IP and IT in Luxembourg

Allen & Overy Luxembourg

Led by Catherine Di Lorenzo, the ‘very responsive and knowledgeable’ team at Allen & Overy Luxembourg has forged a particularly strong reputation for its data protection prowess, including for clients within the fintech sector. The scope of this work is broad, covering contentious and non-contentious matters, including general compliance, as well as defending clients in the aftermath of a data breach. Di Lorenzo also regularly advises clients on their technology transactions, including in the context of IT outsourcing projects within the heavily regulated financial services and insurance sectors. On the IP front, associate Izabela Dutkiewicz is particularly well-versed in trade mark matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Catherine Di Lorenzo


Autres avocats clés:

Izabela Dutkiewicz; Paul Wagner; Barbara Azoulay


Les références

‘The team is very responsive and knowledgeable.’

Arendt & Medernach

Drawing upon ‘highly extensive legal know-how’ but also able to frame advice in a ‘solutions-oriented’ manner, Arendt & Medernach is a popular choice across a range of IP and IT-related mandates, including large-scale digitalisation projects for financial services entities. Data protection is a particular area of strength, with clients benefiting not only from the group’s core legal expertise in the area but also its ability to provide a multi-disciplinary approach, should the need arise – often working alongside litigators and forensics experts, as well as the firm’s in-house regulatory and consulting arm. Astrid Wagner is ‘calm, highly skilled and pleasant to work with’, and heads a team that also includes a number of knowledgeable senior associates, including Sophie Calmes who was promoted to the role in April 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Astrid Wagner


Autres avocats clés:

Sophie Calmes


Les références

‘They have highly extensive legal know-how but they can also think like a client and deliver a solutions-oriented approach.’

‘The lawyers are polite, well educated, multilingual and display a lot of patience.’

‘They are very knowledgeable and capable of providing actionable, pragmatic advice on data protection matters.’

Principaux clients

ACRON Lux Invest S. à r.l.


Bain Capital


European Investment Bank


Generali Group


Made In Space Europe


Microsoft Corporation


Spire Global Luxembourg S. à r.l.


Talkwalker


Tokeny


Volkswagen / Audi


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised an asset manager in the context of a major cyber-attack which led to a fraudulent phishing email attack on the managing director of an investment adviser of a Luxembourg fund (SCSp).
  • Assisted a large US company that manufactures flashlights powered by various rechargeable and disposable batteries, regarding the compliance of one of their products with the EU and Luxembourg legislations and the related declaration of conformity.
  • Advised a multinational automobile manufacturer on a massive outsourcing project alongside the investment fund team.

C law

Boutique law firm C law has ‘deep knowledge and understanding of IT/IP law’, and is able to convey this to clients in a highly digestible and practical format by dint of the impressive track record of the ‘seasoned lawyers’ at the firm. The ‘outstanding’ Cyril Pierre-Beausse can draw upon a deep well of knowledge gathered over his many years’ experience in the field, providing ‘pragmatic advice’ to clients in the context of IT and data protection matters. Claire Leonelli, who has ‘thorough knowledge and understanding of the law’, also excels at handling IT and data mandates, work she combines with a media law offering that includes copyright advice, assisted by counsel Claire Denoual. Recognised by one client as one of ‘the most conscientious, efficient, and well-prepared lawyers’ in the marketKatia Manhaeve spearheads the firm’s IP offering, with work running the gamut across non-contentious and contentious trade mark, domain name, design, copyright and patent issues. As well as offering expertise in IT matters, the ‘knowledgeable, experienced and solutions-oriented’ Elisabeth Guissart is also adept at handling ‘complex cross-border files both on contentious and non-contentious IP matters’.

Autres avocats clés:

Cyril Pierre-Beausse; Claire Leonelli; Katia Manhaeve; Elisabeth Guissart; Claire Denoual


Les références

‘The team is deeply experienced in IP and IT law. Being a boutique law firm with specialists in this field enables the team to service a broad range of requests in these matters. The team is reactive and available with the willingness to find solutions.’

‘Elisabeth Guissart is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and solutions oriented. She is able to handle complex cross-border files both on contentious and non-contentious IP matters.’

‘Katia Manhaeve is one of the most conscientious, efficient, and well-prepared lawyers I have worked with.’

DLA Piper Luxembourg

Acting on its own as well as leveraging resources across the firm’s international network of offices, the ‘strong and well-rounded team‘ at DLA Piper Luxembourg is well-positioned to advise domestic and multinational corporates across a wide array of IT and IP issues, often with a multijurisdictional complexion. ‘Very resourceful’ counsel David Alexandre takes the lead on soft IP matters, regularly working with other offices to co-ordinate EU-wide brand protection for large corporates, both in terms of trade mark prosecution as well as enforcement issues. Overarching team head Olivier Reisch is focused on data protection and tech-related matters, including handling large outsourcing projects for financial services clients. ‘Outstanding’ senior associate Alejandro González Vega is very well-versed on copyright and digital law, as well as more broadly advising international TMT clients on the protection of their IPR.

Responsables de la pratique:

Olivier Reisch; David Alexandre


Autres avocats clés:

Guillaume Dally; Alejandro González Vega; Camille Malécot


Les références

‘Alejandro González Vega‘s deep knowledge of the industries that he works with makes him a truly outstanding lawyer.’

Principaux clients

Accenture


Alstom


ATR (a subsidiary of Airbus)


AXA Climate


Bank of Singapore


Bridge Investment Group


Claire’s Accessories


Conair / Babyliss


Convera


Fareva


Generali Real Estate


Groupe Clergerie


Harbert


Harrison Street


Max Planck Institute Foundation Luxembourg


Middle Game Ventures


Ministère de l’Énergie et de l’Aménagement du territoire du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg


Nintendo


Nomura


Olayan Group


SolarPower


Sodexo


Teqball


Principaux dossiers


  • Regularly assisting Bank of Singapore in complying with EU data protection legislation and, through the firm’s network, with foreign data protection legislation as well as with outsourcing in the financial sector.
  • Advising AXA Climate, the consulting division on regenerative business of French multinational insurance company AXA, on the registration and protection of several brands worldwide.
  • Advised Olayan Group on the management of its trade mark portfolio as well as IP enforcement on a global scale.

Elvinger Hoss Prussen

Elvinger Hoss Prussen provides a comprehensive service to clients across a broad swathe of contentious and non-contentious IT and tech-related matters, with the team acting on its own as well as drawing from broader strengths across the firm’s full-service offering. Gary Cywie is well-versed at negotiating commercial contracts within the technology sector (including IT outsourcing and software licensing) and is also adept at handling matters at the intersection of finance and technology, including as these relate to digital ledger technologies. Linda Funck co-heads the team alongside Cywie and as well as providing IT and data protection proficiency also advises on due diligence for M&A mandates handled by the firm for IP-rich businesses.

Responsables de la pratique:

Linda Funck; Gary Cywie


Autres avocats clés:

Emmanuèle de Dampierre


Les références

‘Emmanuèle de Dampierre took her time to understand our project and our needs, we appreciated her professionalism but also the fact that it was easy to discuss with her. She also made me feel comfortable in the discussions, gave relevant recommendations. She is easy to reach out to.’

Principaux clients

DigitalBridge


Azimut and BNP Paribas


Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH)


Next Gate Tech


Losch Group


Maana Electric


Avanterra


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising the Losch group on data protection, intellectual property and IT matters.
  • Advised Next Gate Tech on its new commercial partnership with Kneip, consisting of bringing together both companies’ expertise in fund data management.
  • Advised Azimut Investment and BNP Paribas’ Securities Services on the first phase of a joined blockchain initiative consisting of the tokenisation of units in a Luxembourg reserved alternative investment fund.

NautaDutilh

Led by Vincent Wellens, who is ‘very experienced and knowledgeable across both IP and IT’, NautaDutilh‘s ‘knowledgeable and pragmatic’ team provides a ‘high-quality service’ to private and public sector clients in the context of commercial contracts, M&A-related due diligence and litigation. Leveraging vast private practice experience as well as insight derived from his previous in-house role at the historical telecom operator in Luxembourg, Wellens provides a ‘very well rounded’ service which encompasses IT outsourcing (for buyers and vendors), data protection and IP work, including a growing demand among clients for pre-litigation patents advice. Senior associate Sigrid Heirbrant provides ‘pragmatic and to-the-point advice’ to clients in relation to tech, IP and data protection commercial contracts.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vincent Wellens


Autres avocats clés:

Sigrid Heirbrant


Les références

They are knowledgeable and pragmatic and provide a high-quality service.’

The team is holistic, innovative and pragmatic.’

‘The team is always up to speed and very much in control of your matters. They are highly engaged, committed and knowledgeable.’

Principaux clients

AirBnB


Aperam


ArcelorMittal


Azenta


BMW


Canal +


CNPD


Engie


European Commission


Fedex


Fendi


Fujitsu-Siemens


Goodyear


Luxair


Luxembourg State (Ctie, ministry of defence, ministry for interior security, ministry for mobility…)


Microsoft


O’Neil


Post Luxembourg


PWC


UBS


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted several traders (including a few high-end fashion/luxury brands) in disputes with Amazon, both in the latter’s capacity as selling platform and in its capacity as a regular distributor of goods.
  • Assists the CNPD, the Luxembourg national data protection authority, in the appeal procedure against the CNPD decision to impose several significant corrective measures and a fine of €746m.
  • Assisting Microsoft with the compliance of its deployment of cloud services with EBA guidelines and the cloud and outsourcing specific regulations of the financial (CSSF) and insurance (CAA) sector regulators.

Bonn & Schmitt

Bonn & Schmitt is noted for its expertise in IP/IT regulatory compliance, headed by Alain Grosjean, whose role as president of the IP, Media and Telecommunication Commission has led to work on behalf of the Luxembourg Bar, as well as commentary on draft national legislations in the sector. The firm also has considerable fintech knowledge and recently became an associate partner of the LHoFT Foundation, Luxembourg’s dedicated fintech platform and a public-private sector initiative that drives technology innovation for Luxembourg’s financial services industry. Former practice co-head Erwin Sotiri rejoined Jurisconsul as managing partner in March 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alain Grosjean


Autres avocats clés:

Simon Malterre; Elena Arno


Principaux clients

Luxembourg Bar Association


International Association of Lawyers (UIA)


Clifford Chance

Overseen by litigator Albert Moro and led on a day-to-day basis by the ‘friendly and always available’ senior associate Charles-Henri Laevens, Clifford Chance handles a range of IP, IT and data protection work, primarily for clients within the asset management and financial services sectors. As part of his wide-ranging banking practice, Steve Jacoby has become increasingly active in the fintech space, gaining particular insight into developments and trends through his involvement with the LHoFT Foundation, Luxembourg’s dedicated fintech centre.

Responsables de la pratique:

Albert Moro


Autres avocats clés:

Steve Jacoby; Charles-Henri Laevens


Les références

‘I understand that the IP and IT practice does not limit itself to purely IP and IT questions. They seem to support other teams with regulatory, civil law and perhaps other questions as well.’

‘I had a very positive experience working with Charles-Henri Laevens. He tackled a complicated regulatory/Lux civil law question for us. His advice for us was extensive (providing all the necessary details) and on point (he knew to position himself). He was friendly and always available. The billing process was smooth and swift.’

Principaux clients

FIS/Virtus


Investment Funds


The LHoFT Foundation


Banks, asset managers, investment funds and other financial institutions


Lux-Airport


Octopus


Teylor


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Fortune 500 fintech provider FIS on the transfer of the registrar and transfer agency function in relation to the Luxembourg funds of Franklin Templeton, from the FT Lux super Manco to Virtus, the Lux subsidiary of FIS.
  • Advising Octopus Energy Group, Britain’s fifth largest energy supplier, on the data protection aspects of its fund structure and how to best approach investors with regards to the processing of their personal data.
  • Advised Lux Airport on the development of the Skypark Business Center, including advising on the data protection aspects of the project and negotiating agreements with IT service providers.

LG Avocats

Noted for its expertise across media, telecoms and privacy regulatory matters, boutique independent firm LG Avocats continues to pick up a regular stream of work, directly on behalf of clients as well as in a referral capacity from law firms without a presence in the country. Team head Hervé Wolff‘s broad and versatile offering sees him involved in a considerable amount of data protection compliance, as well as acting for clients in the aftermath of a cybersecurity breach.

Responsables de la pratique:

Hervé Wolff


Loyens & Loeff

Leveraging the firm’s broader corporate, investment management and tax capabilities, Loyens & Loeff is well-positioned to advise funds across a wide spectrum of IP and IT matters, including on due diligence regarding IP-rich targets, GDPR compliance and trade mark prosecution and licensing agreements. Drawing upon her broad litigation smarts, team head Véronique Hoffeld has particular expertise advising on multi-jurisdictional IP disputes, while senior associate Emilia Fronczak provides assistance in data protection matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Véronique Hoffeld


Autres avocats clés:

Sabrina Martin; Veronica Aroutiunian; Emilia Fronczak; Adrien Anese


Les références

The team is very approachable and the lawyers always show the highest standards of professionalism.’

MOLITOR Avocats à la Cour SARL

Led by counsel Virginie Liebermann and managing partner Michel Molitor, MOLITOR Avocats à la Cour SARL provides ‘responsive, practical and pragmatic advice’ to clients in the retail, financial services, automotive and health sectors, in particular, across a wide range of IP/IT-related matters, including issues relating to privacy law, trade marks/copyright and regulatory clearance of media and advertising projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Virginie Liebermann; Michel Molitor


Les références

‘The team provides very responsive, practical and pragmatic advice.’

‘Virginie Liebermann and Michel Molitor have excellent knowledge of the law and are very responsive.’

PwC Legal Luxembourg

The ‘young and dynamic’ team at PwC Legal Luxembourg is ‘very knowledgeable’ across a range of tech and data protection matters, displaying a ‘forward-thinking approach which perfectly synchronises with the evolving dynamics of technology and IP laws’. This innovative approach manifests itself not only in the personal interaction and advice delivered by fee-earners in the team but also from the firm’s cutting-edge use of legal technology, including AI to deliver services. With a ‘profound understanding of intricate IT and IP dynamics’, team head Audrey Rustichelli can ‘envision solutions even in the most complex scenarios’ and has particularly deep knowledge in relation to IT agreements, digitisation projects and data protection matters. Counsel Nicolas Hamblenne is ‘extremely pragmatic in keeping a balance between what the law provides and the needs of the company’, regularly assisting Rustichelli in commercial and IT agreements and data protection mandates for private and public sector clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

Audrey Rustichelli


 


Autres avocats clés:

Nicolas Hamblenne


Les références

‘The team is very knowledgeable on matters related to tech and data protection, always updated and with awareness of business and practical developments in addition to the legal framework.’

‘First, the team is made with people with strong and deep knowledge of the IP and IT practice with experiences in Luxembourg but also abroad. Secondly, they are young, dynamic, curious and have a pragmatic approach of the business: communication is easy and efficient. Finally, they are really on the edge of the actuality concerning their practice.’

‘PwC Legal Luxembourg’s IT/IP practice stands distinguished in the vibrant legal landscape of Luxembourg. What sets them apart is their forward-thinking approach which perfectly synchronises with the evolving dynamics of technology and IP laws.’

Principaux clients

LuxTrust


Lu-cix