Artificial Intelligence is becoming a defining force across industries. It drives innovation, reshapes business models and attracts increasingly close regulatory scrutiny. The EU AI Act now creates the most ambitious regulatory framework to date. Its obligations are complex, and the potential penalties exceed those under the GDPR. For many organizations, dealing with this new environment is not only a legal challenge but also a strategic one.

At GFDL Advogados, we were early adopters in supporting clients working with emerging technologies, including cryptocurrency, blockchain and fintech. We understand how innovation meets regulation and how fast-moving products must align with governance and risk requirements. This experience allows us to guide companies that are developing or deploying AI, from high-growth startups to regulated entities, through a highly technical and constantly evolving regulatory landscape.

Our Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies practice is part of GFDL’s wider Technology practice. This structure allows us to combine expertise in AI, data protection (GDPR), cybersecurity, digital platforms, software development, intellectual property and cross-border regulation.

GFDL is also the Portuguese member of the Lexing network, a leading international alliance dedicated to technology and innovation law. Through this network we benefit from shared analysis, global perspectives and the thought leadership that the Lexing Network is recognised for.

We help organizations make sense of new regulations, including the EU AI Act. Our work focuses on translating regulatory requirements into practical compliance frameworks and governance structures that enable innovation rather than restrict it.

Our approach is clear, business-oriented and focused on tangible results. We provide clarity at a time when many companies feel uncertain about how to comply. We work closely with legal, technical, product and compliance teams to ensure that governance structures are practical, scalable and aligned with real-world deployment.

AI Regulation and Governance

We advise on the classification of AI systems, obligations under the EU AI Act, sector-specific rules, risk assessments, internal AI-use policies, governance frameworks and practical compliance measures for both high-risk and general-purpose AI.

AI Contracts and Commercial Arrangements

We draft and negotiate AI-related agreements, including AI development and integration contracts, SaaS and AI-as-a-Service arrangements, data-licensing agreements and technology infrastructure contracts.

Intellectual Property and AI Assets

We advise on the ownership and licensing of models, datasets and AI outputs, the protection of trade secrets and confidential information and compliance with open-source and model-licensing requirements.

Disputes, Investigations and Transactions

We assist with AI-related liability matters, regulatory investigations, commercial disputes with vendors or partners, misuse of data or IP in AI systems and AI-focused due diligence in transactions and cross-border investments.