Copyright lies at the heart of the IT industry.
It is the legal source from which software licensing structures generate the revenue streams that sustain the industry. By combining in-depth knowledge of the IT industry with trade mark expertise in each of our international offices we are well placed to provide commercially focused advice.Bird & Bird has many years' experience of software licensing from both suppliers' and users' perspectives. We advise on all types of agreements whether the licence stands alone or forms part of a larger system supply contract, outsourcing arrangement, joint venture or other transaction.
We are experienced in handling software copyright infringement cases, both commercial disputes and anti-counterfeiting work. These can extend into related areas such as confidential information or, perhaps, database rights.
Trade marks are valuable assets in the IT industry and require careful handling in transactions if their uniqueness and value are to be preserved. Advising on international trade mark strategies and litigating trade mark rights are a key part of our work. This often requires a careful choice of the best jurisdiction in which to pursue or defend a case, especially since most cases now have an Internet element that can bring in potential cross-border issues.