IT & Technology

IT and Technology Contracts

Technology is fast-moving, dynamic and influences all our lives and businesses which means that the need for lawyers who understand your requirements has never been greater.

Nature of our clients

We act for large companies and public sector organisations in the procurement of software, hardware or technology-related services. We also advise smaller companies and start-ups on the procurement or supply of technology and services. In an age of big data, our work frequently involves advice around the use and exploitation of personal and other data.

We have particular expertise in advising both customers and suppliers on large projects, often involving a team of lawyers.

A key point of differentiation from other law firms is that at Geldards:

• Our lawyers are actively encouraged to get involved in the review and finalisation of technical schedules which form a key part of larger technology contracts
• We act for both customers and suppliers, which gives us an ability to understand both parties’ perspectives and facilitate solutions

What we do

• Financial services
• Whether it’s SaaS, IaaS or PaaS, we have provided advice and support to both customers and suppliers on cloud services contracts and are keenly aware of the need to take into account the entire technology “stack” when advising on these arrangements
• Public sector
• Agile and waterfall software development. We are very conscious of the different approaches each of these types of arrangements involves and avoid a one size fits all approach
• Open-source software, including the inclusion of open-source notices in EULAs and advice in respect of open-source licensing and sub-licensing
• Service levels, service credits and liquidated damages regimes. Most of the agreements we work on involve all or a combination of these. We are used to advising on SLAs and drafting appropriately worded provisions in respect of service credits and delay damages
• Telecoms including:
  • Broadband projects
  • Corporate procurement and supply of mobile handsets with operators such as EE and Vodafone
  • Internet of things – agreements for the collection and flow of data from internet-enabled devices, frequently with an international dimension
• Outsourcing arrangements including business process outsourcing and ‘partnering’ agreements
• Unlike many law firms, we regard personal data and its treatment as core to the greater part of our IT contracts. As a result, all our IT lawyers are familiar with the requirements of GDPR and can assist in commercial discussions in respect of data.

Related expertise include: Commercial Contracts, Commercial Disputes, Contracts & Procurement, Data Protection, Information Law.