Dr Michael Rath

Dr Michael Rath

Dr Michael Rath

Cologne

T +49 221 9937 25795

Lawyer
Certified Specialist in IT law
Certified ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor
Partner
Industries Information Tech & Telecommunications

Areas of practice

Dr Michael Rath is a German lawyer, a certified specialist in information technology law and coordinates the Information Tech & Telecommunications sector at Luther. He is also a Certified ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor.

The focus of his advisory services is on IT law, data protection law and the protection of intellectual property. Dr Michael Rath also advises on telecommunications law, assists with tenders and IT outsourcing / regulated outsourcing and the implementation of (IT) compliance requirements. He frequently holds seminars on these topics and publishes articles on current IT and data protection law issues.

Practices
Vita

Dr Michael Rath studied law at the University of Saarbrücken and in Cologne (Germany), working as a research assistant at both universities. While working full time, he completed his doctorate with an emphasis on Internet search engines at the University of Würzburg. He joined Luther’s predecessor firm in 1999 and has remained with the firm since.

Honors and distinctions
  • Chambers Europe 2023: Ranking in "TMT: Information Technology" (Band 4, first ranking in 2012, "We love his expertise, responsiveness and pragmatic recommendations.")
  • JUVE Guide 2023/2024: Listed under "Frequently Recommended" in "IT-Law and Data Protection" ("outstanding IT and data protection lawyer; very experienced", "advises at the highest top level, always publishes and advises on the latest IT topics", competitor)
  • JUVE Guide 2022/2023: Listed under "Frequently Recommended" in "Technology and Media - Data Protection, Information Technology" (first listed in 2012/2013, "brilliant negotiator, super lawyer, great networker", competitor)
  • The Legal 500 Germany 2024: Award "Leading Name" in the category "Information Technology - IT Transactions and Outsourcing" (first award in 2021, first mention in 2016, "Dr Michael Rath is always available even in complex transactions."), recommendations in the categories "Data Protection" (first recommendation in 2023, first mention in 2016, "Dr Michael Rath is always available and, in addition to his professional expertise, is characterised by very good empathy.") and "Media - Entertainment" and mentions in the category "Information Technology and Digitalisation" (first mention in 2016, "Pragmatic, professional and comprehensive expertise. Extensive experience benefits the client. Always available and responsive.") and in "City Focus - Cologne" (first recommendation in 2023)
  • The Legal 500 Germany 2023: Mention in the "Telecommunications" category ("Dr Michael Rath is one of the telecommunications experts on the German market.")
  • Who’s Who Legal 2024: Recommendartion "National Leader" in "Germany – Data" (first recommendation in 2022)
  • Who’s Who Legal 2023: Recommendation “Global Leader” in “Data – Information Technology” (first recommendation in 2021)
  • kanzleimonitor.de 2022/2023: Recommended in "IT-Law" (first recommended in 2016/2017)
  • Best Lawyers 2024: Recommended in "Information Technology Law" (first recommended in 2016) and "Data Security Law" (first recommended in 2022)
  • Best Lawyers 2022: Award "Lawyer of the Year" in "Information Technology Law"
  • WirtschaftsWoche 2023: Recommendation "Top Lawyer" in "Data Protection Law" (first recommendation in 2019)
Clients

  • arvato/Bertelsmann, BASF, Bayer, Deutsche Telekom, Edeka-Gruppe, Evonik, Klosterfrau, Miele, Postbank/Deutsche Bank, Procter & Gamble, Riedel-Gruppe, SwissLife, ThyssenKrupp, Unilever

Publications

Blog posts
Memberships

  • Member of the "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Recht und Informatik e.V. " (DGRI) 
  • Board member of the Arbeitskreis EDV und Recht 
  • Accredited conciliator for IT disputes at the conciliation board of the DGRI

Lectures