AI & Data / Germany & European Union
Connected products generate valuable operational data. We advise manufacturers, users and service providers on access, use and sharing under the EU Data Act, alongside privacy, confidentiality and contract law.
Where we can help
Access and product design
We map product data, related-service data and metadata against the relevant rights and duties. The design obligation in Article 3(1) has its own application rule for products and related services placed on the market after 12 September 2026.
Commercial terms and safeguards
Data-sharing agreements should address permitted purposes, technical delivery, confidentiality and personal data. Trade-secret protection requires a specific assessment and safeguards; it is not a general exemption from access duties.
Cloud switching and public requests
The Data Act also affects switching between data-processing services and certain public-sector requests based on exceptional need. These regimes have different conditions and should not be conflated with general access to industrial data.
From assessment to implementation
We can prepare a data inventory, access-response procedure and contract package for users or recipients. Where access is refused or conditions are disputed, we assess the available complaint, dispute-resolution and court routes.
Four practical examples
Illustrative scenarios, not reports of client mandates. The appropriate response depends on the facts and applicable law.
Factory maintenance
A factory wants to share machine data with an independent maintenance provider. We examine user status, data scope and safeguards for manufacturer know-how.
Fleet telemetry
A leasing customer requests vehicle data. We separate eligible operational data from personal data and identify who may lawfully receive it.
Smart-device launch
A manufacturer releases a new connected device in late 2026. We review the access design, pre-contract information and supporting terms.
Cloud exit
A business wants to move an application to another provider. We examine switching assistance, export formats and the applicable rules on charges.
What to send us
Please describe the product or dispute, the countries involved, your role and any deadline. Relevant contracts, technical documentation, correspondence and a short chronology help us identify the next steps. Agree a secure transfer channel before sending sensitive records.
Discuss your next step
We can define the scope of a review, identify urgent measures and agree the work and fees before proceeding. A website enquiry alone does not establish a mandate.
Related: IT & AI services · Legal updates · Our attorneys
Legal framework and further reading: Data Act. Content reviewed: 12 November 2026.