About

Provided by Stibbe

Stibbe‘s TMT team is highly recognised for its extensive knowledge of information and communication technologies and its substantial expertise in IT projects, IT contracting, IT regulation and compliance, telecom and media-related litigation, IT security, software licensing, outsourcing and cloud sourcing, cyber security, and data privacy and protection.

 

They handle multiple projects regarding emerging technology, including cloud computing, blockchain, FinTech innovations, social media and other online platforms, cross-border data flows, smart mobility, and smart building. The team also has notable experience in digital transformation issues such as AI, Big Data and 5G usage rights.

 

They have an exceptionally strong public sector offering, working closely with Stibbe’s public procurement specialists on a range of contracts and outsourcing/cloud sourcing issues for both domestic and foreign governmental bodies.

 

When clients are confronted with IT conflicts, the team quickly identifies the points in dispute, assesses their legal relevance and presents them to informal dispute resolution panels, arbitrators or the court. They have vast experience in successfully handling IT-related disputes before the courts, offering clients the best combination of IT knowledge and long standing dispute resolution experience.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

TMT - Belgium

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Stibbe boasts an excellent IT department offering clients assistance with regulatory compliance, substantial IT outsourcing agreements and the roll-out of data communication services. Clients of the team include leading Belgian companies, as well as multinational organisations and governmental bodies. The law firm advises on complex cross-border data privacy disputes, including the transfer of personal data and cybersecurity issues. It also demonstrates skill in contentious and non-contentious mandates in the telecoms sector.

Work Highlights

  • Stibbe advised TikTok on its template licensing agreements, including questions regarding e-signatures with artists and performers.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

1
Erik Valgaeren
1
Band 1

Erik Valgaeren acts for a host of prominent Belgian and international clients on IT outsourcing and procurement matters, in addition to advising on cloud services, licensing issues and the EU regulatory framework. He offers further expertise in contentious data protection files before the Belgian Data Protection Authority, as well as assisting with compliance, data privacy and cybersecurity topics.

Erik Valgaeren has a good view of his clients' needs and is directly involved in negotiations.

Erik stands out for his expertise in IT and his knowledge of our company.

He has a great combination of deep legal and theoretical knowledge with good communication skills and strategic vision, where he immediately detects what is stake.

Erik Valgaeren is a strong outsourcing lawyer.

Carolien Michielsen
Associates to watch

Senior associate Carolien Michielsen advises clients on IT infrastructure and licensing agreements, in addition to representation in related litigation.

Carolien Michielsen is focused on IT and contracting matters.

Carolien Michielsen is very good and fast. We like working with her.

She has very good knowledge and is very intelligent; it is a great collaboration.

Ranked Lawyers at
Stibbe

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Belgium

TMT: Data Protection

2
Erik Valgaeren
2
Band 2
TMT: Information Technology

1
Erik Valgaeren
1
Band 1
Carolien Michielsen
Associates to watch

Members

Provided by Stibbe

Industries

Provided by Stibbe

Automobiles & Parts

Banks

Charities / Not for Profit

Chemicals

Commercial & Professional Services

Construction & Materials

Energy

Financial Services

Food & Drink Producers

Government

Health Care

Insurance

Media

Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences

Software & Computer Services

Technology, Hardware & Electronics

Telecommunications

Transportation

Travel & Leisure

Utilities