Bird & Bird LLP is renowned for its expertise in IT and data protection law and follows a multidisciplinary approach across the AI sector. The team offers comprehensive advice to both developers of AI products and services and customers of such companies, where IP and employment law matters are also covered. The mainstays include the review of use cases regarding generative AI models, regulatory advice and the support in AI-related transactions, investments and contracts. The technology and IT expertise is mirrored in the practice's management: Fabian Niemann specialises in cross-border projects, which was most recently demonstrated in advising on an AI-based chatbot service in accordance with the AI Act and the GDPR, while Miriam Ballhausen advises on software, digital media, data protection and copyright law.
Artificial Intelligence in Germany
Bird & Bird LLP
Osborne Clarke
Osborne Clarke follows an interdisciplinary approach in advising on AI use and is particularly well versed in regulatory matters as well as IP, data protection and contract law. The team regularly advises on the applicability of the AI regulation and subsequent matters as well as AI use in the context of trade secrets protection as well as pertaining to regulated industries such as the financial industry; transaction support is another core topic, which was most recently demonstrated in advising on the takeover of an AI company specialising in deep learning. Practice head Jens Schefzig is experienced in regulatory matters pertaining to data use in the context of AI.
Kernmandanten
Bechtle AG
Aleph Alpha
Andreas STIHL AG&Co.KG
Ferrero
Miele
PwC Deutschland
Topcon
Deepl SE
aifora
IDEX
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising AI start-up Aleph Alpha on its successful $500 million Series B financing round.
- Advising Deepl SE with key consulting focuses on digital regulation (especially AI Act), consumer protection and optimization of contracts for (international) scaling.
- Advising Topcon on IT and data law, particularly with regard to the drafting of new contracts for AI solutions.
Aitava
Aitava focuses on technology-related topics, with the most recent instructions pertaining to trustworthy AI, the implementation of cryptographic procedures as well as the support in regulatory matters. The team advises clients from various industries, including software development and electrical engineering companies as well as fashion and automotive players. David Bomhard offers in-depth knowledge of AI and cloud-related projects in regulated industries such as the financial, digital healthcare and infrastructure sectors and jointly heads the practice with Jonas Siglmüller, who is additionally qualified as software developer and a key contact for complex technological aspects; the latter is well versed in IT disputes and transactions.
Referenzen
‘In-depth expertise, strong client orientation and pragmatic solutions.’
‘David Bomhard and Jonas Sieglmüller are absolute experts in the field of AI & Data.’
‘Unique combination of legal expertise and deep IT understanding.’
Kernmandanten
Audi AG
appliedAI Initiative GmbH
Aleph Alpha GmbH
Concordia Versicherungs-Gesellschaft a. G
Theo Müller Group
Tools for Humanity GmbH
Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
Codecentric AG PUMA SE
CMS
Led by Markus Häuser (IT law and data protection), CMS focuses on the development, use and marketing of AI products and impresses with regulatory expertise covering all relevant European regulations, including the Data Act, AI Act and Digital Markets Act. Particularly noteworthy is the recent advice on a joint venture between DEKRA SE and PwC Germany to support, test and certify AI products, the latter mandate also demonstrates the team’s comprehensive transaction support.
Referenzen
‘We value the cross-functional collaboration both within the team and in the complementary consulting areas that result from the in-depth study of individual aspects.’
‘Markus Häuser stands out positively due to his broad spectrum of knowledge in the respective specialist field, while at the same time providing very practice-oriented implementation and application recommendations – highly recommended.’
‘Markus Häuser always provides advice at the highest level. The results are practice-oriented and are produced quickly.’
‘Markus Häuser is very well versed in his field and manages to explain and solve legal issues in an understandable and practical way.’
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP impresses with expertise at the interface between AI and data and IP law and fields an interdisciplinary team, which includes IT, cybersecurity, regulatory, employment law, antitrust law as well as finance experts. The practice acts with an industry focus on life sciences, automotive and financial services, including transaction support, the advice on data protection aspects pertaining to the use of AI-driven chatbots and the applicability of the AI Act to AI-supported medical device software. The team is jointly led by Leopold Von Gerlach (IP law, litigation) and Martin Pflüger (IT, IP and data law).
Kernmandanten
Aareon
BMW
Daiichi
ExB Labs
Helsing
Novartis
Roche Diagnostics GmbH
Sartorius AG
SPREAD
Waymo
Wix
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Aareon France on a €100 million investment in AI-powered proptech company Stonal.
- Advising Daiichi Sankyo on the use of an AI-powered chatbot for patient inquiries regarding pharmaceuticals.
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
advises on various AI-related matters, which extends to copyright, data protection and IT security law matters and includes the advice on data-based business models as well as information acquisition and data analysis. Among the recent highlights is the support to companies in the implementation of large language apps and the advice on developments in the context of autonomous driving. Kuuya Josef Chibanguza is experienced in AI-based products across the medical technology sector and jointly leads the team with Christian Kuß and Michael Rath.
Kernmandanten
Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
BASF AG Healthy Fields
WebID Solutions GmbH
ADVANCE AI LTD
AskUI GmbH
Aerzen Digital Systems GmbH
Goldmarie Finanzen GmbH
Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH
STEM Healthcare Germany GmbH
Continentale
NRW.BANK
SMP GmbH
EDEKA
IHK Gesellschaft für Informationsverarbeitung mbH
Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR)
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft on AI security for autonomous driving as well as advising on the supply of IT services and telecommunications services in vehicles.
- Advising BASF AG Healthy Fields on the digitisation of agriculture through the use of AI and IT-supported systems to detect pest infestations.
- Advising Advance AI Ltd. on data protection risk assessments regarding the processing of data using AI as well as advising in connection with the implementation of data protection compliance in Germany.
Taylor Wessing
Taylor Wessing is well versed in supporting investments and infrastructure projects pertaining to AI and impresses with regulatory expertise in the context of AI use across the finance and healthcare sectors. The team also advises companies on AI use, with a focus on liability law, data protection and IP issues. Carsten Schulz is a key contact for transactions, projects and contract-related disputes in connection with technology, and jointly heads the practice with Norman Röchert (venture capital) and Thanos Rammos, who handles matters at the interface between data protection, copyright and AI.
Referenzen
‘Taylor Wessing is characterized by professional networking and expertise at the highest level in the field of artificial intelligence.’
‘Thanos Rammos’ outstanding qualities, which include openness and commitment, and his pragmatic approach have significantly shaped and driven our collaboration. His work is invaluable to us and contributes significantly to the success of our joint projects. We value working with him enormously and can recommend him without reservation.’
‘Taylor Wessing stands out from other law firms with its practice-oriented advice. Issues are resolved taking into account the corporate structure and legal advice is always provided in the appropriate format. There are no legal monologues with the result ‘it depends’. This is a factor that makes Taylor Wessing particularly popular in our global company. The communication of legal content is always adapted to the respective recipient.’
‘The team is characterized by a unique combination of an impressive VC track record paired with a corresponding industry focus in the field of AI.’
‘Very competent, problem-oriented and practical.’
‘Norman Röchert is very experienced and extremely well connected, both on the investor and corporate side.’
Kernmandanten
Advastore
ANNEA.ai
Asklepios Kliniken
Balderton
BVG
Callsign
DeepL
eBay
Emerald Technology Ventures
Encentive
Endel
Freiheit.com
General Catalyst
Giesecke+Devrient
GREYHOUND Software
IU Group
Kheiron
Learneo
Pfeifer & Langen
Prewave
RICOH
SoSafe
Splunk
Springer Nature
Vodafone
Zalando
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising DeepL on various transactions and structuring issues, including a $300 million investment.
- Advising Zalando on the implementation of AI requirements under the European Union AI Regulation to ensure ethical and legal standards for the use of AI models.
- Advising a hyperscaler on the implementation of the data center and cloud strategy as well as the acquisition of corresponding infrastructure.
Ashurst LLP
Ashurst LLP offers longstanding expertise in regulatory, data protection, copyright and liability issues pertaining to AI and is regularly instructed by clients from the financial, insurance and automotive sectors on autonomous driving, aspects of the AI Act and AI use in software development. Practice head Alexander Duisberg is renowned for his expertise across the entire spectrum of IT and data protection law.
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland follows a cross-locational approach in supporting transactions, governance issues and regulatory matters pertaining to the AI Act, while interfacing copyright law matters are also covered. Practice head Nils Müller focuses on data protection, cybersecurity and IT law and recently advised on the takeover of a company, which develops and sells M&A software, as well as on AI-related regulatory matters across the aviation industry.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher advises developers, private equity investors and banks on various matters, including compliance and financing in the context of research and development projects as well as the advice on the introduction of AI-based software and tools in companies. Practice head Felix Wittern is well versed in the automotive sector and offers in-depth expertise in data protection law, which is regularly drawn on in cross-border contract negotiations.
Kernmandanten
Artificial Intelligence Center
Cleverly edu GmbH (cleverly.de)
Descript GmbH
KI Bundesverband e.V. / Akademie für Künstliche Intelligenz
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Artificial Intelligence Center on various publicly funded projects.
- Advising Descript GmbH on the introduction of AI-based software to support sales discussions in the financial sector on both regulatory and data protection law.
- Advising the AI Federal Association on the implementation of a feasibility study on large AI models (LEAM – Large European AI Models).
Lindenpartners
Lindenpartners is experienced in advising start-ups on new business models with a particular focus on the financial industry and demonstrates expertise in contract drafting, compliance and IP issues pertaining to the development of AI products. Moritz Indenhuck is also a qualified software developer and combines this know-how with expertise in IT, data protection and media law. Indenhuck jointly heads the practice with Jan Schmidt-Seidl, who advises on banking regulatory, data protection and consumer law requirements pertaining to AI products.
Referenzen
‘Thomas Britz: Super fast and 100% precise. Moritz Indenhuck: Guided me confidently through the multi-stakeholder project.’
‘Lindenpartners’ Artificial Intelligence (AI) practice group is distinguished by its exceptional expertise and deep understanding of the technological and legal challenges in this dynamic field. The team consistently demonstrates a high level of innovation, particularly in the areas of human resources, accounting, diversity, technology and collaboration.’
‘Interdisciplinary expertise: The team combines legal knowledge with in-depth technical knowledge, enabling them to develop tailor-made solutions to complex AI-related problems.’
Kernmandanten
Bundesverband der Deutschen Volksbanken und Raiffeisenbanken e.V.
JUST EXPERTS GmbH
NeurologIQ Holding GmbH
Rheinischer Sparkassen- und Giroverband [RSGV]
S-Communication Services GmbH
S-Kreditpartner GmbH
Semalytixs GmbH
Star Finanz-Software Entwicklung und Vertriebs GmbH
Universität Rostock
Highlight-Mandate
- Ongoing advice to the BVR in connection with various digitisation topics, such as the use of AI models or the development of model analyses based on machine learning systems.
- Supporting Semalytix, a provider of an AI-based data tool for analysing patient experiences, in expanding its business model and in contractual matters.
- Advice to S-Kreditpartner GmbH, a company of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, including on the development of sales and regulatory analysis processes.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP boasts longstanding expertise in data and IP law, both at national and cross-border level, and follows an interdisciplinary approach in advising across the technology sector, which includes the advice on matters at the interface between employment law and AI. The team is led by Christian Schröder (cyber, data and IT law), Benedikt Migdal (technology transactions) and Sven Greulich, who is a key contact for AI start-ups and routinely assists them with all relevant aspects.
Kernmandanten
Carnival
Corporation
Flexera Software
Nvidia Corporation
CA Immobilien
Anthology
aiConomix
Flower Labs
Floy
Levity AI
Langdock
Suena
Orbio.Earth
Taktile
Institutional Venture Partners
SAP
Highlight-Mandate
- Advice to Carnival Corporation & PLC on the development of artificial intelligence governance and policies and best practices for a contracting strategy with third-party artificial intelligence providers.
Raue
Raue focuses on the media sector, where the team advises on contract, copyright and media law. Most recently the team advised on the impact of AI-supported voice assistants on journalistic activities as well as on matters pertaining to the interception of journalistic content using AI. The two practice heads Robert Heine and Felix Stang boast similar competencies and focus on IP and media law.
Kernmandanten
Axel Springer SE
GEMA
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Axel Springer on an AI cooperation with OpenAI in connection with media and contract law matters.
- Copyright and media law advice to Axel Springer in connection with AI-supported voice assistants.
- Advising GEMA in connection with generative AI.