Cen Zhang

Within our commercial and dispute resolution teams, I advise French and international clients on technology and copyright-related projects and disputes.

As part of my transactional law practice, I am experienced in complex and innovative IT projects. I assist clients, ranging from start-ups to multinationals, from the inception of their projects (contractual arrangements, risk analysis) to the drafting and negotiation of IT agreements (outsourcing, SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, license terms).

I also have a keen interest in media and entertainment law. In this respect, I advise clients in the video game and the audiovisual industry, notably on French and European copyright and regulatory matters.

My work includes secondments in the digital and IT law department of various leading French companies, which furthered my understanding of my clients' practical needs and expectations. As such, I strive to provide business-oriented solutions.

As part of my litigation law practice, I represent and assist French and international software publishers, IT providers, and customers, in disputes relating to IT projects or copyright infringement claims. In this respect, I have successfully represented clients in high-stake arbitrations and proceedings before French courts, notably relating to failures of ERP software or CRM software implementation projects.

Prior to joining Bird & Bird in 2023, I worked as an attorney for five years in a top-tier French law firm, well recognised in IT law.

• Drafting and negotiation of various types of agreements in the field of new technologies and, in particular, IT projects for both multinational companies and SMEs: licensing agreements (Outsourcing, On-Premise, SaaS, Cloud Computing), maintenance, hosting, support and integration services.
• Secondment and regular assistance to a leading French companies, notably in the sectors of resources and water management and cosmetics, in the drafting and negotiation of IT software and services agreements as well as data processing agreements.
• Representing and assisting a UK-based software publisher in a multi-million arbitration proceeding relating to the failure of an ERP software implementation project.
• Representing and assisting a California-based SaaS software publisher in pre-litigation judicial expert assessment proceedings relating to the failure of an CRM and subscription management software implementation project.
• Representing and assisting a Ukranian-based video game developer in a copyright and commercial dispute against a French publisher before the Paris Commercial Court.
• Representation and assistance to IT service providers in the context of pre-litigation and litigation relating to clients' wrongful termination.
• Representation and advice to various clients in relation to internet and cybercrimes.