Michael Schmittmann

Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek

Düsseldorf www.heuking.de

m.schmittmann@heuking.de Tel: +49 211 600 55-165

Biography

Michael Schmittmann is partner and was head of the firm’s IP, media and technology practice group for more than two decades. He has 30 years of experience in broadcasting, telecommunications and IT law, today with an emphasis on content platforms and online gambling law, mostly for international clients. He is newsletter editor of the IBA Communications Law Committee and chairman of the ITechLaw Interactive Media and Entertainment Committee. Michael started his career at the European Commission in Brussels and he never took off his “European glasses”.

What inspired you to pursue a legal career?

A functioning constitutional state with rule of law that is independent of politics is a gift of history. This gift has not existed for long and must be nurtured with great personal commitment. This fascinated me and became my professional goal in life.

What do you enjoy the most about working in data law?

The constant technical, social and economic changes in communication are a mandate for lifelong re-learning. What could be more exciting and varied?

What did you find most challenging about becoming a data lawyer?

To communicate with scientists, technicians and other experts who are not from the legal profession. They prefer nonverbal communication - we prefer the opposite. It is not easy to have a common understanding of the same subject matter.

How could the EU’s ePrivacy Regulation impact the market if finalised in 2022?

After an implementation period, everything becomes more complex and complicated - data protection comes at too high a price. However, it is gratifying if there is a compromise at all, and it is also gratifying that the regulation now also affects companies based outside the EU.

In a global environment of increased data regulation and legislation, what does increased levels of enforcement from authorities look like?

Cherry-picking of authorities at the beginning, battles of comity among authorities, both interstate and intrastate. Lots of wasted time and inefficiency. But after a while, the work gets better and more efficient.

How do you see your data practice developing over the next couple of years?

Just like at the beginning of our media and telecommunications group in 1989: ever bigger, ever younger. As in the past years, we will invest a lot in the knowledge of what is going on in the market.

How does Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek distinguish itself from the competition?

Independence: We are a strong national German player without belonging to a US or UK firm or the Big Four.

Business orientation: We regard law as a tool for success – not as self-purpose.

Deep market know how: We are specialists in some areas where we work for decades in the same matters and legal areas and for the same type of clients.

Size: We are among the top five in Germany with our IP, media and technology group of about 60 specialists.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Look for the story behind the mandate - it is not just what you hear, read or learn from the client. You need to know the real interests and goals in order to anticipate the opponent’s next steps. I gathered this advice from my wife, a historian of art. She always researches the story behind the painting. . .

WWL says: Michael Schmittmann is lauded by sources impressed with his adroit approach to IT, media and telecommunications matters.