Cyprus is rapidly emerging as a dynamic hub for science and technology startups, attracting innovative ventures with its strategic location, a robust legal framework, and a highly attractive business environment. For tech founders and entrepreneurs, navigating the intricate legal landscape is as crucial as developing groundbreaking technology. Our law firm offers specialized legal services tailored to the unique needs of science and technology startups, providing the essential legal infrastructure to innovate, grow, and succeed in the global market from Cyprus.

We understand the speed and agility required in the startup world, and we are committed to providing proactive, commercially astute, and forward-thinking legal advice that keeps pace with your innovation.

1. Company Formation & Corporate Structuring:
    
   • Optimal Legal Entity: Advising on the most suitable legal structure for your startup in Cyprus (e.g., private limited company, limited partnership) considering shareholder liability, investment needs, and future scalability.
   • Shareholder Agreements: Drafting robust shareholder agreements that clearly define ownership, control, voting rights, exit strategies, and dispute resolution mechanisms, crucial for co-founder relationships and investor confidence.
   • Corporate Governance: Establishing sound corporate governance practices to ensure compliance, transparency, and effective decision-making as your company grows.
2. Intellectual Property (IP) Protection & Strategy:
   
   • IP Identification & Audit: Helping you identify, categorize, and strategically protect your core IP assets (e.g., software code, algorithms, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, trade secrets).
   • Registration & Enforcement: Assisting with the registration of patents, trademarks, and copyrights in Cyprus, the EU, and internationally, and advising on enforcement strategies against infringement.
   • Licensing & Commercialization: Drafting and negotiating IP licensing agreements, technology transfer agreements, and collaboration agreements to maximize the commercial value of your innovations.
   • IP Box Regime: Advising on and structuring your IP assets to benefit from Cyprus’s highly favorable IP Box Regime, which offers an effective tax rate as low as 2.5% on qualifying IP income.
3. Funding & Investment Rounds:
   
   • Seed & Venture Capital Funding: Guiding startups through all stages of fundraising, from seed rounds to Series A and beyond, including drafting and negotiating term sheets, investment agreements, convertible loan agreements, and SAFE notes.
   • Due Diligence: Conducting and assisting with legal due diligence for investors and for the startup itself to ensure readiness for investment.
   • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with financial services regulations (e.g., CySEC rules) related to investment offerings, especially for innovative financing models.
4. Data Protection & Privacy (GDPR Compliance):
   
   • GDPR Implementation: Advising on full compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and local data protection laws, including data processing agreements, privacy policies, cookie policies, and data breach protocols.
   • Data Governance: Developing robust data governance frameworks to manage personal data effectively and minimize privacy risks.
5. Contracts & Commercial Agreements:
   
   • Software Development Agreements: Drafting agreements for software development, SaaS (Software as a Service) terms, API terms of use, and EULAs (End-User License Agreements).
   • Partnership & Collaboration Agreements: Structuring strategic alliances, joint ventures, and technology partnerships.
   • Supplier & Customer Contracts: Drafting clear and enforceable contracts with vendors, service providers, and customers.
   • Terms of Service & Privacy Policies: Developing website terms, mobile application terms, and comprehensive privacy policies.
6. Employment & Equity Incentives:
   
   • Employment Contracts: Drafting legally compliant employment contracts for local and international hires, distinguishing between employees and independent contractors.
   • Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs): Structuring and implementing equity incentive schemes (e.g., stock options, phantom shares) to attract and retain top talent.
   • Immigration Support: Assisting with the Cyprus Startup Visa program and other immigration options for non-EU founders and highly skilled employees.
7. Regulatory Compliance & Licensing:
   
   • FinTech & Blockchain: Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape for FinTech innovations, blockchain-based projects, token offerings, and crypto-asset services providers (CASPs) requiring CySEC licensing.
   • HealthTech & BioTech: Advising on specific regulatory requirements for medical devices, digital health platforms, and biotechnology innovations.
   • AI & Emerging Technologies: Providing legal guidance on the ethical and regulatory implications of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and other disruptive technologies.
8. Dispute Resolution:
   
   • Commercial Disputes: Representing startups in commercial disputes, contractual disagreements, and intellectual property infringement claims.
   • Shareholder & Founder Disputes: Assisting in resolving internal disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

Cyprus offers a compelling environment for tech and science startups, enhanced by specific government initiatives and an advantageous legal and tax framework:

• Attractive Tax Incentives: Besides the 12.5% corporate tax rate, benefits include the IP Box Regime (2.5% effective tax on qualifying IP income), R&D tax deductions (enhanced deductions for R&D expenses), and Notional Interest Deduction (NID) on new equity.
• Startup Visa Scheme: A program designed to attract non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs with high-growth potential to establish and operate their startups in Cyprus.
• Talent Attraction: Favorable tax incentives for highly paid non-domiciled employees (e.g., 50% income tax exemption for salaries over €55,000 for 17 years) help attract global talent.
• EU Membership: Provides access to the vast European single market and ensures compliance with EU directives, fostering trust and stability.
• Growing Ecosystem: A burgeoning ecosystem of incubators, accelerators, and a supportive government keen on fostering innovation.
• Strategic Location: A bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa, ideal for international expansion.

At our firm, we are passionate about supporting the innovators who are shaping the future. Let us be your legal partner in transforming your visionary ideas into successful ventures from the heart of Cyprus.