Topuz Law

Data Protection

Data protection declaration
This data protection declaration provides you (hereinafter referred to as the "user" or "data subject") with general information about data processing in our law firm and, in particular, about data processing when you visit our website, contact us via our website contact form or contact us by email or telephone. We also inform you about our online presence in social media and about your rights with regard to the processing of your data. The term "data processing" always refers to the processing of personal data.

1. person responsible The responsible person within the meaning of the data protection laws is

Rechtsanwalt Tolga Topuz,
Parkstraße 22,
40477 Düsseldorf,
E-Mail: „tolga.topuz@hotmail.de“,
Tel.: +49 211 43637831,
Fax: +49 211 94259339.

2. general information on data processing
2.1 Categories of personal data
We process the following categories of personal data:

  • Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses, functions, organisational affiliation etc);
  •  Contact details (e.g. e-mail, telephone/fax numbers, etc.);
  • Content data (e.g. text entries, image files, videos, etc.);
  • Usage data (e.g. access data);
  • Meta/communication data (e.g. IP addresses).

2.2 Recipients or categories of recipients of personal data If we disclose data to other persons and companies such as web hosts, processors or third parties as part of our processing, transfer it to them or otherwise grant them access to the data, this is done on the basis of legal permission (e.g. if the transfer of data to third parties pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 subpara. 1 lit. b GDPR is required to fulfil a contract), if the data subjects have given their consent or if a legal obligation provides for this. When using processors, we only pass on our customers' personal data on the basis of a valid contract for order processing.

2.3 Duration of storage of personal data
The criterion for the duration of the storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After this period has expired, the corresponding data will be deleted if it is no longer required to achieve the purpose, fulfil the contract or initiate a contract. If you assert a justified request for deletion or revoke your consent to data processing, your data will be deleted unless we have other legally permissible reasons for storing your personal data (e.g. retention periods under tax or commercial law); in the latter case, deletion will take place after these reasons no longer apply.

2.4 Transfers to third countries
If we process data in a third country (i.e. outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)) or if this is done in the context of the use of third-party services or the disclosure or transfer of data to third parties, this will only take place if it is done to fulfil our (pre-)contractual obligations, on the basis of your consent, on the basis of a legal obligation or on the basis of our legitimate interests. Subject to legal or contractual authorisations, we process or have the data processed in a third country only if the special requirements of Art. 44 et seq. GDPR, i.e. the processing takes place, for example, on the basis of special guarantees, such as the officially recognised determination of a level of data protection corresponding to the EU or compliance with officially recognised special contractual obligations (so-called "standard contractual clauses").

3. data processing in the context of visiting our website
3.1 Protocol files
Every time a data subject accesses our website, general data and information is stored in the log files of our system:

  • Date and time of retrieval (timestamp);
  • Request details and destination address (protocol version, HTTP method, referer)
    UserAgent-String);
  • Name of the retrieved file and transferred data volume (requested
    URL incl. query string, size in bytes);
  • Message indicating whether the request was successful (HTTP status code).

When using this general data and information, we do not draw any conclusions about the data subject. There is no personalised analysis or evaluation of the data for marketing purposes or profiling. The IP address is not stored in this context.
The legal basis for the temporary storage of data is Art. 6 para. 1 subpara. 1 lit. f GDPR. The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of data in log files is absolutely necessary for the secure operation of our website. Consequently, the data subject has no option to object.

3.2. Malware detection and log data analysis
We collect log data that is generated during the operation of our law firm's communication technology and evaluate it automatically, insofar as this is necessary to detect, limit or eliminate malfunctions or errors in the communication technology or to defend against attacks on our information technology or to detect and defend against malware. The legal basis for the temporary storage and evaluation of the data is Art. 6 para. 1 subpara. 1 lit. f GDPR. The storage and analysis of the data is absolutely necessary for the provision of the website and for its secure operation. Consequently, the data subject has no option to object.

3.3. Cookies
Cookies are used on our website. Cookies are small text files (data packets) that are exchanged between the web browser and the hosting server. Cookies are stored on the user's computer (or other end device) temporarily (session cookies) or permanently (permanent cookies) and transmitted to our website by the user. You can restrict or prevent the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate settings in the web browser you are using. Cookies that have already been saved can be deleted at any time. Cookies may originate from us (first-party cookies) or from third-party companies (so-called third-party cookies). These have various functions. Many cookies are technically necessary, as certain website functions would not work without them. Other cookies can be used to analyse user behaviour or for advertising purposes.

If cookies are deactivated for our website, this may mean that the website cannot be displayed or used to its full extent. The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies is Art. 6 para. 1 subpara. 1 lit. f GDPR. If consent to the storage of cookies and comparable recognition technologies has been requested, the processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of this consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR and § 25 para. 1TTDSG). Consent can be revoked at any time.

3.4. Hosting
We host the content of our website with the following provider:

„Strato“

The provider is Strato AG, Otto-Ostrowski-Straße 7, 10249 Berlin (hereinafter referred to as "Strato"). When you visit our website, Strato collects various log files including your IP addresses. Further information can be found in Strato's privacy policy: "https://www.strato.de/datenschutz/". The hosting services we use serve to provide the following services: Infrastructure and platform services, computing capacity, storage space and database services, security services and technical maintenance services that we use for the purpose of operating our website.

We have concluded an order processing contract (AVV) with the above-mentioned provider for the use of the above-mentioned service. This is a contract prescribed by data protection law, which ensures that the provider only processes the personal data of our website visitors in accordance with our instructions and in compliance with the GDPR. We or our processors process inventory data, contact data, content data, contract data, usage data as well as meta and communication data of users of our website on the basis of our legitimate interests in the efficient and secure provision of this online offer in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 subpara. 1 lit. f GDPR in conjunction with. Art. 28 GDPR (conclusion of a contract for order processing). If a corresponding consent has been requested, the processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR and § 25 para. 1 TTDSG, insofar as the consent includes the storage of cookies or access to information in the user's terminal device (e.g. device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TTDSG. Consent can be revoked at any time.

3.5 Plugins and tools Google Fonts This site uses so-called Google Fonts, which are provided by Google, for the standardised display of fonts. Google Fonts are installed locally. There is no connection to Google servers. Further information on Google Fonts can be found at "https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq" and in Google's privacy policy: "https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de". The legal basis for the use is Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f. GDPR.

Google Tag Manager
This site uses the Google Tag Manager. With the help of Google Tag Manager, we can insert code and other snippets into our website. As a data processor, Google only processes your IP address. Processing is carried out in accordance with the EU standard contractual clauses. The legal basis for the use is Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f. GDPR.

Google Analytics This website uses the web analysis service Google Analytics. With the help of the statistics obtained, we can analyse the use of our website and improve our offer. Processing is carried out in accordance with the EU standard contractual clauses. Further information can be found at (https://business.safety.google/compliance/#!#gdpr). The legal basis for the use of Google Analytics is consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR.

Google Ads This site uses the "Google AdWords Conversion Tracking" function from Google. The function uses cookies, among other things, to determine the users of the website who reach the website via a Google advert. Further information can be found at (https://policies.google.com/privacy/frameworks). The legal basis for use is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR and § 25 para. 1 TTDSG.

3.6. Encryption
This website uses SSL or TLS encryption for security reasons and to protect the transmission of confidential content that you send to us as the site operator. You can recognise an encrypted connection by the fact that the address line of the browser changes from "http://" to "https://" and by the lock symbol in your browser line. If SSL or TLS encryption is activated, the data you transmit to us cannot generally be read by third parties.

4. data processing in the context of establishing contact
4.1 Contact by e-mail
You can contact our law firm by e-mail using the e-mail addresses published on our website. It should be noted in advance that data transmission over the Internet may be subject to security vulnerabilities. Complete protection of data against access by third parties is not possible. If you use this contact method, the data you provide (e.g. surname, first name, address), but at least the e-mail address and the information contained in the e-mail and the personal data you provide will be stored for the purpose of contacting you and processing your request. The following data is also collected by our system:

  • IP address of the calling computer;
  • Date and time of the e-mail.

The legal basis for the processing of personal data in the context of e-mails sent to us is Art. 6 para. 1 subpara. 1 lit. b or lit. f GDPR.

4.2. Contacting us via the website contact form If you use the contact form provided on our website for communication, it is necessary to provide your surname and first name as well as your e-mail address. Without this data, your request sent via the contact form cannot be processed. Providing your address and other data is optional and enables us to process your request by post if you wish. The following data is also collected by our system:

  • IP address of the calling computer;
  • Date and time of registration.

We will not pass on the information you provide without your consent. The legal basis for the processing of personal data in the context of contact forms sent to us is Art. 6 para. 1 subpara. 1 lit. b or lit. f GDPR.

4.3. Contact by letter and fax
If you send us a letter or fax, the data you provide (e.g. surname, first name, address) and the information contained in the letter or fax will be stored together with the personal data you provide for the purpose of contacting you and processing your request. The legal basis for the processing of personal data in the context of letters and faxes sent to us is Art. 6 para. 1 subpara. 1 lit. b or lit. f GDPR.

5. online presence in social media
We maintain online presences in social networks (Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) to inform users active there about our services and to communicate via the platforms if they are interested. Our social media channels can only be accessed via an external link. As soon as you access our social media profile in the respective network, the terms and conditions and data processing guidelines of the respective operators apply. We have no influence on the collection of data and its further use by the social networks. We have no knowledge of the extent to which, where and for how long the data is stored, to what extent the networks comply with existing deletion obligations, which analyses and links are made with the data and to whom the data is passed on. We therefore expressly draw your attention to the fact that your data (e.g. personal information, IP address) will be stored by the operators of the networks in accordance with their data usage guidelines and used for business purposes. We process data with regard to social media presences insofar as, for example, comments or direct messages are sent to us via these. The legal basis for the processing of data with the user's consent is Art. 6 para. 1 subpara. 1 lit. a GDPR.

6. Your Rights
As a data subject, you have the following rights in connection with the processing of your personal data:

6.1. Auskunftsrecht gem. Art. 15 DS-GVO
(1) The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning him or her are being processed, and, where that is the case, access to the personal data and the following information free of charge:

a) the purposes of the processing; b) the categories of personal data that are processed c) the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organisations d) where possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine that period e) the existence of the right to request from the controller rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing of personal data concerning the data subject or to object to such processing f) the existence of the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority g) where the personal data are not collected from the data subject, any available information as to their source h) the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Article 22(1) and (4) GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject.

(2) Where personal data are transferred to a third country or to an international organisation, the data subject shall have the right to be informed of the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Article 46 GDPR relating to the transfer.

6.2 Right to rectification pursuant to Art. 16 GDPR
The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller without undue delay the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning him or her. Taking into account the purposes of the processing, the data subject shall have the right to have incomplete personal data completed, including by means of providing a supplementary statement.

6.3. Right to erasure pursuant to Art. 17 GDPR
(1) The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning him or her without undue delay and the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies:

a) The personal data are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed. b) The data subject withdraws consent on which the processing is based according to point (a) of Article 6(1), or point (a) of Article 9(2) GDPR, and where there is no other legal ground for the processing. c) The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (2) GDPR. d) The personal data have been processed unlawfully. e) The personal data must be erased for compliance with a legal obligation in Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject. f) The personal data have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8(1) GDPR.

(2) Where the controller has made the personal data public and is obliged pursuant to paragraph 1 to erase the personal data, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers which are processing the personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data.

(3) Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply if the processing is necessary

a) for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information; b) for compliance with a legal obligation which requires processing by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller c) for reasons of public interest in the area of public health in accordance with Art. 9 para. 2 lit. h) and i) and Art. 9 para. 3 GDPR; d) for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Art. 89 para. 1, insofar as the right referred to in paragraph 1 is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing; or e) for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

6.4. Right to restriction of processing pursuant to Art. 18 GDPR
(1) The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller restriction of processing where one of the following applies:

a) the accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data b) the processing is unlawful and the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests the restriction of their use instead c) the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but they are required by the data subject for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims; or d) the data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) GDPR pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

(2) Where processing has been restricted pursuant to paragraph 1, such personal data shall, with the exception of storage, only be processed with the data subject's consent or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of important public interest of the Union or of a Member State.

6.5 Right to data portability pursuant to Art. 20 GDPR
(1) The data subject shall have the right to receive the personal data concerning him or her, which he or she has provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format and have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, where

a) the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a) or Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b) GDPR and b) the processing is carried out by automated means.

(2) In exercising his or her right to data portability pursuant to paragraph 1, the data subject shall have the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible. The right referred to in paragraph 1 shall not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others. This right shall not apply to processing necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

6.6. Right to object pursuant to Art. 21 GDPR
The data subject has the right to object, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning him or her which is based on point (e) or (f) of Article 6(1) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions. The controller shall no longer process the personal data unless the controller demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims. In the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, the data subject may exercise his or her right to object by automated means using technical specifications.

6.7. Right of cancellation pursuant to Art. 7 para. 3 GDPR
The data subject has the right to withdraw their declaration of consent under data protection law at any time. The withdrawal of consent shall not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

6.8. Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority pursuant to Art. 77 GDPR
Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, every data subject shall have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of his or her habitual residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement if the data subject considers that the processing of personal data relating to him or her infringes this Regulation.

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