Firms To Watch: Information technology and digitalisation

Lambsdorff Rechtsanwälte advises German and international clients from the software, e-commerce and real-time advertising sectors and is also experienced in data protection law.

Information technology and digitalisation in Germany

Baker McKenzie

Thanks to frequent cooperation with the firm’s US offices and longstanding experience in IT and data protection law, Baker McKenzie supports well-known international companies and banks. These include software and pharmaceutical companies, automotive manufacturers and telecoms companies, which, as part of the firm’s full-service approach, also benefit from capacities in IT litigation as well as marketing-related matters (particularly in the social media segment), outsourcing and e-commerce. The practice is jointly led by Michel Schmidl and Holger Lutz, who both have in-depth expertise in data protection law and cover the intersection to employment law and IP. Simone Rieken (IT and data protection law) made partner in July 2022.

Practice head(s):

Michel Schmidl; Holger Lutz


Other key lawyers:

Florian Tannen; Simone Rieken


Testimonials

‘Large team with versatile backgrounds and broad industry knowledge.’

‘Excellent availability and short response times. Proactive and independent work.’

‘Coordination and consultation whenever necessary. Very high professional level with very good implementation in practice.’

Bird & Bird LLP

Bird & Bird LLP is among the top addresses for cross-border digitisation projects and offers expertise in recent topics, such as IoT, cloud solutions, AI, blockchain, data, metaverse and, increasingly, on data rights, licensing and cybersecurity. The team supports numerous international companies as well as German companies in the public sector. Renowned IT experts Henriette Picot and Lennart Schüßler cover agile software development, big data, e- and m-commerce, cloud computing as well as contractual and regulatory issues pertaining to digital media. Practice head Fabian Niemann specialises in international technology and data protection projects. Simon Assion (information and telecommunications law) in the Frankfurt office and Benjamin Wübbelt (interface between public procurement law and IT law) in Düsseldorf were both appointed partners in May 2022. In February 2023, IT and data protection expert Alexander Duisberg joined Ashurst LLP.

Practice head(s):

Fabian Niemann


Key clients

ABB


Aiways


Armis


AUDI


CDQ


Dexcom


Equinix


European Stability Mechanism (ESM)


IQM Deutschland GmbH


Infosys


JDA Software


Kaspersky


Lexmark


Nuance Communications


Plattform Industrie 4.0 – Legal TestBed


Qlik


QVC


Rackspace


SAP


TechMahindra


TomTom


Western Digital


Work highlights


  • Comprehensive advice to adidas on numerous IT projects, telecommunications law issues, data-driven solutions and e-commerce issues.

  • Advice on the Q-Exa project, including negotiation of contracts for the construction of a quantum computer with superconductor technology with 20 qubits in Germany as well as advice on IP issues, in particular patent law issues.

  • Ongoing advice to Western Digital on IT law, in particular on hardware product compliance, IT distribution law, copyright levies, cybersecurity and the applicability of the new IT security requirements of the extended EU RED Directive.

CMS

Thanks to its sizeable team, CMS advises on numerous IT-related matters, including the use of AI and blockchain technology, regulatory e-health issues as well as software copyright and licensing;  the latter two are among Malte Grützmacher‘s core strengths. Companies from the finance, insurance, healthcare and automotive sectors are among the client roster. Online retailers and service providers benefit from the advice on e-commerce in the context of platform regulation and the introduction of new features and products. Markus Häuser and Florian Dietrich lead the team, which also covers transactions, outsourcing and digital business models and expanded at partner level in January 2022 with Markus Kaulartz (blockchain and crypto), Martin Gerecke (new media and e-commerce) and Philippe Heinzke (implementation of digital business models).

Practice head(s):

Markus Häuser; Florian Dietrich


Testimonials

‘Very good network between the departments; Short-term addition of required technical input possible at any time.’

‘Very pleasant working atmosphere noticeable; consistently high-quality work results.’

‘Professional, fast response time, flexible, good communication, start-up friendly.’

Noerr

Noerr‘s renowned team offers an interdisciplinary full-service approach, combining capacities in commerce, trade, IT, outsourcing and media. Traditional IT topics are a core focus as well as newer areas, including artificial intelligence, data management, fintech, e-sports and digital health. Among the client base are players from a wide variety of sectors, including technology, healthcare, automotive, finance and insurance. Experienced Peter Bräutigam is a key contact for large-volume outsourcing transactions, while Joachim Schrey is an expert in high technology projects, IT compliance and business process outsourcing. Senior associate David Bomhard (IT outsourcing, agile software development, platforms, AI) is another key member of the team, which is led by Thomas Thalhofer and Torsten Kraul; the latter made partner in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Thalhofer; Torsten Kraul


Testimonials

‘Noerr offers us expertise in all of the legal areas we require from a single source.’

‘Even at short notice it was always possible to obtain well-founded information from other areas of law.’

‘Fast, reliable reaction and processing of spontaneous inquiries.’

Key clients

Alibaba.com (Europe) Ltd.


Bayer AG


Bayerische Landesbrandversicherung AG


BayWa AG / FarmFacts GmbH


Credi2 GmbH


Debeka Krankenversicherungsverein a.G.


Deutsche Börse AG


Deutsche Kreditbank AG


HCL Technologies Germany GmbH


Klöckner Shared Services


Lotto24


McDonald‘s


MEWA Textil-Service AG & Co. Management OHG


Microsoft Deutschland GmbH


Tata Consultancy Services Deutschland GmbH


TechSAT GmbH


tooz technologie GmbH


Trustlog GmbH


Versicherungskammer Bayern


Zimmer GmbH


Work highlights


  • Comprehensive advice to Trustlog on setting up a digital guarantee platform (LegalTech platform).

  • Support of a leading manufacturer of automotive software in the creation and negotiation of contracts for the exclusive supply of leading automotive brands with digital technology in cars.

  • Comprehensive advice to Klöckner Shared Services GmbH on the outsourcing of global IT functions.

Taylor Wessing

The experienced and sizeable Taylor Wessing IT team around Paul Voigt advises a versatile client base, consisting of start-ups, medium-sized companies and multinational corporations. Projects related to big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence are supported as well as outsourcing, international transactions, e-commerce and related data protection issues; the latter is the key strength of Axel Freiherr von dem Bussche. Salary partner Mareike Gehrmann covers the key topic digital transformation, which includes digitisation projects in the world of work as well as the healthcare, mobility and finance sectors. The team also advises public sector clients on IT projects, here, Detlef Klett is experienced in advising federal ministries.

Practice head(s):

Paul Voigt


Testimonials

‘Full service law firm with strong partners in all legal areas relevant to our industry.’

‘Very strong knowledge, not only of the legal framework, but also of the economic and technical context in the industry.’

‘Dr. Tobias Schelinski looks after our mandate centrally. Outstanding industry expert. Extremely goal-oriented, we can rely on receiving concrete and actionable recommendations for complex and new legal problems at any time.’

‘Tobias Schelinski has an excellent team and always has excellent recommendations.’

Key clients

Douglas / Parfümerie Douglas Deutschland


Riese & Müller


Unicon


Adobe Systems


Springer


Wargaming


Exit Games


Nakisa


CoachHub


sennder


Valve


Circulor Ltd.


Fujitsu Technology


Work highlights


  • Representing Adobe Systems Inc. in connection with one of the milestone decisions in the software sector (used-soft) in recent years.

  • Ongoing legal and strategic advice to the international digital company Douglas on the launch of new products and services.

  • Advising Valve, the world’s largest platform for the distribution of computer games, in the areas of data protection, consumer protection and e-commerce.

DLA Piper

Financial service providers as well as companies from the technology and particularly the automotive industry rely on DLA Piper‘s full-service expertise, which covers IT law matters at national and international level. The versatile advice offering includes digital transformation such as cloud services and big data, the use of AI and blockchain technology, outsourcing and transactions as well as litigation. The practice fields renowned IT expert Jan Geert Meents and data law specialist Jan Pohle. The team acts from Munich, Hamburg and Cologne and is led by Stefan Engels and Thilo von Bodungen.

Testimonials

‘Ready to work quickly, very competent, quickly familiarize themselves with topics and understand client situations.’

‘Very flexible in availability and when arranging appointments, very good coordination within the office team.’

‘Very good explanation of legal topics for non-lawyers.’

‘Very good negotiation with the other side, finding convincing arguments, good knowledge of human nature, very good feeling for the negotiating leeway on the other side with corresponding experience.’

‘Extensive experience, knowledge of the industry and wealth of formulations.’

Key clients

Atos


Heidelberger Druckmaschinen


Lanxess Deutschland


Work highlights


  • Representation of Atos Information Technology GmbH in various projects and IT litigation proceedings.

  • Advising Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG on various outsourcing projects, including the transfer of the shared service center for purchasing and financial management to an external service provider, the implementation of the new SAP system, transfer of WAN services to a new provider, IT Outsourcing Agreement and Outsourcing of LAN/VOICE Services.

  • Support for LANXESS Germany in negotiating an IT outsourcing contract with Accenture.

Hogan Lovells International LLP

Due to the close cooperation with the teams in Europe, Asia and the US, Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s German team is regularly instructed on cross-border matters. A cross-practice approach benefits companies from the automotive and life sciences sectors regarding cloud services, digital transformation, software development, compliance, AI and machine learning, whereas banks and insurance companies are also among the client roster. Players from the latter two sectors regularly instruct counsel Sarah-Lena Kreutzmann on IT, outsourcing, software license and maintenance agreements. Burkhart Goebel leads the global IP, media and technology practice, while Miriam Gundt holds the European chair and Andreas Bothe heads the German team.

Key clients

ANIMUS GmbH & Co. KG


Catena-X


Dana Incorporated


Eberspächer Gruppe


Erste Abwicklungsanstalt (EAA)


Helsing AG


IKB Deutsche Industriebank GmbH


Jungheinrich Gruppe


Kantar


MorphoSys


Nagravision


Payback


Phoenix Contact


Synlab


Work highlights


  • Advising Helsing GmbH on the use of open source data and open source software in the field of machine learning and on setting up corresponding compliance processes; Advice on data protection law as part of the client’s GDPR implementation project.

  • Advising the US technology company PTC, Inc. on the negotiations regarding the acquisition of the IP and brand of the augmented reality (AR) start-up RE’FLEKT.

  • Advice to the First Liquidation Agency (EAA) on the structuring and implementation of a total of four major procurement procedures for the outsourcing of several business processes (business process outsourcing) in the areas of portfolio management, financial data management, compliance and IT.

Osborne Clarke

Osborne Clarke‘s IT team focuses on consumer compliance projects, digitisation projects such as health services, cloud-related matters as well as the areas fintech and crypto. Thanks to capacities at the IP, insolvency, competition and antitrust law interfaces, companies are advised on the handling of data as an economic asset, data protection litigation, cybersecurity and incident response measures. The practice, led by Flemming Moos, is also experienced in the structuring of international data flows, data protection audits and compliance matters. The area of e-commerce is covered by Konstantin Ewald, while Felix Hilgert primarily advises on IP and IT contracts as well as on interactive entertainment-related issues. In September 2022, Lina Böcker (formerly at JBB Rechtsanwälte ) joined the practice, she specialises in IT transactions.

Practice head(s):

Flemming Moos


Testimonials

‘Deep technical understanding paired with an absolute focus on solving legal challenges.’

‘Holistic advice, since not only the specified specialist area is covered.’

‘Very experienced team and well positioned in terms of both versatility and capacity.’

‘Very diverse team. Collegial cooperation between the locations also helps clients to find the right contact person.’

‘Use LegalTech very efficiently. Innovative billing that adapts to clients.’

‘Konstantin Ewald: Outstanding expertise in this area, very solution-oriented, quick delivery of answers and solutions to our legal challenges, technical understanding.’

‘The outstanding partner is Konstantin Ewald, who masters every situation with humor and industry knowledge.’

‘Ulrich Bäumer structures the negotiations with the contractual counterpart very well, so that the contracts are concluded quickly and with high quality.’

Key clients

RTL / G+J


7Mind


Fidelity Strategic Ventures Limited


CooperVision, Inc.


Curalie GmbH


METRO Markets GmbH


Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft


Quest Software AG


Splunk, Inc.


SSI Schäfer


Work highlights


  • In the course of the integration process of G+J into RTL, advising the new integrated group of companies of RTL, including strategic advice to G+J on smart data and big data analyses.

  • Ongoing strategic advice on data protection law and other IT law regulatory issues relating to the health platform of Curalie GmbH in a national and international context.

  • Comprehensive advice on data protection and e-commerce issues to CooperVision, Inc.

SKW Schwarz

SKW Schwarz focuses its advice on three central pillars: software cloud and outsourcing; data protection and cybersecurity as well as platforms and e-commerce. Recent growth topics include SaaS solutions and other cloud-based business models as well as mobility. Well-known medium-sized players and large companies are among the client roster, in addition to a longstanding client relationship with a major automotive manufacturer. Since the beginning of 2022, Daniel Meßmer, who made partner in January of the same year, and Andreas Peschel-Mehner (expertise in platform business and cloud developments) jointly head the group, replacing Matthias Orthwein, who continues to advise on digital business models.

Testimonials

‘Regular free jour fixe.’

‘Transparent billing regarding consulting priorities.’

‘The people at SKW are characterized by the fact that they respond to the situation and needs with great empathy.’

Key clients

Robert Bosch


Wort & Bild Verlag


Work highlights


  • Supporting the Wort&Bild Verlag in the litigation against the Federal Ministry of Health due to digital cooperation between Google and the Federal Ministry of Health regarding the Gesund.bund.de portal.

  • Advising Robert Bosch GmbH on the renegotiation of a payment contract for Bosch e-commerce platforms with PayPal.

Gleiss Lutz

Gleiss Lutz focuses on matters pertaining to data and offers a full-service approach. The workload includes the advice to health insurance companies on electronic patient files and on the telematics infrastructure, among others. Further clients include international companies, start-ups and venture capital companies, which the team supports in M&A transactions, particularly in the technology sector. The group is led by Stefan Weidert (IT) and Christian Hamann (data protection), which also includes Alexander Molle (IT and IP, including IT contracts and IT litigation) and Simon Wegmann (data protection); the latter made associated partner in July 2021.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Weidert


Testimonials

‘The professionally experienced team works in a very service-oriented manner.’

‘Response and processing times are short, industry knowledge and professional competence are excellent.’

‘The team is always approachable and available and works very practice-oriented. We feel well taken care of.’

Key clients

AOK-Bundesverband GbR und die 11 AOKs


Bundesdruckerei GmbH


Deutsche Post DHL Group


Envases Öhringen GmbH


ERGO Group


Gelato


Hornbach


Hotjar


kubus IT


LG Corporation


Northern Data AG


Robert Bosch GmbH


Satisfai Health Inc.


VfB Stuttgart AG


Work highlights


  • Advice on IT and data protection law to the 11 AOKs in connection with the electronic patient file (front end, back end and operation) and with questions of the telematics infrastructure in German health law; Support in tendering and negotiating new contracts.

  • Comprehensive support for Bundesdruckerei GmbH in the negotiation of contracts for the production and further development of ID documents and various software projects.

  • Advice on data protection law to the insolvency administrator of Wirecard in the comprehensive investigations as part of the processing of the Wirecard scandal.

Greenberg Traurig Germany

Greenberg Traurig Germany‘s expertise encompasses outsourcing and digitisation projects, regulatory advice, cloud computing, e-commerce and e-payments, transactions in the technology sector and related litigation as well as the interfaces with technology, media, data protection and telecommunications law. Integrated into the global network, the team assists companies of all sizes, including start-ups and large global corporations from the finance, mobility and healthcare sectors, among others. The practice is headed by Viola Bensinger, who advises on numerous technology-related disputes.

Practice head(s):

Viola Bensinger


Testimonials

‘High engagement; quick understanding and thus short training times.’

‘Obviously good exchange of information between the people involved within the law firm.’

‘Advice on contract issues based on the latest legislation, including highlighting other relevant points outside of the mandate.’

‘Great accessibility, reliable answers, high legal expertise.’

‘An excellent understanding of our business needs, a high level of expertise paired with pragmatism.’

‘Viola Bensinger and her team gave us comprehensive and effective advice on contractual issues. Her work was very thorough and conscientious, but always pragmatic and goal-oriented. The exchange always took place at eye level, even with complex issues, so that we were able to make well-founded decisions in contract negotiations.’

‘Carsten Kociok: High level of expertise, availability, commitment, understanding of our business needs.’

‘Laura Zentner: Always proposes pragmatic approaches.’

Key clients

Zoom


GlobalLogic


AB Volvo


ZTE Corp./ZTE Services Deutschland GmbH


Amazon


PayPal


Foxxum GmbH / Rlaxx TV GmbH


RBI – Restaurant Brands International


Volkswagen Financial Services AG


CA Immo


xPLM


NDC / Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH


Medtronic, Inc.


Digital Turbine


Beos AG


Hanova Wohnen GmbH


EDGE Technologies (OVG Real Estate)


Help AG


Greenbyte AB


Dürr AG


Work highlights


  • Advising Foxxum GmbH, a provider of smart TV solutions, on SAAS contracts and PaaS contracts.

  • Advice to Digital Turbine Inc. on the acquisition of ad tech company Fyber N.V.

  • Advising the software company Ateme on designing the software for an Internet video recorder service.

GvW Graf von Westphalen

Headed by Stephan Menzemer, GvW Graf von Westphalen is particularly well versed at the interface with the automotive, finance and healthcare sectors as well as the intersection to public law. This advisory offering leads to regular instructions from national medium-sized companies as well as an increasing number of global companies and public sector clients. Michael Herold focuses on IT and data protection law matters and made partner in January 2022. In June 2022, Gudrun Hausner (data protection, IT and competition law) and Axel von Walter (data protection and digitisation) joined the Munich location from ADVANT Beiten.

Practice head(s):

Stephan Menzemer


Testimonials

‘All the lawyers in the law firm advise us competently, reliably and very quickly.’

‘Comprehensive competence paired with a sense of proportion and pragmatism.’

‘The practice is particularly to be commended for combining the right balance between legal expertise and commercial thinking.’

Key clients

acatech


ADAC SE


Ministerium des Inneren, für Digitalisierung und Kommunen Baden-Württemberg


CDP Europe


E.M.P. Merchandising Handelsgesellschaft mbH (Warner Music Group)


SCHUFA Holding AG


Universitätsstadt Gießen


AEF Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation e.V.


Asseco Solutions AG, Asseco Solutions GmbH, Asseco Solutions s.r.l.


Biospring GmbH


Infosys Limited


Mecklenburgische Versicherungs-Gesellschaft a.G.


trivago N.V.


Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt


Versorgungswerk der Landesärztekammer Hessen


WEFRA LIFE-Group


Heuking

Heuking is experienced in supporting IT projects in the telecoms sector, this interface competence was strengthened with the partner appointment of Christine Grau in January 2023, while the group also covers corporate law, transactions and contentious mandates. Capacities in connection with IT security, IT governance, data protection and the protection of trade secrets complement this offer. Among the key contacts are Dominik Eickemeier (IT and telecoms), Markus Lennartz (IT and telecoms as well as data protection and data security) and Philip Kempermann (software and app development and support for complex digitisation projects).

Other key lawyers:

Philip Kempermann; Thomas Jansen; Christine Grau


Testimonials

‘We recommend!’

‘High availability of the team’s resources. Constant and high willingness to help.’

‘Dr. Philip Kempermann is an outstanding expert with excellent industry knowledge and a solution-oriented way of working.’

‘All inquiries from our company are successfully processed by Mr. Jansen and his team. The collaboration is very pleasant and professional.’

‘The collaboration with Dr. Jansen was and is always very pleasant. He is very experienced in the areas of IT, technology law and data protection law due to his many years of activity in these areas, keeps a cool head even in difficult situations and advises in an extremely pragmatic and solution-oriented manner, overall a strategically thinking team player.’

Work highlights


  • Advising 1&1 Versatel GmbH on the negotiation and conclusion of several contracts as part of the development of the United Internet Group’s 1&1 5G mobile network.

  • Advising FTI Touristik GmbH on revising the group-wide IT security strategy.

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH

In the digitisation arena, Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH recently focused on AI platforms and electromobility, corona apps and digital teaching. Practice head Wulff-Axel Schmidt is regularly instructed on the implementation of sourcing and copyright strategies, while Maximilian Dorndorf offers expertise at the interface between IT and technology, including in the context of software, research and development projects. Michael Rath is a key contact for matters pertaining to IT security and IT compliance, while Christian Kuß is well versed in IT contracts.

Practice head(s):

Wulff-Axel Schmidt


Other key lawyers:

Michael Rath; Stephan Rippert; Maximilian Dorndorf; Christian Kuß


Testimonials

‘We have had an excellent working relationship for years.’

Christian Kuß: Very pragmatic and goal-oriented advice that helps immediately; very good negotiation skills.’

‘Michael Rath and Christian Kuß are absolute experts in their field and have given us excellent advice on a large outsourcing project thanks to their detailed and industry knowledge.’

‘Dr. Rath & Team are real experts in digitization.’

‘Dr. Michael Rath is one of the experts in IT law.’

Key clients

Continental Aktiengesellschaft


Bernard Krone Holding SE & Co. KG


Deutsche Telekom AG


arvato Systems / Bertelsmann


AirBerlin


Bayer


BASF


Bundesministerium für Verkehr u. digitale Infrastruktur


Celesio


Deutsche Bank / Postbank


E.ON


Evonik Industries


Miele


ThyssenKrupp


SIG


Procter & Gamble


Reemtsma


Infosys


Metro


Imperial Tobacco Limited


Fiege Logistik Stiftung & Co. KG


IHK Gesellschaft für Informationsverarbeitung mbH


Work highlights


  • Advice to the IHK Gesellschaft für Informationsverarbeitung mbH regarding digital mailboxes, including checking the formal requirements for the delivery of digital content, support for various digitization projects and checking the TK cloud services for compliance with the new TTDSG.

  • Advice on IT law to the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe in the tender for a radio-based train protection system (CBTC), including the creation of an EVB IT system contract and negotiation.

  • Advice on IT and data protection law to NVBW Nahverkehrsgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg mbH in connection with the modernization and digitization of the transport infrastructure in Baden-Württemberg.

Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB

The internationally-oriented team at Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB regularly supports companies in the energy, infrastructure, real estate and finance sectors as well as technology, science and industry in their digital transformation. A particular focus is on the automotive sector, which regularly instructs the team on matters such as crisis management in the wake of the recent semiconductor shortage as well as e-mobility and data protection in the context of connected cars; practice head Stephan Appt is a key contact here. Kirsten Wolgast (IT law and data protection) left the practice in April 2022.

Practice head(s):

Stephan Appt


Other key lawyers:

Florian von Baum; Nils Rauer


Testimonials

‘The understanding and knowledge of the market in the field of technology and business are a distinguishing feature and make working together much easier.’

‘Dr. Stephan Appt: Constructive cooperation through very good input; excellent responsiveness; calm and focused way of working together.’

Key clients

Bumble plc


Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek


Honda Motor Europe Limited


Internationaler Bund e.V.


LogPay Transport Services GmbH


Neusoft Technology Solution


Road Transportation Agency


Suzuki


Telefonica


Visteon


Wolters Kluwer / CCH Tagetik


Work highlights


  • Advising Suzuki on an international survey on connected car functionalities (TC law, data law, IT and contract law).

  • Support of the Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek (DDB) and the Verwertungsgesellschaft Bild-Kunst  (VG) in a model case on the question of whether the VG can demand from the DDB that licensed images on the DDB pages be technically protected against linking by frame by third parties. This question has significance for linking and framing on the web far beyond the specific case.

  • Ongoing advice to Wolters Kluwer I CCH Tagetik on on-premise and SaaS contracts. This involves licensing and support for corporate performance management software (especially for IFRS compliance) and consultancy services.

Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP advises multinational corporations, well-known companies and start-ups on various IT-related issues. The full-service approach includes advice on digitisation, outsourcing, cloud-related contracts, risk management and compliance and is called upon in particular by clients from the aviation, pharmaceutical, finance and technology sectors. Andreas Splittgerber covers the interface to public procurement law, while Thomas Fischl handles media law issues. Christian Leuthner (IT and data protection law) made partner in January 2022.

Other key lawyers:

Philipp Süss; Christian Leuthner


Key clients

Automattic, Inc.


Inflight VR GmbH


Quora, Inc.


Verified Clinical Trials LLC


ADVANT Beiten

Led by Andreas Lober in Munich, ADVANT Beiten‘s practice routinely handles international matters and accordingly also advises clients from China and the US. The team mainly focuses on the finance, healthcare and gaming sectors, which are supported with a cross-locational approach. Axel von Walter (data protection and digitisation) and Gudrun Hausner (data protection, IT and competition law) joined GvW Graf von Westphalen in July 2021.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Lober


Testimonials

‘Highly motivated.’

‘Recognizable, good teamwork. Enjoy supporting clients.’

‘Wojtek Ropel grasps facts and problems extremely quickly and develops possible solutions in the shortest possible time.’

Key clients

Bundesanstalt für den Digitalfunk der Behörden und Organisationen mit Sicherheitsaufgaben (BDBOS)


Bundessteuerberaterkammer KdöR


Deutscher Hebammenverband e.V.


Einkaufsgemeinschaft im Gesundheitssektor


Landesbetrieb Information und Technik des Landes NRW (IT.NRW)


ProUnix GmbH


SBK Siemens-Betriebskrankenkasse


Verivox GmbH


ZED Germany GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising a group of banks in an ongoing and partly disputed major IT project. The legal dispute is in the nine to ten-digit range.

  • Comprehensive advice to a well-known IT service provider on the negotiation and implementation of an international IT project in ten countries.

  • Advice and negotiation for an IT project to develop a new software for the centralized management of material purchases.

Covington & Burling LLP

Covington & Burling LLP covers all IT-related topics and regularly advises on digital health matters at the interface with the life sciences sector, while the team also covers data protection, contract law, IP as well as corporate law and M&A matters. Lars Lensdorf advises on Industry 4.0 and banking regulatory issues, while Moritz Hüsch is well versed in the Internet of Things.

Practice head(s):

Moritz Hüsch; Lars Lensdorf


Key clients

Broadridge


Centric Software GmbH


DSK Hyp AG


GEA Group


METRO AG


SmartRecruiters Inc.


ZF Friedrichshafen AG


Work highlights


  • Advising an innovative US manufacturer of medical devices on the Europe-wide launch of a medical app.

  • Advice to ZDF on the procurement of cloud-based IT infrastructure services and on the migration of current data center services to the cloud.

  • Advising METRO AG on IT and data protection issues.

FPS

FPS covers various areas of IT law and assists well-known companies, financial institutions and the public sector in the course of their outsourcing and digitisation projects as well as with data protection matters. Advising start-ups in the technology sector is a recent growth area, where the team cooperates with the corporate law experts. Hauke Hansen , Christoph Süßenberger and Jörg Kornbrust jointly lead the team; the trio is experienced in cybersecurity and public tender procedures.

Key clients

Accenture GmbH


Advancis Software & Services GmbH


Build.One GmbH


Bundesamt für die Sicherheit der nuklearen Entsorgung (BASE)


Catalina Marketing Corp.


Cyberagentur des Bundes (Agentur für Innovation in der Cybersicherheit GmbH)


Dassault Systèmes SE


DEPT Germany Marketing Holding GmbH


Desion GmbH


e-shelter security GmbH


Entega AG


Evangelische Schulstiftung in der EKBO


HEAG mobilo GmbH


ias AG


Klinikum Neumarkt


Kompreno GmbH


Main Incubator GmbH


Mainzer Stadtwerke


MGH – Münchner Gewerbehof- und Technologiezentrumsgesellschaft mbH


Microsoft Corp.


Neugelb GmbH


Pickware GmbH


Pro Arbeit Kreis Offenbach (Arbeitsagentur)


Samson AG


The Procter & Gamble Company


Unzer-Gruppe


Wilo SE


Wingcopter GmbH


Zenhomes GmbH


Work highlights


  • Ongoing representation of Dassault Systèmes in court proceedings regarding contractual disputes with several medium-sized industrial companies.

  • Advice to Accenture on large-volume outsourcing projects.

  • Advising e-shelter security on the implementation of PropTech systems.

GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB

GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB advises well-known companies and public sector clients on compliance in the context of e-commerce platforms and digitisation projects. Led by Florian Schmitz, the team also supports IT and business process outsourcing projects. Katharina Landes covers the interface to health law; she is also experienced in  software and IT carve-out projects and made partner in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

Florian Schmitz


Other key lawyers:

Axel Czarnetzki; Katharina Landes


Key clients

AGF Videoforschung GmbH


Deutsche Bank AG


Deutsche Telekom AG/T-Systems International GmbH


Erzbistum Köln


European XFEL


Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung


Greencom Networks GmbH


HELLA Group


Land Bayern


Land Hessen


Land Rheinland-Pfalz


paydirekt GmbH


PubliCare GmbH


Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH


Roth-Gruppe


Samsung Electronics GmbH


verimi GmbH


VOI Group


WEAT Electronic Datenservice GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising T-Systems on the long-term partnership with Google Cloud to introduce cloud solutions.

  • Ongoing advice to Samsung Electronics GmbH in connection with IT services and products, including the setup of Samsung Pay and the associated contracts and terms and conditions.

  • Advice to the HELLA Group on the partial realignment of their IT, including support for a tender for outsourcing and SAP services, including contract design and negotiations with several bidders, as well as support in the negotiation of cloud service contracts with various providers, taking particular account of data protection aspects.

Heussen Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH

Heussen Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH focuses its IT expertise on cloud services, artificial intelligence, big data as well as industrial Internet of Things and primarily advises medium-sized mechanical engineering, cleantech, medtech and fintech companies in this regard. Recent topics include advice to automotive clients as well as blockchain matters. Hermann Waldhauser heads the team and focuses on IP and media law issues.

Practice head(s):

Hermann Waldhauser


Other key lawyers:

Markus Junker; Mark Münch


Testimonials

‘High level of reliability, high tactical instinct in the event of a conflict and a very disciplined approach.’

‘Emphatic and at the same time technically highly qualified advice that manages to protect the client from avoidable mistakes.’

‘Dr. Hermann Waldhauser perfectly combines great theoretical knowledge with practical skills.’

‘Dr. Markus Junker drills deep into the most difficult topics.’

Key clients

Infolytics AG


WEKA-Verlagsgruppe


The DIGITALE


Brandenburger Gruppe, Brandenburger Liegenschaftsverwaltung GmbH & Co. KG


Cyando AG


Terra Quantum AG (Entwicklung Applikationen für Quanten Computing)


WE DO communication GmbH


schalk&friends GmbH (Digitale Medien Agentur)


Fidor Bank AG und Tochterunternehmen


Bayerische Hausbau GmbH & Co. KG


Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften München


eurodata AG (Rechenzentrum, Cloud Services made in Germany, Software as a Service, künstliche Intelligenz)


MentIQ


Goethe -Institut e.V.


Max-Planck-Digital Library


Augustinum gemeinnützige GmbH


Vestner Aufzüge GmbH


coffee fellows GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising the Terra Quantum Group on the quantum computing and cloud services contract with technology partners (including questions on data protection and open source software).

  • Advising and representing Cyando AG in proceedings on fundamental issues relating to the interpretation of provisions of the InfoSoc, Enforcement and E-Commerce Directives.

  • Advising and supporting a developer of AI applications for autonomous manufacturing robots in the development of license agreements, open source integration, service agreements, as well as a financing round and transaction.

McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP

McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP‘s TMT team advises both medium-sized companies and large corporations on a wide array of IT law matters, such as outsourcing, software development and licensing, SaaS, as well as contractual and regulatory issues. Contentious matters are frequently handled by Wolfgang von Frentz, who is experienced in representing DAX corporations and international companies. Co-head Ralf Weisser (digitisation of business processes and customer-oriented activities) left the firm in early 2023.

Practice head(s):

Wolfgang von Frentz


Other key lawyers:

Christian Masch 


Key clients

Arolsen Archives


Borgers SE & Co. KGaA


Cataneo GmbH


Constantin Medien AG


Corint Media


Deutsche Telekom AG


Diebold Nixdorf Technology GmbH


Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG


IP Deutschland / RTL interactive


Orion Engineered Carbons GmbH


ProSiebenSat1 Media SE


RTL II


RTL Television


SURFTOWN Hallbergmoos GmbH


Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG


Telekonnekt GmbH


Oppenhoff

Oppenhoff‘s interdisciplinary practice focuses on advising insurance companies, where the team regularly covers the interface to insurance supervisory law, data protection, telemedia law and consumer protection law as well as on the processing of health data. In addition, digital companies are supported in technology transactions, which Marc Hilber specialises in, as well as in outsourcing issues, IT projects and e-commerce issues, which form the core areas of Jürgen Hartung ‘s expertise.

Practice head(s):

Marc Hilber; Jürgen Hartung


Other key lawyers:

Mareike Heesing; Michael Abels


Testimonials

‘Very good internal team coordination (also across departments/own team).’

‘Advice on all relevant aspects; Business aspects are proactively addressed in the consultation.’

‘Oppenhoff has a very strong IT and technology team.’

Key clients

Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd.


Avenga


HUYA Inc


Imaweb GmbH


Nexus


PKV (Verband Privater Krankenversicherungen)


Space OS


UTA Union Eckstein GmbH & Co. KG


VHV Holding AG


Work highlights


  • Advising Nexus on numerous customer projects. The client is a software manufacturer and offers a SaaS-based solution for identity management.

  • Advising the Chinese video stream portal Huya on regulatory issues of German and European law.
     

  • Advice on the acquisition of the InterEurope Group, a service provider for international motor vehicle claims settlement, for VHV Holding AG.

avocado rechtsanwälte

avocado Rechtsanwälte assists with IP, media, public procurement law, IT and data protection matters, including digitisation projects, cloud services, e-commerce and the use of blockchain-based IT products. The copyright protection of software and interfacing competition law issues are covered by practice head Jan Peter Voß.

Practice head(s):

Jan Peter Voß


Testimonials

‘The strength of the practice lies in the direct usability of the advice in the respective business case, which takes both legal and economic interests into account.’

‘Very quick well-founded feedback.’

‘Short, smaller inquiries are answered quickly and pragmatically.’

‘Dr. Jörg Michael Voß & Team: Fast and practical advice, even short-term assignments are well prepared and can be applied in practice.’

‘Jörg Voß has a high level of expertise.’

Key clients

anykey GmbH


Best Gaming Technology AG


Brandt & Partner GmbH


Brandt Software-Produkte GmbH


Bundesrechtsanwaltskammer, BRAK


dab: Daten-Analysen & Beratung GmbH


Deutsche Telekom AG und Tochtergesellschaften


DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH


DIC Asset AG, DIC Onsite GmbH


Faubel & Co. Nachf. GmbH


Heraeus Holding GmbH u. deren IT-Tochtergesellschaft Heraeus infosystems GmbH


imc Test & Measurement GmbH


ITecon GmbH


KMC Media Consult GmbH


Landeshauptstadt Mainz


Media Frankfurt GmbH


Merck Group


msg global solutions Deutschland GmbH


Partslife GmbH


R+W Antriebselemente GmbH


rocon Rohrbach EDV-Consulting GmbH


SMC Deutschland GmbH


Syncd GmbH


Telia Carrier Germany GmbH u. Telia Company AB


TK8 Sports Academy GmbH / Toni Kroos Sports Academy


Walstead


Wicklmayr Real Estate GmbH


WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA


ZMG – Zeitungs Marketing Gesellschaft mbH & Co. KG


Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH

Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH acts from five German locations and offers support in traditional IT and data protection matters as well as digital transformation, IP, licensing and transactions. Tobias Fuchs leads the team. Till Contzen, who made partner in June 2021, specialises in the digitisation of business processes.

Practice head(s):

Tobias Fuchs


Testimonials

‘Flexibility, availability, productivity, business perspective.’

‘The team is very diverse.’

‘Within a very short time, a team is put together to work on the respective legal issues in a targeted manner.’

‘Long-term and trusting partnership with Klaus Brisch and his team, market knowledge and excellent expertise are the core assets.’

‘Klaus Brisch has been an important partner of our company for years and has successfully advised us and his team on many strategic projects.’

‘Dr. Till Contzen can be reached at any time. High technical understanding. He understands the needs of his clients. Very pragmatic and at the same time legally sound approach.’

Key clients

Lufthansa AirPlus Servicekarten GmbH


Daimler AG (nunmehr Mercedes Benz Group AG)


Deutsche Bahn AG


KSB SE & Co. KGaA


Ärzte ohne Grenzen e.V.


International Data Spaces e.V.


Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) – AöR –


E.ON SE


SAP SE


Media Broadcast GmbH


GS1 Germany GmbH


G&L Geißendörfer & Leschinsky GmbH


EFRE-Forschungsprojekt Tech Rad


GS1 Germany GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising Deutsche Bahn AG on setting up a consortium to set up the 5G network.

  • Advice to Lufthansa AirPlus Servicekarten GmbH on a complete digital business transformation of all company processes.

  • Advising SAP SE on the transition of part of the service provision to hyperscalers by analyzing several thousand software contracts in the cloud business using legal process design and workflow tooling.

Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner

Headed by Werner Bachmann, Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner advises international corporations as well as start-ups, particularly from the biotech industry. The team advises on traditional IT matters and, thanks to cross-practice cooperation, also covers transactions as well as commercial, corporate and pharmacy law, with the latter being a key strength of the practice. Lukas Kalkbrenner focuses on the healthcare sector and made partner in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

Werner Bachmann


Other key lawyers:

Lukas Kalkbrenner


Testimonials

‘Simple, quick help at eye level; quick availability; Good and quick understanding of complex technical relationships and concepts.’

‘Texts that are easy to understand and target group-oriented; sympathetic demeanor.’

‘Great professional expertise.’

Key clients

APO Pharma Immun GmbH


Bundesverband Deutscher Apothekenrechenzentren


EDASCA SCE


Erzdiözese Freiburg


Universitätsklinikum Freiburg


iTernity GmbH, Freiburg


Virtual Identity AG, Freiburg/München


Work highlights


  • Support for the Bundesverband Deutscher Apothekenrechenzentren (Federal Association of German Pharmacy Data Centers) in the preparation of an expert opinion on the technical deficits of the e-prescription.

  • Ongoing advice in connection with the immune card and the development of new services for pharmacies.
     

  • Advising IPS Intelligent Process Solutions GmbH on the acquisition of a minority stake by a large strategic investor, including due diligence, term sheet regarding SPA and shareholder agreement.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP covers a wide array of IT law matters and is also well versed in various intersections such as venture capital, M&A, data protection and IP. The team is led by Tim Wybitul, who is experienced in data protection.

Practice head(s):

Tim Wybitul


Other key lawyers:

Thies Deike


Lindenpartners

The Berlin-based team at Lindenpartners specialises in advising local start-ups on the development of new business models, whereas advising companies in the finance sector is another core focus, thanks to relevant expertise in regulated industries. Led by Brigitta Varadinek , Moritz Indenhuck and Jan Schmidt-Seidl, the practice covers new technologies such as AI, crypto and data-driven business models. The partner level expanded in January 2022 with the appointments of Thomas Britz (IT and data protection law with a particular focus on the interface to public law) and Indenhuck.

Other key lawyers:

Thomas Britz


Testimonials

‘The Lindenpartners team covers a wide range of legal matters. They are always available in top quality, speed and in a collegial cooperation on an equal footing.’

‘Professionalism, friendliness, personality, humanity, availability, commitment, knowledge.’

‘The team around Brigitta Varadinek with Moritz Indenhuck, Thomas Britz and other colleagues has been doing a great job for us for several years.’

Key clients

21.finance


Berliner Sparkasse


Bundesverband der Deutschen Volksbanken und Raiffeisenbanken


Deutscher Sparkassen- und Giroverband


DKB Deutsche Kreditbank


Famedly


Fidor Bank


Flip


NeurologIQ


Scope Analysis


Semalytics


Sparkassen-Finanzportal


Star Finanz


Technische Hochschule Wildau


TESOBE


VR Family Finance


Wallis


Winninger


Work highlights


  • Comprehensive support for VR Family Finance in the development of a social banking app for young families. The advice includes both the creation of the app offer and the design of the legal infrastructure as well as the contractual relationships between the companies involved in the implementation.

  • Advising Wallis GmbH on setting up a business model; in particular drafting of customer and end user contracts and IT contracts with service providers.

TCI Rechtsanwälte

TCI Rechtsanwälte advises on cloud computing, the digitisation of business and corporate processes as well as digitisation projects of the public sector. Issues pertaining to license agreements and IT procurement law are frequently handled at the Berlin location. Trio Carsten Gerlach (Berlin), Stephan Schmidt (Mainz) and Thomas Stögmüller (Munich) jointly head the team.

Key clients

Klopotek AG


e-bot7 GmbH


Bundesministerium des Innern


IT.NRW


Bundeskriminalamt


DG Nexolution eG


Port Sol 19 GmbH


palleos healthcare GmbH


Aareon AG


arago GmbH


CompuGroup MedicalSE& Co. KGaA


Kreisverwaltung Mainz-Bingen


Linkando GmbH


Trend Micro


Work highlights


  • Advising Aareon AG, a company for real estate software and digital solutions, on the acquisition of all shares in PropTech wohnungshelden GmbH, Munich.

  • Advising CompuGroup Medical (CGM) on the acquisition of all shares in Meta IT GmbH based in St. Ingbert.

von BOETTICHER Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaftsgesellschaft mbB

Integrated into the global network Lawyers Associated Worldwide, von BOETTICHER Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaftsgesellschaft mbB frequently assists foreign companies, including well-known global corporations and their German subsidiaries. The practice has longstanding experience in IT law and offers advice on large-scale software projects, the international licensing business ( Anselm Brandi-Dohrn ), online platforms ( Sven Schlotzhauer ), transactions ( Jens Horstkotte ) and social media ( Angelika Hoche ).

Key clients

IDG Gruppe


National Instruments Gruppe


Claris International (vormals Filemaker International)


Spin Digital Video Technologies GmbH


Enscape GmbH; Enscape Inc.


Canto GmbH


ZEDAS GmbH


Clavister AB


Optimal Systems Gruppe (KYOCERA-Gruppe)


Fuba Automotive Electronics GmH


Ventiv Technology Group International Ltd.


Stellantis


Work highlights


  • Advising and representing a global group in the field of IT services in a failed public sector IT project.

  • Advising and representing a global group in the field of IT services on an IT outsourcing contract with an aviation group.

  • Successful conclusion of negotiations with Harman Connected Services for a SaaS solution for updating vehicle software over the air, having previously launched a connected car platform with HUAWEI (Stellantis).

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP's practice covers cloud computing, sourcing, outsourcing and technology transactions. Companies, financial service providers and energy suppliers benefit from the cross-practice advice, where the team frequently acts in close cooperation with experts from the areas tax law, M&A and capital market law. Martin Munz (IT, sourcing and contract law), Sylvia Lorenz (digital platforms) and practice head Jost Kotthoff (sourcing, outsourcing, technology transactions) are among the key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Jost Kotthoff


Other key lawyers:

Martin Munz; Sylvia Lorenz


Work highlights


  • Advising a leading German asset management company on the separation of essential IT functions from the previous IT infrastructure within the group of companies.

  • Advising a leading private and commercial bank on the creation of an innovative, comprehensive payment services platform.

  • Advising a German neobank on the identification and implementation of changed regulatory and data protection requirements for outsourcing relationships in contractual and procedural terms.