English overview · DE – IT-Recht
We advise on software projects, cloud services and digital business. The following guide addresses matters under German law and relevant European rules. Cross-border cases require separate consideration of governing law, jurisdiction and local requirements.
Scope and legal approach
IT contracts need measurable deliverables, responsibilities and customer cooperation duties. Acceptance, defect categories and change procedures should reflect the project. Ongoing services require availability, incident handling, backups and workable exit provisions. Software rights and documentation are distinct from privacy questions. AI tools also require analysis of functions and data flows.
Four practical examples
These examples illustrate typical issues. They do not describe specific client matters.
Example 1
Software misses agreed functions. Specifications, changes and tests are compared.
Example 2
A cloud provider is replaced. Export, transition and assistance need agreement.
Example 3
An outage causes loss. SLAs, causes and evidence require review.
Example 4
An AI service handles customer data. Roles, rights and privacy need prior assessment.
Assessment and next steps
We first clarify the intended result, the parties involved and the relevant chronology. The documents are assessed alongside the actual course of events. Established facts, disputed assertions and matters requiring further evidence or technical expertise are distinguished. Deadlines and any need for urgent protection are considered at the outset.
Available options are compared by cost, timing, commercial value and evidential risk. Depending on the matter, the appropriate route may involve drafting or revising an agreement, negotiations, administrative proceedings or litigation. Interim measures require their own assessment. Any settlement should specify performance, deadlines, security and implementation, rather than leave the next disagreement unresolved.
Preparing an initial consultation
Please provide a short chronology, complete relevant contracts or decisions, amendments and correspondence. Record known deadlines and when important notices were received. Explain the outcome you need, such as completing a project, reducing exposure, enforcing a claim or defending a demand. We can then agree the scope of work and discuss costs.