Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Industry focus: IT and telecoms

Industry focus: IT and telecoms in Belgium

Allegiance Law

Allegiance Law’s growing practice has been bolstered by the arrival of Steven De Schrijver who has extensive experience advising both Belgian and foreign companies and has handled numerous national and cross-border transactions in the IT and Telecoms sector.

Principaux dossiers


Four and Five Law BV

Anneleen Vander Elstraeten and Maxime Verstrepen lead the growing technology practice at Four and Five Law BV, working closely with start-ups and scale-ups, and mature innovators on a range of complex IT matters.

Principaux dossiers


A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman’s top-tier IT and telecoms practice is noted for its strength in complex IT transactions, regulatory mandates, disputes and cross-border technology projects, advising both buyers and providers across domestic and international markets. The team also brings strong IP capabilities to technology engagements. Practice head Peter Van Dyck specialises in data protection, privacy, IP and tech issues, while Filip Van Elsen advises on cybersecurity, outsourcing, cloud and AI collaborations. Sarah De Wulf focuses on major digital transformation and technology-driven commercial projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Peter Van Dyck; Filip Van Elsen


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah De Wulf


Les références

‘People working there are friendly and knowledgeable at the same time.’

‘Filip Van Elsen knows how to create a nice personal relationship with the client!’

‘Friendly, collaborative, open to feedback. Good knowledge, especially on the partners’ side.’

Principaux dossiers


CMS

CMS’s top-tier IT and telecoms practice provides comprehensive advice across the full spectrum of IT, data protection, media and telecommunications law, handling both contentious and non-contentious matters. The team is noted for its strong regulatory, competition and technology capabilities. Co-head Dirk Van Liedekerke brings deep expertise in EU and Belgian competition and telecoms regulation, while co-head Tom De Cordier is a seasoned technology lawyer focused on IT, IP and data privacy. Tom Heremans adds strong credentials in copyright, trademark, patent, advertising and e-commerce issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dirk Van Liedekerke; Tom De Cordier


Autres avocats clés:

Tom Heremans; Deven Dobbelaere; Thomas Dubuisson


Les références

‘The CMS IT & Telecoms practice stands out for its deep expertise and hands-on experience in EU digital regulation, particularly the EU AI Act, the EU Data Act and the EU Cyber Resilience Act. The team delivers practical, business-oriented solutions that address clients’ implementation challenges and risk assessments in a clear and actionable way.’

‘The team demonstrates strong project management discipline, which contributes to efficient delivery. Collaboration across CMS’s global network is seamless and a clear differentiator in complex, multi-jurisdictional matters.’

‘Tom De Cordier stands out as a true thought leader in EU data protection and AI regulation. His ability to break down complex regulatory issues into clear, actionable insights is exceptional, and he is highly persuasive when briefing senior management.’

Principaux clients

Proximus


Airbnb


Amazon


Logidrive


EURid


Coreso-TSCNet


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Proximus as a third party intervening in the EU merger control proceedings regarding two significant transactions in the Belgian telecoms market that have been notified to the European Commission under the EU Merger Control Regulation.
  • Representing two US entities of Amazon in trademark infringement proceedings against Christian Louboutin before the Brussels Court.
  • Assisting long-standing client Proximus in the negotiations of a high-profile transaction with Telenet to jointly provide super-fast internet to 2.7 million households.

Crowell & Moring

Crowell & Moring’s top-tier IT and telecoms practice delivers multidisciplinary expertise to cable operators, broadcasters, production companies, and leading technology developers, with notable strength in competition law. The firm advises on cutting-edge technologies including blockchain, cloud computing, mobile apps, VOIP, cookies and 4G. Thomas De Meese co-heads the team, guiding clients on e-commerce, ISP liability and complex telecoms agreements, alongside co-head Sari Depreeuw, a copyright and digital law specialist. Edward Taelman adds patent and trademark litigation capability, while Karl Stas excels in competition and network regulation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Thomas De Meese; Sari Depreeuw


Autres avocats clés:

Edward Taelman; Karl Stas


Les références

‘Very knowledgeable and available.’

‘Thomas de Meese and Karl Stas are specialists in their field; their approach is knowledgeable and pragmatic.’

‘Team is practical, has deep sectoral expertise combined with a forward-thinking, client-centric approach.’

Principaux clients

AI, Data and Robotics Association


ARTTS


AT&T


Backcatalogue


euRobotics


MercadoLibre


Telenet/Liberty Global


The Greenshot


Principaux dossiers


  • Defended Amazon in various trademark infringement cases brought by Louboutin against Amazon’s EU entities in Belgium and Luxembourg.
  • Advising Telenet on a variety of questions, including IT & Telecoms regulatory issues, litigation matters, contract negotiations, etc.
  • Advising a variety of companies on AI-related legal questions, including copyright, regulatory and liability issues.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper’s Brussels IT and telecoms team has deep expertise across IT contracting, telecoms regulation, digital infrastructure, data and emerging technologies, with notable strength in advising on AI, cloud, digital identity and data-sharing frameworks. The group supports the full lifecycle of technology projects, often cross-border. Kristof De Vulder leads the practice, recognised for major technology transactions and disputes, while Elisabeth Verbrugge advises on complex sourcing and digital regulatory developments. Nicolas Becker adds further capability in IP and IT law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kristof De Vulder


Autres avocats clés:

Elisabeth Verbrugge; Nicolas Becker; Florian De Rouck; Laetitia Mouton


Les références

‘The DLA Piper IT team has consistently impressed me with their outstanding competence and professionalism. What makes them unique is not only their deep legal expertise, but also their strong technical knowledge and their ability to bridge the gap between legal and business perspectives. They understand how legal issues connect to wider business impacts and technology implications, which is an invaluable strength.’

‘The individuals I have worked with stand out for their professionalism, responsiveness, and clarity in communication. They are not only highly knowledgeable in their legal domain but also demonstrate strong technical expertise that goes beyond pure legal advice. This combination allows them to provide practical, business-oriented guidance.’

‘Great understanding of our business, operating model and key stakeholders. Engagement is pragmatic, result-focused and outcome-based whilst articulating the pros and cons of particular strategies.’

Principaux clients

Adobe


Aliaxis


argenx


Argenta


Bank Nagelmackers


benerail


bpost


Cegeka


Digipolis


Dstny


EDF


EMVO


Foodpairing


Flemish government


Fujitsu


Fluvius


iDirect


ILVO


Katoen Natie


KBC


Keytrade Bank


Keywords Studios


Kindeva


Kinepolis


Kuwait Petroleum (Q8)


MAN/Scania


nexuzhealth


Nitro Software


Ontex


Orange


Polhem Infra


SAP


SD Worx


skeyes


SNCB/NMBS (Belgian railways)


Steria Benelux


Toyota Motor Europe


UCB


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Belgian energy provider EDF Luminus on the legal structuring of a transformative ERP/CRM architecture redesign, moving away from standard platforms towards sector-specific solutions.
  • Advised bpost, Belgium’s leading postal operator, on a major IT outsourcing project covering infrastructure, housing, security, and workplace-related services.
  • Advised the Flemish Government, via Het Facilitair Bedrijf, on all contractual aspects of its most ambitious digital transformation to date: the selection and contracting of an ERP vendor and implementation partner to overhaul the financial IT systems of over 80 Flemish entities.

Jones Day

Jones Day is a global one-stop shop for telecoms, technology and data protection matters, handling complex national and cross-border mandates for major sector players. The team is jointly led by Alexandre Verheyden, noted for high-profile competition and regulatory work, Laurent De Muyter, an expert in electronic communications and digital regulation, and Jörg Hladjk, a specialist in international cybersecurity and data protection. Yvan Desmedt adds strong industry depth, advising telecoms and IT clients in significant regulatory and competition proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alexandre G. Verheyden; Laurent De Muyter; Jörg Hladjk


Autres avocats clés:

Yvan N. Desmedt; Jonas Van den Bossche


Les références

‘Highly knowledgeable team with a great acumen.’

‘Laurent de Muyter is an exceptional lawyer able to define the best strategy to address the matter at stake.’

‘I often have sophisticated IT/telecom/Internet issues that require a deep understanding of the underlying technology, as well as the applicable law. Jörg Hladjk and his team uniquely have this technical and legal capability. Jörg stands out for his solution-oriented approach. He helps solve my problems. He doesn’t just tell me the law.’

Principaux clients

bpost (Belgian State-owned postal operator)


ComReg (Irish Commission for Communications Regulation)


Deutsche Telekom


ECTA (European Competitive Telecommunications Association)


Euroclear


GSM Association


Mastercard


Open Fiber


SAP


Telenet / Liberty Global


Ubisoft


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a leading European telecommunications provider on the legal aspects entailed in the revamp of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications and the adoption of the Digital Network Act.
  • Advising Euroclear on a series of complex FinTech-related matters, including its investment in IZNES, a pan-European funds marketplace based on blockchain technology.
  • Advising Affinius Capital on a variety of matters, including compliance with the EU AI Act and GDPR compliance in the context of US securities laws.

Stibbe

Stibbe’s leading TMT team is recognised for its strength across the full spectrum of technology and telecoms law, advising major private and public-sector clients on litigation, complex transactions, and regulatory matters. The practice is co-led by Erik Valgaeren, a specialist in IT, telecoms, privacy and digitalisation; Jan Bogaert, noted for strategic, cross-border M&A; and Hans Van Bavel, an expert in company-related criminal law. Carolien Michielsen further enhances the team with her focus on data protection, AI, cloud and blockchain technologies.

Responsables de la pratique:

Erik Valgaeren; Jan Bogaert; Hans Van Bavel


Autres avocats clés:

Carolien Michielsen; Cyril Fischer; Jan Joos


Les références

‘High professionalism and great availability.’

‘Strong Benelux TMT practice with real depth in technology work. Capable of delivering concise, on-target advice. Can identify regulatory impacts and deliver in a commercially pragmatic way.’

‘Erik Valgaeren remains our go-to Belgian tech lawyer. Knowledgeable, responsive and able to deliver against the brief.’

Principaux clients

Aldi


Belgian State


Google


Proximus


Belgium Tower Partners


 


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Proximus on (i) the carve-out and sale of its datacenters and the corresponding housing business/housing customers to a third-party buyer, while purchasing back colocation services from that third party via a long-term contract.
  • Advised Solvay, a multinational company with headquarters in Belgium and a leading player in the chemical and plastics industry, on the entire process of tendering and insourcing of a modernised cloud-based ERP package.
  • Advising Brussels Airport Company (BAC) on the contemplated development, concession and operation of a commercial data centre, to be awarded to and subsequently operated by a professional provider in the data centre industry, of one of their buildings that is located on the site of the airport and currently not used. As part of this project, Brussels Airport Company wants to have the option to become a customer of the data centre itself.

ALTIUS

ALTIUS’ IT and telecoms practice advises digital service providers, AI developers, social media platforms, search engines, telecom operators and emerging tech companies on GDPR, the AI Act, DORA, the DSA and broader commercial and corporate issues. The team also supports M&A and spin-off activity in the sector. Practice head Gerrit Vandendriessche advises on ICT, data and platform law, while Jérôme Vermeylen handles transactions in the ICT space and Jan Clinck focuses on digital technologies, EU regulation and cybersecurity.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gerrit Vandendriessche


Autres avocats clés:

Jérôme Vermeylen; Jan Clinck; Mathieu Maniet


Principaux clients

AT&T


Beiersdorf


DIGI Communications Belgium


Easi


Google


Insky


Niko


NTT Data (formerly everis)


Principaux dossiers


  • Assists DIGI Communications Belgium and INSKY, new Belgian telecoms operators, on telecoms regulatory matters and commercial litigation.
  • Assists Easi regarding all IT law-related matters.
  • Assists NTT Data on a day-to-day basis regarding all IT law-related matters.

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher’s multi-jurisdictional team advises government bodies, high-growth tech companies and established market players on major technology projects, drawing on expertise across regulatory, competition, data protection, employment, corporate and disputes. Co-head Tim Van Canneyt is a specialist in data protection, e-commerce and IT contracting, while Stijn Debaene brings notable IP litigation strength in the media and telecom sectors. Fellow co-head Olivier Proust focuses on privacy, data protection and cybersecurity, and Hakim Haouideg is experienced in IP and technology-related litigation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tim Van Canneyt; Stijn Debaene; Olivier Proust


Autres avocats clés:

Hakim Haouideg


Les références

‘The department of Fieldfisher is filled with talent at all levels of seniority.’

‘Tim Van Canneyt is a brilliant and pragmatic, and responsive lawyer. He manages to keep solutions simple in complex intertwined legal problems.’

 

Principaux clients

Accenture


Banque Degroof Petercam


Bics


Billtrust


Calypso Networks Association


Deployments Factory


EUNetworks


Euroclear


Ikanbi


Adfrom


TotalEnergies Marketing Belgium


MCI Group


AGC Glass


Programmads


Sourcemap


Telenet


Teva


Tricount


Galapagos


Utiq


UEFA


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Telenet in trademark litigation proceedings.
  • Assisting Appruv with the localisation of its SaaS terms and conditions.

Linklaters

Linklaters advises clients on strategic IT and telecoms projects across key sectors, notably financial services and technology. The team primarily represents clients in complex supplier negotiations, managing risk and securing tailored outcomes. It provides full-spectrum support on outsourcing, cloud, software and infrastructure-as-a-service arrangements, alongside deep regulatory expertise in electronic communications. Guillaume Couneson leads on IT and telecoms matters, advising major Belgian and international clients on both transactional and regulatory issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Guillaume Couneson; Eric Pottier; Filip Lecoutre; An-Sofie Van Hootegem; Annamaria Mangiaracina; Henk Vanhulle; Caroline Borgers; Bernd Meyring; Gerwin Van Gerven; William Leslie; Etienne Dessy; Florence Danis


Les références

‘Technically very competent, ability to work under pressure and short deadlines, assemble cross-practice team, leverage their experience into antitrust to work on novel tech regulation (eg DSA) under the European Commission supervision. Our go-to team for complex and sensitive tech regulatory work in the EU.’

‘Working with different Brussels law firms in IT and telco, Guillaume Counesson offers the highest level of expertise. I also appreciate his availability, efficiency, strategic thinking, calmness and composure in all circumstances. He always has a solution-minded approach without sugar coating the risks. This combination of qualities makes him the best legal support I could wish for.’

‘Well-informed of new legislation and proximity to Brussels plays a role. Pragmatic approach and close attention.’

Principaux clients

Proximus


SD Worx People Solutions


Tasco NV


Sofina SA


Isabel Group


Hg Capital


Vodafone Group


Belgacom International Carrier Services (BICS)


Strada Partners


Intel


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Vodafone Group, one of the largest telecommunications groups, on the €8bn sale of its Italian business to Swisscom, which is active in Italy through its subsidiary, Fastweb. The transaction will combine two complementary businesses in mobile and fixed telecommunication markets and create a leading player with a convergent offering.
  • Advised Intel in its history-making successful appeal against the European Commission’s Intel decision, which had fined Intel €1.06 billion in 2009 (the then-highest antitrust fine ever imposed), before the EU General Court (Case T-286/09 RENV).
  • Assisted Hg Capital in their investment in €4.7 billion in group team.blue. team.blue – a major European digital solutions provider with headquarters in Belgium, and which operates in multiple countries.

Lydian

Lydian’s IT and telecoms practice delivers end-to-end support on complex projects through close collaboration with its corporate, tax and other specialist teams. The firm advises telecom operators and businesses on transactional, regulatory and contentious matters, and provides guidance on technologies including fibre, 5G, AI, cybersecurity and satellite. Practice head Bastiaan Bruyndonckx is noted for his expertise in data protection and major IT transactions, while Liese Kuyken brings strong regulatory capabilities across IT and telecoms.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bastiaan Bruyndonckx


Autres avocats clés:

Liese Kuyken


Les références

‘As a law firm, Lydian is known for its responsiveness and ability to understand your needs and adjust the legal support to it.’

‘The follow-up and deadlines are respected. Regarding the specific context, a comprehensive view of all options was made.’

‘In-depth knowledge of the telco sector, flexible, pragmatic approach.’

Principaux clients

Orange


Eurofiber


Deutsche Telekom (via Luther)


Temasek (via Norton Rose Fulbright Singapore)


Proximus


Ride Mobile


Quorum Analytics


Belfius Insurance


H. Essers


AXA Bank Belgium


Deutsche Bank


MIVB/STIB


Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering (AgII)


Pelaghias Christodoulou Vraches


NORTV


De Cloedt


Keyence


Horecaservice Nevejan BV


Epam Systems


Hiscox


Cyber Security Coalition


Bu GmbH


Amazon (Kuiper)


Lumen Technologies (Colt Telecom)


Tencent


Stellantis Finance


Challenge Group


House of HR


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Orange Belgium NV, a leading mobile network operator in Belgium, in the negotiation and conclusion of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Proximus NV, its direct competitor, on the deployment and utilisation of existing and new gigabit infrastructure networks in areas of the Walloon Region with mid to low population density.
  • Assisted Tencent Cloud, the Chinese hyperscaler, on the regulatory and compliance requirements for the deployment of its Content Delivery Network (CDN) and Points of Presence (PoP) nodes in Belgium.
  • Assisted Amazon in connection with its landmark initiative to increase global broadband internet access via a constellation of over 3,000 low Earth orbit satellites.

Timelex

Timelex is a standout boutique specialising in technology, data, IP and media law, noted for its strong advisory, transactional and litigation capabilities. Its client base ranges from EU institutions and governments to multinationals and innovative tech start-ups. The team advises across the full spectrum of digital regulation, including data sharing, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Leading figures include Jos Dumortier, an authority on technology and data law; Hans Graux, known for bridging IT systems with regulatory frameworks; Frederic Debusseré; and Edwin Jacobs, a seasoned expert in complex IT contracting and digital services regulation.

Responsables de la pratique:

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


Les références

‘This firm is all about IT law. If you have legal issues in this domain, then there is no firm in Belgium that is better positioned to handle these issues. The legal issue my company was confronted with dealt with litigation in the area of legal technology, so pretty new territory.’

‘Timelex has in-depth knowledge regarding IT law and IT practice. What stands out is the combination of legal knowledge and in-depth IT knowledge.’

‘Their flexibility and excellent knowledge of both the legal aspects and the functioning of IT. Most lawyers know only the legal side and have less practical knowledge.’

Principaux clients

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)


Komatsu


TVH Parts Holding


Greenyard


AVIV


Immoweb


Luminus


Brunswick Corporation


Fluxys


EnergyOne


Scytáles


European Commission


Belgian Ministry for Policy and Support (BOSA)


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting Komatsu in performing EU Data Act and EU Cyber Resilience Act compliance exercises.
  • Assisting THV Pars Holding in performing NIS 2, EU Data Act and EU Cyber Resilience exercises.
  • Advising Luminus on compliance with NIS 2, the EU Data Act, the EU Cyber Resilience Act and the EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).

Loyens & Loeff

Loyens & Loeff advises major IT-sector clients through a multidisciplinary Benelux team offering regulatory, corporate, M&A, tax and dispute-resolution expertise. The practice is well-equipped to handle complex cross-border matters and digital regulatory challenges. Stéphanie De Smedt heads the team, bringing extensive experience in IT regulatory law, software copyright, e-commerce and telecom regulation, while Thomas Lenné adds strong corporate and private equity capabilities.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stéphanie De Smedt


Autres avocats clés:

Thomas Lenné


Les références

‘Great knowledge and skill.’

 

Principaux clients

Meta Platforms


Amazon


Tata Consultancy


Genesys


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Summit Partners L.P. as Belgian counsel on the partial secondary sale of its stake in Odoo SA.
  • Assisted and represented Meta Platforms Ireland in court litigation in Belgium.
  • Advised Amazon in various legal and tax domains in the Benelux.

Simont Braun

Simont Braun’s IT and telecoms practice assists a wide range of clients in navigating complex Belgian and EU regulatory frameworks, advising on regulatory compliance, contractual matters, M&A and dispute resolution. Joan Carette offers deep expertise in tech and data regulation, Eric De Gryse brings strong IP litigation experience, and Maika Bernaerts specialises in corporate, commercial and technology-focused transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Joan Carette; Eric De Gryse; Maïka Bernaerts


Autres avocats clés:

Emmanuel Cornu


Principaux clients

Dassault Systèmes


Naxnova


Doctor Anytime


Orange et Voo


Poppy Autonomous (formerly known as Ush – Lab Box)


Belgian Mobile ID (itsme)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Belgian Mobile ID on the innovative itsme® digital identification project, enabling secure client onboarding, authentication, transaction approval and digital signatures for major commercial and financial entities.

Cresco Advocaten

Cresco Advocaten fields a focused ICT and telecoms team specialising in IP, IT and corporate partnering transactions, guiding tech companies through the full growth cycle. The practice is particularly strong in innovation-driven sectors, assisting with strategy, commercialisation and funding. David Dessers co-heads the team with corporate and VC expertise, alongside Olivier Van Raemdonck, noted for advising technology ventures on strategic domestic and international transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Dessers; Olivier Van Raemdonck


Autres avocats clés:

Ward Verwaeren


Les références

‘The collective expertise of the team is mind-blowing thanks to the strong profiles and characters that constitute the overall experience and depth of knowledge on specific and respective topics.’

‘The team is highly empathetic, engaging, personal and professional, and we never have to chase or remind somebody for an action.’

‘David Dessers and the Cresco team demonstrate a collective strong competence and expertise, but interestingly enough, all individuals we work with have the same mindset. showing genuine interest in our business, giving us a feeling they are part of our team, defending our interests, being creative and inquisitive, challenging the status quo.’

Principaux clients

Visualfabriq


Niets Distillery


Zerocopy


Vlerick Business School


Effex


Otiv


Spacewell


Septentrio


Arspectra


Techwolf


Zeopore


Luzmo (formerly Cumul.io)


Bothrs


Orsi


Ufo Drive


Belfius


Pulsify


Hex-Rays


Timefold


Match Group


KBC


Rheavita


Auric (Bonsai)


Robovision


Soleras


Legalfly


Techwolf


Hyve


Pilario


Accountable


Loctax


Principaux dossiers


Monard law

Monard law’s IT and telecoms practice offers extensive expertise in IT contracting, procurement, data protection and complex ICT disputes, assisting clients across both national and cross-border matters. Kristof Zadora heads the team with deep specialisation in IT law, privacy and distribution models, while Stefanie Stappers brings strong experience in commercial contracting and litigation, particularly within public procurement-driven IT projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kristof Zadora


Autres avocats clés:

Stefanie Stappers


Les références

‘Kristof Zadora has good availability and knowledge.’

‘One of Monard Law’s strengths undoubtedly lies in the fact that it not only listens to its clients’ needs, but also helps them to prevent potential problems and take advantage of opportunities, rather than simply reacting to what has already happened.’

‘Everyone I worked with showed dedication beyond their core responsibilities and demonstrated unique knowledge and experience that certainly gave us a competitive edge.’

Principaux clients

Primagaz


Chili publish


SOLiTHOR


University College Leuven Limburg


UZ Brussel


Bullswap


Allimex


Aurubis


Delta Blue


Rezolv


United Codes


Principaux dossiers


  • Advises SOLiTHOR on various commercial matters related to information technology and intellectual property rights, which are essential with respect to its main activity as a cutting-edge developer of solid state lithium batteries.
  • Serves as a compagnon de route United Codes, a software developer that builds tailor-made business software. Represents United Codes in contentious matters as well as in contract drafting and licensing.
  • Advisor for CHILI publish regarding commercial licensing contracts with various types of multinational clients and uses its knowledge of IT and technological collaborations to advise on legal matters and compliance.

Verhaegen Walravens

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Emmanuel Szafran


Les références

‘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.’

Principaux clients

European Card Payment Cooperation (ECPC)


Sony Depthsensing Solutions


Orange Belgium


Bogart Beauty Retail


iCure


Principaux dossiers


  • 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.
  • Advised a developer of cutting-edge sensing technology in dealing with export control regulations for dual-use goods.
  • Advised an international energy and services company in integrating the requirements of the EU’s NIS2 Directive, as implemented under Belgian law, into its Belgian operations and cybersecurity strategy, including the determination of applicable standards and necessary cybersecurity measures.