TMT: Data Protection & Privacy (International Firms) | Global

DLA Piper retains its prominent name in the IT space, especially for data privacy, cybersecurity and GDPR issues arising from artificial intelligence. It is well regarded for transactional and corporate advice on outsourcing, telecoms and data projects. The law firm maintains a strong client following, including financial institutions and multinational insurers, and has been proactive in taking on fintech mandates, with additional experience relating to digital gaming products and distribution. DLA Piper often advises clients outside TMT sectors on their technology needs.

Morrison Foerster's technology transactions group handles an array of cutting-edge work spanning all areas of TMT, while being particularly acclaimed for outsourcing work. It is highly regarded for cross-border deals, especially involving high-end multinational clients looking to expand into the China market, as well as for domestic clients on outbound deals. The group frequently assists notable technology companies with regulatory issues relating to data privacy and cybersecurity, with particular expertise in e-payments and cloud services. It is especially well thought of for representing clients in the media, software, fintech and pharmaceutical industries.

The highly respected group at Bird & Bird serves big-league clients on matters across the TMT sector, including digital business and IT, and is a firm of choice for telecoms regulatory compliance and commercial mandates. It is well regarded by a wide range of clients for specialist advice on local data protection issues in Hong Kong and in the PRC, as well as on GDPR compliance for outbound Chinese corporates. The group frequently represents large corporates in venture capital investments and mid-market M&A transactions, as well as a host of prominent telecoms companies, and is supported by a strong IP team.

The skilled TMT group of Hogan Lovells holds a proven track record advising multinationals on transactional, regulatory and contentious matters relating to artificial intelligence and e-commerce. It provides sophisticated advice on issues of data privacy and protection, regularly advising major Chinese corporates on cybersecurity. The law firm is recognised for its telecoms know-how, assisting operators and service providers with wide-ranging commercial and compliance issues. It is active in the licensing of intellectual property and other assets in the media and entertainment industries, and it offers a growing focus on fintech issues, including e-payments and open banking.

Linklaters' TMT team offers strong expertise in data protection and transactional mandates. It advises clients in the financial services, IT, hospitality and FMCG sectors on cross-border data transfer, GDPR and related data compliance matters in China, the USA, the EU and other regions. Additionally, the lawyers are experienced in handling general advisory and transactional work for companies in the fintech, telecoms and media spaces as well as assisting with the regulatory compliance of new technology implementation.

Mayer Brown wins impressive TMT instructions from a diverse array of clients and is supported by an equally impressive IP practice. The law firm deals with work ranging from complex outsourcing projects to IT agreements and licensing issues. Mayer Brown is highly sought after for advice on cybersecurity and data protection as well as fintech, e-commerce and AI-related mandates. It also acts for media and broadcasting entities on regulatory matters.

Reed Smith is well known for the depth of its experience in data compliance work. The firm works on the full range of compliance for multinational clients operating in China and elsewhere in the APAC region. The team is frequently mandated to advise regional clients on cross-border data transfer regulations and cybersecurity compliance.

Clyde & Co offers extensive knowledge in cyber incident management and a team of experts who are well equipped to handle ransomware attacks, data breaches and online frauds. Their robust experience allows the firm to swiftly assist clients with responses to PCPD enquiries. Of late, the team has also worked on deepfake incidents. Clyde & Co is the counsel of choice for clients from a wide range of industries such as financial services, luxury goods and manufacturing.

CMS has a TMT practice group which is notable for its data protection expertise, showcasing robust experience advising clients on regulatory compliance across the Asia-Pacific region, with a special emphasis on Greater China. Its expertise extends to cross-border data transfer regulations and data breaches.

Eversheds Sutherland has a solid offering in data compliance across China, the UK, the EU and other regions. It regularly advises clients on cybersecurity, data protection and cross-border data transfer matters. Its clientele spans various sectors, including real estate, manufacturing, fintech and aviation. Additionally, the team offers expertise in commercial transactions and regulatory issues to international IT providers and fintech companies.

Kennedys is renowned for its expertise in data protection and cross-border data transfer compliance mandates. It is also highly sought after for handling ransomware attacks, network intrusions and data breach incidents.

Latham & Watkins houses an accomplished team that offers expert advice on a wide range of TMT mandates. The team has notable expertise advising on commercial transactions and regulatory compliance matters. It is increasingly active in data privacy and protection work. Its impressive clientele includes domestic and international entities in the TMT, fintech, gaming and e-commerce sectors.