; Cécile Théard-Jallu
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Alliance Digitale Maladie Coronavirus.fr
BPCE
Brain To Cell
Département des Yvelines – E-tonomy
Easy Mile
Interop’Santé
MSF Médecins sans Frontière
Natixis
Sipa Ouest France
TF1
UEFA
Vicat
Féral
Focusing on intellectual property and IT matters, Féral has a strong track history of representing companies before judicial courts in IT litigation matters as well as in handling transactional work relating to technology agreements and outsourcing. The team welcomed Farid Bouguettaya from Artemont in June 2021. Co-founders Bruno Grégoire Sainte Marie and Christiane Féral-Schuhl have over 30 years of experience in technology projects and are both accredited by the Paris Mediation and Arbitration Centre.
Practice head(s):
Bruno Grégoire Sainte Marie; Christiane Féral-Schuhl; Richard Willemant
Other key lawyers:
Work highlights
- Assisting a major French cosmetic and personal care product company with the defence of its e-reputation after a very popular anonymous Instagram account published hundreds of alleged testimonies regarding working conditions inside the company.
- Assisting a leading company in the shipping industry in a litigation case against a leading software company that was formerly in charge of developing a software for the company.
Gibson Dunn
Gibson Dunn‘s IT team acts as counsel for French and international clients on the acquisition of new digital solutions, including artificial intelligence and cloud-based solutions, advising them on the associated compliance aspects of French law. Co-leading the practice in Paris, Ahmed Baladi is recognised in the market for his thought-leadership in technology, privacy, and cybersecurity and often takes the lead on strategic digital projects and outsourcing projects. Vera Lukic regularly advises on IT and data privacy aspects in connection with major M&A deals, including carve-out and transition issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
FRED Paris
Hublot
LCH
Louis Vuitton Malletier
NetEase
Platinum Equity Advisors, LLC
Renault
TAG Heuer
Thales
Unibail Rodamco Westfield
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. frequently handles major digital transformation projects and high-stakes IT projects. This year the team assisted the Aura Blockchain Consortium, composed of LVMH, Cartier and Prada, with the launch of the first global blockchain solution dedicated to the luxury goods industry. Complex IT disputes and major IT licensing and servicing agreements are other areas of strength. Thierry Dor is the name to note for IT. Newly appointed to the partnership in July 2021, Julien Guinot-Deléry is also highlighted for his involvement in the Unibail litigation.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Agence France-Presse
Michelin
Ile de France Region
Unibail
Ubisoft
Credit Agricole
Drouot
Crédit Mutuel Arkéa
Europ Assistance
Paris 2024
LVMH
Orange Group
Sorare
Fieldbox AI
Work highlights
- Acting as counsel for Agence France Presse in a technology-related litigation with a technology service provider which consolidates all analytics functionalities for all users in one product.
- Advised Aura Blockchain Consortium on the launch of the first global blockchain solution dedicated to the luxury goods industry.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Handling complex IT projects and disputes, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is often instructed by market-leading clients such as Twitter, Tripadvisor, Alibaba, and the Expedia group. Alexandra Néri leads the practice and has strong expertise in cybercrime, privacy issues and dawn raids, as well as in data transfer conflicts. Sébastien Proust has been involved in a number of leading cases that have helped shape internet law in France and in Europe, involving the application of trade mark law to advertising referencing, the digitalisation of books and the legal status of video platforms.
Other key lawyers:
Sébastien Proust; Laure Cardinet; Alexandre Euverte; Suzanne Carayol
Key clients
EXPEDIA GROUP/HomeAway
Tripadvisor
Alibaba
Molotov
Forsetti
Bureau Valée
Vinted
Jones Day
One of the first firms in Europe to develop a regulatory practice in telecommunications, Jones Day has a longstanding reputation for tech-related legal advice. The team is a popular choice of counsel for both new players and traditional operators, regularly acting for telecom operators, media and digital platforms, governments, investment funds, and financial institutions. Rémy Fekete has a particular focus on telecoms, whilst Olivier Haas is the expert on data-related issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Marta Lahuerta Escolano; David Guitton; Christophe Chadaillac; Hatziri Minaudier
Key clients
Caisse des dépôts et consignations
Eutelsat
Agence nationale d’aménagement des infrastructures minières (ANAIM)
Monaco Telecom
Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal services
(‘ARCEP’) – Republic of Burkina Faso
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Orange
Marjane
Sigfox
Société Générale
Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation (MENTD) – Republic
of Togo
Presidency of the Republic of Togo
Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins assists with transactional, regulatory, and litigation matters for tech companies and is especially active in the negotiation of complex telecommunications networks and infrastructure agreements, acting in particular for French groups operating globally. The firm advised unicorn investor Dragoneer on the $355m fundraising of France’s largest independent e-commerce site ManoMano. Jean-Luc Juhan is the head of the IT, telecoms and internet practice.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
ManoMano
Veracyte
Latournerie Wolfrom Avocats
Latournerie Wolfrom Avocats‘ full-service IT practice stands out for its work on market-leading projects. Terence Cabot leads the practice with decades worth of experience advising major players in France regarding their IT-related legal issues.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Axione
Bordeaux Métropole
Bouygues
The State of Burkina Faso
Carambar
Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC)
Clear Channel
CDC HABITAT
COLAS
CNOP (Conseil national de l’Ordre des Pharmaciens)
Daimler Trucks
Département de l’Aveyron
Département de Charente Maritime
Département de Meurthe et Moselle
Energie Demain
Eure Normandie Numérique
France TV
Free, Free Mobile
FLCP
FNCCR
The State of Gabon
Galeries Lafayette Group
Groupe Roullier
Haute Garonne Numérique
IDI
Ingenico
Kerudys (ex SVP Group)
Kosc Telecom
Maroc Telecom
MOET HENNESSY
Neocase
Nexstage
OUI SNCF
PAI PARTNERS
Paris la Défense
Pôle Emploi
Primavista
Pumpkin
Radio France
RATP
Région Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Région Grand Est
Région Bretagne
Région Normandie
Relais & Chateaux
Seine Maritime Numérique
Somme Numérique
SIG (Systeme d’Information du Prime Minister)
SNCF
STIF
SQLI
SYDELA
TELT
Université de Lille
Vivendi Group
Ville de Saint-Etienne
Wolters Kluwer
LPA-CGR avocats
LPA-CGR avocats assists clients with the design and negotiation of IT contracts, advises on IT security policies, and steers clients through the French and EU compliance regulations for web activities. Particularly competent in handling the IT projects of energy-related contracts, the firm has experience advising entire operator chains, from the supplier to the distribution network. Prudence Cadio is specialised in computer law, the protection of personal data, internet law, and intellectual property.
Practice head(s):
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright‘s technology and innovation practice is best known for its advisory work on key IT transactions such as BPO and ITO, cloud services, and other XaaS licencing models. The team stays abreast of the legal implications of new technological developments, such as new cloud computing models, blockchain technology, internet of things and AI technologies. A particular highlight was the firm’s involvement in negotiating Crédit Agricole Payment Services’ issuer agreement with Apple for the deployment of Apple Pay within the Crédit Agricole group. Nadège Martin leads the practice and is the name to note for IT-related matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Crédit Mutuel / Euro Information Telecom
Axis Communications AB
Total
Hightech Payment Systems (HPS)
Pfizer
Engie
BNP Paribas Cardif
BNP Paribas Real Estate Property Management
Crédit du Maroc
Work highlights
- Acting as counsel for Total on the IP, data protection and IT Due Diligences and related agreements in connection with its acquisition of Blue Point London Ltd, London’s largest electric vehicle charge points network from the Bolloré Group.
- Assisting HPS with the IT due diligences and the drafting and negotiation of the SPA and TSA in connection with the acquisition of all the shares of ICPS, a service provider for processing payment transactions held by the Mauritius Commercial Bank Group (MCB).
- Advising Crédit Mutuel and Euro-Information Telecom, a Crédit Mutuel group company, on all telecom, IT, IP and data protection aspects (from both a contractual and regulatory perspective) in relation to the sale of Euro-Information Telecom (EIT) to Bouygues Telecom.
Osborne Clarke
Osborne Clarke‘s Paris IT practice has a great reputation for its ability to decrypt complex technology-related issues and handle complex transactions and disputes. The practice is led by Claire Bouchenard and Xavier Pican whose combined expertise spans digital transformation and cloud issues, adtech and e-commerce, cybersecurity and smart cities. Often instructed for its expertise in e-commerce, the firm has been advising Pokémon on the launch of its EU-wide e-commerce activity and its compliance with e-game regulation. Béatrice Delmas-Linel left the firm for an in-house position in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Group Casino (Casino Guichard-Perrachon)
Ocommerce
Relevanc
Distribution Casino France
Onepoint
Bouygues Construction
The Pokemon International Company
Mediamétrie
Group Lucien Barriere
HID Global
BPI France
Getyourguide
Groupe Asmodee
CMA CGM
Neoen
ecoATM
Work highlights
- Advised Group Casino and its adtech affiliate RelevanC on negotiating a strategic partnership with Google and Accenture to accelerate the digital transformation of the group.
- Advised Casino Group on a digital retail partnership to set up a joint company, marketing a retail media offering in France for food brands and their agencies.
- Assisting Onepoint with various topics related to the creation, development and commercialisation of the CoPass Platform including, IT, data, life sciences regulatory, contract and joint venture set-up.
Aramis
Aramis handles the full range of IT and digital law such as outsourcing and licencing and offers cutting-edge fintech expertise. E-commerce and e-payment systems are a big focus for the firm and the practice frequently acts as counsel for major multinational companies. Practice head Benjamin May takes the lead on such matters with the support of counsel David Roche.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
IRP AUTO
Société Générale
Keolis
Square
Natixis Payments
RTE
Vallourec
Twitch
SolarisBank
FrenchSys
Paylib
Tabeo
Marketparts
Emovis
Work highlights
- Assisted IRP Auto, a French insurance company handling 400,000 clients, with a critical platform migration project, advising on multi-vendor negotiations with Salesforce, DXC, Pro BTP, Almerys, Okta, Tessi, Varonis, etc.
- Assisted Keolis with the reorganisation of its customised contractual packages (framework agreement, application contract and purchase order) for SaaS tools to be implemented on a global scale.
- Assisted Square and all its affiliates with its access to the French market, namely assisting with regulatory, tax, commercial law and consumer law concerns.
Astura
Since the creation of Astura in 2012, the firm has amassed an impressive client list of French corporates and international companies. The firm has notably assisted Vista Bank Group with the negotiation of a complex IT carve-out following its purchase of two African banks from BNP Paribas. A testament to its technical expertise, the firm has also developed its own legal technology, Legio, to automate the drafting of legal documents. Co-founder Matthieu Mélin is the key contact at the firm, demonstrating expertise in both IT advisory services and dispute resolution.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Vista Bank Group
Work highlights
- Advised Vista Group on the drafting and negotiation of complex carve-out and transitional services agreements for information technology, electronic payment, anti-money laundering and treasury systems in relation to the acquisition of two majority shareholdings in BICIGUI in Guinea and in BICIAB in Burkina Faso.
DBC Avocats
Alexandre Le Peru's IT and data law practice at DBC Avocats predominantly advises on transactional matters, with a focus on negotiating IT services agreements although the firm has seen an increase in pre-litigious mandates. Spurred on by the worldwide drive to digitalise during the pandemic, the firm is adept at providing legal advice on digital transformation issues. Le Peru specialises in intellectual property.
Practice head(s):
DS Avocats
With extensive experience in the French market, DS Avocats advises SMEs and large companies on transactional and contentious matters related to all areas of IT, software, e-commerce, and data protection law. Sylvain Staub is the founder and CEO of legal tech company, Data Legal Drive, a GDPR compliance management platform used by both public and private companies. The firm has been strengthened by the arrival of the IT team from Staub & Associés in October 2019. Antoine Gravereaux leads the practice with Sylvian Staub.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
FIDAL
FIDAL notably assists clients with audits of IT agreements and internal IT security policies in mergers and acquisitions. Drafting and negotiating agreements and policies related to complex business relationships is another key line of work. With sector strength ranging from healthcare to telecoms, the team often advises on new technologies and developments in these sectors, for example on the arrival of 5G. Philippe Debry and Arnaud Tessalonikos lead the Paris team. Sabine Deloges and Aurélie Klein handle IT mandates in Rouen and Strasbourg respectively.
Practice head(s):
Philippe Debry; Sabine Deloges; Arnaud Tessalonikos; Aurélie Klein
Key clients
HUB ONE
BOUYGUES TELECOM
ATHÉO INGÉNIERIE
SOCOMEC
MEDAPPCARE /DEKRA
Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)
Work highlights
- Advising the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) on several matters such as litigation with subcontractors, electronic archive, electronic signature, website hosting, intellectual property in relation to databases.
- Assisting Bouygues Telecom with in-depth knowledge of the commercial, transactional, technical, legal and regulatory issues associated with telecoms services and products, including new technology, 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Provided Socomec with full support for the implementation of an IoT platform.
ITLAW Avocats
Boutique law firm ITLAW Avocats focuses on the negotiation of IT contracts, cybersecurity, digital marketing, data protection, and internet platform projects such as e-commerce. Founding partner Claudia Weber is an expert in the field of information technologies, data protection and intellectual property, in which she has over 25 years of experience. The firm is notably advising a number of public institutions such as the French Interior Minister and the French Development Agency on their IT projects. Marine Hardy was recently promoted to head of innovation and security, a division of the wider IT practice covering new technologies and cybersecurity. Weber and Hardy direct the IT practice together with Jean-Christophe Ienné.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
UniHA
Ministère de l’Intérieur
AFD (Agence Française de Développement)
Gras Savoye Willis Tower Watson
USF
Vinci
Caisse des dépôts et Consignations
Diebold Nixdorf
NTT Data
Work highlights
- Advising the Gras Savoye Group on an ambitious digital factory project as part of the group’s digital transformation.
- Assisting UniHA members, namely health, social and medico-social institutions, with the drafting and negotiation of IT contracts as well as pre-litigation and litigation, thus contributing to the digital transformation of the health eco-system.
- Assisted USF with advising SAP on its cloud contract offer.
K&L Gates LLP
K&L Gates LLP has strong expertise in innovative systems, combining strength in technology, data protection and IP. Notably undertaking innovative and complex work, the team has advised on encryption and security software for Enigma Software/Cyclonis and secure GPS services for ICaune. Developing a focus on connected transport matters, the firm advises some of the biggest names in this growing area. Claude-Etienne Armingaud is the head of the practice.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Coty, Inc.
AR24
ChannelAdvisor Corporation
Ergotron No Enigma Software/Cyclonis
Sloclap
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
Microsoft
Docaposte
Work highlights
- Assisted ChannelAdvisor Corporation, a provider of cloud-hosted e-commerce solutions that enable brands and retailers to increase sales globally, with the acquisition of BlueBoard, an electronic commerce analysis company,
- Assisted French start-up AR24 which provides certified electronic mail with acknowledgment of receipt services with the drafting and negotiating of its commercial agreement for its services.
- Advised Ergotron on all aspects related to the protection of personal data at European level.
Luzi Avocats
Boutique firm Luzi Avocats has developed expertise in the drafting and negotiation of a wide range of technology contracts and projects, usually representing and advising Saas Software producers or major hosting providers. The firm often negotiates against leading software publishers in the market such as Google, Oracle, and Microsoft. Olivia Luzi is the founder of the firm and is renowned for her in-depth knowledge of IT, media, and new technologies law.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
KPMG
Biogaran
OVHCloud
DQE Software
CNCC – Compagnie nationale des commissaires aux comptes
Squills Product BV
Federation Francaise Du Batiment (French Building Federation)
Traveldoo
Orthoclinical Diagnostics
Lyreco
Wiremind
SCR Group
Cogifor
Immucor
Consumer Goods Forum – Global Food Initiative
Work highlights
- Advised OVH Cloud on the negotiation of a key strategic partnership agreement with Google for the development of a cloud sovereign solution (Anthos).
- Assisted SQILLS Products with the drafting and negotiation of a major licence and implementation agreement with SNCF.
Pwc Société d'Avocats
Pwc Société d'Avocats covers all the bases of IT law, advising clients among other work on IoT, blockchain, media and e-commerce, and cybercrime matters. Sandrine Cullafroz-Jover has a particularly strong background in assisting with software development projects and the integration of international platforms, including large-scale outsourcing projects. Where cybercrime is a concern, she is the legal contact for the PwC Global Crisis Centre, offering a one-stop shop for dealing with data breaches and fraud.
Practice head(s):
Racine
Racine is best known for digitalisation, information system security, e- commerce and computing work, handling both contentious and non-contentious mandates. The team acts as data protection officer for more than 125 companies in commerce, distribution, press, education and transport, advising them on their day-to-day IT issues. Eric Barbry is the practice head and frequently assists clients with the legal aspects of their digital transformation.
Practice head(s):
Taylor Wessing
Led by Philippe Glaser and Marc Schuler, Taylor Wessing‘s IT team carries out transactional work for a diverse mix of clients ranging from blue-chip global brands to SMEs with innovative business models and technologies. In addition to the heavyweight transactional and business project practice, including outsourcing, the team regularly advises on digital media products, including social media platforms, and assists clients with leveraging developing technologies. Valérie Aumage and two associates left in 2021.
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
DELL
HISCOX
DAILYMOTION
CARMAT
IBM
WEBEDIA
B&B HOTELS
BYTEDANCE (TIK TOK)
COMCAST
AMAZON
AIG
AXA
RATP
XEROX
AIRSHIP
DATADOG
Work highlights
- Assisting IBM with major IT disputes as well as with regulatory matters in relation to GDPR.
- Acting as counsel to Hiscox on the management of IT claims in relation to its TMT and cyber covers.
- Advising AXA Group on the negotiation of software and IT services purchase agreements.
White & Case LLP
Working hand in hand with the firm's corporate team, White & Case LLP‘s IT team handles IT issues in the context of mergers and acquisitions as well as stand-alone work for both domestic and global clients. For key client Facebook, the practice handles pre-litigation and litigation matters affecting its social network activities outside the US. Given the increasing scrutiny of authorities, Bertrand Liard often advises on IT regulatory matters in the event of security breaches. Clara Hainsdorf has extensive experience in commercial litigation.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Natixis
Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
Aéma Groupe
OncoDNA
Tink
Loxam
Work highlights
- Acting as counsel to Facebook around the world, including in Silicon Valley, assisting with pre-litigation and litigation matters affecting its social network activities outside the US, including regulatory matters.
- Advising Natixis on several digitalisation and regulatory-driven technology matters, including their project on digitalisation of the workplace, the acquisition of cloud services for PRIIPs compliance purposes, as well as on privacy and personal data protection issues regarding compliance with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).
- Assisting AFD, the French Development Agency, on the negotiation of several IT agreements.
ADVANT Altana
Practice head(s):
Key clients
ALDI
BOUYGUES GROUP
CEGID
PRESSTALIS
VEKIA
OHM GAMES
LA POSTE GROUP
Work highlights
- Advised Cegid on the acquisition of the ACA Group, an independent software publisher specialising in cash management, management of accounting and financial flows.
- Assisted La Poste’s digital branch with its development in artificial intelligence by advising the group on its acquisition of Openvalue, a big data and AI consulting firm.
- Assisted the founding partners of the studio OHM Games, leader in the production of hyper-casual mobile video games, with the sale of a majority stake to Voodoo, a world leader in mobile game publishing.
Behring
Practice head(s):
Key clients
SWISS POST SOLUTIONS
BIG FIVE SOLUTIONS & BIG FIVE EDITION
SMALLABLE
QOVOLTIS
MOBYFLY
CHECK & VISIT
COMMERCIAL CHAMBER OF DJIBOUTI
GOVERNMENT OF TOGO
Work highlights
- Acting as counsel to Swiss Post Solutions, a global BPO service provider, on IT and data protection matters.
- Advised Qovoltis on IT contracts and e-commerce regulation in the context of the company’s commercial development on the French market of electric vehicle charging solutions.
- Assisted the Government of Togo with its efforts to enforce cybersecurity by setting up a national CERT/SOC and negotiating a PPP contract with the Polish group ASSECO.
Bersay
Practice head(s):
Key clients
ANTARES VISION SPA
Work highlights
- Advised Antares Vision Spa on the acquisition of the assets of French company Adents High Tech International following its judicial liquidation.
Clifford Chance
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Airbus
Generali Global Infrastructure
Legrand
MTN
Nissan
Oracle
Sephora
Spotify
Tencent
Twitch
Work highlights
- Advising Sephora on a breakthrough cooperation that sees Sephora become Zalando’s strategic partner for prestige beauty on Zalando’s online platform for numerous countries in Europe.
- Assisting Legrand, a leading group in electric and digital infrastructure solutions, with implementing the strategic launch of a new range of innovative connected objects and related online applications on a worldwide basis.
- Assisting Nissan with the strategic migration of its IT systems from one country to another.
Cohen & Gresser LLP
Key clients
Alfresco
Altares
Carrefour
Cisco
Constellation Software, Inc.
Groupe Avril
INMA (International New Media Association)
LVMH Group
Paymium Providence Equity Fund
Constellation Software Inc.
Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
OVH
Vinted
DXC
Yandex
Bolt
Tata Consultancy Services
France Télévisions and France Télévisions Publicité
Fieldfisher
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Tofane
Computacenter
Glory Global Solutions
AwoX
Buzzfeed
Quotient Technologies
Akka Technologies
Paradox Interactive
Hexagon AB
Work highlights
- Assisting Computacenter with the acquisition of the domestic activities of BTS, the French subsidiary of BT Group.
- Acted for Akka Technologies and successfully reversed a sanction on the AKKA group by the Competition Authority for “obstructive” practices that occurred during dawn raids in its premises.
- Advising Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Division on the acquisition of CADLM, a French provider of applied technology to industry.
KGA Avocats & Wenner
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Gabonese Strategic Investment Fund (FGIS)
Agence du Numérique en Santé
ONE FIRST GROUP
ZIRCON GROUP
Direction régionale académique à la jeunesse, à l’engagement et aux sports d’Ile-de-France (DRAJES)
CORTEXIA
WINCH AM
Work highlights
- Assisted Zircon Group and KPub with drafting a legal opinion regarding the compliance of their advertising platform with French legislation and by drafting the general conditions of use of the mobile application KPub.
- Acting as counsel to the Agence du Numérique en Santé regarding IT and data health issues.
- Assisted DRAJES with the writing of an agreement with a service provider whose purpose is the improvement of the Prescriform platform so that it is more secured and didactic by offering more options for the users.
Lawways
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Unilabs
Chartbeat
Bottomline Technologies US
Amundi v Accor
Hubtobee
Banco Sabadell
Ansys
Advize
Advize
Addvolt
Marni
Sofico
Lepont
Financo
Cetrafact
KRT Motocross / Kawasaki Racing Team
Work highlights
- Advised Unilabs on the drafting of an IT service contract.
- Acted as counsel for New York listed company Bottomline Technologies US on the IP & IT aspects of the acquisition of software solutions company TreasuryXpress.
- Defended Amundi group in a dispute with Accor Hotels involving data protection liability.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Vercken & Gaullier
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Bouygues
Telecom
NTF1
Orange
DUCKY GAMES NADAMI
Kantar
Dataneo
Ubiant
Explore
Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Elsevier Masson
Work highlights
- Advised a major car manufacturer on a strategic partnership with a leading software and IT solutions provider.
- Assisted an outdoor advertising company with the negotiation and drafting of an IT contract to develop virtual robots in order to automate certain tasks.
- Acted as counsel to a professional representative organisation to secure the use and distribution of a software developed by the client for the agricultural sector.
Walter Billet Avocats
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Aerys
Babel France (Babel Tech)
Biolog-ID
Blockchain Studio
CAMCA Courtage
Digiteka
E-axess
Energysquare
Etudes Studio
FillnDrive
France Horizon
Frontline Media
Goodeed
Herdia
Hôtel des ventes de l’orléanais
Kamet
Kapptivate
Kard
LittleBigCode
Make Fashion Studio
Merito
OneRagtime
Phantombuster
Selency
SmartData (SociétéInfo)
SportVIP (Tie Break)
Virtuo Technologies
VSB Energies Nouvelles
Yellow Korner France
Yokai
Ylly
Groupe Rocher
Pierre Fabre
Akur8
Alliance Automotive Group
Antevenio
Axionable
Beauty Blend (Jolimoi)
Chéri Chéri
Digiteyes
Elyse
Entrepreneur Invest (Entrepreneurs Venture)
Fairmint
Fintel (Fydem)
ITS Integra
Koyeb
LawGo
MADP
Malherbe
Mayday
Nutravalia
PortAdhoc
Piano
Unify
Unique Entertainment Experience (Powder)
Vestiaire Collective
Woonivers
Prométhée
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel to Pierre Fabre on the drafting and negotiation of outsourcing contracts with its various suppliers for the next five years.
- Assisted Mayday with the drafting and negotiation of SaaS agreements with Fnac-Darty and Rakuten.
- Advised Vestiaire Collective on all aspects related to its e-commerce activities, in particular contractual negotiations with suppliers.