Leading Associates

TMT in Austria

DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH

DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s ‘extraordinary team’ is sought after by both technology companies and service users looking to negotiate cloud computing and other SaaS licensing contracts or carry out company-wide IT and communications systems upgrade projects. Under the guidance of ‘brilliant lawyerAxel Anderl, the practice is also able to support clients with the challenges associated with bringing new products to market, and also ensures that clients are in line with new regulatory frameworks, including the EU’s NIS2 Directive and DORA Regulation. Anderl himself focuses predominantly on IT law, covering cloud computing and outsourcing, while Alexandra Ciarnau takes the lead on AI-related matters and green tech developments. Nino Tlapak is a data protection expert, specialising in cybersecurity matters and with a growing focus on DORA requirements.

Praxisleiter:

Axel Anderl


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Nino Tlapak; Alexandra Ciarnau; Ida Woltran


Referenzen

‘Besides excellent legal knowledge, they are very customer-oriented and very actively share their knowledge. Despite being a real expert in his field, Axel Anderl is approachable and leads his excellent team in a very encouraging way.’

‘Axel Anderl and Alexandra Ciarnau are very fast in providing answers that are precise and ready to implement. We are happy to work with this extraordinary team.’

‘A powerful and supportive team.’

Kernmandanten

Tatra banka


Roche Diagnostics


Xund Solutions


Prodata Rechenzentrum und Informationstechnologie


Huawei Technologies Austria


Umdasch Group


Österreichisches Rotes Kreuz, Section Innsbruck


Wiener Privatklinik Betriebs-GmbH & Co KG


UNIQA Group


Erste Digital


twinformatics


Alpega Group


A. Menarini Pharma


MANZ’sche Verlags- und Universitätsbuchhandlung GmbH


delfortgroup AG


Doka Österreich Noneoom group gmbh


Bayer Austria GmbH


Österreichische Post


Natterbox


GTT Communications


NTT Group


AIRCALL


LogMeIn


inContact


Cisco


“J-IT” IT-Dienstleistungs GesmbH


Cafe+Co International Holding GmbH


Magenta


VIG – Vienna Insurance Group


GamerTag


Airbnb


Highlight-Mandate


  • Supported LexisNexis on the legal design, testing framework and implementation of its global AI tools, based on large-language models.
  • Advised clients including Erste Group, Wüstenrot, Volksbanken, Hypobanken and Helvetia on their DORA preparations.
  • Represented Magenta in two actions initiated by the Austrian Chamber of Labour, aimed at the repayment of fees and multiple proceedings initiated by consumer class actions concerning individual repayment claims.

Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG

The diverse offering provided by Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG‘s ‘dedicated team of professionals’ covers matters pertaining to social media companies, streaming sites and telecoms providers, among others. The practice is called upon by clients requiring assistance with bringing their media and e-commerce operations into line with DSA requirements, carrying out digitalisation projects and dealing with regulatory agencies. The team is headed by Georg Kresbach, who appears for social media and telecoms clients before the courts, IT outsourcing and licensing specialist Roland Marko and regulatory expert Kurt Retter, whose expertise covers data protection and the regulatory frameworks governing the telecoms sector.

Praxisleiter:

Georg Kresbach; Roland Marko; Kurt Retter


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Phillip Wrabetz


Referenzen

‘The firm consists of a dedicated team of professionals with diverse backgrounds and specialisations. Through innovative technologies and a strong focus on the needs of clients, the firm has established itself as a trustworthy partner.’

‘Georg Kresbach is characterised by his analytical way of thinking and his creative problem-solving skills. He has an exceptional talent for developing innovative approaches that go beyond the ordinary. His extensive industry knowledge enables him to identify trends at an early stage and react to them strategically.’

‘Phillip Wrabetz works fast, with a clear mind and always on point. He understands the problems faced by his clients very quickly and finds a solution for it. He has no problems in contacting the authority directly if it adds value to finding a solution. Highly recommended for every aspect of IT law e.g. DSA, GDPR etc. Second to none when it comes to problem-solving in these areas of law.’

Kernmandanten

Cineplexx


Comcast


Deutsche Telekom


Hyundai


Instagram


Lycamobile


Meta Platforms


Mondi


SoundCloud


Styria Media Group


The Walt Disney Company


TEMU


Tencent Holdings


Twitter


WhatsApp


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised an online marketplace on consumer protection, regulatory and transparency requirements and assisted it in dealing with consumer protection agencies.
  • Advised media and e-commerce companies on the impact of the Digital Services Act on their business models.
  • Advised a client on a source code purchase agreement with a customer, where the latter plans to develop a standalone software platform on the basis of the seller’s software.

Baker McKenzie Rechtsanwälte LLP & Co KG

Baker McKenzie Rechtsanwälte LLP & Co KG acts for a raft of social media clients in disputes arising out of obligations placed upon them by Austrian law and EU Directives, covering matters tied to customer data usage and broader data protection issues, IP and content moderation requirements. Lukas Feiler heads the team; his expertise spans platform regulation and IT outsourcing matters, with further experience of data protection challenges. Alexander Hofmann focuses on the regulations governing e-commerce platforms.

Praxisleiter:

Lukas Feiler


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alexander Hofmann; Silvia Grohmann; Beat König


Referenzen

‘Lukas Feiler and Alexander Hofmann have a good understanding of the local regulatory framework and EU law. They are very responsive and supportive.’

Kernmandanten

Google


TikTok


Accenture


Highlight-Mandate


  • Challenged the Communication Platforms Act on behalf of Google and TikTok, on the grounds it interferes with the e-Commerce Directive’s country of origin principle.

Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)

Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) is often instructed on the acquisition and disposal of Austrian technology companies, and is also tasked with overseeing the market entry into Austria of both start-ups and foreign companies. The practice is also frequently called upon to defend clients’ intellectual property, including under unfair competition regulations. The team is headed by transactions specialist Thomas Kulnigg and Günther Leissler, an expert in data protection matters, including GDPR-related issues. Daniela Birnbauer joined the practice from EY Law - Pelzmann Gall Größ Rechtsanwälte GmbH in October 2024, bringing expertise in AI regulation to the team in addition to experience of IP and IT law.

Praxisleiter:

Thomas Kulnigg; Günther Leissler


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Daniela Birnbauer


Kernmandanten

Österreichische Post AG


Vienna Insurance Group


Pon Bicycle Holding B.V.


Binder Grösswang

Binder Grösswang is particularly adept at assisting clients with the setting up of customer apps and digital portals, in addition to overseeing broader digitalisation projects and also advising on the data protection aspects of such matters. Leading the practice is the ‘excellentIvo Rungg, whose practice encompasses IT outsourcing and licensing, regulations governing the use of AI and IP matters.

Praxisleiter:

Ivo Rungg


Referenzen

‘Very competent team that is easy to reach and provides quick solutions.’

‘Ivo Rungg is excellent. He has a high level of expertise combined with an understanding of customised solutions.’

Kernmandanten

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences


aneon


Arval


AUDI


Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance


BAWAG Group


BNP Paribas


Buildtelligent


ByteDance


Capgemini


CCT Software Solutions


ChargePoint


Dentsply Sirona


EasyPark


ELTO Dach GmbH


Embracer Group


GSK plc


HELLWEG Baumärkte


Jazz Pharmaceuticals


Lenzing


Linde Verlag


Marc Rousavy


Margelo GmbH


MBmedien Group


OBI Bau- und Heimwerkermärkte Systemzentrale GmbH


Österreichische Post


OVE Österreichischer Verband für Elektrotechnik


PSPPDFKit


Renault


SF Filterdienst


Société Générale


Soundreef


Springer Kommunal- und Umwelttechnik GmbH


Springer Maschinenfabrik GmbH


Stadt Wien


Stocard


The Coca-Cola Company


THQ Nordic


United Imaging Healthcare Co Ltd.


Vaya Fieberbrunn


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Audi in connection with technology-based legal issues tied to new driving technologies.
  • Advised Wolt Enterprises Oy in relation to the legal set-up of its delivery solutions in Austria.
  • Advised EasyPark Austria GmbH in relation to a review of terms and conditions regulating new parking and mobility solutions and concerning data protection enquiries.

Cerha Hempel

Cerha Hempel assists clients with the structuring of IT licensing and outsourcing contracts and is also adept at overseeing the data protection aspects of customer-facing projects, including the development of apps and other customer portals. The practice is led by a team consisting of IT outsourcing and e-commerce specialist Hans Kristoferitsch, Armin Schwabl, who is qualified in Austria and the US and handles data protection, transfer and breach-related matters, and Christoph Reiter, who combines expertise in tech-heavy transactions with in-depth knowledge of matters concerning the Internet-of-Things.

Praxisleiter:

Hans Kristoferitsch; Armin Schwabl; Christoph Reiter


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Boris Treml


Referenzen

‘The Cerha Hempel is fully engaged in every topic we work on. We value their expertise. They have a holistic approach to not only finding the safest legal solution but also examining the related business risks and potential commercial implications.’

‘Each member of the team is valued and appreciated.’

‘Christoph Reiter is great!’

Kernmandanten

SPAR


Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH


Wien Energie GmbH


Wiener Netze GmbH


SES Imagotag Group


CA Immobilien Anlagen AG


web eXXpress Medien Holding GmbH


via donau – Österreichische Wasserstraßen-Gesellschaft mbH


NTT


Walt.id


VERO Group


HeldYn Care GmbH


JIPP.IT


Leadbacker IT


XUND


Solifi


Scout24 Group


MPG Group


IntegrySign


Stadler Rail AG


AT & T


NTS Netzwerk Telekom Service AG


Hervis Sport- und Modegesellschaft m.b.H.


ÖRAG Immobilien Vermittlung GmbH


Wirtschaftskammer Österreich


Welser Profile Group


Semperit


RTR GmbH


WLB Wiener Lokalbahnen


Energie Burgenland


ASFINAG


voestalpine


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised SPAR on a group-wide project introducing a new app, which is targeting approximately two million customers.
  • Advised Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH and all of its subsidiaries on a group-wide project introducing a single-sign-on mechanism and a centralised user account for customers of all group entities.
  • Advised the City of Vienna on the redesign and merger of its communication platforms, targeted at the 1.9m residents.

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH

The ‘world-class legal services’ offered by CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s practice focus on the digital sector, advising technology start-ups on their seeding rounds and entry into the Austrian market, while also acting for both providers and buyers in the negotiation of IT service contracts. Practice head Johannes Juranek handles matters of IT law and data protection, including GDPR compliance. Klaus Pateter specialises in advising start-ups, advising them on the structuring of their businesses and fundraising efforts, and is also sought after by cryptocurrency exchanges for his regulatory expertise.

Praxisleiter:

Johannes Juranek


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Klaus Pateter


Referenzen

‘The CMS team’s dedication to client service and mastery of legal complexities sets them apart from other firms. They consistently provide clear, actionable advice that is both thorough and aligned with our commercial objectives. Their responsiveness and ability to adapt quickly to changes in the legal landscape ensure that we are always well prepared.’

‘Klaus Pateter is incredibly knowledgeable and has a unique ability to understand the intricacies of our business, allowing him to provide tailored, strategic legal advice. His thorough preparation and ability to anticipate the other side’s moves give him a distinct advantage in negotiations. Klaus is adept at identifying opportunities during discussions that others might overlook.’

‘CMS’ extensive expertise in venture financing made a complex process straightforward and manageable. They were highly responsive and proactive, providing clear, practical advice that was always aligned with our business objectives. Their support not only secured the necessary funding but also laid a solid legal foundation for our future growth.’

Kernmandanten

AO Trading GmbH


Brickwise Holding GmbH


CEYOND GmbH


CityRiddler GmbH


Falco Privatstiftung


Funke


INX, Inc.


Ma-at Consulting GmbH


Meierhofer AG


Muva AG


REWE Group/Unser Ö-Bonus Club GmbH


S2data


Schrankerl GmbH


Tokenize.it GmbH


Two-x-Ten


Universal Edition AG


Wholomics


Zumtobel Lighting AG


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Zumtobel on the purchase of SiteWorx, including the drafting and negotiation of a multi-party software purchase agreement and a transitional services agreement.
  • Advised Meierhofer on the negotiation of IT contracts and a public tender for the provision and implementation of a hospital information system in all public hospitals operated by one of Austria’s largest public hospital operators.
  • Advised Funke in its ECJ appeal against an unlawful RAPEX notification, which had led to a ban on the sale of its products in several European countries.

GEISTWERT

The ‘ingenious partners’ at GEISTWERT act for clients hailing from the video game, streaming and social media sectors, assisting them with the protection of trade marks and copyrights and the licensing of software and protected images. The team, consisting of Constantin Kletzer, Juliane Messner, Max Mosing, Alexander Schnider and Rainer Schultes, is also tasked with the structuring of IT projects, including outsourcing, and handles data protection issues arising out of GDPR and international data transfers.

Praxisleiter:

Constantin Kletzer; Juliane Messner; Max Mosing; Alexander Schnider; Rainer Schultes


Referenzen

‘We work with GEISTWERT on IP, IT and media transactions. They handle such matters perfectly, in my view better than any full-service firm because IP and technology-driven aspects are their core focus. We appreciate their partner-centred approach.’

‘Max Mosing is an exceptionally bright lawyer with a lot of academic knowledge. Juliane Messner is the transactional mastermind of the firm, with huge experience in IT-based transactions. Very strong!’

‘GEISTWERT has five ingenious partners. A brilliant law firm.’

Kernmandanten

Red Bull Media House


Netflix


German Football League


DAZN


Warner Music Group


GRUNER + JAHR Publishing Group


Mayr-Melnhof


Blackshark.ai


Mi’pu’mi Games


Still Alive Studios


Microbird


Molecular Matters


AIT Austrian Institute of Technology


DOUGLAS Perfumes


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a leading search engine on legal developments in Austria.
  • Advised several streaming platforms on their terms and conditions, including subscription renewals, content changes and price changes under Austrian consumer protection law.
  • Advised several Austrian computer and video game developers on their publishing agreements and on third party rights and the clearing of assets used in their games.

Knyrim Trieb Rechtsanwälte OG

Knyrim Trieb Rechtsanwälte OG specialises in advising clients on the data protection aspects of a broad spectrum of internal and customer-facing IT projects, acting for a client base that includes, inter alia, players in the automotive, energy and consumer goods sectors. Heading the team are Rainer Knyrim and Gerald Trieb, both of whom are experts in data protection, including GDPR and the regulations governing international data transfers.

Praxisleiter:

Rainer Knyrim; Gerald Trieb


Referenzen

‘Very efficient and diligent work, as well as excellent knowledge about data protection laws in our industry.’

‘Rainer Knyrim combines excellent knowledge of IT and data protection laws with in-depth knowledge of our industry. He is therefore the best possible partner for us.’

‘Perfect availability of Rainer Knyrim or Gerald Trieb, especially in time-critical cases. Good, fast research team.’

Kernmandanten

Wienerberger AG


Berufsförderungsinstitut Österreich BFI


ANDRITZ AG


FAIR GAMES GmbH


Stadtwerke Kitzbuehel


KIA AUSTRIA GmbH


Österreichs Energie


Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft


Immofinanz AG


Österreichisches Siedlungswerk Gemeinnützige Wohnungsaktiengesellschaft


comic corporate migration center gmbh/RA Oberhammer


Greiner AG


IdeasOnCanvas GmbH


LOOMIS ÖSTERREICH GMBH


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised DSGVO-ZT on achieving the first approval of GDPR certification criteria in Austria under Art. 42 GDPR.
  • Advised Wienerberger AG on an employee exit policy and an employee e-mail and data access policy.
  • Advised Swarovski Crystal Business on the implementation of its cookie policy, GDPR compliance and the handling of subject access requests.

Dr Norbert Wiesinger, Law Offices

Dr Norbert Wiesinger, Law Offices' core competency lies in the telecoms sector, advising clients on accessing telecoms and internet infrastructure networks in Austria and also representing them in disputes with regulators. Norbert Wiesinger, who is qualified in Austria and New York, focuses on matters ranging from frequency licensing and unbundling to the installation of major network infrastructure projects, in addition to liaising with regulators on behalf of his clients.

Praxisleiter:

Norbert Wiesinger


Referenzen

‘In-depth know-how of telecoms law and best practices.’

‘Great overall analytical and communication skills.’

‘Norbert Wiesinger has exceptional knowledge of the telecoms industry and the relevant legal frameworks, especially in sector-specific and general competition law. He is a reliable and trustworthy partner for legal matters. His fast response times, his problem-solving skills and his high quality output make him an indispensable partner for us.’

Kernmandanten

ArgoNET GmbH


ArgoNET Holding GmbH


Inmarsat Global Ltd


Inmarsat Ventures SE


ISPA Internet Service Providers Austria


Kappernet GmbH


Kwak Ltd


Österreichische Rundfunksender GmbH & Co KG


ORS comm GmbH & Co KG


Tata Communications


Twilio


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented ISPA against the Austrian regulatory authority’s decision to vacate regulations governing the unbundling of internet provision.
  • Represented national broadcasting infrastructure providers in regulatory proceedings regarding ex ante regulation as well as digital radio broadcasting operations.
  • Advised Argonet Holding GmbH in the sale of the Austrian 450 MHz provider to a consortium of Austrian energy and utility suppliers.

KPMG Law - Buchberger Ettmayer Rechtsanwälte GmbH

January 2024 saw KPMG Law - Buchberger Ettmayer Rechtsanwälte GmbH strengthen its data protection and IT law offering with the arrival of Lena Urban from Knyrim Trieb Rechtsanwälte OG. The practice is adept at handling IT and related service contract negotiations, while also supporting technology start-ups with advice on funding rounds and market launches. Practice head Karin Bruchbacher oversees digitalisation and cloud computing projects in addition to handling IP-related matters.

Praxisleiter:

Karin Bruchbacher


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Hannah Kercz; Lena Urban


Referenzen

‘The team demonstrates exceptional expertise in IT and data protection law, consistently delivering outstanding service, particularly when it comes to strategic advice. When necessary, they offer a one-stop-shop solution by leveraging in-house IT and forensic teams, providing a level of support that is unmatched in the market.’

‘Karin Bruchbacher is our first choice for all IT and data protection matters. Her exceptional expertise, deep understanding of both legal and technical issues and ability to provide practical, strategic advice make her an invaluable resource. We greatly value her dedication and the outstanding results she consistently delivers.’

Kernmandanten

Microsoft Österreich GmbH


Stadt Wien – Kuratorium für psychosoziale Dienste in Wien


Salzburg AG für Energie, Verkehr und Telekommunikation


Austrian Reporting Services GmbH


FINABRO GmbH


Barracuda Holding GmbH/CTS Eventim Austria GmbH


Blackshark.ai GmbH


Wüstenrot Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft


Carl Zeiss AG


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Microsoft Österreich GmbH on the roll-out of its Office 365 cloud computing services to several Austrian customers.
  • Advising Stadt Wien – Kuratorium für psychosoziale Dienste in Wien on commercial and IT-related issues regarding the implementation of a digital health application.
  • Advised Salzburg AG für Energie, Verkehr und Telekommunikation on a spin-off project involving IT and data protection law questions.

Lansky, Ganzger, Goeth & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH

Focusing on media law, Lansky, Ganzger, Goeth & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH acts for Austrian and foreign publishers, TV and radio broadcasters in complying with regulatory and data protection frameworks and securing licences for frequencies in the Austrian market. Heading the team is Gerald Ganzger, whose expertise spans media and entertainment law, including litigation concerning the aforementioned areas.

Praxisleiter:

Gerald Ganzger


Kernmandanten

CRM Mediatrend GmbH


Hollitzer Wissenschaftsverlag


Radio Energy


Schau TV


VGN digital GmbH


VGN Medien Holding GmbH


Storylution GmbH


Desert Flower Foundation Germany


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented CRM Mediatrend GmbH in media law, copyright, IP, data protection and other matters.
  • Advised Radio Energy in the field of broadcasting law, including in relation to tender offer management for the procurement of radio frequencies.
  • Advised Schau TV on matters of media law compliance.

EY Law - Pelzmann Gall Größ Rechtsanwälte GmbH

EY Law - Pelzmann Gall Größ Rechtsanwälte GmbH places particular emphasis on developing digital and e-commerce platforms, assisting cryptocurrency exchanges with navigating the regulatory frameworks governing their operations and helping market entrants with the structuring of their platforms and drafting of terms and conditions. Practice head Martin Hanzl, who made partner in July 2024, specialises in blockchain and cryptocurrency-related matters, while Marie Winter handles IP issues and consumer protection matters.

Praxisleiter:

Martin Hanzl


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Marie Winter


Kernmandanten

Bitpanda Group


One Trading Exchange B.V.


Matter Labs


Coinpanion/SmartBytes GmbH


LimeWire GmbH


FOMO GmbH


Talentir GmbH


Bundesforschungsinstitut für Wald


Bitpanda Financial Services GmbH/Bitpanda Payments GmbH


Dishtracker GmbH


Highlight-Mandate


  • Provided ongoing advice to the Bitpanda Group regarding its business model, service offerings and terms and conditions.
  • Advised Bundesforschungsinstitut für Wald on the establishment of a general framework for the digital management and digital provision of information under EU legislation.
  • Assisted Matter Labs regarding its digital product offering, in the form of a Layer 2 blockchain application based on the Ethereum blockchain.

Taylor Wessing enwc Rechtsanwälte GmbH

Taylor Wessing enwc Rechtsanwälte GmbH acts for clients across a raft of sectors on matters of data protection and cybersecurity, and is also consulted on matters concerning developing technologies, such as cryptocurrencies and AI. Data protection advice forms the core of practice head Andreas Schütz‘s practice, and he is also well versed in the regulation governing gaming and digital marketing.

Praxisleiter:

Andreas Schütz


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Christoph Bakier


Kernmandanten

The National Anti-Doping Agency Austria GmbH


Aspire Global International Limited


HISCOX SA


EGR Vertriebs- und HandelsgesmbH/EGR T-Sales GmbH


XING/kununu New Work Austria XING kununu onlyfy GmbH


Broken Rules Interactive Media GmbH


Fronius International GmbH


Europapier


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented NADA in proceedings before the European Court of Justice in matters concerning data protection and sport.
  • Advised Fronius on intellectual property enforcement, open-source software licensing and Oracle/Java JDK licensing models.
  • Advised a public organisation on the implementation of a technical cloud and generative AI solution to accelerate certain application processes.