#Tech Lawyer in Paris: Digital and Internet Law

About our firm dedicated to digital law

Our mission

At #Hashtag Avocats, our mission goes beyond the traditional scope of legal assistance. We position ourselves as genuine strategic partners for the entrepreneurs and innovators shaping the future. Our aim is to build solid legal foundations so that our clients can focus on their growth with peace of mind. For example, when a start-up specialising in new technologies is set up, we step in from the outset to structure the contracts and protect the intellectual property, so that the founders can focus on innovation.

Our commitments to our clients

Our commitment to our clients takes the form of transparency and greater accessibility. We firmly believe that legal advice must be both understandable and tailored to the specific needs of each client. For example, we offer personalised consultations to explain in detail the legal implications of new legislation (in French) on digital law or data protection. Our clients know they can count on us to support them at every stage of their project, with tailored solutions and a proactive approach.

Why choose our tech law firm in Paris?

#Hashtag Avocats practises digital law with a focus on anticipating its clients’ future needs. We have grown alongside entrepreneurs, adopting innovative digital tools to stay at the forefront of legal advice. In particular, we follow the legal questions raised by blockchain and NFTs in order to advise our clients on these emerging technologies. Choosing #Hashtag Avocats means opting for a firm that combines in-depth knowledge of current legal issues with a clear view of the challenges ahead.

Our digital law expertise

Issue	Our expertise	Practical example
🖥️ Digital law in Paris	Expertise in digital law for entrepreneurs and innovators	Support in setting up new-technology start-ups, structuring contracts, protection of intellectual property.
📜 Drafting digital contracts	Creating robust contracts for all digital activities	Drafting terms of use (CGU) for an e-commerce website, to protect against disputes and comply with the regulations in force.
🔐 Personal data protection and GDPR	GDPR compliance, security audits for businesses	Reviewing the data processing operations of an e-commerce business, to strengthen the security of personal data and compliance with the GDPR.
⚖️ Intellectual property	Protection of patents, trademarks and copyright in the digital world	Assistance in protecting the source code of an app developed by a start-up, prevention of plagiarism and infringement.
🛡️ Cybercrime and data protection	Defence against cyberattacks and handling of cybercrime disputes	Intervention after a cyberattack on a financial services company, implementation of security protocols to prevent future breaches.
🌍 Compliance with international standards	Marketplace regulation and compliance with European standards and international ones	Adapting the commercial practices of a platform operating in several countries, compliance with local regulations and the GDPR.
💼 Support for digital start-ups	Company formation, management of shareholders’ agreements (in French) and protection of innovations	Structuring an e-commerce start-up, drafting the articles of association, protecting digital assets and managing fundraising.
🔧 Securing connected devices (IoT)	Advice on connected device security, compliance with IoT regulations	Implementing security protocols for a business deploying IoT sensors, to protect against intrusions and comply with security standards.
🔎 Handling online disputes	Resolving disputes relating to data protection, intellectual property and unfair competition	Intervention in a dispute on a marketplace, resolving conflicts over transactions and handling disagreements over online reviews.
🛒 E-commerce law	Drafting general terms and conditions of sale (CGV), securing transactions and protecting consumers online	Drafting general terms and conditions of sale for an online shop, including clauses on the right of withdrawal, delivery times and guarantees to avoid disputes.

Personal data protection and GDPR

GDPR compliance and security audits

In France, personal data protection is a central issue for all businesses that collect, process or store information about their customers. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes strict obligations. We carry out comprehensive security audits to bring your practices into line with the GDPR. For example, an e-commerce business that collects personal data through its website must ensure that the data is secure and that users are informed of their rights. We review every aspect of your processing operations to ensure that you meet your legal obligations and to reduce the risk of sanctions.

Handling sensitive data and confidentiality

Handling sensitive data requires particular care. Our firm assists you in putting in place rigorous confidentiality protocols to protect critical information, such as health data, a special category of data whose processing is in principle prohibited, subject to exceptions (Article 9 of the GDPR), or banking data. For example, a private clinic must ensure that its patients’ medical records are stored and accessible only by authorised persons. We help you structure your systems so that this sensitive data is protected against unauthorised access.

Representation in data-related disputes

Disputes relating to data breaches are becoming increasingly frequent. Our firm represents your interests before the courts in the event of a dispute over a data leak. For example, if a business suffers a cyberattack that exposes sensitive data, we step in to limit the legal damage and represent your interests in court proceedings. We make sure that your rights are protected and that liabilities are clearly established.

IT and internet law

Drafting and reviewing digital contracts

Drafting digital contracts is an essential pillar for businesses operating online. We help you create robust contracts for your digital activities, whether software licence agreements, terms of use for a website, or service agreements for online platforms. A common example concerns the general terms and conditions of sale of an e-commerce website, where we ensure that each clause protects your business against disputes and complies with the regulations in force.

Regulation of online platforms

Online platforms must comply with strict regulation that is constantly changing. We assist you in bringing your terms of use, privacy policies and payment terms into compliance. For example, a marketplace must ensure that its practices comply with European standards, in particular as regards consumer rights and the protection (in French) of data. We help you anticipate legislative changes and adapt your practices accordingly.

Domain name protection and related disputes

Domain name protection is decisive in preserving your business’s identity online. We assist you with the registration, protection and management of domain names, and represent you in disputes, such as conflicts relating to cybersquatting. For example, if a third party registers a domain name similar to yours in order to divert your customers, we step in to protect your rights and recover the domain name in question.

Intellectual property and competition in the digital world

Defending intellectual property rights

Intellectual property is at the heart of digital innovation. We help you protect your patents, trademarks and copyright in a constantly changing environment. For example, a start-up developing a new app must ensure that its source code is protected against plagiarism. We act to defend your rights in the event of infringement and to secure your intellectual assets.

Combating unfair competition and infringement

Unfair competition and infringement are major threats for digital businesses. We assist you in putting in place legal strategies to combat these practices. For example, if a competitor imitates your digital product or uses a similar logo to mislead customers, we take the legal steps needed to protect your business. We help you preserve your market position through ongoing monitoring of potential infringements.

Handling intellectual property disputes

Disputes in intellectual property can have a significant impact (in French) on your business. We defend you in all aspects of intellectual property (in French) litigation, including disputes over copyright, patents and trademarks. For example, if a rival business uses a technology protected by your patent, we bring the necessary proceedings to enforce your rights and obtain compensation.

Cybercrime and digital litigation

Protection against cyberattacks

Cyberattacks are a constant threat for businesses of all sizes. We help you put in place robust protective measures and respond effectively in the event of an attack. For example, a financial services company must protect its databases against intrusions. We assist you in assessing risks and putting in place security protocols to prevent data breaches.

Representation in cybercrime cases

In the event of cybercrime, you must act quickly. We represent you in court proceedings relating to cybercrime, whether fraud, data theft or online blackmail. For example, if your business falls victim to ransomware and sensitive data is held hostage, we step in to manage the crisis and file a criminal complaint against those responsible. We also help you organise, with technical experts, the recovery of the data and limit the damage.

Assistance in the event of a data breach

Personal data breaches can lead to severe sanctions, in particular under the GDPR. We assist you in managing security crises and notifying the competent authorities, ensuring that all procedures comply with legal obligations. For example, a business that discovers a personal data leak must notify the CNIL (French data protection authority) without undue delay and, where feasible, within 72 hours (Article 33 of the GDPR), then inform the data subjects where the breach is likely to result in a high risk to their rights (Article 34 of the GDPR). We assist you at every step to ensure compliance with your obligations.

E-commerce law

Drafting general terms and conditions of sale (CGV)

General terms and conditions of sale (CGV) are essential to protect your business in online transactions. We help you draft clear terms of sale that comply with current regulations. For example, an online shop must include clauses on the right of withdrawal, delivery times and guarantees, while complying with European standards. We ensure that your terms of sale cover all the aspects needed to avoid disputes with customers.

Securing online transactions

Securing transactions is a priority for any e-commerce business. We advise you on good practice in online payments and data security. For example, a business that accepts credit card payments must comply with the PCI DSS standard to avoid any data breach. We help you put in place robust security systems to protect your customers and your business.

Online consumer protection

Consumer protection is a legal obligation for all e-commerce businesses. We assist you in developing policies that respect consumer rights, such as rights of withdrawal and statutory guarantees. For example, a business selling products online must inform its customers of their return rights and the applicable guarantees. We make sure that your practices comply with legal requirements and that your customers are protected.

Online reputation and image rights

Online reputation management strategies

Your online reputation is a valuable asset that must be protected. We develop comprehensive strategies to monitor, manage and improve your online presence. For example, a business may face negative comments on social media that harm its image. We help you prepare appropriate responses and take steps to restore your online reputation, while complying with the applicable legal rules.

Right to be forgotten and handling defamatory content

The right to be forgotten, or right to erasure (Article 17 of the GDPR), allows natural persons to obtain, subject to conditions, the erasure of data concerning them. A business cannot invoke it for itself: it acts against defamatory content or disparaging content on other legal grounds. We assist you in these steps. For example, an executive may ask a search engine to remove a link to an outdated article about them, while a company targeted by disparaging statements may request their removal. We guide you through the procedures needed to protect your image.

Legal action for online defamation

Online defamation can have serious consequences for a business’s reputation. We bring legal action against the authors of defamatory content. For example, if a third party publishes false allegations that damage the honour or standing of your business, we take legal steps to have the content removed and obtain compensation. We help you defend your reputation and your rights vigorously.

Our specific services

Support for digital transformation

Digitalisation strategies for businesses

Digital transformation has become an essential lever for businesses seeking to remain competitive. We assist you in developing digitalisation strategies suited to your sector. For example, a traditional retail business wishing to develop an e-commerce platform will benefit from an in-depth analysis of its digital needs and an action plan to integrate the appropriate technology tools. Our aim is to maximise your online presence while complying with the legal frameworks in force.

Advice on technological innovation

Technological innovation is at the heart of the development of digital businesses. We advise you on good practice for integrating new technologies into your business model. For example, if you are planning to launch a service based on artificial intelligence, we help you navigate the complex legal questions relating to data protection and intellectual property. Our advice enables you to adopt innovative technologies while keeping your projects legally compliant.

Making digital projects legally secure

Legal security is paramount to the success of your digital projects. We assist you in protecting your innovations and managing the legal risks associated with digital transformation. For example, a mobile app development project must include solid contractual clauses to avoid disputes with developers or users. We help you anticipate legal challenges and put in place solutions to secure the long-term future of your project.

Legal services for digital start-ups

Setting up digital businesses and formalities

Digital start-ups need particular attention from the moment they are set up, so that they can grow within a secure legal framework. We assist you with the steps involved in setting up digital businesses, making sure that all legal formalities are complied with. For example, forming a start-up specialising in e-commerce involves choosing the legal form, drafting the articles of association and protecting digital assets. We help you structure your start-up to support rapid and secure growth.

Drafting shareholders’ agreements and fundraising

Drafting shareholders’ agreements protects the founders’ interests when start-ups raise funds.

We draft agreements that govern relations between shareholders and set out the terms of fundraising rounds. For example, in a first fundraising round, the investors’ rights, exit clauses and profit-sharing arrangements must be defined. We protect your interests throughout the financing process.

Protecting innovations and software

Protecting innovations is essential for digital start-ups developing innovative technologies. A computer program as such is not patentable (Article L. 611-10 of the French Intellectual Property Code (Code de la propriété intellectuelle) (in French)): it is protected by copyright. A software-implemented invention may, however, be patented where it is not limited to the program itself. For example, a start-up developing a unique algorithm for a mobile app must ensure that this code is protected against any unauthorised use. We guide you in choosing the appropriate protection and in the corresponding steps.

Our areas of practice

Software and databases

Legal protection of software

Software is a valuable asset that needs appropriate legal protection to prevent any unauthorised exploitation. We help you protect your software through copyright, which covers software (Article L. 112-2 of the Intellectual Property Code (in French)), and through licence agreements. For example, a software publisher seeks to prevent its product from being pirated or unlawfully copied. We put in place strategies to protect your software against copyright infringement and unauthorised use.

Licences and development agreements

Managing software licences and development agreements protects businesses that create or use software.

We assist you in drafting and negotiating these agreements so that they reflect your interests. For example, a software development agreement between a freelance developer and a business must clearly define the intellectual property rights in the software developed. We make sure that these agreements protect your business while complying with legal obligations.

Database management and right of access

The management of databases is subject to strict regulation, in particular regarding the right of access and personal data protection. We assist you in bringing your databases into line with the laws in force, such as the GDPR. For example, a business that stores customer data must ensure that the data is protected and accessible only to authorised persons. We help you establish data management policies that strengthen security and legal compliance.

Connected devices and IoT

Security of connected devices

Connected devices (IoT) pose unique security challenges. We advise you on good practice to secure your connected devices against cyberattacks. For example, a business deploying connected sensors in its facilities must ensure that these devices are protected against intrusions. We help you put in place robust security protocols to prevent the risks associated with IoT.

IoT regulation and compliance

Regulation of connected devices is complex and constantly evolving. We help you navigate the legal requirements to ensure that your IoT products comply. For example, a manufacturer of connected medical devices must comply with strict standards on security and data protection. We assist you in bringing your products into line with European and international regulations.

Protection of data collected by IoT devices

Connected devices collect massive amounts of data, often sensitive, which must be protected in accordance with the laws in force. We help you put in place data management policies that protect the confidentiality and security of the information collected. For example, a business using IoT devices to monitor employees’ health must protect this data against any leak or unauthorised use. We ensure that your practices meet the legal standards on data protection.

Digital platform law

Marketplace regulation

Marketplaces are subject to strict regulation aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition. We help you comply with the legal requirements specific to your marketplace business. For example, an online platform must put in place clear terms of use (CGU) that comply with consumer protection laws. We assist you in drafting and implementing these terms of use to keep your platform compliant.

Handling disputes between platforms and users

Disputes between digital platforms and their users are frequent, whether they concern data protection, intellectual property or unfair competition. We step in to handle these disputes efficiently, favouring amicable solutions where possible. For example, if a marketplace user challenges a transaction or a review, we help you resolve the conflict while protecting your platform’s interests.

Compliance with European and international standards

Digital platforms often have to comply with European and international standards to operate in several markets. We assist you in adapting your practices to the regulations in force in each country. For example, a platform operating in several European Union countries must comply with the GDPR as well as local e-commerce laws. We help you bring your platform into line with all international legal requirements.

Support for digital compliance and security

Compliance with sector-specific regulations

Analysis of compliance-related legal risks

Compliance with sector-specific regulations is a major issue for businesses operating in the digital field. Each sector, whether health, finance or online commerce, is subject to specific regulations. We carry out a detailed analysis of the legal risks of non-compliance to identify potential weaknesses in your processes. For example, a fintech business falls, depending on its activity, under the supervision of the ACPR (French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority) or the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority), and under that of the CNIL for the personal data it processes. We analyse your current practices to anticipate risks and propose suitable solutions.

Audit and compliance of information systems

A rigorous audit of information systems is indispensable to check their compliance with the standards in force. We assist you in bringing your systems into compliance, checking that your data is protected and that your processes meet legal requirements. For example, an e-commerce company that stores customer data must ensure that its databases are secure and accessible only by authorised persons. We carry out a full audit to detect vulnerabilities and put corrective measures in place.

Support during inspections by the authorities

Inspections by the authorities can occur at any time, in particular to check businesses’ compliance with the regulations in force. We assist you before, during and after these inspections to ensure that all requirements are met. For example, during a CNIL inspection, a business must prove that its personal data is secured. We prepare your teams, ensure your documents are compliant and assist you in all the steps needed to meet the authorities’ requirements.

Securing digital transactions

Advice on online payments

Online payments are a critical area for all businesses operating on the internet. We advise you on good practice to secure your financial transactions and prevent fraud. For example, an online shop must comply with the PCI DSS standard for processing credit cards, thereby ensuring the protection of customer data. We help you put in place online payment systems that comply with these standards while optimising security.

Securing digital contracts

Digital contracts are the basis of online business relationships. They must be drafted and secured with care to prevent disputes and protect your interests. We assist you in drafting and securing these contracts, whether terms of use, service agreements or software licences. For example, an online services agreement must clearly define the parties’ obligations and provide protective clauses in the event of a breach. We make sure that your contracts are complete, compliant and legally sound.

Handling disputes over electronic transactions

Electronic transactions can sometimes give rise to disputes, whether contractual disagreements, fraud or breach of the terms of sale. We step in to handle these disputes efficiently, favouring amicable solutions while preparing any necessary court action. For example, a dissatisfied customer who disputes an online payment may call into question the security of the transaction. We defend you by demonstrating the compliance of your systems and negotiating settlements to resolve the conflict.

Legal references:

Legifrance - The French public service for the dissemination of law on the internet. Provides access to legislative and regulatory texts and to case law.

• Legifrance (in French)

CNIL (Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés) - The French authority responsible for overseeing the protection of personal data.

• CNIL (in French)

INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle) - The body responsible for protecting industrial property rights (patents, trademarks, designs) in France.

• INPI (in French)

Every situation is different: the information on this page is general and does not replace legal advice tailored to your case. The firm makes no promise of outcome; it commits to the means it deploys.