Practice Area
Digital & Information Technology, FinTech and Intellectual Property
SIGNUM’s Digital & Information Technology, FinTech and Intellectual Property practice advises technology companies, financial institutions, digital platforms, e-commerce businesses, telecommunications and pharmaceutical companies and other international and Kazakhstan businesses on legal matters arising from the development, launch and use of technology and digital products.
We support clients throughout the lifecycle of a technology business – from market entry and structuring digital business models to launching mobile applications and online platforms, processing data, negotiating technology and licensing agreements and protecting intellectual property. A significant part of our work also involves FinTech, electronic payments, digital financial services and the use of new technologies in regulated industries.
SIGNUM advises on personal data protection, information security and cybersecurity, e-commerce and digital advertising, the transfer and licensing of technology and intellectual property rights, as well as regulatory matters involving blockchain, digital assets and other emerging technologies.
We regularly work with international technology companies, digital platforms, food delivery and e-commerce businesses, payment and telecommunications companies and other technology-driven businesses. Our understanding of clients’ commercial models and the rapidly evolving regulatory environment enables us to provide practical solutions that support the launch and scaling of digital products while managing legal and regulatory risk.
- Digital Products and Technology – advising on the development, launch and operation of digital products, online platforms, mobile applications and technology solutions.
- FinTech and Payment Services – advising on electronic payments, financial technologies, digital financial services and related regulatory requirements.
- E-Commerce and Digital Advertising – advising e-commerce platforms and digital services on online sales, marketing, advertising, consumer protection and contractual arrangements with users and commercial partners.
- Data Protection and Privacy – advising on the collection, processing, storage and cross-border transfer of personal data and preparing internal policies and contractual documentation.
- Information Security and Cybersecurity – analysing applicable legal requirements, preparing legal opinions and advising on information security risk management and incident response.
- Technology Transactions and Licensing – drafting and negotiating licence, sublicence, technology, IT, SaaS, services and other agreements involving the use or transfer of technology.
- Blockchain and Digital Assets – advising on regulatory matters relating to blockchain technology, digital assets and emerging technology-driven business models.
- Regulatory and Market Entry – advising on legal requirements for launching technology businesses and digital services in Kazakhstan, including licensing, localisation and engagement with government authorities.
- Technology, Data and IP Disputes – advising and representing clients in disputes involving technology, personal data, e-commerce, advertising and intellectual property.
Experience
Advised a Kazakhstan technology start-up on the regulation of payment systems in Kazakhstan.
• Advised on the legal and tax structuring of a loyalty programme, including preparation of a public offer and agreements with commercial partners.
• Advised a major specialised vehicle dealer on structuring an employee loyalty and incentive programme, including contractual matters, currency regulation, tax structuring and risk assessment.
• Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence of a Kazakhstan technology company providing payment solutions for the banking and retail sectors in connection with a potential investment.
Provided full legal support to a leading European food delivery platform on its entry into the Kazakhstan market, including e-commerce regulation, mobile applications, websites and personal data protection.
• Advised a major European food delivery platform on regulatory requirements and its business model in Kazakhstan, as well as commercial agreements with couriers and restaurants.
• Prepared a legal memorandum for an international fashion and homeware retailer on the regulation of e-commerce in Kazakhstan.
• Advised a major international technology company on the regulation of contextual advertising in Kazakhstan.
• Prepared a legal memorandum for an international ride-hailing platform on the use of online advertising in Kazakhstan.
• Advised a major internet service provider on online advertising regulation and related competition law requirements.
Advised a major international technology company on cross-border data transfers and Kazakhstan cybersecurity requirements.
• Prepared a legal opinion on personal data protection for a major international authentication, identification and traceability company.
• Developed a comprehensive suite of internal personal data processing and protection policies for a leasing company forming part of an international specialised equipment group.
• Advised an international leasing company on personal data processing and protection, including legal requirements applicable to technical solutions being implemented by the company.
• Advised international pharmaceutical companies on the collection, use, storage and protection of personal data.
• Prepared a legal opinion for a major pharmaceutical company on the storage and processing of data relating to doctors and pharmacy employees using the company’s information systems and data storage facilities.
• Prepared internal personal data protection and healthcare professional interaction policies for an international pharmaceutical company.
• Prepared a memorandum for a global financial company on online information and data protection requirements in Kazakhstan.
• Advised employers on legal requirements relating to the collection and processing of employee personal data.
Advised a major Japanese pharmaceutical company on intellectual property matters, including the review and negotiation of a sublicence agreement.
• Drafted and reviewed licence agreements relating to intellectual property and technology.
• Prepared legal memoranda on Kazakhstan law requirements applicable to licensing and franchising arrangements.
• Advised a major international pharmaceutical company on licence agreements, pharmaceutical distribution agreements and other contracts involving the use and transfer of intellectual property rights.
• Advised a Russian technology company on the transfer and registration of a domain name in Kazakhstan.
Advised an international cloud mining company on establishing its operations in Kazakhstan, deploying technology equipment and connecting its facilities to the power grid.
• Prepared a legal memorandum for one of the largest telecommunications companies on telecommunications and satellite regulation in Kazakhstan.
• Developed a regulatory compliance programme for a major German telecommunications company.
• Provided ongoing legal support to an international telecommunications equipment manufacturer in relation to its operations in Kazakhstan.
• Advised on tender and regulatory requirements relating to the use of radio-frequency spectrum in Kazakhstan.
• Advised a leading global secure identification solutions provider on joint activity arrangements with one of Kazakhstan’s largest telecommunications operators in connection with participation in a technology tender.
Advised a major international Swiss technology company on the implementation of a raw-material traceability technology through a public-private partnership, including regulatory analysis and drafting proposed amendments to Kazakhstan information technology legislation.
• Provided comprehensive legal support to an international authentication, identification and traceability company on the implementation of a technology project under a public-private partnership with the Government of Kazakhstan.
Represented an international telecommunications company in a commercial dispute with a local contractor arising from failure to perform contractual obligations. The claim was valued at approximately USD 1.5 million.
• Represented an international telecommunications company in an administrative dispute with the customs authorities concerning customs clearance and potential confiscation of telecommunications equipment valued at approximately USD 1 million.
