In the interview with Roman Pusep, lawyer and specialist lawyer for IT law, commercial and corporate law, and external data protection officer at WERNER Rechtsanwälte Informatiker.
WERNER Rechtsanwälte Informatiker is an established law firm specializing in the fusion of law and technology. Its focus is on supporting companies and organizations in a rapidly changing digital world. Various topics are covered, including data protection, cybersecurity, IT contract law, and intellectual property. WERNER Rechtsanwälte Informatiker aims not only to provide legal security for its clients but also to develop innovative solutions for the potential of digital transformation. In an interview with Roman Pusep, lawyer and specialist lawyer for IT law, we will discuss digitalization strategies in SMEs, good IT contracts, usage rights, remuneration and price adjustments, and truly effective exit strategies.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Mr. Pusep, let's start by talking about meaningful digitalization strategies in SMEs. What role does legal advice play in developing a comprehensive digitalization strategy for companies?
Roman Pusep: For a comprehensive digitalization strategy, it is essential for companies to identify, structure, and plan the affected processes. Conducting an inventory of processes is just as crucial as exploring the market to find a suitable provider or IT product that meets the company's needs. Legal expertise should be consulted at the latest when assessing providers or IT products to address cost-, production-, and liability-relevant issues such as usage rights, remuneration, contract adjustments, and termination rights. Of course, certain contractual topics can also be discussed with legal experts before market exploration to make the market research more targeted.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: How can companies ensure that their digitalization strategy complies with applicable data protection regulations and other legal provisions?
Roman Pusep: Raising awareness among company management and employees, along with regular training, are important measures to comply with and implement data protection regulations. It is advisable for responsible companies to consider which personal data are actually needed for their operations, why and on what legal basis they should be processed. The review and adjustment of data protection topics should not be underestimated. Seemingly simple issues can have significant data protection implications, such as organizational and technical measures, deletion concepts, information obligations or data protection notices, or consent. Which other legal provisions are relevant for a digitalization strategy depends on the product and industry. Consult a specialist lawyer for IT law to discuss the details. Regarding data protection, a data protection officer is also an excellent point of contact. In well-run projects, both professional groups work hand in hand.