Firms To Watch: Industry focus: IT and internet 

AYACHE launched its tech practice in July 2022 following the arrival of Guillaume Seligmann from Cohen & Gresser.
Osmose focuses on software contracts, data protection and digitalisation matters, both in advisory work and in contentious matters. Transactional work is also handled.
OYAT entered the market in January 2022 following its launch by former partners of Latournerie Wolfrom Avocats. Marie-Hélène Tonnellier is the name to note.

Industry focus: IT and internet  in France

Alain Bensoussan-Avocats Lexing

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.

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.

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):

Rémy Bricard; Laurent Szuskin

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.

Other key lawyers:

Ariane Mole 

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.

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):

Jonathan Rofé

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)

Facebook

Google

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):

Anne-Laure Villedieu

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.

Other key lawyers:

Matthieu Dary

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.

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):

Ahmed Baladi

Other key lawyers:

Vera Lukic

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.

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.

Practice head(s):

Alexandra Néri

 

Key clients

Twitter

Google

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):

Olivier Haas; Rémy Fekete

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):

Jean-Luc Juhan

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):

Terence Cabot

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):

Prudence Cadio

Other key lawyers:

Romain Viret; Eva Naudon; Olivia Roche

 

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):

Nadège Martin

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.

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):

Benjamin May

Other key lawyers:

David Roche

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):

Matthieu Mélin

Other key lawyers:

Alexandra Mazeyrac

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):

Alexandre Le Peru

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.

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.

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.

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):

Claude-Etienne Armingaud

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):

Olivia Luzi

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):

Sandrine Cullaffroz-Jover

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):

Eric Barbry

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.

Practice head(s):

Philippe GlaserMarc Schuler

 

Other key lawyers:

Benjamin Znaty

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.

Key clients

Facebook

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

ADVANT Altana

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

Behring

Practice head(s):

Anne-Solène Gay

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

Bersay

Practice head(s):

Claire Poirson

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

Clifford Chance

Practice head(s):

Dessislava Savova

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

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

Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP

Practice head(s):

Vincent Denoyelle

Key clients

OVH

Vinted

DXC

Yandex

Bolt

Tata Consultancy Services

France Télévisions and France Télévisions Publicité

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher

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

Klein Wenner

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

Lawways

Practice head(s):

Gilles Rouvier

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

Pinsent Masons LLP

Practice head(s):

Annabelle Richard

Other key lawyers:

Guillaume Morat

Vercken & Gaullier

Vercken & Gaullier

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

Walter Billet Avocats

Practice head(s):

Alan Walter

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.