ICT law and IT law

In a world that is rapidly becoming increasingly digitalised, ICT law and IT law are important areas of law. The growing influence of information technology in our daily lives in the digital world calls for clear rules and regulations. For example, when it comes to rights and obligations relating to the internet and artificial intelligence. The field of ICT law, also known as IT law, deals with new legal challenges arising from the ongoing development of information and communication technologies. An ICT solicitor can offer targeted support and advice in any specific situation.

What is ICT law?

Everything is information. Systems for processing this information now form the backbone of every business. Information law (ICT and IT law) is the field that deals with legal issues related to the application of ICT.

The field of ICT law encompasses the laws, rules and regulations that apply to various aspects of information and communication technology, such as software, hardware, electronic communication, the internet, data protection, intellectual property, cyber security, as well as privacy law and copyright on software.

ICT law focuses on various digital components, including:

• Personal data, data and information

• Software and automation

• Creative content

An ICT solicitor with knowledge of ICT law and IT law provides advice on the rights and obligations of companies and organisations with regard to the various components of the ICT and IT legal fields.

Legal validity, regulation and protection

ICT and IT law aims to provide a legal framework for the use, development, legal validity and regulation of information technology. The field of IT law focuses on issues such as protecting personal data, regulating electronic commerce, safeguarding privacy, promoting cyber security, protecting intellectual property rights and establishing responsibilities and liabilities relating to technology use.

Information technology law explained

Technology, ICT, media and telecommunications dominate the economy and overlap with each other. This also applies to legal perspectives and regulations. A distinction should be made between information technology law and internet law. IT law usually concerns the purchase (procurement) of technology. This often relates to critical business processes, such as resource planning, HRM packages, financial software and outsourcing, sometimes as “software as a service” (SaaS). The internet does not necessarily play a role in this. An IT and ICT solicitor with knowledge of ICT and contract negotiation can provide parties with sound ICT advice. Technology and contracting are central to this.

The difference between IT law and internet law

Internet law is different. Here, the internet plays a role “as a traffic route or shopping street” where people “encounter” others. The themes are more about how to buy, sell or advertise. Issues such as unreliability or fraud also play a role in internet law. It can also be about brand confusion, an unlawful advertisement (Adwords, misleading communication, comparative advertising) or a hijacked domain. It can also be a virtual intrusion (“hack”) on a website (for e-commerce, e-learning, privacy violation). In order to recover damages or obtain an injunction, the legal insight of an ICT solicitor or IT solicitor is necessary.

What does an ICT solicitor or ICT lawyer do?

ICT law, IT law or computer law are broad areas of law that cut across various traditional areas of law such as private law, criminal law and administrative law. Fruytier Lawyers in Business is an ICT law firm with many years of experience in providing legal advice in the field of IT law and ICT law. With solicitors specialising in this challenging and dynamic area of law, we provide our clients with ICT advice on all aspects of ICT law.

Consulting or engaging an ICT solicitor or IT solicitor may be necessary or advisable for various reasons. Below is an overview of the specific situations in which legal advice from an IT solicitor can be beneficial:

1. Advice on rights and obligations

An ICT solicitor (ICT lawyer) advises companies and organisations on rights and obligations relating to ICT. This includes, for example, drafting software licence agreements, advising on copyright and drafting general terms and conditions for a website or web shop.

2. Protecting intellectual property

An IT solicitor helps protect intellectual property, such as copyright and patents, relating to software, technology or digital content.

3. Privacy and data protection

With increasing digitisation and additional (international) legislation and regulations, privacy has become an important aspect. An ICT solicitor can advise on legislation and regulations relating to privacy and data management.

4. Cybercrime and security

Organisations dealing with legal issues relating to cybercrime, hacking, data breaches and information security can rely on the expertise of an ICT lawyer. An IT solicitor can help draw up appropriate security measures and provide legal support in disputes in this area.

5. IT contract solicitor

Licences and agreements are invaluable in ICT law and IT law. An IT lawyer advises on the drafting and assessment of various ICT and IT contracts, such as software licences, service agreements and contracts with ICT suppliers. A specialist IT contract lawyer helps to identify and limit legal risks in contractual relationships.

6. Dispute resolution

In the event of disputes, such as breach of contract, intellectual property infringement or disputes relating to ICT projects, ICT solicitors can provide legal representation and assist in dispute resolution, both through negotiation and legal proceedings.

Legal advice on IT law and contract law

The field of work of an ICT lawyer is broad. An ICT and IT lawyer must be able to perform various roles and tasks. The IT lawyers at Fruytier Lawyers in Business are at home in every aspect of these dynamic areas of law. Are you looking for a solicitor for IT contracts? We are happy to advise both customers and IT companies themselves on drafting or amending ICT and IT contracts. From advising on negotiations, holding parties liable or conducting due diligence on business-critical ICT contracts in company acquisitions.

Specialist in IT law in Amsterdam

Are you looking for an ICT solicitor in Amsterdam? For legal advice on IT law in Amsterdam, you can rely on the extensive specialist knowledge of our ICT lawyers in international ICT law and the place of these areas of law within European law. As an ICT law firm in Amsterdam, we have extensive expertise and experience in the field of IT law: from advising and auditing to litigation.

ICT law solicitor Amsterdam: our team

We would like to introduce you to the IT and ICT law specialists at Fruytier Lawyers in Business: Jop Fellinger and Bert Gravendeel. Over the years, they have assisted clients in every area of ICT law and IT law. They closely follow the latest developments, so you can always rely on the best possible advice regarding your legal question, issue or challenge. Feel free to contact us without obligation.