Author: Ludovic Foret

Strengthened EU data protection rules become a reality in just over 100 days !

With just over 100 days left before the application of the new General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), the European Commission has published new guidance that outlines what remains to be done, including additional guidance for SMEs.

New Year’s Data Protection headache? … FLINN helps ease GDPR pain!

The General Data Protection Regulation or ‘GDPR’ will apply throughout the EEA, to all sectors of economic activity, from 25 May 2018.

Is the GDPR applicable in a (pure) B2B Context ?

On Tuesday, 6^th December, we had our second client workshop about the GDPR.  The diverse audience included retailers, manufacturers in the food and beverages industry, franchise networks, IT, healthcare and financial sector companies as well as invitees from national and European federations active in retail and distribution. 

There were diverging views on the way in which the GDPR and ePrivacy Directive (which is also due to be replaced by EU regulation) will apply in a (pure) B2B context. It seems clear that prior informed consent is the sole basis for B2C e-mail marketing. However the current text of the (draft) ePrivacy Regulation is ambiguous as to whether a distinction can be drawn between corporate email addresses and individual email addresses. Nevertheless, ‘named’ corporate B2B data (e.g. firstname.familyname@company.com) is clearly personal data and should therefore be processed in line with GDPR. B2B marketers will therefore need to make a choice between using Consent, the so called ‘soft opt-in’ where there is an existing client relationship, or Legitimate Interest for their electronic communications.

Perhaps recital 47 to the GDPR which states (amongst other things) that ‘processing of personal data for direct marketing purposes may be regarded as carried out for a legitimate interest’ will provide some useful guidance. One thing is for sure the GDPR is yet to reveal all of its secrets !

Emmanuel Verraes spoke at the AIJA Congress on Cinematography law

Emmanuel VERRAES was at the Half-Year Conference of the AIJA – International Association of Young Lawyers  in the beautiful town of Girona.  He spoke about the universe of IP rights cascade in the filming industry.  It is one of the few seminars in the world organised around the topic of Cinematography and law !

Leonard Hawkes is a certified Privacy Professional (CIPP) and appointed as DPO of FLINN

The partners of FLINN are delighted to announce the appointment of Leonard Hawkes as DPO (Data Protection Officer) at FLINN and his IAPP Certification as a ‘Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe’ (CIPP/E) as of today.
These developments are further confirmation of FLINN’s commitment to offering high quality legal services in the digital economy.

Flinn has become a member of Lawrope at the AGM in Monza

Flinn Lawfirm was represented in Monza at the annual general meeting of Lawrope International Group of Lawyers .  The ever-changing needs of companies and individuals operating in this environment require the skills of an established multinational group of lawyers.

FLINN is a Friend of the Ancienne Belgique

We are proud to announce our partnership with the Ancienne Belgique, a cultural gem in the very heart of Brussels. As a firm we feel strongly about creativity, and this relationship is a great symbol of our commitment. Emmanuel Verraes (partner, specialised in Media & Entertainment): “This alliance is the logical extension of our day-to-day involvement in the creative sector.

Flinn Lawfirm is honoured to be the new sponsor of the Modesign Academy

Flinn Lawfirm is honoured to be the new sponsor of the Modesign Academy! Anna Gibello has been in charge of the courses on legal aspects since the creation of MDA. It was a great pleasure to assist to the Graduation Ceremony organized on October 18, 2017. The students did astonish the audience with their craftsmanship !

The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Franchise 2018 has been published !

Advice on Franchising, whether for local and international franchise networks, or for franchisees (including multi-franchisees), is one significant component of FLINN’s practical focus on Distribution law…