Law Podcast: Wolf Theiss Soundshot - Legal talks from Austria, the CEE and SEE region

Our new episode of the Wolf Theiss Soundshot Podcast is the third one in our "Digital Law" series. In this episode, Jakub Pietrasik and Phillip Wrabetz from our IP & TMT team discuss the recently adopted EU Artificial Intelligence Act and how businesses should already begin preparing for the new legal framework. The AI Act applies not only to big players in the tech industry but to every single organization involved in the creation or use of AI systems. Based on a practical example, Jakub and Phillip explain how to assess the legal implications for companies using AI systems. They also touch upon compliance requirements, including technical and organisational measures that companies may need to implement.Listen to the new podcast episode on our website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Amazon Music under “Wolf Theiss Soundshot”.If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at soundshot@wolftheiss.com, jakub.pietrasik@wolftheiss.com and phillip.wrabetz@wolftheiss.com.

Our new episode of the Wolf Theiss Soundshot Podcast is the second part of the podcast series on “Digital Law”.This time our experts, Katerina Mikulova, with expertise in e-commerce, IP and data privacy rights law, alongside Adolf Zemann, focused on IP & TMT law, address the Digital Services Act (DSA). They delve into the new legislation that is transforming the digital landscape and its effects on businesses. The significance of the DSA as a major overhaul of regulation in the digital domain will be explained, highlighting its impact on online enterprises of all sizes. Additionally, our experts will explore compliance responsibilities and related liability risks.  Listen to the new Soundshot episode on our website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Amazon Music under “Wolf Theiss Soundshot”.If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at soundshot@wolftheiss.com, katerina.mikulova@wolftheiss.com or adolf.zemann@wolftheiss.com.

The current episode of the Wolf Theiss Soundshot podcast introduces a new series on digital law. Throughout this series, our tech and data law experts will provide practical insights for navigating the complex landscape of the EU's legislative initiatives in the field of digital law. In this first episode, Roland Marko and Phillip Wrabetz give an overview of what to expect from our new series and discuss key elements of the EU's Digital Strategy, including the Digital Services Act, the Artificial Intelligence Act, the Data Act and the EU's new cybersecurity framework. Subsequent episodes of the series will focus on individual aspects of the Digital Strategy, featuring insights from our colleagues across Wolf Theiss offices in the CEE/SEE region.Find out more in our new Soundshot episode, available in English.Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at  soundshot@wolftheiss.com, roland.marko@wolftheiss.com or phillip.wrabetz@wolftheiss.com.

In this episode of our Soundshot podcast, Martin Gassler delves into the topic of “Competition Law and Sustainability” with our guest speakers Sonja Rentz, a lawyer representing the Austrian Federal Cartel Prosecutor and Moritz Schwarz, an economist and doctoral researcher at the University of Vienna.They examine whether competition law has has undergone a shift towards greater environmental responsibility, specifically addressing developments and the necessary trajectory for competition law and policy to align with eco-friendliness. Our experts provide an overview of the current state of affairs and interwine the subjectsof antitrust, merger control and state aid. Furthermore, they examine the European Green Deal 2019, theEU's goal of achieving  climate-neutrality by 2050 and the Austrian Cartel Act. They explore the specific conditions associated with these aspects and delve into other interesting topics, including guidelines and legal frameworks, with the support of case studies.  You can listen to the new Soundshot episode on our website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Amazon Music accessible under the tile “Wolf Theiss Soundshot”.If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at soundshot@wolftheiss.com and martin.gassler@wolftheiss.com.

In this episode of our Soundshot podcast, our arbitration partner Stefan Riegler delves into the topic of "careers in international arbitration" with our distinguished guest speakers Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, and Stefan Kröll, Director of the Willem C. Vis Arbitration Moot.Our speakers tell their personal stories and shine a particular spotlight on the significance of the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. They share valuable insights on how to pursue a career in international arbitration, underscoring the crucial role of having an open mind. This episode serves as a useful resource, providing insights and practical tips for enhancing your professional journey in this field of law.If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at soundshot@wolftheiss.com. 

Unsere neue Folge des Wolf Theiss Soundshot Podcasts ist der vierte Teil der Podcastreihe zum Thema "Nachhaltigkeitspflichten von Unternehmen". Diesmal stehen Fragen zur verpflichtenden Errichtung von Photovoltaik-Panelen bei Neubauten und regulatorische Fragen zum Betrieb und Verkauf von durch PV-Anlagen generierten Strom. Unsere Experten, Birgit Kraml, Immobilien- Bau- —und Nachhaltigkeitsrecht, und Harald Strahberger, Energie- und Umweltrecht, erläutern die Erfordernisse bei Errichtung von PV-Anlagen nach den Bauordnungen, die Änderungen durch die Wiener Bauordnungs-Novelle 2023 und regulatorische Aspekte sowie Bewilligungspflichten nach Wohnungseigentumsgesetz und Mietrechtsgesetz.Hören Sie sich die neue Soundshot Folge über unsere Website, über Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts oder Amazon Music unter "Wolf Theiss Soundshot" an. Bei Fragen stehen wir unter soundshot@wolftheiss.com, birgit.kraml@wolftheiss.com und harald.strahberger@wolftheiss.com gerne zur Verfügung.  

Unsere neue Folge des Wolf Theiss Soundshot Podcasts ist der dritte Teil der Podcastreihe zum Thema "Nachhaltigkeitspflichten von Unternehmen". Anders als die ersten beiden Episoden – deren Schwerpunkt auf der Richtlinie über die Sorgfaltspflichten von Unternehmen im Hinblick auf Nachhaltigkeit lag – stehen diesmal rechtliche Risiken und Konfliktpotential im Bereich Nachhaltigkeit und ESG zur Debatte. Die Disputes-ExpertInnen von Wolf Theiss, Theresia Welser und Markus Taufner, sind dazu heute mit unserem Gast Maximilian Bülau, Partner der renommierten deutschen Anwaltssozietät Hengeler Mueller, im Gespräch. Gemeinsam beleuchten sie ausgewählte Aspekte zu bestehenden und zukünftigen Haftungsfragen zum Thema Nachhaltigkeit und ESG, einschließlich Organhaftungsrisiken, Klimaklagen, Greenwashing, Verbandsklagen und Prozessfinanzierung. Hören Sie sich die neue Soundshot Folge über unsere Website, über Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts oder Amazon Music unter "Wolf Theiss Soundshot" an. Bei Fragen stehen wir unter soundshot@wolftheiss.com, theresia.welser@wolftheiss.com,  markus.taufner@wolftheiss.com und maximilian.buelau@hengeler.com gerne zur Verfügung.   

In our newest edition of Wolf Theiss Soundshot, Disputes experts Borna Dejanovic and Aleksandar Ristic approach the topic of use of AI in Dispute Resolution. Against the backdrop of increasing numbers of legal practitioners relying on generative AI tools to improve efficiency and productivity, they explore concrete examples of the various ways generative AI tools are currently being used, their benefits, as well as their shortcomings. Furthermore, they address the interesting topic of legal permissibility of the use of AI for legal professionals, drawing on the upcoming EU's regulation on AI and other factors that disputes practitioners must consider when incorporating such tools into their workflow. Our speakers also reflect on the future potentials of AI in the legal profession and take the opportunity to draw conclusions on how the use of these tools may yet impact the legal profession as a whole in the coming years. For questions regarding this episode and our podcast Wolf Theiss Soundshot, please contact us at soundshot@wolftheiss.com.#WolfTheissSoundshot #WolfTheiss #AI #AIinDisputeResolution #AILegal

You're currently completing your legal studies or have already graduated. So, what's next? Studying law requires unwavering commitment similar to a full-time job, with all of the exams and essays to complete. But it's important to already start considering your career opportunities early on. This can help you select what you want to focus on in your studies. In this episode of Wolf Theiss Soundshot, our hope is to help support law students take a look at all of the options available to them in their future career paths, especially for those who are looking at alternative career paths. Our Wolf Theiss speakers Maria Antonia Reis Teixeira Da Costa, Learning Coordinator, Fiona Altmann, Recruiting Manager, and Maryam Ziaran, Social Media Manager, all share one thing in common: they all studied law. Similarly, while their current roles have strong legal components, they are currently pursuing alternative career paths, different from the more traditional path of becoming lawyers. In this episode, they discuss why they studied law and how this field of study aids them in their current positions. Perhaps more importantly, they provide tips for law students wanting to explore less traditional career paths, demonstrating how you can leverage your legal background for a multitude of other disciplines. Key takeaway: one of the best ways to explore your future career options are by seizing the opportunities around you, seeing what's out there, and what's a good fit for you. Our legal internships - applications open now - are a great example of how you can achieve this. Apply now to our legal internships, to see whether the more traditional legal career path is the right fit for you. Or, if you're interested in exploring alternative career paths, apply now for one of our Business Professionals positions, and start your career with us today. 

Diese Folge des Wolf Theiss Soundshot Podcasts stellt die zweite Folge einer neuen Podcastreihe zum Thema "Nachhaltigkeitspflichten von Unternehmen" dar. In der ersten Folge (veröffentlicht am 11. Mai 2023) haben unsere Corporate/M&A Expertinnen Martina Edlinger und Jana Landhäußer einen kurzen Überblick über die Entwicklung und das aktuelle Gesetzgebungsverfahren auf EU Ebene hinsichtlich Nachhaltigkeitspflichten von Unternehmen gegeben und befassen sich in der zweiten Folge mit einzelnen wesentlichen Punkten und potenziellen Auswirkungen.Unter anderem gehen sie auf zentrale Begriffe des Richtlinienentwurfs – wie zum Beispiel jenen der "etablierten Geschäftsbeziehungen" oder der "Wertschöpfungskette" – näher ein. Darüber hinaus besprechen sie, wie die zusätzlichen Sorgfaltspflichten für Unternehmen konkret aussehen könnten, ob die geplante Richtlinie zu Systembrüchen im Gesellschaftsrecht der Mitgliedstaaten führen könnte und gehen auf das Thema des Shareholder Activism ein. Hören Sie sich die Soundshot Folge – verfügbar auf Deutsch – hier über unsere Website, über Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts oder Amazon Music unter "Wolf Theiss Soundshot" an!Bei Fragen stehen wir Ihnen jederzeit gerne unter soundshot@wolftheiss.com zur Verfügung. 

Die aktuelle Folge des Wolf Theiss Soundshot Podcasts leitet eine neue Podcastreihe ein, die sich mit der geplanten EU Richtlinie über die Nachhaltigkeitspflichten von Unternehmen befasst. Dieses sieht Sorgfaltspflichten im Hinblick auf die Einhaltung von Menschenrechten, Umweltstandards und Klimaschutz entlang der gesamten Lieferkette vor. In der ersten Folge dieser Podcastreihe geben Martina Edlinger und Jana Landhäußer, beide Wolf Theiss Corporate/M&A, einen kurzen Überblick über den derzeitigen Stand des Gesetzgebungsverfahrens auf EU-Ebene und diskutieren kritische Punkte.Was bedeutet die Richtlinie für Unternehmen? Wer ist betroffen? Und welche Konsequenzen ergeben sich bei Nichteinhaltung? Die Antworten auf diese und viele weitere Fragen erfahren Sie in unserer Soundshot Folge, welche auf Deutsch verfügbar ist. Bei Fragen stehen wir Ihnen jederzeit gerne unter soundshot@wolftheiss.com zur Verfügung. 

In our newest edition of Wolf Theiss Soundshot, international arbitration specialist Sofia Kovačević from Wolf Theiss Vienna is joined by two guest speakers, International Arbitration Partner from Hanotiau & Van Den Berg, Iuliana Iancu, and Deputy Counsel at the ICC International Court of Arbitration Dimitra Tsakiri. Their discussion centers around their experiences within the field of international arbitration from the perspective of an arbitrator, counsel and ICC representative. They highlight the reality of everyday life as an arbitration practitioner as well as practical advice for young and foreign lawyers who wish to practice international arbitration, such as the relevance of exposure to various legal cultures and specialization in a specific industry, as well as the importance of striking the right work life balance for achieving a long term performance.  Additionally, they address diversity and the move towards greater inclusion (gender, age, ethnicity, and disabilities) within arbitration. Drawing on their personal experiences, they highlight the role of diverse teams in instilling soft skills such as leadership and team work as well as practical elements such as an increase in perspectives and thus enhanced legal reasoning.  For questions regarding this episode and our podcast Wolf Theiss Soundshot, contact soundshot@wolftheiss.com.

In dieser Folge des Wolf Theiss Soundshot Podcasts setzen sich unsere beiden Immobilienrechtsexpertinnen Marion Schimböck und Elisabeth Werginz mit der Mietzinsindexierung in Zusammenhang mit der aktuellen Inflation näher auseinander. Im Großteil der Mietverträge sind Wertanpassungsklauseln vereinbart, welche die Vermieter zur Anhebung des Mietzinses berechtigen. Da die derzeitige Inflation aber für viele bereits ohnehin eine massive finanzielle Herausforderung bedeutet, stellt sich die Frage, ob der Mietzins – vorausgesetzt eine Wertsicherungsklausel wurde im Mietvertrag ordnungsgemäß vereinbart – vom Vermieter selbst bei einer außergewöhnlich hohen Inflationsrate angepasst werden darf. Können Mieter einer Anhebung ihrer Mietzinszahlungspflicht eventuell Einwendungen entgegenhalten? Ist es Vermietern möglich auf eine Erhöhung des Mietzinses im Rahmen ihrer Privatautonomie zu verzichten und wie sieht die Rechtslage aus, wenn es sich beim Vermieter um keine Privatperson, sondern um eine Kapitalgesellschaft handelt? Die Antworten auf diese und weitere Fragen erfahren Sie in unserer Soundshot Folge – verfügbar auf Deutsch. Bei Fragen stehen wir Ihnen jederzeit gerne unter soundshot@wolftheiss.com zur Verfügung. 

In dieser Folge des Wolf Theiss Soundshot Podcasts diskutieren die ImmobilienrechtsexpertInnen Partnerin Birgit Kraml und Partner Peter Oberlechner gemeinsam mit der Geschäftsführerin der EHL Wohnen GmbH, Karina Schunker, über das "Bestellerprinzip" und die Vermietung von Wohnimmobilien am österreichischen Markt. Bisher wird die Maklergebühr bei der Vermietung in der Regel von Vermieter und Mieter bezahlt. Mit der geplanten Einführung des "Bestellerprinzips" (das Gesetz soll im März beschlossen werden) sollen Maklerkosten von demjenigen getragen werden, der den Makler als Erster beauftragt – somit in erster Linie von Vermietern. Wem nützt die Novelle? Wem schadet sie?Erfahren Sie in der neuen Soundshot Folge – verfügbar auf Deutsch – welche Auswirkungen das neue Gesetz für die einzelnen Parteien konkret mit sich bringt. Bei Fragen stehen wir Ihnen gerne zur Verfügung soundshot@wolftheiss.com . 

Renewables expert and Managing Partner of the firm's Bucharest office Bryan W. Jardine takes a deep look into Romania's renewable energy market with Mr. James Colter Eadie, who is the Founder and CEO of Jade Power Trust. Bryan and James discuss the historic subsidies that were granted to renewable energy investors in Romania between 2012 -2016 (in the form of tradeable green certificates) and how this development, along with the country’s abundant geographical advantages, led to a largely unexpected investment boom in the wind and solar energy sectors during this period. With this as a backdrop, James discusses Jade Power Trust's decision to enter the Romania market and subsequent sale of its portfolio of 6 renewable energy projects in 2022.  With a view to the wider region and Europe's ambitious emissions reduction goals, Bryan and James consider the challenges and focal points for long-term sustainable decarbonization and transition in our region away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.For questions regarding this episode and our podcast Wolf Theiss Soundshot, contact soundshot@wolftheiss.com. 

In our newest edition of Wolf Theiss Soundshot, energy specialist Peter Ihasz from Wolf Theiss Budapest speaks with and tech & IP expert Flavius Florea from our Bucharest office regarding Flavius' recent article entitled "Artificial Intelligence & the future of IP rights". Flavius points out that the effective regulation of IP rights for AI systems and the creations of AI systems is critically important beyond just the need for legal clarity, because it can directly affect the motivation of market participants to innovate. Due to the novelty of non-humans creating new artistic works, a rethink is necessary of how we approach this topic altogether.In addition to the podcast, you can access Flavius' recent article here, or you can contact him directly to discuss how these topics might impact your business or legal practice.For questions regarding this episode and our podcast Wolf Theiss Soundshot, contact soundshot@wolftheiss.com. 

In this episode in our podcast series dedicated to new ways of working, Hristina Dzhevlekova from Bulgaria and Andreea Stan from Romania will look at how the previous trend towards flexi work has developed in the "post-Covid environment" and is now turning into a back-to-the-office trend. Stay tuned to find out more about the challenges employees and employers alike face with the return to the office, but also hear some recommendations for employers on staying flexible in order to attract a more diverse pool of talent.For questions regarding this episode and our podcast Wolf Theiss Soundshot, contact soundshot@wolftheiss.com.

The pandemic and climate change have increased the need for digital tools/communication in legal proceedings, both in arbitration and in litigation. Due to the often international nature of arbitration proceedings in particular, the practice has become a pioneer in the use of digital tools. To discuss these topics as well their impacts on state courts, this podcast episode brings together arbitration specialist and Wolf Theiss lawyer Valentina Wong, who is joined by the Secretary General of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre, Niamh Leinwather along with Christian Koller, Professor of European and International Civil Procedure at the Universität Wien. Wolf Theiss arbitration/litigation lawyer Sofia Kovacevic was also instrumental in the making of this podcast.For questions regarding this episode and our podcast Wolf Theiss Soundshot, contact soundshot@wolftheiss.com.

Our newest podcast focuses on the relationship between competition law and sustainability, and more specifically the question if competition law is about to become green. This interesting discussion is hosted by Wolf Theiss lawyer and member of our Vienna competition team Martin Gassler, who is joined by competition law experts Viktoria Robertson and Simon Holmes.For questions regarding this episode and our podcast Wolf Theiss Soundshot, contact soundshot@wolftheiss.com.

What impact did COVID-19 have on Mergers and Acquisitions in the CEE/SEE region? In the first episode of Wolf Theiss Soundshot, Corporate & M&A Partners Sarah Wared and Florian Kusznier from our Vienna Office discuss the changes in deal structures they have seen in the first half of 2020, how M&A transactions have been affected and their expectations for future deals in Austria, Central-, Eastern-, and South-Eastern Europe.This episode was recorded in summer 2020. Are you looking for more information in this field? Visit our website https://www.wolftheiss.com/expertise/corporate-commercial-ma/ where you can also subscribe to our updates and find us on social media!For questions regarding this episode and our podcast Wolf Theiss Soundshot, contact soundshot@wolftheiss.com