For CEOs and Founders leading the tech ecosystem, the landscape has changed drastically. In 2026, innovation without a robust legal architecture is a toxic asset in the face of investment rounds and M&A operations. It is no longer enough to be the first to market; the key to scalability and business valuation lies in shielding your algorithms and structuring the use of Artificial Intelligence.
At Metricson, we are stepping forward by launching two strategic services designed not only to comply with regulations, but to multiply the value of your company: ‘AI Adequacy and Compliance’ and ‘Trade Secrets Protection’.
1. AI Adequacy and compliance: from regulatory obligation to competitive advantage
Regulatory compliance in Artificial Intelligence is no longer a mere appendix to privacy; it has become the core of business strategy. At Metricson, we connect privacy with comprehensive AI governance. Our AI Adequacy and Compliance service audits the traceability of datasets , evaluates the risk level of your systems and structures internal and external use policies.
A foundation model or a poorly governed AI system not only exposes the company to millionaire fines, but instantly paralyzes any technical and legal Due Diligence. We provide you with a governance framework that guarantees your international investors that your technology is scalable, secure, and fully operable in the Single Market.
2. Trade Secrets: the most critical intangible asset in M&A operations
Patent or trademark registration no longer covers the entire spectrum of a company’s value , especially in deep tech developments or highly disruptive business models. Non-patentable source code, strategic client lists, pricing algorithms, or Go-to-Market strategies require hyper-specialized legal protection.
Our new Trade Secrets Protection service goes beyond the traditional signing of generic NDAs. We provide the necessary technical depth by creating compartmentalized access protocols, digital traceability of confidential information, and contractual shielding for key employees, partners, and suppliers. This structure is vital in the post-investment phase , ensuring that the know-how remains under the absolute control of the company even during processes of internationalization and team expansion.
3. The Metricson advantage: legal architecture to scale without borders
Our services allow you to place the legal dimension at the heart of your product planning. By combining the protection of your trade secrets with strict and strategic AI compliance, we create a “double shield” that protects your intellectual property and ensures the exploitability of your innovations.
Our vision goes beyond mere local formalities; we structure your company to withstand the highest level of scrutiny from investors and multinational corporations in acquisition scenarios. We protect the present of your technology to maximize its exit in the future.
Metricson practical advice:
During a Due Diligence in 2026, the lack of a formalized Trade Secrets protocol and the absence of an AI Act compliance record can depreciate the valuation of your startup by up to 30%. Do not allow the code to be accessible to the entire staff by default. Implement the “least privilege” principle on a technological and legal level: anyone who does not need to access the codebase or the training datasets for their duties should not have physical or virtual access. Documenting these restrictions is what turns a “good idea” into a legally defensible “trade secret”.
Furthermore, as of today, we are in the critical application phase of the European Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) , where the obligations for high-risk systems and foundation models are fully enforceable and auditable by national authorities. At the same time, the consolidated jurisprudence around Directive (EU) 2016/943 and Law 1/2019 on Trade Secrets unequivocally requires companies to demonstrate that they have taken “reasonable steps” (technical, organizational, and legal) prior to any leak in order to claim damages or halt imports from unfair competitors. Legal proactivity today is the only life insurance for your technology.
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About Metricson
Metricson is a pioneering firm in legal services for innovative and technological companies and expert in advising startups in investment rounds. Since its inception in 2009, it has advised over 1,400 clients from 15 different countries, including startups, investors, large corporations, universities, institutions, and governments.
If you want to contact us, do not hesitate to write to us at contacto@metricson.com. We look forward to speaking with you!