Technology has revolutionised the way the modern world communicates. The legal and commercial implications are complex and rapidly-evolving – and impact upon every organisation. Bird & Bird has built a stellar, global reputation for providing sophisticated, pragmatic advice to companies which are carving the world's digital future. Working with market-leading companies producing some of the most cutting-edge technology in the world, our client base ranges from blue chip tech multinationals, rapidly expanding international companies, start-ups/SMES through to users of tech services in both the private and public sectors.

We've assembled a global team of over 450 expert lawyers with a deep understanding of Communications; Devices & Components; Online & Digital; and Cloud, Software & Services, as well as a number of more specialist industries including Data Centres; EdTech; FinTech; Postal; Satellite and Space Activities; and Social Media & Digital Content Providers.

These industries are changing; the transformation is fast, bold and irreversible. Modern consumer and business life depends on telecoms networks and digital infrastructure, and the revolution offers your business an opportunity to rebuild your position, adjust your approach and innovate. 

In the global digital economy, where your business's legal needs are international by default, we can offer you unsurpassed experience of advising on complex international projects. Our coordinated teams of lawyers can work closely with you to deliver seamless cross-jurisdictional advice. As your issues often cut across multiple areas of law, we involve experts from all relevant practice groups.  The connector between them is our focus on industries that are changing or being changed by technology and the digital world. 

We can give you incisive insight into a number of the key developments that are shaping the future of the sector including:

  • Agile development methodologies
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Augmented reality and virtual reality
  • Big data analytics
  • Blockchain and distributed ledgers
  • Cloud services
  • Cyber and IT security
  • 5G
  • M2M and IoT
  • Mobile payments and apps
  • Open source and open data
  • Robotics
  • Software patentability
  • Smart Networks and smart cities
  • Spectrum auctions, sharing and trading
  • 3D printing
  • Undersea cables

Take a look at our videos on the impact of wearables on privacy and regulation; the regulations of autonomous driving; Blockchain technology; plus the use of disruptive technology in autonomous vehicles for more insights into the specialist areas we can advise you on.

If you'd like to know more about how we can help your business, please contact one of our Co-Heads of Group Fabian Niemann in Germany, or Ted Chwu in China, or Ronald Hendrikx in the UK.

Contacts

Dr. Fabian Niemann

Partner  |  Germany

Ted Chwu

Partner  |  China

Ronald Hendrikx

Partner  |  UK

View further contacts

Recent highlights of work

  • We have advised on network sharing arrangements, spectrum auctions and disputes across Europe.
  • We helped a European telecommunications operator, listed on the Swedish stock exchange, to successfully secure a fixed-line contract with the Dutch Government, following a two-year battle before the Dutch regulator and courts. The multi million euro contract covers over 100 state departments and organisations.
  • Our French team has assisted numerous governments across the African continent in reviewing their legal and regulatory telecommunications framework, taking into account both international best practice and local context.

Accolades

  • "I am incredibly impressed with the level of service and the manner in which they interact with you as a client"

    Chambers Europe 2017

  • Formidable reputation for IP litigation and broader commercial disputes with an excellent presence in the IT sector. Handles outsourcing, data protection and transactional matters across many key Western European jurisdictions, with an increasingly impressive reputation in Eastern markets including Poland.

    Chambers Europe 2016

  • Robust TMT practice with an imposing presence in Europe and continuing expansion in the Middle East and Asia. Advises a wide range of clients including technology firms, regulators and public sector bodies on regulatory and commercial matters, and international disputes, as well as media financing, licensing and distribution. Also noted for offering expertise for issues relating to big data and cybersecurity.

    Chambers Global 2016

  • 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, mobile payments, robotics and software patentability.

    Chambers Asia Pacfic 2016

  • "A sought-after team of skilled lawyers offering expertise on all aspects of TMT work, from advisory and regulatory matters to disputes. Areas of particular focus include data protection law and software licensing. "I can't think of anything that could have been improved. I think they have a great business in China, as they have both international expertise and an understanding of the local market."

    Chambers Asia Pacific 2015

  • Enviably strong TMT practice in Europe and expanding in Asia and the Middle East. At the forefront of developments in the sector, advising on issues such as cloud services, big data, spectrum, mobile payment and network sharing. Provides an array of expertise, encompassing corporate, outsourcing, data protection and regulatory compliance, to clients including large technology firms and high-profile media groups.

    Chambers Global 2015

  • "Superb Europe-wide TMT group with prominent teams in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Extensive knowledge of telecoms, technology and media, and often works closely with the firm's IP group. Notable recent activity includes financial technology, mobile gaming and music and entertainment."

    Chambers Global 2015

News & Events

  1. 1710-2019

    Competitive Edge: Competition & EU law news - October 2019

    Keeping you up to date on Competition & EU Law developments in Europe and beyond

  2. 1610-2019

    EU Foreign Direct Investment Screening: What Investors Need to Know

    In the fall of next year, the long anticipated EU Foreign Direct Investment Screening Regulation will apply. The regulation is likely to have a significant impact on FDI within the EU – both within Member States that ...

  3. 0910-2019

    ICO – Germany’s BaFin publishes new guidance notice on crypto token regulation

    On 16 August 2019, the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) published an updated guidance notice (German) on the issuance of crypto token (e.g. through ICO, ITS or TGE) providing assistance with ...

  1. 1410-2019

    Bird & Bird lawyers join EU innovation project SMART- BEAR

    International law firm Bird & Bird joins 26 organisations in a European Commission funded project that draws on big data to improve the health and wellbeing of European citizens. The four-year project aims to build a ...

  2. 1010-2019

    Bird & Bird launches an international report on the potential application of blockchains and the criteria for fresh regulation

    International law firm Bird & Bird today launches a report, "Blockchains uncut: risks, rewards and regulations" which explores the potential application of blockchain technologies and highlights where new regulation may ...

  3. 0309-2019

    Bird & Bird selected to join the WeWork EMEA Legal Panel

    International law firm Bird & Bird has been selected to join the WeWork EMEA Legal Panel, of eleven selected firms.

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  1. 3110-2019

    Partner for a Day

    Partner for a Day is your opportunity to gain insights into the work of a lawyer. You will get two days of legal training with workshops and cases in e.g. contract drafting and negotiation techniques.

  2. 2910-2019

    Webinar - European Electronic Communications Code: how to respond to the draft BEREC guidelines?

    In this new webinar we will give you an outline of the draft guidelines and the potential impact as a basis for drafting a response to the consultation.

  3. 2210-2019

    Fintech Roadshow: Frankfurt

    Heralded as a 'game changer', blockchain and distributed ledger technology is disrupting a wide range of industries, the financial industry being no exception.

View more events