'very responsive and knowledgeable’ team
Legal 500, 2017
The ever-changing and fast-paced technology sector requires lawyers who have an in-depth understanding of the challenges and needs of the sector. We have worked with clients from a wide array of backgrounds and always approach technology law issues from a commercial and practical perspective.
Technology is one of the fastest growing of our specialist sectors. This specialisation is rooted in the experience and interest of our team, who, among them, have worked on the full range of transactions and mandates that technology clients are likely to encounter. Unlike most law firms, who outsource IP-related work, we also have a dedicated in-house team of specialist trade mark and patent attorneys.
Our technology team participates actively in numerous technology-orientated business groups and are members of Intellect and the Society for Computers and Law.
Our Services
Technology Sourcing
We advise on the full range of technology contracts, including:
- software development
- managed services
- cloud computing
- web-based projects
- systems integration
- outsourcing transactions
Data Privacy and Cyber Security
We are acknowledged leaders in the field for data protection law and advise on all aspects of data privacy and cyber security compliance. One of our partners sits as a judge in the First Tier Tribunal (Information Rights) hearing national appeals on information law.
Corporate Transactions
Our growing corporate team provides a full range of transactional and corporate law services. Our strengths on the transactional side are in:
- mergers & acquisitions
- venture capital and private equity
- joint ventures
- banking and finance, reorganisation and insolvencies
- advising on equity capital markets with a particular focus on the AIM market
We also have extensive experience of working on cross-border transactions.
Corporate Tax
Our tax team provides strategic advice to entrepreneurs and businesses on the whole spectrum of tax issues encountered through the business life-cycle to ensure that efficient tax structures are in place and liabilities minimised. For example, we regularly advise on M&A tax planning and entrepreneurs' relief, investment structures such as SEIS and EIS, reorganisations and restructurings and public listings, in addition to the use of R&D tax credits.
Shares and Other Incentives
For a growing business, the use of equity and other incentives can be an extremely valuable tool for enhancing retention rates and creating an engaged and committed workforce aligned with the interests and objectives of shareholders. We regularly advise on and help implement employee share schemes (EMI, approved and unapproved schemes), "growth" or "value" shares, "sweat equity" and other management incentive arrangements.
Employment
BWB’s specialist employment department is hugely experienced in the particular requirements of technology companies and provides tailored strategic advice to suit their requirements. Frequently, this involves helping to shape policy on, for example, hiring staff (whether as employees, consultants or agency workers) and related issues such as restrictive covenants. We also have extensive experience of TUPE, particularly in the context of outsourcing.
Intellectual Property
We recognise that IP is at the core of every technology business and is often one of its most valuable assets. We are at the forefront of IP protection and enforcement and can provide a full range of IP services including advising on licensing, registration and disputes. We also have our own in-house patent and trade mark attorneys who handle UK, European and overseas pre-filing searches, registrations and oppositions.
Our experience within the patent sector covers a wide range of technologies, from computer-implemented processes to manufacturing processes, household appliances to medical devices, and surface coatings to textiles.
Dispute Resolution
Our team has extensive experience of both international and cross-border disputes. We advise on litigation, arbitration (under a variety of different arbitral rules) and alternative dispute resolution including claims involving asset freezing orders, injunctions, commercial contractual disputes and banking disputes (including for the borrower). Two of our partners are also accredited Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) mediators.
Immigration
Technology companies based outside the UK frequently have to grapple with UK immigration law. Our immigration practice is acknowledged to be one of the best in the UK advises on all elements of the UK immigration regime, including sponsor licences and visa applications. As true specialists in this area we are recognised for finding innovative solutions for our clients.
Our Global Reach
Many of our technology clients operate on a global basis. We provide a seamless multi-jurisdictional service through our trusted network of firms. Over a number of years we have built up deep relationships with these firms and reach out only to those specialists who we know can provide legal advice of the highest quality.
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