New technology is disrupting traditional business models and transforming organisations at an ever increasing pace. As a result, technology is now a central consideration for your business, whatever sector you operate in.

Whether you're a technology vendor navigating this fast changing, multi-layer and –player environment, or a technology user with increasingly complex and business-critical sourcing requirements, our international Tech Transactions practice can help.

You'll benefit from our many decades of experience across every kind of technology deal including: 

  • technology transfers, strategic alliances and joint ventures, 
  • large scale IT and network projects, technology and BPO outsourcing, 
  • system implementations, and major cloud and IoT deals  
  • complex software licensing arrangements and contracts for the implementation of services 
    and solutions based on new cutting-edge and disruptive technologies, such as 5G, blockchain, robotic process automation and artificial intelligence. 

Is tech at the heart of your next big deal? Our Tech Transactions team also plays a key role in Tech M&A deals by bringing a deep understanding of the underlying technology and IP that is being acquired, providing expertise in due diligence and risk assessment exercises, as well as experience in transitional services agreements and technology separation arrangements in support of the implementation of corporate deals. 

Working as an integrated global team, we are able to provide your business with unrivalled support on cross-border technology transactions.

Our lawyers also have extensive experience of supporting the implementation and in-life management of  technology projects as well as the renegotiation of distressed projects. As a result, we are uniquely placed to provide you with an end-to-end service and support you through all stages of a technology project.

If you'd like to know more about how we can help you, please get in touch with group heads Mark Leach or Fabian Niemann.

Recent highlights of work

  • The A400M Aircraft Programme is a high-value, multi-national, strategic project to design, manufacture and then support military airlift aircraft for a number of Governments. We advised Airbus Military on the project and created a legal framework for the delivery of training and in-service support for use across different countries with minimal amendment or reference to local law. This enables the A400M to be sold internationally using a consistent approach. We have applied the framework to the 18 year, £226 million training programme for the UK's Ministry of Defence, which delivers synthetic training equipment and a training centre at Brize Norton, as well as course materials and documentation, in a joint venture with Thales. We have also used it for the long-term contract with the Turkish Ministry of Defence to provide in-service support for its fleet of A400M aircraft.
  • We advised the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change on the £12bn roll out of 53m gas and electricity smart meters to homes and small businesses, the most significant change in the British energy market since the 1970s. Our role involved assisting on multiple, parallel procurements at a time of significant regulatory change. It required close teamwork with DECC and covered a range of areas, including energy, electronics, communications, IT, finance and major projects expertise.
  • We supported BT in its work on the £12bn Programme modernise the information technology infrastructure throughout the National Health Service in England. BT was responsible for building and operating the national 'Spine,' a database to contain electronic patient records for every man, woman and child in England. It also developed and deployed new software for use in every hospital, community health centre and general practitioner surgery in the Greater London area (one of five geographic regions covering the whole of England) and implemented a national broadband network for all communications and data transfers within the National Programme. Over an eight-year period, we assisted with the day-to-day programme management of each of these projects. Bird & Bird also assisted in a number of substantial renegotiations, often against a background of intense political and journalistic scrutiny.

Accolades

  • "Highly regarded practitioners offering expertise on transactions and disputes in the technology and telecommunications sectors from offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. Also bolstered by Japan and India desks. Core areas of proficiency include big data, cyber and IT security."

    Chambers Asia Pacific, 2019

  • "Well-respected commercial team renowned for its expertise in technology innovation spanning online distribution models, data protection and compliance matters. Works closely with its leading IP and IT practices. Has a strong sector focus on the automotive, transportation and technology industries."

    Chambers Europe (Germany), 2018

  • "Strong coverage of all areas of TMT... Routinely advises clients on procurement projects and commercial agreements in the IT sector, such as software licences, cloud computing contracts, outsourcing agreements, combining its experience in this area with its data protection and privacy practice."

    Chambers Europe (Netherlands), 2018

  • "Offers a trusted adviser approach to handling client matters, including ongoing advice and support on core processes and expansion strategies. Provides an interconnected international practice, in which clients benefit from having access to experts in departments such as outsourcing, IT and privacy and data protection."

    Chambers Global, 2018

  • "Recognised in the market for significant strength in handling technology-related commercial transactions. Also acts for an impressive client list across a wide range of matters including collaboration agreements, supply chain contracts and advertising matters."

    Chambers UK, 2019

  • "We have been awarded a coveted position on the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP)'s annual ranking of the 'World's Best Outsourcing Advisers' for six consecutive years."

    IAOP 2018

  • "Bird & Bird LLP excels in large business transformation projects, complex outsourcing projects and procurement arrangements, and long-term strategic alliances, among other high-end mandates."

    Legal 500 UK, 2018

News & Events

  1. 2201-2020

    Brexit Checklist for Technology & Communications Businesses

    The UK exits the EU on January 31st 2020. As a result of the transition period in the Withdrawal Agreement, EU law will continue to apply in and in relation to the UK until the end of the transition period - scheduled ...

  2. 2312-2019

    Tech & Comms 2020 Predictions

    For a third consecutive year we have asked our technology & communications law specialists from around the world to identify the challenges and opportunities they expect the sector to face in 2020.

  3. 1612-2019

    Digital Platforms Inquiry - Australian Government Responds

    The Australian Government has just published its eagerly awaited response to the ACCC's Digital Platforms Inquiry – Final Report. The Digital Platforms Inquiry was undertaken by the ACCC in order to consider the impact ...

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