Focus areas
Legal advice and representation in relation to IT contracts, SaaS and cloud projects, issues of data processing, the use of AI, as well as data protection and compliance matters. The focus is on the review and negotiation of contracts, the legal support of digital projects, and the practical implementation of regulatory requirements.
Digital business models require legally robust and practical contractual structures. The focus is on cloud agreements, service level agreements (SLAs), general terms and conditions, and software licensing. What matters is technical understanding and contract design that reflects the company’s operational processes and commercial interests.
The legally compliant use of data and artificial intelligence requires clear legal and organisational guardrails. The focus is on data sharing under the Data Act, the legal assessment of AI systems, and robust structures for data-driven applications and the use of AI.
In some cases under European law, information is only legally recognized as a trade secret if it is subject to appropriate protection measures. Companies therefore need a structured protection approach from identifying sensitive business information to implementing confidentiality agreements, access controls and organizational safeguards.
Compliance needs clear structures, documented processes, and reliable responsibilities. Particular emphasis is placed on data protection, information security, and whistleblower protection. The aim is a practical framework that translates legal requirements into transparent operational processes.
Internal reporting channels must meet legal, technical, and organisational requirements. What matters are GDPR-compliant procedures, a reliable handling of reports, and structures that ensure confidentiality and the protection of reporting persons.
Effective information management is both a legal obligation and a business necessity. This includes clear processes for data storage, use, sharing and deletion as well as role and rights management, data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) and archiving rules.
Law & technology
My name is Glen Happel. I am a German-qualified lawyer advising clients primarily on matters of IT law, data protection law and digital regulation. I began my legal career at a mid-sized law firm. Today, I run my own practice and collaborate with other law firms on matters spanning multiple areas of law.
My work covers digital business models, data processing and compliance. I assist in particular with drafting IT contracts, protecting trade secrets and implementing new regulatory requirements arising under legislation such as the AI Act and the Data Act. My approach takes account of the relevant technical environment and real-world processes, with the aim of developing legally robust and workable solutions.
Each engagement begins with an understanding of the situation: its structures, processes, technical systems, interests and objectives. This provides the foundation for advice tailored to individual needs.
On this basis, legal requirements are clarified, risks prioritised and options identified. This shows what is necessary, where flexibility remains and which decisions need to be made.
Legal solutions must be both robust and workable. Contracts, processes and policies are therefore designed to reflect actual workflows and needs while remaining practical in everyday use.
Good advice does not end with a recommendation. During implementation and further development, the focus remains on technical change, organisational requirements and clear, practical next steps.
News in law & regulation
The use of AI systems has become part of everyday business operations in many companies. At the same time, legal questions arise under the AI Act, data protection law, trade secret protection, and corporate governance.
This article outlines the key legal aspects companies should consider when using AI systems and explains why legally compliant AI use usually begins with a clear governance decision.
In employment practice, the right of access under Article 15 GDPR is often confused with the right to inspect the personnel file.
A recent decision clarifies that these are two separate legal concepts with different requirements, scope, and limitations.
A Non-Disclosure Agreement, often referred to as an “NDA,” is a contract in which two or more parties agree to keep certain information confidential.
NDAs are important for protecting trade secrets, sensitive data, or innovative ideas, and they provide legal certainty when sharing information.
Get in touch
Email: info@kanzlei-happel.de
Tel.: +49 (0) 69 976 983 41
Consultation via email, phone, video conference, or by appointment.