Mr Erik Valgaeren > Stibbe > Brussels, Belgium > Lawyer Profile

Stibbe Offices

Stibbe
CENTRAL PLAZA
LOKSUMSTRAAT 25/ RUE DE LOXUM 25
1000 BRUSSELS
Belgium
Visit website 32 2 533 52 11 32 2 533 52 12

Mr Erik Valgaeren

Erik Valgaeren photo
+32 2 533 53 43 erik.valgaeren@stibbe.com View profile

Work Department

TMT (Technology Media Telecommunications); Compliance and Sanctions, Data Protection, Information Technology, Intellectual Property, 

Position

Partner

Career

Erik Valgaeren specialises in legislation and regulations regarding IT, internet, e-commerce, e-communications, privacy, digitisation and new technologies. He also has a wealth of experience in all intellectual property aspects of the aforementioned specialisations and a thorough knowledge of the technical aspects relating to communication. In addition to providing legal advice on legislation and regulations, Erik drafts contracts and handles projects concerning web services, outsourcing, cloud services, system integration, software implementation, data management and privacy, artificial intelligence and innovation partnerships. In the field of communications law, Erik advises both traditional telecom operators and suppliers of infrastructure services and new media and social network services. He also litigates before courts and arbitral tribunals. Erik has extensive experience in arbitration and is regularly involved as an arbitrator for Cepina.

Languages

Dutch, French, English, German, Spanish

Memberships

  • Member of the editorial staff (2009–present) and chief editor (2015–2020) of Computerrecht, the Belgian-Dutch law journal of Kluwer on ICT law
  • Member of the Technology Committee of the International Bar Association (2005–present), Secretary and Treasurer (2009–2010), Vice-Chair (2011), Co-Chair (2012–2013), Chair of the LPD Task Force on government access to IT systems (2017–2019 )
  • Member of Beltug, the Belgian Association of Digital Technology Leaders
  • Board member of the Order of Flemish Bars (OVB); responsible for digitalisation and GDPR

Education

  • Graduated in Law, magna cum laude, from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (1990)
  • Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Chicago Law School, United States (1991)
  • Associate in the Washington D.C. and Brussels offices of an international law firm; advised foreign companies on US trade sanctions law; member of international trade group (1991–1992)
  • Admitted to the New York Bar in 1992; admitted to the Brussels Bar in 1993; admitted to the Luxembourg bar in 2018
  • With the Brussels office of Stibbe since 1993 (Partner since 2001)
  • Education in Computer Management from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (2000)
  • Visiting professor ICT law at Solvay Brussels School (2015–2020)
  • Visiting professor internet law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg (2016–2020)
  • Guest lecturer in blockchain and smart contracts at the Faculty of Law of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (2018–2020)
  • Postgraduate degree in Data Analytics from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (2020)

Lawyer Rankings

Belgium > Industry focus: IT and telecoms

(Hall of Fame)

Erik Valgaeren – Stibbe

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

Belgium > Industry focus: Media and entertainment

Stibbe advises players in the industry spanning sports associations, media platforms, record labels and broadcasters on an array of contentious and advisory matters. The firm has also developed a strategic focus on the fast-growing gamification sector. TMT specialist Erik Valgaeren heads up the practice; his varied portfolio of work incorporates advice on pre-employment background checks and compliance with the Electronic Communications Act. Sports law expert Elisabeth Matthys frequently handles litigation involving discrimination issues and anti-doping rules. Publishers rely on Ignace Vernimme for informed counsel on diverse trade mark and copyright issues.

Belgium > EU regulatory: Information technology

Stibbe‘s TMT practice is well placed to advise on any national and European regulatory changes which may affect the digital, IT, data and telecoms sectors. Erik Valgaeren is the key senior contact; his regular workload spans such diverse projects as web services, outsourcings, cloud services, system integrations, software implementation issues, data management and privacy work, artificial intelligence matters and innovation partnerships. At senior associate level, Carolien Michielsen is noted.

Belgium > EU regulatory: Privacy and data protection

Stibbe‘s TMT team is well versed in the full gamut of data protection work, from compliance advice, to negotiation of data processing agreements, to representation in relevant proceedings. Recently, the group has also been increasingly instructed to handle issues stemming from cybersecurity incidents. Senior contact Erik Valgaeren is ‘particularly noted for his ability to advise on the risk based on his understanding of the approach of the Belgian regulators and courts‘.

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