Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS ‘has a good name within IT law‘, and is home to a group of practitioners ‘known for their practical advice and great industry knowledge‘. Key pillars of strength of the practice include IT and media-related litigation, data protection and privacy matters, complex IT projects and large technology M&A mandates. Practice head Leif Eirik Thrane is ‘an exceptional legal adviser‘ and is very experienced in handling M&A and IT outsourcing matters. The ‘very knowledgeable‘ Kari Gimmingsrud specialises in information security, data privacy and data protection issues. Other key names include Arne Byberg, whose practice focuses on technology law and IT transactions, and Andreas Bernt, who advises Norwegian and international media and technology clients on digitalisation and commercial matters, as well as litigation. Senior associate Isak Mendoza assists with IP and data protection matters.
TMT in Norway
Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS
Practice head(s):
Leif Eirik Thrane
Other key lawyers:
Kari Gimmingsrud; Andreas Bernt; Arne Byberg; Isak Mendoza
Testimonials
‘Unique in their ability to combine legal, tech, and business competence.’
‘Leif Eirik Thrane is an exceptional legal adviser. He is very cooperative and always prioritises the client first. He goes above and beyond to secure value for the client. Skilled in both M&A and IT outsourcing.’
‘Arne Byberg has practical insight.’
‘Arne Byberg demonstrates precise and accurate knowledge, insight, and practical experience.’
‘Excellent legal knowledge and excellent collaboration skills.’
‘We have chosen to work with Arne Byberg due to his unique international in-house experience. His practical insight has helped us eliminate pain points, balance our customer-centric perspective, and contributed to more robust results. We were able to work in a collaborative manner that was a great fit for us and has provided excellent value.’
‘Kari Gimmingsrud – very knowledgeable and provides useful/practical advice to be implemented in the business. Arne Byberg – extensive experience and has a good overview.’
Key clients
Nortura
GK Gruppen
Telenor ASA
HG Capital
Statens Vegvesen
Ferd
Veidekke
Motion Blur Films
RiksTV
Helse Sør-Øst
NENT
Work highlights
- Advised Nortura on its large-scale, cross-border IT outsourcing agreement with Capgemini.
- Acting for GK Gruppen in a NOK330m dispute with Swedish ERP software provider IFS regarding an ERP software project.
- Advising software investor Hg Capital on making a majority investment in Norwegian tech-enabled services company Geomatikk Group.
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt
Telecoms expert Kaare Risung and litigation and arbitration specialist Halvor Manshaus jointly head up the digital innovation, TMT and privacy team at Advokatfirmaet Schjødt. The department advises across the whole range of matters, including contentious work, transactional mandates, corporate advisory matters and regulatory issues. Eva Jarbekk counts privacy and data protection issues as a core strength of her practice. Other key practitioners include IP expert Sigurd Holter Torp and Hugo Berg Otterlei, who specialises in IT contracts.
Practice head(s):
Halvor Manshaus; Kaare Risung
Other key lawyers:
Eva Jarbekk; Sigurd Holter Torp; Hugo Berg Otterlei
Testimonials
‘The team is legally excellent of course, but their key strength is providing legal advice in a manner that is practical and useful for a business. They are pragmatic and to the point, and have shown a real interest in properly understanding both our technology, and our strategic and commercial drivers, and tailoring their legal advice to suit.’
‘Kaare Risung is an excellent technology lawyer who we have worked with for years. Kaare understands our business and products, and actively tailors his advice to our needs. He keeps us up to date on local legal developments specifically relevant to our business and is never afraid to give a straight and succinct answer.’
‘Professionalism, accessibility, industry knowledge, get the answers quickly, sociable and friendly teams.’
‘Sociable and friendly. Smart and knowledgeable. Ability to give us good guidance on a variety of issues – and in a short time frame.’
Key clients
Apple
SpaceX
Motorola Solutions
Egmont, including TV 2
Hexagon Composites
Aker BioMarine AS
Samsung Electronics
The Norwegian Association of Editors
DocuSign
Verdens Gang AS (VG)
Strawberry Publishing AS
Norid
Cognite
Altibox
Gelato/OP Invest
Work highlights
- Acting for Motorola in an appeal concerning the decommissioning of telecoms company Telenor’s copper network.
- Advising SpaceX on a new legislative proposal concerning broadband connection financing.
- Acting for US company Grindr against the Norwegian Data Protection Authority (DPA) concerning a fine for breach of privacy.
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s ‘responsive and client-focused‘ team is led by Nicolai Halbo, who is praised as ‘one of the best lawyers within IT law in Norway‘; he has particular expertise in IT procurement mandates and digitalisation projects. Tor Stokke is a highly regarded practitioner who ‘combines tech law knowledge with vast public procurement knowledge‘, and Espen Tøndel (‘a legend within the area‘) has extensive experience advising on prominent technology transactions and procurement mandates. The client base includes multinational corporations and industry leaders in the technology, telecoms, media and public sectors. Trine Vabog is a key name in the practice for contracts law, and senior associate Øyvind Akerholt is another key practitioner.
Practice head(s):
Nicolai Halbo
Other key lawyers:
Tor Stokke; Espen Tøndel; Trine Vabog; Øyvind Akerholt
Testimonials
‘The individuals always give you good advice.’
‘Trine Vabog has an impressive combination of integrity, intelligence and resilience which makes her invaluable in our work.’
‘In my view Simonsen Vogt Wiig probably has the strongest and largest team within TMT in Norway. They are extremely efficient and to the point. The team is comprised of top skilled partners and also younger lawyers which enables them to deliver with cost efficiency. I have worked with them for many years and they are always easy to work with.’
‘Espen Tøndel is a true business lawyer with top legal skills.’
‘A pragmatic team which gives us very good legal advice.’
‘Simonsen Vogt Wiig’s team is responsive and client-focused. Leveraging on the size of the team, it can provide in-depth advice on a wide range of matters comprising tech law as well as adjacent areas of law, including public procurement and intellectual property.’
‘Trine Vabog brings heaps of IT project experience to the table, enabling her to identify and mitigate possible client pitfalls.’
‘Deep knowledge of the telecoms sector, hands on advice and really excellent response times.’
Key clients
Akers Solutions ASA
BDO AS
Space Norway AS
Central Norway Health Region RHF
Sopra Steria AS
Helseplattformen AS
Hewlett Packard
Jakob Hatteland Computer AS
Kongsberg-gruppen ASA
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
Novelda AS
Pilaro AS
Play Magnus AS
RiksTV AS
Telia Norge AS
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration
Tomra Systems ASA
Zwipe AS
Yara International ASA
Fjorden Electra AS
Apple
Work highlights
- Advising healthcare company Helseplattformen AS on negotiating a comprehensive service agreement for the delivery of a common EHR system.
- Advised Telia Norge AS, the largest Nordic telecoms provider, on the drafting and negotiation of a national roaming agreement with mobile operator ICE, which allowed ICE access to the client’s mobile network in Norway.
- Advised Yara International ASA on the process of creating an open data exchange platform in the digital farming field.
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS‘ practice has ‘unique knowledge and experience within the legal aspects of digital transformation, IT sourcing, privacy/GDPR and cyber security in an international setting‘. The ‘extraordinarily knowledgeable‘ team is led by Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen, who has ‘unique knowledge of and experience within legal aspects of digital transformations‘, and regularly assists clients in the fintech and medtech sectors. Clausen’s practice also includes handling M&A transactions for telecoms and technology sector entities. Espen Werring has ‘excellent skills in tech contracts‘ and is well versed in advising on IT sourcing projects, licensing issues, GDPR mandates and cloud contracts. Associate Nikolai Rekman is ‘super responsive‘, and assists Norwegian and international clients with cybersecurity, data protection and competition law matters.
Practice head(s):
Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen
Other key lawyers:
Espen Werring; Nikolai Rekman
Testimonials
‘Espen Werring has very good negotiation skills and excellent legal understanding. He is effective and available, and a very pleasant man to have in the team.’
‘It is always a pleasure to work with and speak to any member of the team. They are service-minded and professional, and provide practical advice. The team knows our business in and out, and follow the market developments closely. They understand that there is more to a decision than the legal aspects and are always prepared to provide a practical solution, not only legal advice.’
‘Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen has the unique combination of being relaxed, business minded and solution oriented, as well as highly professional and with an eye for the details (and solutions) many might miss. With all of his team members, the same kind of service and professional advice are offered and I feel very much prioritised and appreciated as a client. They see solutions and offer practical and possible-to-implement advice.’
‘Nikolai Rekman provides understandable advice and guidance to non-lawyers, as well as excellent project management.’
‘Key strengths of the practice include highly knowledgeable, great project managers, and a great understanding of the client’s interests. It combines great craftmanship with thinking outside the box to come up with solutions which work.’
‘Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen has been very successful in building a great team through authentic leadership. His team delivers very high quality work because they are incredible individuals, but also because he is there backing them up and leading the team.’
‘Nikolai Rekdal has huge talent.’
‘Excellent legal skills combined with very good knowledge about the market and what’s possible to achieve. The combination makes them able to find good solutions and get the agreement in place.’
Key clients
Microsoft Corporation (including its Norwegian subsidiary, Microsoft Norge AS)
Samsung Electronics AB
Otovo AS
Autostore AS
Elvia AS
Oslo Børs (Euronext Oslo Stock Exchange)
BW LPG
Kahoot! AS
Eika Gruppen
Lyse Energi AS including its subsidiaries Altibox and Smartly
NHST Media Group AS (Dagens Næringsliv)
Zalaris ASA
Storebrand
NomVec AS
Circle K Norge
Dunnhumby Limited
My Game AS
Work highlights
- Acting as Norwegian counsel to Microsoft, providing advice on data protection, cybersecurity, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, public procurement, and contract drafting matters.
- Advising banking alliance group Eika Gruppen on the implementation of an outsourcing agreement, involving over 50 banks.
- Acting as Norwegian counsel to Samsung Electronics on data protection/GDPR matters, e-commerce, marketing, consumer law and disputes.
Wiersholm
The ‘service-minded and client-focused‘ TMT team at Wiersholm attracts praise for its ‘strong legal knowledge and great commercial and business/industry understanding‘. The group acts for a client base that includes prominent media, telecoms, and technology companies, on big data work, TMT-related M&A mandates, TV distribution issues, IT public procurement and contractual matters and GDPR issues. Hans Erik Johnsen ‘stands out with his deep knowledge of the TV/media sector‘; he heads up the department alongside Kai Thøgersen, who is highly regarded for his M&A expertise; Rune Opdahl, whose practice focuses on data protection, marketing law, IT and contract law; and IP expert Anne Marie Sejersted. Managing associate Theresa Schumacher Walberg counts digitalisation and technology contracts as key areas of strength.
Practice head(s):
Hans Erik Johnsen; Rune Opdahl; Anne Marie Sejersted; Kai Thøgersen
Other key lawyers:
Theresa Schumacher Walberg
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge of the business and industry, making it easy to apply the advice we receive.’
‘Always available and client focused.’
‘Best in their area of expertise.’
‘Rune Opdahl is extremely clear and concise in his advice, never giving just the “on the one side” answers we all fear to get without also getting a conclusion. He has also been of tremendous help in terms of translating complicated GDPR requirements into concrete check-lists and templates which can be used by the business as part of our internal control program. Rune is also good at promoting/lifting his associates while at the same time ensuring quality control from his side. Rune is also excellent in terms of marketing law and complicated IT contracts. He is definitely the best TMT lawyer in Norway.’
‘Theresa Schumacher Walberg – Proactive, very competent, social skills and solution orientation beyond expectations. Customer focus and prioritisation. Trustworthy and comfortable.’
‘Deep knowledge of the TV/media sector.’
‘Hans Erik Johnsen stands out with his deep knowledge of the tv/media sector.’
Key clients
Schibsted Media Group
Discovery Networks Norway
Aller Media
Telenor
IBM
Santander
DNB
Hurtigruten
Altibox
Helly Hansen
SATS
NAV
Monster / A Nice Company
Visma
Orkla
1881 Group (Digitale Medier 1881 / Opplysningen 1881)
Gyldendal
Telia
Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries
Flyr
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing assistance to Telia Norge concerning complex negotiations involving a new distribution agreement with TV2.
- Assisting Norwegian airline company Flyr with developing and negotiating contracts with all of the client’s IT suppliers.
- Represented the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries in an annual/bi-annual audit of the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission run by Space Norway, involving the review of all contracts entered into as part of the satellite program.
BAHR
The ‘professional‘ and ‘down-to-earth‘ team at BAHR is recognised for its strength in handling a range of transactional mandates and technology agreements, as well as its capabilities in marketing and advertising law and TMT disputes. The group also provides advice to a client roster of telecoms, media and financial sector entities on a range of regulatory issues. M&A expert Lars Kristian Sande and Are Stenvik, whose specialisms include IP and media law, share leadership of the practice. The ‘brilliant‘ Lars G. Norheim is a key name for franchising, contractual and licensing matters.
Practice head(s):
Are Stenvik; Lars Kristian Sande
Other key lawyers:
Lars G. Norheim
Testimonials
‘Great skills, professional, good discussion partners, down to earth.’
‘Lars Norheim do a great job advising us as a company, brilliant in his special field.’
Key clients
Adevinta
Bonnier
Broadnet
Cognite
Eisai & Co
Nets
Merck & Co
Nordic Entertainment Group – NENT (TV3, Viaplay, Viasat, etc.)
Norvestor
REITAN (REMA 1000, 7-Eleven)
Work highlights
- Advised Adevinta ASA on its $9.2bn acquisition of eBay Classifieds Group.
- Advising REMA 1000 on the development of “Æ”, a tech and app based customer loyalty program and discount scheme, including data protection issues.
- Advised Alfa Laval on its NOK3.6bn acquisition of digital services company StormGeo.
Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS
Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS is perhaps best known in the TMT space for its strength in handling film and TV work for entertainment and media sector clients; Jan Morten Evertsen and the ‘very practical and pragmatic‘ Stian Sørensen Schilvold are regularly sought out for their expertise in these sectors. Telecoms and technology mandates are also prominent in the group’s workload; Kristian Foss‘ expertise spans outsourcing, cybersecurity and data privacy issues, and Kristin Haram Førde has extensive experience in cloud computing and digitalisation matters. Department head Jenny Sveen Hovda handles e-commerce mandates, IP issues and marketing law matters. Lisa Digernes ‘has excellent knowledge which she shares generously, and she always finds a solution to any problem’. Tom G Eilertsen is singled out for his IP expertise.
Practice head(s):
Jenny Sveen Hovda
Other key lawyers:
Kristian Foss; Tom G Eilertsen; Kristin Haram Førde; Stian Sørensen Schilvold; Jan Morten Evertsen; Lisa Digernes
Testimonials
‘Good for film and rights connected to film production.’
‘Kristian Foss is a very competent, pragmatic lawyer. His previous in-house background puts him in a great position to understand the needs of the customer. He provides high-quality advice against a fair price. He is very good at managing difficult negotiations and disputes.’
‘Kristian Foss leads the way.’
‘The team here is probably one of the strongest teams in Norway when it comes to technology law. A number of the lawyers have relevant in-house experience within this field and are very helpful in providing not only commercial but product development related advice for business. We have used them extensively in the areas of privacy law, cloud and software licensing, intellectual property and governance matters.’
‘Stian Schilvold – an all round great lawyer, he is particular skilled at supporting in-house related matters. His broad knowledge of different practice areas allows him to solve a broad range of legal and commercial challenges. Would recommend without hesitation.’
‘Lisa Digernes is a Norwegian and US qualified attorney and really well skilled in tackling cross-Atlantic related matters within several practice areas.’
‘A designated team who drives and leads their respective fields, but still well aligned across the team. Always a can do approach, being practical and not after complicating matters further, but how to resolve and support.’
Key clients
ATB-Nett
Atea
DXC Technology
International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI)
Keylane
KLP
Maipo Film
Monday Media
Nordic Semiconductor
Opera Norway
Paradox
Posten Norge
Pullman Management
Qvisten Animation
SAP Norway
Schibsted Group
Sony Music
Spætt Film
Vewd Software
Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Wilhelmsen IT Services
Work highlights
- Advising Wallenius Wilhelmsen on all matters relating to the client’s digitalisation program.
- Advising Maipo Film on contractual negotiations and production agreements.
- Assisting Norwegian film production company Paradox with legal matters relating to the production of one of the first TV series in Norway for HBO Europe.
Advokatfirmaet Føyen AS
Advokatfirmaet Føyen AS is home to a team which ‘is very skilled and delivers high quality, practical solutions to clients‘. Department head Lars Folkvard Giske is noted for his ‘very commercial approach to negotiating IT and outsourcing contracts‘, while Knut Fiane is sought after for his expertise in large-scale IT procurement projects, cloud agreements and outsourcing matters. Jostein Ramse is ‘a very skilled litigator‘ with extensive experience in handling IT disputes. Øyvind Eidissen Ransedokken is ‘outstanding when it comes to IP protection and negotiation of tech transfer agreements‘. Senior associate Kirill Miazine is another name to note, and Arve Føyen has now retired from practice.
Practice head(s):
Lars Folkvard Giske
Other key lawyers:
Knut Fiane; Jostein Ramse; Øyvind Eidissen Ransedokken; Kirill Miazine
Testimonials
‘Whether we need a thorough negotiator who won’t miss a single detail or a discussion partner with great business insight and commercial acumen for a new venture, we know the team will provide the support that the particular situation requires.’
‘A friendly and welcoming team that’s easy to work with.’
‘With impressive experience negotiating tech contracts as previous in-house, Knut Fiane has an ability to put himself in our position and act more or less as a part of our in-house team when we ask him to. This experience sets him truly apart from the competition. He’s pragmatic, knowledgeable and has great understanding of our technology and business.’
‘Kirill Miazine has demonstrated excellent skills within the IT contract area, and has been a very valuable resource in building our user agreement frameworks towards our customers in relation to our IT cloud service offerings.’
‘Excellent legal knowledge and excellent collaboration skills.’
Key clients
Google LLC and Alphabet LLC
Accenture AS
Nortura SA
Strex AS
Statens Vegvesen, Vegdirektoratet (the Norwegian Roads Administration)
Nordic Semiconductor ASA
KLP
DIPS AS
Itera Norge AS
Jotun AS
Chili Mobil AS
Bouvet Norge AS
Avinor Flysikring
Sysco AS
OneCo Telecom AS and OneCo Network AS
Hedmark IKT
Bitastad
Work highlights
- Advising Google Norway and Google LLC on a range of IT, IP, compliance and telecoms matters.
- Assisting KLP with the procurement of a cloud platform, including advising on fintech regulatory and compliance issues.
- Assisting international paint manufacturer Jotun with renegotiating its existing ERP license and maintenance agreement.
Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS
Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS‘ ‘very professional and strong‘ team garners praise for its strength in technology contractual matters, and is equally adept at handling TMT disputes, high-value transactions, and procurement matters, to name a few other areas of expertise. ERP mandates have been prominent in the group’s recent workload. Department head Ståle L. Hagen has expertise in technology contracts, transactions and disputes, and Nils Kristian Einstabland is sought after for his experience in advising a client base of telecoms, media and technology clients on regulatory issues.
Practice head(s):
Ståle L. Hagen
Other key lawyers:
Nils Kristian Einstabland
Testimonials
‘Key capabilities within tech-contracts. Efficient and available partners. Strong negotiation skills. Selmer’s team worked very close with us as a customer, being available and searching for good solutions.’
‘Ståle L. Hagen: very professional, with clear communication and advisory skills. Efficient and available.’
Key clients
Felleskjøpet Agri
CGI Norge
Epic Systems Corporation
Color Line
The Norwegian Pharmacy Association
NTT Data (Itelligence)
Statnett
Wilhelmsen IT Services
Puzzlepart
Banqsoft
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean
BEKK Consulting
Kitron
Canon
Mnemonic
Gjensidige Forsikring
Advania
Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services
Difa
OBOS
Defigo
Den Norske Opera & Ballett
Hansen Technologies
Aibel
Bertel O. Steen
Ernst & Young
Fotball Media
Kitron
Getinge
Amazon Web Services
Wikborg Rein
Wikborg Rein‘s technology and digitalisation department is home to a team of ‘very skilled professionals‘ with ‘deep knowledge‘, and provides ‘practical and constructive advice‘ on data protection and privacy matters, IT contracts, marketing law and eGovernment work, to name some key areas of expertise. Hanna Beyer Olaussen‘s practice centres on technology contracts, transactions, marketing law and IT law; she co-leads the team with newly promoted partner and data protection specialist Gry Hvidsten. Other key names are Rolf Riisnæs, who provides ‘sound legal advice‘ on IT public procurement matters, eGovernment work and IT contracts, and Line Coll, who is singled out for her experience in handling digitalisation and privacy mandates.
Practice head(s):
Hanna Beyer Olaussen; Gry Hvidsten
Other key lawyers:
Rolf Riisnæs; Line Coll
Testimonials
‘The GDPR team, with Line Coll and Gry Hvidsten, provides excellent assistance in situations where timing is critical, and planned compliance-related projects.’
‘Rolf Riisnæs is our main contact. He is always available and gives thoroughly prepared advice. He is a good partner to discuss complicated issues with.’
‘The team consists of very skilled professionals, with different unique strengths, that complement each other. Using a diverse set of skills and capabilities, they have managed to guide us through a very challenging set of procurements and privacy issues.’
‘Wikborg Rein has a strong data privacy team that provides a combination of solid professional and academic skills, with commercial understanding and technological knowledge.’
‘Gry Hvidsten and Rolf Riisnæs are extremely skilled data privacy lawyers, with a special and much appreciated combination of IT-expertise, academic and professional skills and have a way of understanding what kind of “product” the client needs and provide solid and good advice.’
‘Rolf Riisnæs is an outstanding lawyer. I have never met a more dedicated and conscientious lawyer and I look forward to working with him again.’
‘Wikborg’s team has delivered within tight time schedules and is always available for discussions.’
‘Gry Hvidsten is to the point. She has practical approach, excellent judgement and is always available. Her experience both from the private and public sector is very useful.’
Key clients
Norway’s Central Bank
H. Aschehoug & Co
Quantafuel ASA
Norgesgruppen ASA
Agency for Public and Financial Management
Norwegian Military Forces
Jotun AS
Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Eidsiva Bredbånd AS
Entra ASA
Digital Norway
Yara International ASA
Byggmakker Handel AS
Sykehusinnkjøp HF
Gard AS
Work highlights
- Assisted the Agency for Public and Financial Management (DFØ) with the drafting of two new standard Cloud Services Agreements for the Norwegian market.
- Advised the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) on privacy matters regarding the establishment of a national app for tracking Covid-19 infections, as well assisting with setting up the framework for corona certificates to demonstrate vaccine/immunity status.
- Assisting publishing company Aschehoug with drafting standard agreements regarding the licensing of and rights to digital content.
Arntzen de Besche
At Arntzen de Besche, department head Andreas Nordby has expertise in dispute resolution, and provides advice to a roster of media, IT, telecoms and technology clients on contentious matters; marketing law is another core focus of Nordby’s practice. Per Kristian Ramsland and Knut Martinsen specialise in M&A and capital markets work, and Tommy Dahlen regularly assists with transactional mandates.
Practice head(s):
Andreas Nordby
Other key lawyers:
Per Kristian Ramsland; Knut Martinsen; Tommy Dahlen
Key clients
Baxter International, Inc
Investcorp / Abax
Globus Ai AS
Huddlestock Fintech
Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT)
Merck
DCC Plc
Benchmark Holdings
Helse Midt-Norge RHF
Bilfinger Industrier AS
The SINTEF Foundation (including all divisions and subsidiaries)
Work highlights
- Assisted Investcorp-backed ABAX with its add-on acquisition of Automile, a Nordic SaaS telematics and IoT company.
- Assisted AI company Globus with a venture capital round.
- Represented the NENT Group in negotiations with the Norwegian Journalism Association about the scope of the Journalist Agreement.
Advokatfirmaet CLP DA
Stephan Brodschöll and Hanne Heltne co-lead the technology team at Advokatfirmaet CLP DA. Recent work for the group includes advising software companies on technology agreements, and the department is equally adept at handling technology transfer matters, competition issues and disputes.
Practice head(s):
Stephan Brodschöll; Hanne Heltne
Testimonials
‘Stephan Brodschöll is really good in a heated negotiation. He diffuses the situation and enables strong progress based on good legal practice.’
‘Fast and to the point advice.’
‘Stephan is extremely knowledgeable, mixed with pragmatism.’
‘The firm is a great business partner. They always deliver high-quality, cost effective advice on time.’
‘Hanne Heltne is a fantastic lawyer. She is skilful, professional, client focused and always delivers high value for money.’
‘Stephan Brodschöll is unique. He has a lot of experience and a lot of knowledge. Any task is handled quickly.’
Key clients
Signicat AS
Agder Energi AS
Mercell AS
EU Supply AB
Tellu IoT
Numascale AS
eSmart AS
Vivaldi Technologies AS
Interwell AS
NetNordic AS
Boost Communications AS
Sysco AS
Promon AS
WindSim AS
Tribia AS
Sanity AS
House of Control AS
Northcom AS
PoLight AS
Bazefield AS
Interwell AS
Vitux AS
Otivio AS
Prophylaxia AS
VGTV AS
Fuse AS
Memory AI AS
Schibsted ASA
eRate AS
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing advice to VGTV concerning negotiations over licensing issues.
- Providing ongoing assistance to WindSim concerning a technology transfer deal with Shanghai Electric Power Energy.
CMS Kluge
CMS Kluge assists a roster of private sector clients and governmental entities with technology projects, and advises on data privacy issues, telecoms matters, and public procurement work, among other areas. The department is jointly led by Stian Oddbjørnsen, who specialises in TMT disputes, procurement matters and technology contractual issues, and Marte Thorsby, who is very experienced in advising clients in the media industry. Torstein Arendt is a key contact for assisting major organisations with prominent IT contracts. Associate partner Ove André Vanebo adds expertise in data privacy law.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Torstein Arendt; Ove André Vanebo
Testimonials
‘CMS Kluge has a very good TMT practice.’
‘The team is very customer-oriented.’
‘Torstein Arendt has shown excellent skills in public contract standards and laws regulating public procurements. He has also been very flexible and responsive.’
‘Stian Hultin Oddbjørnsen stands out as an individual with a positive and customer-oriented attitude.’
Key clients
The Brønnøysund Register Centre
BOTT-project
IFPI Norway
Norwegian Digitalisation Agency (Digdir)
Norwegian Directorate of eHealth (NDE)
Norwegian Government Agency for Public and Financial Management (DFØ)
Norwegian Refugee Council
NO-UK COM AS
Pension Insurance for Seamen (PTS)
Ruter AS
Lotteries Entertainment Innovation Alliance AS (LEIA)
Work highlights
- Assisting the BOTT project with the procurement of a national digital platform for a case and archive system common to all schools and universities in Norway.
- Acted for DFØ on its procurement of a framework agreement for cloud services.
Advokatfirmaet Hjort
Led by telecoms expert Kristin Veierød, the TMT department at Advokatfirmaet Hjort is well known for its strong capabilities in handling telecoms mandates, and regularly advises on technology projects within the energy sector; data protection and privacy work also features in the group’s workload. Monica Syrdal specialises in media law, acting for Norwegian and international clients in the space. Eivind G. Moe is a key contact for outsourcing, contractual and technology work.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Monica Syrdal; Eivind G. Moe
Key clients
Agder Energi
Avinor Group
DEFA AS
Difa AS
Epidemic Sound AB
Espira AS
Ironstone AS
Kabel Norge
KnowIT
Multilot AS
Nobina
Norges Televisjon AS
Sopra Steria
Telenor Group
Work highlights
- Advised DIFA AS on personal data issues relating to the development and deployment of a new IT system, which will be used as a core system by all Norwegian pharmacies.
- Assisting software developer Sopra Steria with M&A matters concerning its acquisition of multiple companies within the IT industry.
- Assisted ICT Norway with a consultation regarding the new telecoms legislation implementing the European Electronic Communications Code in Norway.
Brækhus Advokatfirma DA
The ‘professional‘ team at Brækhus Advokatfirma DA is well versed in handling a wide range of complex technology transactions and IT contracts. Other notable areas of strength include disputes and public procurement mandates, particularly in relation to the development of cloud services. Practice head Christian Bendiksen is an AI specialist, Stein E Hove is ‘a great strategist and a valuable adviser‘, and Brede A Haglund is an expert in data protection and commercial contracts. Senior associate Alexander Mollan garners praise for his ‘very strong knowledge and business understanding, and perfect guidance on both a strategic and tactical level‘.
Practice head(s):
Christian Bendiksen
Other key lawyers:
Stein E Hove; Brede A Haglund; Alexander Mollan
Testimonials
‘The Brækhus team is always one step ahead, ready to support their clients. Their advice is always provided in a context that makes it obvious they have deep insights into their clients’ needs.’
‘Alexander Mollan has supported our company on many occasions and has provided excellent business-value each time.’
‘Brækhus’ TMT practice is particularly competent on legal aspects related to technology and digitalisation. Its competence on procurement law, contract law, IP and privacy etc. related to ICT is excellent.’
‘A very experienced, professional, knowledgeable and customer oriented practice.’
‘The two individuals that I have worked with, Stein Hove and Christian Bendiksen, have both been very knowledgeable, experienced, professional and with deep knowledge of contracts within the Information Technology area and contract law in general.’
‘The members of this firm have always provided their services efficiently, diligently, and in a friendly manner. Their fees are also well-priced and come highly recommended in the online gambling industry.’
‘Brede Haglund and Alexander Mollan have been very helpful in steering our operations in the right direction. Both are committed, reliable and knowledgeable in their areas of practice.’
‘High knowledge, good recruiting, high diversity, actively engaged.’
Key clients
Capgemini Norge AS
Flytoget AS
Sayfr AS
Avarn Security AS
Volvo Maskin AS
Postnord AS
Obrascón Huarte Lain S.A
Simplifai AS
Norsk Tipping
Argyll Entertainment Ltd.
SATS ASA
Legentic AS
R8 Property AS
Eie Franchise AS
AOF (The Norwegian Study Organisation)
Kommuneforlaget AS
Cryogenetics AS
Accountor AS
Elop AS
Gaming Innovation Group
Gigantic Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advising IT company Capgemini on its €100m acquisition of food producer Nortura’s IT department, as well as a master services agreement for IT services.
- Providing ongoing advice to Simplifai on optimising its current SaaS-templates for international distribution, as well as concluding distributorship/sub-licensing agreements with US and UK companies.
Advokatfirma DLA Piper Norway DA
Petter Bjerke leads the ‘dedicated‘ team at Advokatfirma DLA Piper Norway DA, which is well known for advising a roster of telecoms, advertising and media sector clients on GDPR, data protection and cybersecurity matters. Cross-border mandates are prominent in the group’s workload.
Practice head(s):
Petter Bjerke
Testimonials
‘The team has a practical approach to legal problems, presents solutions in an understandable way, follows instructions on format and depth and delivers in an agreed time. A benefit is also that they have teams in other countries that they co-operate with/deliver jointly with, which is a benefit for a client with affiliates in other countries.’
Key clients
Admincontrol
Polhem
MSD Norway
Vodafone
Voi Technologies
Verifone
Møller Mobility Group
Bank Norwegian
Homely
Unicef
Mondelez
Aggrator
Work highlights
- Acted as Norwegian TMT counsel to Polhem Infra on its acquisition of telecoms company Telia Carrier.
- Advising alarm company Homely on regulatory, technology and data privacy issues in connection with establishing its business in Norway.
EY Norway
The TMT team at EY Norway has strength in crypto-technology and blockchain matters, and is well versed in delivering advice on tax, GDPR, business structuring and privacy issues to a roster of technology and online entertainment clients. Practice co-heads Joakim Marstrander and Gjert Melsom are the key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Joakim Marstrander; Gjert Melsom
Key clients
Telenor ASA
JsGenisis AS
Miris AS
Iagon AS
Mavi App AS
Ev Electra Ltd
EY Skye Consulting AS
iSAMI Media AS
World Bridge Holding AS
Norwegian Fashion Hub
Betway Ltd
24sevenoffice AS
Wakandi
Switchr
Crown LNG AS
Norwegian Block Exchange (NBX)
Orgbrain
Kongsberg Satellite Services AS
ADVOKATFIRMAET GJESSINGREIMERS AS
Boutique firm ADVOKATFIRMAET GJESSINGREIMERS AS ‘is specialised within IP and offers unique insight and skills within this area‘, and also has ‘good understanding and experience within the IT industry‘. Data privacy and protection matters and IT contracts are core pillars of strength for the practice. Practice co-heads Øystein Flagstad and Simen Blaker Strand are the names to note.
Practice head(s):
Øystein Flagstad; Simen Blaker Strand
Testimonials
‘Simen Blaker Strand is quick and service minded, strong at IT contracts and GDPR.’
‘Simen Blaker Strand brings many years of experience within the IT industry, and has a very good understanding of our business and the challenges we face.’
‘GjessingReimers are specialised within IP and offers unique insight and skills within this area. They also provide good understanding and experience from the IT Industry.’
Key clients
Buypass AS
Sparebanken Øst
Econa AS
Entur AS
Beaufort Norge AS
TINE SA
Viasat Inc.
Driw AS
Galleon Embedded Computing AS
NGI (Norwegian Geotechnical Institute)
FONO
Rettighetsalliansen (The Rights Holders Alliance of Norway)
Billington Process Technology AS
Advokatfirmaet Grette AS
Advokatfirmaet Grette AS focuses its practice on advising a roster of public sector clients on IT procurement matters, in addition to assisting private clients with a range of TMT matters pertaining to IT projects. The team is led by the ‘excellent adviser and lawyer‘ Peter Lenda. Other key names include public procurement specialist Marie Braadland and associate Gry Handeland Løvlien, who has expertise in data protection matters.
Practice head(s):
Peter Lenda
Other key lawyers:
Marie Braadland; Gry Handeland Løvlien
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge of IT contracts and public procurements.’
‘Peter Lenda has been excellent in searching for good solutions to complex problems. He is excellent at identifying risks in IT contracts and commercial aspects, and thus providing advice on possible solutions, so that we can decide the best way forward with knowing the appropriate risks and business impacts. Peter delivers a high quality of work.’
‘Peter Lenda contributes to good solutions, works efficiently and always within budget.’
Key clients
Vinmonopolet
Norske tog AS
Entur AS
The Central Norway Regional Health Authority
The Norway Western Health Authority
Nettpartner AS
NORCE AS
Norwegian Centre for Oil Spill Preparedness and Marine Environment
Tolletaten
Smartliv A
Work highlights
- Providing IT contractual advice to Norwegian Customs concerning the client’s latest public procurement of IT operations services and consultancy, including transition to cloud services.
- Advising Smartliv AS on TMT issues concerning the establishment of cloud services.
- Acting as longstanding counsel to the Norwegian Western Health Authority on ongoing TMT projects.
Advokatfirmaet Ræder AS
Data protection and privacy matters and e-commerce issues form the backbone of Advokatfirmaet Ræder AS‘ practice, which is also widely recognised for its strength in marketing law. Practice head Vebjørn Søndersrød is ‘highly skilled in GDPR and IT security law, with a pragmatic and commercial approach‘. Senior associate Cathrine Grundtvig brings IP expertise.
Practice head(s):
Vebjørn Søndersrød
Other key lawyers:
Cathrine Grundtvig
Testimonials
‘Vebjørn Søndersrød has very good industry knowledge and technological understanding, which is very important in the field of marketing and privacy.’
‘Vebjørn Søndersrød is highly skilled in GDPR and IT security law with a pragmatic and commercial approach.’
Key clients
Nordic Choice Hotels
Vipps AS
Tinder, Inc
Power Norge AS
NorgesGruppen ASA
IDEX Biometrics ASA
ANFO (Norwegian association of advertisers)
Thin Film Electronics ASA
180.no Nummeropplysningen AS
Stokke AS
McDonald’s (Food Folk Norge AS)
Xplora Mobile AS
Fjordkraft AS
Simula
Eckbos Legat
Eiendomsverdi AS
Work highlights
- Acting as longstanding counsel to Stokke AS on a wide range of GDPR-related issues.
- Acted for electronic equipment retailer Power Norge in a case regarding energy labelling requirements of electronic products.