Leading Associates

EU regulatory: Information technology in Belgium

A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman‘s IT practice advises on all aspects of technology, with particular strength in the TMT, life sciences, automotive, financial services, and energy segments. The team frequently acts on cross-border matters for a wide range of clients and is led bu Peter Van Dyck, who specialises in tech law, IP rights, and data protection issues. Filip Van Elsen is key to the team, advising clients on complex licensing agreements, AI work, and data centre development. Sarah De Wulf has extensive knowledge of digital transformation and tech-related projects.

Praxisleiter:

Peter Van Dyck


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Filip Van Elsen; Sarah De Wulf


Referenzen

‘A&O Shearman is familiar with the procedures of the World Health Organization for approving drugs for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Only a handful of law firms understand this space because there is very little profit to be made if any selling or donating products to LMICs. A&O Shearman has invested resources to understand this space, which is why they are unique.’

‘Strong commercial focus, pragmatic while technically rigorous.’

 

Cooley LLP

The ‘excellent and very easy to work with‘ team at Cooley LLP focuses on a wide range of EU regulatory matters, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, data protection and privacy, electronic signatures and payments, and eCommerce. Numerous impressive clients such as eBay, DocuSign, Meta, and Zoom rely on the team. Patrick Van Eecke is the head of the practice, representing startups, scaleups, and multinationals from a broad range of industries, including life sciences, technology, communications, and consumer products. Enrique Gallego Capdevila represents tech clients on strategic matters, corporate transactions, and IPOs, and has vast experience in contentious and non-contentious matters. Yasmin Roland is another key contact.

Praxisleiter:

Patrick Van Eecke


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Enrique Gallego Capdevila; David Knobel; Yasmin Roland


Referenzen

‘The team was excellent and very easy to work with. We have collaborated in IT and data protection/privacy matters and the team’s support was very responsive, professional, and understood our needs.’

‘All the individuals provided an outstanding legal service due to their understanding of our needs and attention to detail. The individuals showed to be experts in the legal matter and very interested in the task to be performed.’

‘Patrick Van Eecke’s knowledge of the field is first class. ’

Kernmandanten

Grindr


Telesign


Sodastream


eBay, Inc


Colt Technology Services


ByteDance (TikTok)


Docusign


EurId


MoonActive


Only Fans (Fenix International Limited)


Open AI


Audi Brussels


Booking


Checkout


Huntsman


KBC Group NV


Meta (Facebook)


Nasdaq Inc


NTT


Telesign


Sodastream


UiPath


Zoom


Raine on Group


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised ByteDance on various regulatory submissions under EU digital rules, such as the Digital Service Act and Digital Markets Act. Also provided strategic public policy advice for ByteDance’s EU regulatory strategy.
  • Advised Docusign on legal compliance issues related to electronic signatures and electronic documents in Europe.
  • Represented the social network app Grindr before several EU data protection authorities.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper‘s Intellectual Property and Technology Department supports clients on a wide range of IT regulatory issues, helping them stay abreast of evolving complex regulations linked to the development of services and products. The team is adept at handling a range of technology-related work, across transactional, advisory, and pre-litigation stages. The technology team acts for leading global companies and has extensive experience in European and international IT projects. Kristof De Vulder is the head of the team, with over two decades of experience spanning technology contracts, cloud and complex tech transactions, and large-scale disputes. Procurement projects are a strength of the team, De Vulder is renowned for his work in this area, as is Raf Schoefs, who also provides advice on telecommunications law and e-commerce matters.

Praxisleiter:

Kristof De Vulder


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Raf Schoefs


Referenzen

‘Kristof De Vulder and Raf Schoefs are highly skilled, flexible, and result oriented.’

‘What makes this place unique is the warm touch of an extremely knowledgeable, yet very humble group of people. The quality of outcomes, combined with the tech innovation they have developed internally makes the team incredibly interesting to work with. ’

‘This practice is uniquely business-minded and always finds a workable solution. Their expertise in technology matters is outstanding. They are professional, straightforward, and very easy to work with. They always understand your business needs. ’

Kernmandanten

Adobe


Aliaxis


Argenta


Bank Nagelmackers


benerail


Cegeka


Digipolis


Dstny


Foodpairing


Fluvius


iDirect


Katoen Natie


Keytrade Bank


Kinepolis


Kuwait Petroleum (Q8)


Luminus


nexuzhealth


Nitro Software


Ontex


Orange


Polhem Infra


Q8


SAP


SD Worx


skeyes


SNCB/NMBS (Belgian railways)


Steria Benelux


Toyota Motor Europe


UCB


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting Bank Nagelmackers with its negotiations for its new ‘digital core’ system in compliance with DORA.
  • Assisting the Flemish Government on all contractual aspects relating to its public tender to select an ERP vendor and ERP implementation partner.
  • Advising Toyota on all regulatory aspects relating to connected cars.

Timelex

The IT practice at Timelex is commended for ‘the depth and versatility of the team‘ along with its ‘huge expertise‘. The practice leads in IT, privacy, and data protection work. European, national, foreign, and regional governments, including the European Commission and the Belgian and Flemish Governments, form the client base of the team. The group is skilled at a wide range of work, including GDPR matters, data compliance, and regulations related to app development. ‘Real trailblazer’ Jos Dumortier leads the team, working closely with IT experts Hans Graux and Ruben Roex.

Praxisleiter:

Jos Dumortier


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Hans Graux; Geert Somers; Edwin Jacobs; Frederic Debusseré; Ruben Roex; Pieter Gryffroy


Referenzen

‘Timelex has a unique practice combining technology and legal skills.’

‘Hans Graux is extremely professional, combining legal and technological knowledge at an exceptional level.’

‘The Timelex team consists of excellent professionals and highly esteemed colleagues of mine. I admire the depth and versatility of the team and its huge expertise.’

Kernmandanten

European Commission


Belgian Government


Flemish Government


Government of the Brussels Region


Microsoft, Inc.


Luminus


Barry Callebaut


Komatsu Europe International


Samsonite


Immoweb


Riverside Partners, LLC


International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE)


Irish Council for Civil Liberties


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing some privacy organisations in a high-profile GDPR case before the EU Court of Justice against the European ad-tech sector organisation IAB Europe regarding its Transparency & Consent Framework for real-time bidding of online advertisements.
  • Assisting the European Commission in drafting Implementing Acts of the EU eIDAS 2.0 Regulation.
  • Advising Luminus on compliance with the EU Data Act.

Baker McKenzie BV/SRL

Procurement and provision of IT services, e-commerce, and use of artificial intelligence are all key areas of expertise of the IP tech team at Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL. Elisabeth Dehareng is the head of the practice, focusing on privacy, data and digital regulatory work. Internal compliance investigations and whistle-blower legislation are also areas of Dehareng’s expertise. Also of note are Raphaël Hendrickx and Caroline Serbanescu, focusing on tech regulatory and telecom related matters, and data protection and cybersecurity respectively.

Praxisleiter:

Elisabeth Dehareng


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Raphaël Hendrickx; Caroline Serbanescu


Referenzen

‘Available, client-oriented, efficient, and fit for purpose as well as deep understanding of the complex political landscape of our organisation.’

‘ Elisabeth Dehareng is, clear in her answers, pragmatic, and highly skilled.

‘Baker Mackenzie not only keeps abreast of the latest legislative and regulatory developments but also has an intrinsic understanding of technology trends and can provide us with sound advice.’

Jones Day

Jones Day boasts experience across IT, telecoms, and data protection, representing clients in high-end domestic, EU, and international matters with the team operating comfortably across competition, regulatory, compliance, and commercial matters. Alexandre Verheyden, Laurent De Muyter, and Jörg Hladjk jointly steer the team and are key contacts for high-profile competition and regulatory matters. Yvan Desmedt advises a range of fixed and mobile telecommunications operators in proceedings before competition authorities, regulators, and courts.

Praxisleiter:

Alexandre Verheyden; Laurent De Muyter; Jörg Hladky


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Yvan Desmedt


Referenzen

‘Unique cross-European regulatory capabilities; very quick to respond; the firm is really excellent at speedily grasping highly technical areas of regulation. ’

‘Alexandre Verhayden is very responsive, and quickly understands our main legal issues, which can involve complex regulatory matters.’

‘Excellent expertise on all matters relating to telecommunication and EU regulatory and public law. Very strategic – great strength to combine an intimate understanding of the institutions and legal practice in Brussels with the highest level of legal proficiency. ’

Kernmandanten

bpost


BT


Colt


ComReg (Irish Commission for Communications Regulation)


Deutsche Telekom / T-Mobile


ECTA (European Competitive Telecommunications Association)


Euroclear


SAP


Telenet / Liberty Global


Ubisoft


Verint Systems


Imperva


Affinius Capital


Riverside Company (Energy Exemplar)


Euroclear


IBS Capital Management B.V.


 


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented BT, Colt, and another confidential operator in damage claims against Proximus, the Belgian incumbent operator, and secured a Brussels Enterprise Court judgment favourable to the clients in June 2024, concluding that Proximus had abused its dominant position.
  • Advised IBS Capital Management on a comprehensive and complex data protection and cybersecurity assessment of the group company data processing activities regarding the sale of IBS through a controlled auction sale.
  • Advised Euroclear on complex Fintech-related matters, including, among others, the acquisition of Banco Inversis.

Linklaters

The technology, media and telecommunications team at Linklaters advises clients on a range of projects across industries, with a focus on the financial, energy, pharmaceuticals and transportation sectors. Leading IT providers are among clients of the team, that also represents Proximus and InfraCapital Partners. Tanguy Van Overstraeten leads the team, with a focus on IT outsourcing projects and work spanning transactional, advisory and litigation. Other notable key members include Guillaume Couneson, who has Fintech expertise as a key part of his practice.

Praxisleiter:

Tanguy Van Overstraeten


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Guillaume Counseon


Referenzen

‘Partner with strong expertise accompanied by a talented younger lawyer. Good and fluent interaction between the two.’

‘Excellent sense of listening. Proactive update on work progress. Deadlines always met.’

Kernmandanten

Shareholders of Payconiq International S.A. (several Belgian banks)


Eneco Belgium


Vodeno


Advanced New Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd


TIP Trailer Services


PCAS SA (Seqens group)


Proximus


InfraCapital Partners


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Eneco, a green energy supplier in Belgium owned by Mitsubishi Group, with the drafting and negotiation of a framework agreement with Ferranti covering Eneco’s new back-end IT system for its billing and market interaction B2B and B2C activities relying on Ferranti’s cloud solution MECOMS 365.
  • Advised Infracapital Partners, a UK-based global investor, on its acquisition of Vopak Rotterdam Botlek (VRB), a Dutch specialized liquid storage terminal business based in the Port of Rotterdam, from Vopak Management Netherlands B.V., a subsidiary of Koninklijke Vopak N.V.
  • Advised Vodeno, a non-regulated technology company offering IT services, in the framework of the proposed development, implementation, and provision of a strategic and highly innovative Banking-as-a-Service software and technology platform to National Westminster Bank (NatWest).

Lydian

The information and communication technology practice at Lydian advises clients across sectors including energy, retail, consumer goods, insurance and financial institutions on regulatory IT matters. Clients of the team include traditional IT and telecom companies and leading internet businesses. The practice is particularly commended for its work in the insurance sector, with Bastiaan Bruyndonckx working closely with the firm’s insurance practice. Bruyndonckx specialises in cyber security, cyber risk, and data work. Liese Kuyken is key to the team, and has expertise in data protection and telecoms law.

Praxisleiter:

Bastiaan Bruyndonckx


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Liese Kuyken


Referenzen

‘Expertise in complex IT litigation with international set-up.’

Kernmandanten

Orange Belgium


Eurofiber


Dense Air Limited


Baloise


QBE


Ethias


Allianz Technology


KBC


Axa Bank


Hiscox


MIVB/STIB


Bank Nagelmackers


Informatica Van Breda


Horecaservice Nevejan


Agentschap Integratie Inburgering


PensioPlus


Arag


Deutsche Bank


Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering


Pensioenfonds VRT


Federale


DKV


Goodman


Epam System


Tremec


Highlight-Mandate


  • Providing data protection support to the Agentschap Integratie & Inburgering (AgII), the Flemish agency dedicated to integration, in a significant and strategic digitization initiative endorsed by the Flemish Government.
  • Advising Deutsche Bank on the drafting and negotiating of a master services agreement with Nitro, a provider of a SaaS e-signing platform and identity hub.
  • Advising the Pension Fund of VRT, the Flemish public television company, on compliance with DORA, the EU Digital Operational Resilience Act for financial entities.

Osborne Clarke

The ‘unique combination of tailored client care and deep, industry-specific knowledge’ is what sets the practice at Osborne Clarke aside for one client, with the team advising on implementing evolving regulations, negotiating software contracts, and cloud computing arrangements. Benjamin Docquir leads the practice along with Laurens Dauwe, who is noted for his ‘profound legal knowledge, combined with exceptional negotiation skills’. 

Praxisleiter:

Benjamin Docquir; Laurens Dauwe


Referenzen

‘We have been exceptionally pleased with Osborne Clarke, particularly due to their personal approach, profound expertise, and ability to act as an outstanding bridge during deal negotiations. Laurens Dauwe has emerged as a true leader, steering these efforts with great professionalism and insight.

‘What sets Osborne Clarke apart is their unique combination of tailored client care and deep, industry-specific knowledge. Potential clients would undoubtedly be interested in the firm’s ability to provide highly effective negotiation support, alongside their willingness to actively engage in client success. Their readiness to collaborate, whether in formal negotiations or thought leadership at events, speaks to their holistic approach.’

‘Osborne Clarke’s strength lies in their balance of legal proficiency with practical business acumen. The innovation they bring is not only found in their expertise and legal craftsmanship but also in how they foster collaboration and strong relationships with clients, offering tailored solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.’

Kernmandanten

Bolt


Molière


Julia


Shurgard


Match Group


Capgemini


Cancom


FeedBackFruits


CloudSisters


Humi


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising a consortium of major public transport operators such as Arriva, public transport authorities (including the transport authorities of Athens (OASA) and the railroad authority of Catalunya (FGC)) and mobility tech providers such as INIT, Rokubun, Earthpulse, Keita and Nemi as part of Project Julia. The project is funded by the European Union Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA) and aims to implement smart mobility solutions underpinned by Galileo navigational satellite signal and Copernicus earth observation data to improve urban mobility in certain major European cities, improve sustainability by monitoring and reducing carbon and nitrogen emissions and improving road safety.
  • Advised a consortium of major smart mobility operators such as DOTT, MaaS providers such as IoMob and Nemi, public transport operators and IoT providers such as Octo Telematics in the Molière project funded by the European Union Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA) on performing a feasibility study and deploying an open smart mobility platform based on the use of IoT technology, blockchain and GPS (GNNS) data for smart mobility purposes.
  • Advised Capgemini on a high-value and strategic public tendering procedure initiated by a major public transportation authority for the digital transformation and SAP migration of the transport authority.

Stibbe

The TMT group at Stibbe regularly handles complex IT regulatory matters for high-profile clients from a wide range of sectors, spanning IT & telecoms and financial and public institutions. Proximus, Athora, and Microsoft are among those who routinely turn to the team. Erik Valgaeren is the head of the team, and has vast experience in the area.

Praxisleiter:

Erik Valgaeren


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Carolien Michielsen; Cyril Fischer; Jan Joos


Kernmandanten

Proximus


Athora


Microsoft


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Astrid, a dedicated telecom operator for communication of mission-critical services, on its transition to a Next Generation Mobile Communication Network based on 5G technology, including strategic and legal advice on the interpretation of the legal framework applicable to Astrid and its services.
  • Advised Microsoft on the compliance of Azure services offered on the Belgian market with respect to Belgian telecom legislation and the applicable rules on marketing.

AContrario.Law

Boutique firm AContrario.Law has extensive knowledge across IP and trade law, IT and tech, data protection, and cybercrime. Complex disputes, legal opinions, and commercial agreements are all strengths of the practice. Based in Ghent, Magali Feys and Tim Wulgaert lead the team, with expertise in e-commerce, consumer protection, and unfair practices, and data protection. Jelle Cousyns is one of the firm's key contacts for data protection matters.

Praxisleiter:

Magali Feys; Tim Wulgaert


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jelle Cousyns


Referenzen

‘Good knowledge combined with a pragmatic approach.’

‘Great, skilled people that have deep knowledge of regulatory processes.’

‘Magali Feys and Jelle Cousyns put in the extra time and effort to deliver exceptional work.’

Kernmandanten

Departement Zorg (Government Agency Care and Health)


Agentschap Facilitair Bedrijf


Algemeen Ziekenhuis Delta (AZ Delta)


Algemeen Ziekenhuis Maria Middelares (AZ Maria Middelares)


Anonos


Cascador Health


Centrum voor Informatica (CEVI)


Citymesh Safety Drones


Club Brugge


Conversation Starter


Interuniversitair Micro-Electronica Centrum (IMEC)


EPIC Consortium


Extra Horizon


FAQIR


FOD Volksgezondheid (Federal Public Service of Health, Food Chain Safety & Environment)


International Organization of Migration (IOM)


Jan Yperman Ziekenhuis


Leadlife


Ministerie Vlaamse Gemeenschap (Ministry of the Flemish Community)


Ministerium der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft Belgiens – Ostbelgien (Government of the German-speaking Community)


OnTracx


Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ziekenhuis Aalst (OLV Aalst)


PACSOI Consortium


Payflip


Qompium (fibricheck)


Securitas


Solaria Consortium


Solutio


Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent


Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the consortium involved in the HEARTwise project on drafting key project documentation, including the consortium agreement, data charter, and data protection impact assessments (DPIA).
  • Supporting Departement Zorg in the development and rollout of the Alivia digital care platform.
  • Advised IMEC on creating a governance model for the use of high-end sensors in innovation projects.