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Emmanuel Szafran

Emmanuel Szafran

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Verhaegen Walravens

Verhaegen Walravens

Belgium

1

Industry focus: IT and telecoms

Verhaegen Walravens is noted for its strong technology contracts practice, particularly in software, hardware and semiconductor agreements, as well as its expertise in cybersecurity, AI and emerging technologies such as quantum systems and cryptography. Practice head Emmanuel Szafran brings extensive experience in technology and communications law, advising on complex contracting, data protection, export controls and dual-use technologies.
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Email
[email protected]
Profile
verwal.net

Profile

Work Department
Technology and Communications - Intellectual Property
Position

Partner

Career

Emmanuel Szafran, partner at Verhaegen Walravens, leads the Technology & Communications and Intellectual Property practice groups.

Emmanuel advises both national and multinational clients in various sectors such as ICT, software, semi-conductors, quantum technologies, payment cards and the financial and biotech industries. He has extensive experience in software (including OSS), technology and IT outsourcing contracts, export control, information management, personal data protection and privacy, cybersecurity, cryptography, digital authentication and e-signatures, e- and m-commerce issues, digital marketing, as well as e-communications, including convergence within the media and broadcasting industries.

Emmanuel also advises on the registration, licensing and enforcement of copyright, trademarks, domain names, patents and database rights.

His practice covers both regulatory and transactional matters as well as litigation.

Languages
English French Dutch
Memberships
Emmanuel was admitted to the Brussels bar in 1997. He is a longstanding member of iTechLaw and recently joined Cyberlex.
Education

After graduating from the law faculty of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Emmanuel obtained an LLM in Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law and Intellectual Property Law from the University of London.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Emmanuel Szafran brings rare depth and versatility to the fields of technology, communications, and intellectual property. Emmanuel has an exceptional ability to master highly technical matters—whether in data protection, cybersecurity, or intellectual property rights—and to turn them into clear, actionable strategies for his clients.'

    'Emmanuel Szafran stands out not only for his technical expertise across industries like ICT, software, quantum technologies, and biotech, but also for his pragmatic approach, international outlook, and ability to communicate fluently in several languages. In a field where competition is strong, Emmanuel consistently distinguishes himself as a trusted advisor and a true leader.’

    ‘My recent experience with this firm has been working on the EU NIS2 (Network and Information Security) Directive. Their input demonstrates effective horizon scanning, deep consideration and pragmatic analysis of this (relatively recent) law and the Belgian implementing legislation.’

    ‘Emmanuel Szafran is excellent to work with. He is proactive, practical and prompt in his advice. I wouldn't hesitate to work with him and his team again on future cross-border matters.’

Key clients

  • European Card Payment Cooperation (ECPC) Sony Depthsensing Solutions Orange Belgium Bogart Beauty Retail iCure

Work highlights

Advised a consortium of major European banks in contractual drafting and negotiations on the use of a card and mobile payment application standard in the framework of the issuance of digital money.