Presentation

Armingaud_ClaudeEtienne

Admitted to the bars of New York and Paris, I practice in Paris with an emphasis on information technology and intellectual property law.

My specific knowledge of these areas results from my music and photographic activities as well as my inner passion for computer science.

I have acquired my experience in international law firms, where I have been able to assist companies ranging from early-stage start-ups to global multinationals, since 2006, on litigation and transactional matters.

I wish to assist you in the implementation of your projects, in order to optimize the immaterial assets of your company, be it in relation with personal data management (clients, prospects, employees), intellectual property, editorial contents or your partnerships with service providers.

My practice has been recognized by Legal 500 – France – IT, Telecoms and the Internet, notably in 2016 (Band 3 – “Senior associate Claude-Etienne Armingaud is another name to note.“), 2017 (Band 2 – “Recently promoted partner Claude-Etienne Armingaud ‘wastes no time and is straight to the point’.” – link) & 2018 and Leaders League (New Technologies – Internet – 2016 Ranking of the Top Law Firms (France) – Highly Recommended – Band 1 – link)

I am a Certified Information Privacy Professional / Europe (“CIPP/E”) by the International Association of Privacy Practitioners and, after acting as a KnowledgeNet Chapter Chair – France in 2021-2022, I am now part of the IAPP EU Advisory Board for the 2023-2024 term.

You can access a list of my speaking engagements here.

You may contact me here:

claude.armingaud@klgates.com | +33 6 280 44 555

116 Champs Elysées | Paris VIII

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Areas of practice

My practice focuses on the representation of public and private companies in the area of information technologies and intellectual property law. I provide counsel to clients at all stages of their corporate life cycle and in wide-ranging transactions, including in connection with litigation compliance matters, intellectual property protection and development, data protection strategic operations, and other commercial contracts.

Data Protection Expertise

I advise clients active in the digital industries, with a particular interest in innovative services and notably Fintech and blockchain-based services, connected cars and automotive sector, data optimization and valuation, notably in the IoT sector.

I have notably been involved in the connected car ecosystem, on R&D projects relating to experimentation of autonomous cars, partnership agreements for the development of in-car connected services and the assistance of value-added service startups for the negotiation of the CNIL/French Data Protection Authority’s compliance package for the connected vehicles. I am a regular speaker about the legal aspects pertaining to the connected car, notably at the Connected Car Conference in Paris and the Connected Mobility Conference in Lille.

I also assist clients with their General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) compliance process, including risk analysis and contractual implementation of data processing services.

Start-up Experience

I regularly advise start-up companies in matters relating to securing their intellectual property, be it from in-house or external providers or employees, as well as securing their process from the start to ensure a streamlined evolution towards more advanced stages of growth.

Innovative Services Experience

I have extensive experience in understanding technological and structural processes, which allow for innovative approaches to solidify my client’s business models and protect their immaterial assets. This ranges from client and prospect data optimization to enforcing their intellectual properties. I regularly assist service and content providers on both their front and back office matters.

Global Approach

My legal experience is anchored on both a French civil law practice and American common law training. I provide my clients with a multicultural approach to their needs, be it for American entities doing business in continental Europe as well as European companies looking to expand their reach.

With this global approach, I regularly assist my clients in litigation and regulatory matters at French, European, and international levels on:

  • e-commerce & trust services;
  • media & content distribution;
  • privacy & consumer protection;
  • defamation & online reputation;
  • internal & external fraud;
  • counterfeiting & IP infringement;
  • internet liability;
  • export control & e-discovery;
  • antitrust & unfair competition;
  • advertising, betting & gaming.

Achievements

Privacy & Information Technology

Intellectual Property

Testimonials

‘A specialized team in this field.’

‘Claude-Etienne Armingaud is a person close to clients, who understands the needs of all involved.’

Legal 500 – EMEA – Industry focus: IT, telecoms and the internet 2023 – Band 2

‘The team has been able to position itself and develop expertise on relevant/current topics. It also works in close collaboration with teams in other countries in a fairly simplified way.’

‘Claude Etienne Armingaud is, in my opinion, the partner who stands out for several reasons. Beyond the legal skills, he demonstrates a very good knowledge of technological subjects and privacy implications. In addition, he invests heavily in the development of privacy professionals, whether young lawyers, jurists or others.’

Legal 500 – France – Data Privacy & Data Protection 2023 – Band 2

‘K&L Gates remains true to its values of promoting technology and social justice.’

‘On diversity, K&L Gates is one of the most visible among law firms, notably with its ‘Conversations About Race’ conference series. Claude-Etienne Armingaud’s presence on the Diversity Committee is also appreciated insofar as most Anglo-Saxon firms are satisfied with an American-American approach and not a global one.’

‘Specialist in new technologies, Claude-Etienne Armingaud has been with us since the very beginning. He was able to advise us on all the regulatory aspects of our activity.’

‘Claude-Etienne Armingaud and Raphael Bloch are both exceptional lawyers who miss no details and who know their fields to perfection. They know how to adapt to our needs and are absolutely always available. It goes without saying that we recommend them without hesitation whenever possible.’

‘The impressive knowledge of the field of personal data protection is undoubtedly the asset of the team of this law firm. Knowing all regulations and legislative updates regarding personal data allows for practical and in-depth advice. They are pragmatic and competent in any matter of personal data protection whatever the legal basis to be used: French legislation, European regulations, international texts. I highly recommend the K&L Gates for any digital society legal issue born.’

‘Claude-Etienne Armingaud has shown invaluable support which, by providing his expertise in the field of personal data, helps to save time and explores new avenues to trace any problem. Working with him has left me with the most positive impressions and he remains the first to contact if I encounter any difficulties regarding data protection policies and procedures.’

Legal 500 – France – Data Privacy & Data Protection 2022 – Band 2

‘Claude-Étienne Armingaud possesses excellent technical legal skills with a sensible practical commercial approach which comes through unrivalled knowledge of the sector.‘

‘Claude-Étienne Armingaud is the best at what he does, plain and simply.

Legal 500 – EMEA – Industry focus: IT, telecoms and the internet 2021 – Band 4

Claude-Etienne Armingaud is the best at what he does, plain and simply. Fast, reliable, and efficient.’

‘A team which is very familiar with the evolution of the regulatory framework applicable to data, and which has often participated in the work of developing new guidelines with the CNIL.’

‘Claude-Etienne Armingaud is very familiar with the issues of data protection and privacy. He supports a large clientele in various fields of intervention.’

Legal 500 – France – Data Privacy & Data Protection 2021 – Band 2

‘The team is well versed and up to date on the current standards and practices. Team members are all very flexible in their availability and very responsive’.

‘The team provides sharp advices and has great sector industry knowledge’.

‘The team has in-depth expertise and great ability to anticipate future legislation’

‘Claude Etienne Armingaud is more than a lawyer; he is a trusted partner who knows his own limits and is very friendly’

Legal 500 – EMEA – Industry focus: IT, telecoms and the internet 2020 – Band 4

“K&L Gates LLP occupies a unique place in the market with its focus on media and entertainment clients and its impressive track record in handling matters for French professional associations, including those representing communication agencies, advertising players and online publishers. Practice heads Etienne Drouard and Claude-Etienne Armingaud are well versed in cross-border matters as demonstrated by their frequent involvement in matters involving multinational companies, particularly clients from the US and Asia. Instructions relating to GDPR compliance also account for a significant portion of the workload. The practice also offers clients the use of artificial intelligence tools to facilitate document analyses, knowledge management and document drafting. While the tools are employed across the board, they are particularly beneficial in litigation through the improved management of document evidence.

‘The data protection team can be noted for its outstanding quality, reputation and high responsiveness. With their international network, in-depth knowledge of the market, the technology and their legal strength it is an excellent firm to go to for data protection matters.’

‘Really pleasant team to work with. Responsive and team players.’

‘The K&L Gates privacy team in France has a lot of knowledge regarding cross-border privacy issues.’

‘Claude-Etienne Armingaud is a true data protection thought leader. With his in-depth knowledge of the market, technology and his legal strength he is the person to go to for all data protection matters. He is an expert in the fields of new technological areas including fintech, blockchain and the internet of things where he combines his extensive data protection knowledge with his market and technological experience.’”

Legal 500 – EMEA – Data Protection 2020 – Band 2

“At K&L Gates LLP, the IP, IT and privacy group encompasses the firm’s corporate and commercial offering in the technological space under the joint leadership of Claude-Etienne Armingaud and Etienne Drouard, whose ‘perfect mastery of the law, outstanding understanding of complex issues and personal courage’ impresses clients. The group was recently instructed by three major transport companies to advise on the provision of WiFi services in their train and subway stations and airports. (…) Armingaud is assisting a utility provider with the implementation of a smart city hub. Also notable is the group’s work in the online marketing and advertising, connected device and new technology, and online distribution sectors.”

Legal 500 – EMEA – Industry focus: IT, telecoms and the internet 2019 – Band 2

“K&L Gates LLP’s (…) Claude-Etienne Armingaud specialises in cross-border transactions and outsourcing contracts in the fields of fintech, IoT and big data. Notable transactional work included Armingaud’s advice to Bridgestone on its €12m share deal with Eliocity, which also entailed assistance with IT, IP and data protection due diligence. On the data protection front, the practice’s caseload includes advice to Carglass on the implementation of its GDPR compliance programme, and assisting BNP Paribas with its personal data privacy policy. The department’s client roster also includes JCDecaux, Microsoft, SNCF and SloClap.”

Legal 500 – EMEA – Industry focus: IT, telecoms and the internet 2018 – Band 2

“K&L Gates LLP advises on sophisticated global and domestic IT projects and is another name to note in very innovative digital projects for major French clients. The seven-lawyer team is also a reference for data privacy matters and is handling an important dispute with the French data regulator regarding the use of cookies. (…) Recently promoted partner Claude-Etienne Armingaud ‘wastes no time and is straight to the point’.”

Legal 500 – EMEA – Industry focus: IT, telecoms and the internet 2017 – Band 2

“Senior associate Claude-Etienne Armingaud is another name to note.“

Legal 500 – EMEA – Industry focus: IT, telecoms and the internet 2016 – Band 3