technology & digitalisation news
Get an overview of our technology & digitalisation team's news.
Read through our technology & digitalisation articles, publications and news!
all (200)
blog (17)
newsletters (38)
publications (55)
media coverage (9)
events (17)
press releases (21)
roadmap (43)
publication
26 April 2024
D.Hofmarcher T.Kulnigg N.Kerschbaumer D.Tyrybon C.Pretscher P.Podsiedlik D.Rutecka P.Baran
to the point: technology & digitalisation l April 2024
Welcome to the April edition of Schoenherr's to the point: technology & digitalisation newsletter!
event
sunset with schoenherr | tech night 2024
Wir freuen uns, Ihnen das Programm und die Speaker der nächsten Schönherr Tech Night präsentieren zu können.
publication
21 March 2024
K.Szczudlik D.Rutecka P.Podsiedlik F.Terharen K.Pikuła P.Baran A.Radonjanin M.Vlajković N.Kerschbaumer A.Lengger
to the point: technology & digitalisation l March 2024
Welcome to the March edition of Schoenherr's to the point: technology & digitalisation newsletter!
media coverage
Impact of the EU AI Act on Personal Data Protection in Serbia Amidst Emerging AI Technologies
Biznis.rs | Interview with Marija Vlajković
newsletter
Successful MiCAR licensing: FMA publishes roadmap for Crypto-asset service providers
As the regulatory landscape for crypto-assets undergoes a significant transformation with the European Union's implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR, Regulation (EU) 2023/1114), attention turns to the preparatory steps entities must take to comply with these new standards. Against this backdrop, the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) has recently published preliminary guidance on the MiCAR licensing process for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs). These guidelines outline the steps CASPs need to consider and the FMA's expectations in the lead-up to full MiCAR applicability after 30 December 2024.
publication
22 February 2024
D.Rutecka D.Hofmarcher D.Tyrybon N.Kerschbaumer F.Terharen K.Szczudlik K.Solarz-Włodarska P.Podsiedlik K.Pikuła
to the point: technology & digitalisation l February 2024
Welcome to the February edition of Schoenherr's to the point: technology & digitalisation newsletter!
roadmap
Consumer Credit Directive II: consumer credit legislation for the digital age
A 2020 review of the Consumer Credit Directive (2008/48/EC) ("CCD I") by the European Commission (EC) found that CCD I has been only partially effective in ensuring a high level of consumer protection.
roadmap
Moving lock, stock and barrel to the cloud: what banks need to know when negotiating with service vendors
Skimming through business journals from the last decade or so, it feels like the transition to cloud computing has been looming over the banking industry for a long time. But with so many industries now taking steps to digitalise, even the traditionally cautious banking industry is being swept up in the tide.
roadmap
More than an ID: the European Digital Identity Wallet
Electronic identity ("eID") and electronic trusted services ("eTS") are currently regulated at the EU level in the eIDAS Regulation of 23 July 2014. A decade is an eternity in the world of new technologies and the eIDAS Regulation has become outdated and unsatisfactory in many areas. One of its biggest failings is in the true interoperability and cross-border recognition of national eID schemes.
roadmap
Key implications of the NIS 2 Directive: increased liability risk for management and broader scope
The revision of the NIS Directive (EU) 2016/1148 ("NIS 1") was published on 27 December 2022 in the form of Directive (EU) 2022/2555 ("NIS 2") and entered into force on 16 January 2023. NIS 2 is the Commission's response to Member States' inconsistent and fragmented implementation of NIS 1. The revision of this first EU-wide cybersecurity legislation will mean significant and far-reaching changes for companies in "critical" sectors.
roadmap
Staying compliant in a digital world: why companies should take note of AI
In an era of rapid technological advancement, businesses face an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
roadmap
Patent litigation in Austria: how lawyers can help
Patents are exclusive rights relating to inventions. Patent registrations grant a time-limited monopoly to apply the patented technology. While they are a powerful weapon in maintaining and defending the competitive edge of technology-driven businesses, third-party patents may pose a threat to products and businesses. This calls for the involvement of specialised patent lawyers and patent attorneys.
roadmap
Ready, set, DSA
The Digital Services Act ("DSA") is already applicable to the big internet players and from 17 February 2024 will finally apply to all other intermediary services too. There are many new obligations, but what does this mean practically speaking? And does the DSA even apply to your business at all? What do you need to change on your website, in your internal compliance system or in your general terms and conditions? What do you have to report to authorities? And what can happen if you fail to comply? We have you covered.
roadmap
Regulating facial recognition technologies: is your face too personal?
Biometric technology, especially facial recognition, has taken off in recent years. From airport security to simply unlocking a smartphone, facial recognition is now a fixture in everyone's lives. Biometric tools are also becoming more and more popular with commercial brands and have proven to be an intriguing marketing tactic (a well-known pizza chain offering food recommendations based on how an AI reads human moods is both fascinating and troubling).
roadmap
Building Information Modelling: a Montenegrin perspective
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a comprehensive methodology and process that enables the creation of dynamic, three-dimensional computer models for construction facilities. BIM streamlines the production and use of project documentation, improves timeline and budget accuracy, and enhances communication and decision-making.
publication
to the point: technology & digitalisation l January 2024
Welcome to this year's first edition of Schoenherr's to the point: technology & digitalisation newsletter!
publication
21 December 2023
G.Leissler T.Kulnigg N.Kerschbaumer D.Tyrybon M.Czernin F.Terharen U.Rath D.Rutecka
to the point: technology & digitalisation l December 2023
Welcome to the December edition of Schoenherr's to the point: technology & digitalisation newsletter!
press release
Montenegro: Schoenherr advises Montenegro Chamber of Commerce on its first digitalisation project
Moravčević Vojnović and partners in cooperation with Schoenherr advised the Montenegro Chamber of Commerce, the largest business organisation in the country, on its innovative "eKomora" project, the institution's first digitalisation project.
publication
29 November 2023
A.Radonjanin N.Kerschbaumer D.Tyrybon V.Demschik D.Rutecka R.Vesenmayer S.Khalil
to the point: technology & digitalisation l November 2023
Welcome to the November edition of Schoenherr's to the point: technology & digitalisation newsletter!
publication
31 October 2023
R.Vesenmayer N.Kerschbaumer D.Tyrybon M.Schmiedinger C.Pretscher M.Vlajković M.Pressler D.Rutecka
to the point: technology & digitalisation l October 2023
Welcome to the October edition of Schoenherr's to the point: technology & digitalisation newsletter!
publication
28 September 2023
A.Hirsch N.Kerschbaumer D.Tyrybon F.Terharen M.Vlajković D.Rutecka
to the point: technology & digitalisation l September 2023
Welcome to the September edition of Schoenherr's to the point: technology & digitalisation newsletter!
event
Finding the perfect blend of legal service and (AI-powered) legal tech
25 October 2023 | Bucharest
newsletter
Bridging the gap between Serbian regulations and the GDPR: Serbia's Data Protection Strategy unveiled
In late August 2023, at the initiative of Serbia's Data Protection Commissioner (the "Commissioner"), the Government of Serbia adopted the Data Protection Strategy for the 2023-2030 period (the "Strategy").
blog
The EU Digital Services Act: 19 designated online platforms have completed their last-minute compliance preparations, Serbia is just looking over its shoulder
While most provisions of the EU Digital Services Act ("DSA") will not begin to apply until February 2024, the EU Commission has nevertheless designated 19 "very large online platforms" and "very large search engines" – so-called gatekeepers – for which the strictest rules under the DSA took effect on 25 August this year.
press release
Austria: Schoenherr advises Thoma Bravo portfolio company J.D. Power on acquisition of Autovista Group
Schoenherr advised, alongside lead counsel Kirkland & Ellis, London, Thoma Bravo's portfolio company J.D. Power, a global leader in data analytics, on the acquisition of the leading pan-European and Australian automotive data, analytics and industry insights provider Autovista Group.
event
IBA CEE Conference – The Future of Legal Management
22 September 2023 | Intercontinental Athénée Palace, Bucharest
newsletter
Third time's the charm? EU-US Data Privacy Framework revamped and reloaded
On 10 July 2023, the European Commission adopted an adequacy decision for a lawful data transfer from the EU to the USA for the third time. [1] This means that personal data may again be lawfully transferred to the US. This will facilitate the use of US service providers for EU companies.
publication
27 June 2023
K.Zmatlíková S.Bednář M.Voldánová P.Korál H.Hangler A.Prochazka J.Kupčík N.Rosová M.Svoboda N.Dubská
CZ: Schoenherr Journal Edition 14
The Schoenherr Journal, published by Schoenherr's Prague office, examines the latest important legal developments in the Czech Republic.
press release
26 June 2023
T.Kulnigg N.Kerschbaumer M.Czernin C.Haid T.Saufnauer M.Thorbauer C.Rainer T.Waidmann C.Grassinger T.Hayden A.Pabst N.Zafoschnig D.Tyrybon V.Demschik Y.Kraudinger
Austria: Schoenherr advises Audiotonix Group on acquisition of sonible GmbH
Schoenherr advised the Audiotonix Group, a global market leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of professional audio mixing consoles, on the acquisition of sonible GmbH, an Austrian start-up specialised in developing AI-assisted audio plug-ins and 3D audio systems.
publication
28 April 2023
T.Kulnigg N.Kerschbaumer D.Tyrybon D.Rutecka M.Vlajković F.Terharen G.Leissler
to the point: technology & digitalisation l April 2023
newsletter
MiCAR: Final steps towards the legal framework for crypto-assets
On 20 April 2023 the European Parliament ("EP") finally approved the regulation on markets in crypto-assets ("MiCAR").
newsletter
Serbia adopts ethics guidelines for artificial intelligence
On 23 March 2023, the Serbian government adopted Ethics Guidelines for the Development, Implementation and Use of Reliable and Responsible AI ("Guidelines"), which may be seen as yet another step in the process of harmonising Serbia's legislative framework with the European Union, following the Proposal for an AI Regulation announced by the EU Commission two years ago. The Guidelines largely rely on UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI adopted in 2021, which Serbian representatives also helped create. Since the EU is awaiting its regulatory framework on AI, Serbia took the first step down this road as well.
publication
31 March 2023
T.Kulnigg N.Kerschbaumer D.Tyrybon G.Irsa-Klingspiegl D.Rutecka A.Pabst M.Vlajković A.Hirsch
to the point: technology & digitalisation l March 2023
blog
GPT-4 shows the ever-increasing importance of legal considerations pertaining to AI
Generative AI has made quantum leaps in the last year. Aside from multiple text2 image models there are large language models producing largely accurate and convincing texts in reply to prompts provided by a user. In November last year OpenAI made available the functionality of their vast 175 billion parameter model GPT-3.5, which was fine-tuned to interpret prompts formulated as questions. ChatGPT is a turning point in the public perception of AI, as it provided compelling texts with comparatively high factual accuracy.
blog
North Macedonia: The Data Protection Act and enforcement challenges
After the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union (EU) 2016/679 ("GDPR"), as an obligation based on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between EU and North Macedonia, a new data protection regime was adopted. Since 2020, the matter of personal data protection in the Republic of North Macedonia is regulated by the new Act on Personal Data Protection (Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia, nos. 42/20, 294/21) ("LPDP"), effective as of 24 February 2020.
blog
Serbia incentivises start-up-ecosystem
To attract investors in the area of innovation technologies, Serbia has adopted a set of subsidies relating to employees' salaries and corporate income taxes. In recent years, the country has set its sights on being one of the largest European hubs for EU and overseas IT companies using talented IT workforce only as an outsourcing service supplier while retaining actual project development in the countries of capital origin. This is seen as an opportunity to motivate foreign IT companies doing business in Serbia not only to shift their operations to Serbia on a larger scale, but to tie IP rights on their tech products to their affiliated Serbian companies.
publication
28 February 2023
N.Kerschbaumer D.Tyrybon M.Czernin T.Kulnigg A.Lengger M.Woller M.Schmiedinger D.Rutecka M.Neagu B.Kapeller-Hirsch
to the point: technology & digitalisation l February 2023
blog
The Omnibus Directive: key objectives and national implementation
The Omnibus Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/2161), also referred to as the "Enforcement and Modernisation Directive", is aimed at strengthening consumer protection and enhancing enforcement measures as the world gears up for the digital age. Recognising the increased use of online platforms and marketplaces, it encourages Member States to adopt specific measures to maintain a high level of consumer protection, including in these channels.
publication
31 January 2023
T.Kulnigg M.Czernin D.Hofmarcher C.Grassinger S.Khalil M.Neagu M.Nusser M.Pressler D.Rutecka A.Tipotsch
to the point: technology & digitalisation l January 2023
blog
Key legal topics in data centre development and investments
The recent years' sprint towards digitalisation was one of the decisive factors in accelerating the transformation of telecommunications infrastructure. The global markets expect an increase in investments in telecom infrastructure and Romania is no exception.
press release
Austria: Schoenherr advises proptech scale-up GROPYUS on major Austrian scale-up financing round
Schoenherr advised the Vienna-headquartered property technology scale-up GROPYUS on its ongoing Series B financing round led by Vonovia, Europe's largest residential real estate company. The volume of this financing round is at around EUR 100m, bringing GROPYUS' total funding to date to more than EUR 200m.
newsletter
EU: The end of a dry spell – NIS 2 published
After several delays, the revision of the NIS Directive was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 27 December 2022 in the form of Directive (EU) 2022/2555 ("NIS 2").
publication
CZ: Schoenherr Journal Edition 13
The Schoenherr Journal, published by Schoenherr's Prague office, examines the latest important legal developments in the Czech Republic.
publication
24 November 2022
D.Tyrybon C.Pretscher T.Kulnigg R.Vesenmayer C.Haid F.Terharen N.Kerschbaumer D.Rutecka D.Hofmarcher M.Vlajković
to the point: technology & digitalisation l November 2022
newsletter
Bulgaria paves way for innovative businesses with new start-up visa
Country welcomes non-EU investors to boost local start-up ecosystem
After Decree No 318 of 7 October 2022 adopting the Ordinance on the conditions and procedure for issuing, extending and revoking a certificate for a high-tech and/or innovative project (the "Ordinance") was promulgated in issue 82 of the State Gazette of 14 October 2022, Bulgaria joins the almost half of EU countries that issue "start-up visas".
publication
27 October 2022
D.Hofmarcher R.Vesenmayer A.Tipotsch C.Haid A.Reumann D.Rutecka V.Demschik
to the point: technology & digitalisation l October 2022
newsletter
NFT licences that "can't be evil": are they any good?
Licences connected to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are still far from being the norm. As a result, most NFTs still do not convey sufficient or appropriate IP rights to their underlying content. Moreover, they have to deal with practical difficulties inherent to the nature of NFTs. The need for licences tailored to the NFT market is therefore evident.
To overcome the practical difficulties and tackle these issues, publicly available NFT licence systems have emerged. But are they any good?
press release
Bulgaria: Schoenherr advises KKCG and Aricoma Group International on acquisition of Musala Soft
Schoenherr advised the KKCG Group (KKCG) and its portfolio company Aricoma Group International AB (Aricoma) on the acquisition of Musala Soft, a major Bulgarian software company, and its subsidiaries.
newsletter
EU: Commission Proposal to implement the FATF Travel Rule: Speed bumps ahead for crypto-asset transfers?
press release
Austria: Schoenherr advises Red Bull on joint venture with Teletest consortium
Schoenherr advised Red Bull GmbH on the establishment of a joint venture with Arbeitsgemeinschaft Teletest ("AGTT").
press release
Österreich: Schönherr berät Technologiedienstleister ARZ bei Übernahme durch Accenture
Schönherr hat die ARZ Allgemeines Rechenzentrum GmbH (ARZ), einen auf den Bankensektor fokussierten Technologiedienstleister in Österreich, beim Verkauf ihres auf informationstechnologische Unterstützungsleistungen von Kredit- und Finanzinstituten spezialisierten IT-Dienstleistungsunternehmens an Accenture beraten.
blog
Trademarks: The classification of "virtual goods" in trademark applications
Trademark professionals have noted growing interest in protecting trademarks for "virtual goods". This leaves trademark specialists as well as IP offices grappling with how to correctly classify these goods.
publication
23 May 2022
M.Czernin T.Kulnigg R.Vesenmayer D.Hofmarcher F.Terharen V.Demschik C.Pretscher N.Kerschbaumer
to the point: technology & digitalisation l May 2022
press release
Austria: Schoenherr advises Storyblok on USD 47m Series B financing
Schoenherr advised the Austrian scale-up Storyblok on its Series B financing worth USD 47m, one of several major transactions in the Austrian start-up scene on which Schoenherr has advised in the recent past.
publication
26 April 2022
R.Vesenmayer N.Kerschbaumer C.Pretscher V.Demschik D.Rutecka M.Czernin M.Schmiedinger
to the point: technology & digitalisation l April 2022
press release
Austria: Schoenherr advises S&T AG on voluntary partial public takeover offer
Schoenherr advised S&T AG, an Austrian company listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, in connection with the voluntary partial public takeover offer by grosso tec AG (Germany) on issues of Austrian law. Hogan Lovells advised S&T AG on German law issues.
publication
15 March 2022
M.Woller D.Tyrybon M.Schmiedinger D.Rutecka L.Dočekalová M.Pressler F.Terharen A.Reumann
to the point: technology & digitalisation l March 2022
event
Wegfall des "Privacy Shield": Kommt jetzt das Aus für "Google Analytics"?
Webinar | Schoenherr Privacy Academy
3. März 2022 | 9.30 - 10.30 Uhr
publication
10 February 2022
T.Kulnigg D.Tyrybon C.Haid A.Reumann F.Terharen D.Rutecka V.Iurkovski N.Kerschbaumer M.Czernin R.Vesenmayer
to the point: technology & digitalisation l February 2022
press release
03 February 2022
A.Doytchinova S.Pavlova-Kaneva V.Tomov G.Roussinova-Ivanova K.Bozhinova S.Bednář L.Dočekalová H.Hangler
Bulgaria: Schoenherr advises Chaos on Bulgarian law aspects in merger with Enscape
Schoenherr advised Chaos, a global leader in photorealistic rendering technology, on the Bulgarian law aspects of its merger with Enscape, a leading developer of real-time rendering and design workflow technology for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries.
event
Wegfall des "Privacy Shield": Kommt jetzt das Aus für "Google Analytics"?
Webinar | Schoenherr Privacy Academy
2. Februar 2022 | 17.00 - 18.00 Uhr & 3. März 2022 | 9.30 - 10.30 Uhr
newsletter
Moldova: Digitalisation has made it easier to establish, operate and sell companies
Through its 11 November 2021 law ("Law 175/2021"), the Moldovan Parliament passed certain amendments to existing legislation with the goal of digitalising the national economy. As a result, the norms implemented have made it simpler to establish, operate and sell companies in Moldova.
Law 175/2021 entered into force on 10 January 2022.
press release
Austria: Schoenherr advises Austrian unicorn Bitpanda on expansion of its product portfolio to include exchange traded cryptocurrencies
Schoenherr advised the Austrian fintech Bitpanda on the expansion of its product portfolio to include exchange traded cryptocurrencies. This product provides investors with easy access to crypto assets via a liquid financial instrument traded on a regulated exchange.
roadmap
Judgments issued ex machina? Are AI-made judicial decisions the future?
Digitalisation is invading all areas of our lives, including the judiciary. It is impossible to imagine everyday legal life without electronic legal transactions, the electronically managed land and company registers, the edict file or the possibility of submitting briefs to courts in electronic form.
roadmap
Coming soon: The European Patent with Unitary Effect
The European Patent with Unitary Effect ("Unitary Patent") already has a longstanding and ambiguous history, although its underlying legal framework has not yet come into force. But 2021 brought a considerable push towards implementation of the Unitary Patent system.
roadmap
The Digital Content Directive and the Sale of Goods Directive: when to apply which?
The constant and growing development of new technologies is leading towards an increasing availability of various digital products for consumers. This, in turn, triggers competitiveness and consumers' ever-greater expectations about the offerings, the ease of their purchase and conclusion of contracts without leaving home.
roadmap
Does the Digital Services Directive stipulate a right to updates?
The new Digital Services Directive (DSD) aims to harmonise certain aspects of consumer protection law by providing consumers a mandatory warranty for digital content and digital services supplied by a vendor. First and foremost this concerns contracts on the purchase or rental of software (usually comprising licence agreements) or cloud services.
roadmap
New laws will be needed before real estate, shares and other rights can be tokenised
The transfer of title to real estate requires an entry in the land register. Likewise, the transfer of shares in companies necessitates an entry in the commercial register.
roadmap
Evidence no. 5. How to sniff out cybercrimes and build a successful case
More and more companies are being subjected to cyberattacks. To effectively respond to this criminal phenomenon, it is essential to be prepared, meaning making sure you have solid evidence to build a criminal case.
media coverage
Wie man ein 64-kg-Kunstwerk als NFT verkauft
Derzeit besteht ein regelrechter Run auf digitale Kunstwerke, deren Einmaligkeit durch „Non-Fungible Token“ (NFT) garantiert ist. Das gute alte ABGB ermöglicht es, diese Technologie für körperliche Schöpfungen zu nutzen.
media coverage
Non-Fungible Tokens: Ist digitale Kunst versicherbar?
Digitale Kunstwerke in Form von Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) erzielen bei Auktionen Millionenpreise. Für Sammler stellt sich daher die Frage, ob sie die Werke versichern können
newsletter
FMA permits automated biometrical customer identification – a game changer for the KYC process?
publication
Cultural Hackathon podcast: NFT – Is it worth it?
The NFT art market is growing and occupying the cultural sector.
publication
19 October 2021
T.Kulnigg G.Leissler J.Böszörményi F.Terharen D.Rutecka D.Tyrybon M.Czernin M.Pressler
to the point: technology & digitalisation | October 2021
newsletter
Limited network exemption under PSD2 – EBA consults on Draft Guidelines
In summer 2021 the European Banking Authority (EBA) published Draft Guidelines on the limited network exemption (LNE) under the Payment Service Directive 2 (PSD2) for consultation (available here). The Draft Guidelines are meant to foster supervisory convergence amongst the EU's national competent regulators (NCAs).
media coverage
Dissonant Optimism: Mergers and Acquisitions in the Bulgarian Technology Industry
press release
Austria: Schoenherr advises on the sale of the oral hygiene start-up Playbrush to the Sunstar Group
Schoenherr advised the shareholders of the Austrian oral hygiene start-up Playbrush on the sale of the majority shares to the international health care company Sunstar Group.
event
IP-Day 2021
IP-Day is dedicated to current and fundamental questions regarding intellectual property law – not just in an academic way, but also practically.
publication
19 July 2021
D.Tyrybon M.Mihaljčić D.Hofmarcher S.Khalil G.Kucsko D.Rutecka A.Tipotsch F.Terharen R.Vesenmayer
to the point: technology & digitalisation | July 2021
newsletter
Blockchain and (Un)Real Estate
Blockchain technology has – so far – not lead to a transfer of the world's land registers onto this technology or to a "tokenization" of title (documents). The only significant exception in this respect is Georgia where a purchaser's title to real property can be registered by execution of a smart contract.
newsletter
NFT art: The most important (legal) questions for artists, buyers in general and museums
press release
Bulgaria: Schoenherr advises Ringier on the acquisition of Sportal Media Group and Digital Ventures
Schoenherr advised Swiss-based media company Ringier on the acquisition of a majority stake in the leading Bulgarian sports news portal – Sportal Media Group – and an affiliated IT company behind the leading international Sports Content Management System, Sportal365 – Digital Ventures OOD.
event
NFT: An all-round legal view of Non-Fungible Tokens | Webinar
Did you miss our webinar, or do you want to listen to the discussed topics again? Watch the NFT webinar video recordings here!
newsletter
When a museum buys an NFT: Legal challenges and considerations
The story of our NFT self-experiment does not end with the selling of the token. To the contrary, it is only the start: The buyer – in our case the Museum Francisco Carolinum in Linz – wants to use the artwork for their purposes. In general, what legal considerations should a museum keep in mind?
publication
14 June 2021
S.Khalil C.Cudlik G.Kucsko T.Kulnigg G.Leissler A.Natterer A.Tipotsch F.Terharen D.Tyrybon N.Stepan
to the point: technology & digitalisation | June 2021
newsletter
Let the NFT Self-Experiment begin!
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) aren't new, in fact they've been around for years. However, it took the auction of an NFT linked to an image by Christie's Auction House and the fall of the hammer at a spectacular USD 69 million to create worldwide attention and interest in NFTs.
press release
Czech Republic / Austria: Schoenherr advises Twisto group on senior and mezzanine debt (re)financings
press release
Austria: Schoenherr and Museum Francisco Carolinum clarify NFT Art
Schoenherr's IP & Technology practice group has set itself the goal of providing clarity on Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in the art and culture industry. In collaboration with the Museum Francisco Carolinum Linz in Upper Austria, the questions preoccupying artists, collectors and museums will be addressed at one of the world's first art exhibitions on NFTs in art. An important milestone for this has already been reached: The museum recently acquired their first NFT artwork – a work of art by conceptual artist and Schoenherr partner Guido Kucsko, that was also used in a Schoenherr team's self-experiment.
newsletter
Facial recognition technology: regulations and use
In recent years there has been an increased use of technologies that match a person's digital image (eg, from a surveillance camera) to a picture database. These technologies facilitate various tasks, including:
publication
12 April 2021
C.Haid D.Rutecka T.Kulnigg D.Tyrybon M.Woller A.Tipotsch D.Hofmarcher F.Terharen N.Stepan
to the point: technology & digitalisation | April 2021
newsletter
The ECJ's VG Bild-Kunst case: Are there (legal) limitations to the use of links?
YES - In its previous case law, the court has recognised the importance of hyperlinks for the operation of the World Wide Web and for freedom of speech. On these grounds, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) generously allowed the use of links to make third-party content accessible via one's own website.
media coverage
Checking In: Data Protection Compliance in CEE
For our Checking In feature, we reach out to partners and heads of practice across CEE to learn how specific practice areas are faring in their jurisdictions. This time around we asked Data Protection experts: Overall, how compliant would you say economic agents are with relevant local regulations on data protection, and what are the main gaps that have yet to be addressed?
roadmap
COVID-19 – a catalyst for digital assets and crypto trading regulation?
The economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has not only significantly changed the way we work, travel and shop, but has sent a large number of investors on the search for assets that can provide a safe haven during the ongoing crisis and its macroeconomic events.
roadmap
IT projects: Everything agile or still waterfall?
Agile project methods have been a topic of conversation for years. There is hardly a management consultant who does not swear by them and hardly a company that does not prescribe "agile" as a miracle cure for many homemade problems. Agility in project management has almost become mandatory, for better or worse.
roadmap
2021
Quickly adapt with an e-commerce presence and digital business models
The COVID-19 crisis has forced many businesses to sell their goods and services online. Limitations on the number of people who can enter a store or restaurant have made e-commerce solutions necessary even for companies that have never used this channel before.
roadmap
New technologies and legislation: speed of developments vs. legal adaptations
From self-driving cars to AI and new forms of cybercrime: new technologies are developing faster and faster. And so are the legal challenges, particularly since the legislator is usually only able to react, and not to proactively set the course in this field.
roadmap
Internet platforms do not have to report the true online identity of copyright infringers
The internet as a remote platform for day-to-day human interactions has been growing exponentially for many years – and internet crime along with it. Therefore, the existing legal framework, which often comes from the "offline" age, is sometimes tested for its ability to cope with the new online reality.
newsletter
Cyber security: the last days for operators of essential services in Romania to notify CERT-RO
Operators of essential services are required to notify CERT-RO - the national competent authority for security of networks and information systems - for registration in the Register of operators of essential services by 17 December 2020. Otherwise, these companies risk fines of, in some cases; up to 5 % of their turnover.
press release
Austria: Schoenherr advises voestalpine on foundation of technology joint venture for production of TransAnt
Schoenherr successfully advised voestalpine Stahl GmbH on the establishment of a joint venture with the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group for the production of the TransAnt – an innovative platform car. The 50/50 joint venture which aims to further combine the activities of both companies to additionally enhance the jointly developed TransAnt platform car is now entering a preparatory phase.
blog
OGH - Aufgriffsrechte in der Insolvenz sind zulässig
Hintergrund: In der Praxis vereinbaren Gesellschafter einer Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) im Gesellschaftsvertrag häufig sog. Aufgriffsrechte, das sind im Wesentlichen wechselseitige Erwerbsrechte, die bei Eintritt von definierten Ereignissen (sog. "Aufgriffsfälle") zum Erwerb des Geschäftsanteils des vom relevanten Ereignis betroffenen Gesellschafters berechtigen. Ein Aufgriffsfall ist zB der Tod eines Gesellschafters, der eine natürliche Person ist.
press release
Austria: Schoenherr advises sell-side in LINK Mobility's acquisition of WebSMS
Schoenherr advised the owners of the Austrian CPaaS ("Communication Platform as a service") companies atms, sms.at and their WebSMS brands (referred to as "WebSMS") on selling WebSMS to Norwegian LINK Mobility Holding ASA.
media coverage
Ein Do-it-yourself-Weg zur Legal-Tech-Lösung
Für maßgeschneiderte Lösungen kann dennoch manchmal die Eigenentwicklung einer Legal-Tech-Plattform der richtige Weg zum Ziel sein. Die Erfahrung einer Großkanzlei