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

  • Pre-eminent TMT practice across Europe with an outstanding reputation in the IT and telecommunications sectors. Advises a wide range of global clients on regulatory and commercial mandates, with experience acting on technology-related disputes and satellites.

    Chambers Europe 2019

  • Bird & Bird has a strong international offering in IT and telecoms-related matters, including AI, big data, cyber, IT security, mobile payment and data protection work.

    Legal 500 EMEA 2019

  • Bird & Bird LLP are noted for “good knowledge of their speciality,” and their ability to "translate it into everyday practice and company processes."

    Chambers Europe 2018

  • Bird & Bird LLP's commercially-oriented approach is noted as a key strength, with one source explaining: “They have exactly the abilities we need. They are flexible and reasonable with billing, and they understand how to give both legal and commercial advice.”

    Chambers Europe 2018

  • “They are extremely well prepared, with the capability to discuss complete agreements in different languages, providing always the best cost-efficient advice. They understand perfectly well how the sector works, being able to provide the adequate support the best way possible.”

    Chambers Global 2018

  • Bird & Bird LLP are noted as “highly regarded practitioners offering expertise on transactions and disputes in the technology and telecommunications sectors” who "are known to conduct good and original work in the TMT area and possess a wide-reaching presence in terms of their jurisdictional abilities"

    Chambers Global 2018

  • Long considered to be at the summit of commercial law as applied to science and technology.

    Chambers UK 2018

News & Events

  1. 2401-2020

    Visions of adequacy? UK surveillance powers after Brexit

    However EU data protection law prohibits the transfer of personal data to countries lacking an adequate level of protection for EU citizens’ personal data.

  2. 2401-2020

    Brexit: Telecommunications Regulation in the UK implications

    This briefing note advises readers on the immediate considerations and anticipates how Brexit will impact on the telecommunications industry in the UK.

  3. 2301-2020

    Competitive Edge: Competition & EU law news - January 2020

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

  1. 0912-2019

    Bird & Bird boosts its Private Equity and VC practices with the arrival of partner Kaichen Xu in Beijing

    International law firm Bird & Bird boosts its Venture Capital and Private Equity (VC/PE) practices with the arrival of partner Kaichen ("KC") Xu in Beijing.

  2. 0312-2019

    Bird & Bird advises Berenberg and Grant Thornton in connection with the placing and proposed admission to trading on AIM of The Pebble Group

    International law firm Bird & Bird advises Berenberg and Grant Thornton in connection with the placing and proposed admission to trading on AIM of The Pebble Group plc, a provider of products, services and technology to ...

  3. 1311-2019

    Bird & Bird advises Immersive Labs on its $40 million Series B funding round

    International law firm Bird & Bird has advised Immersive Labs, the provider of an innovative cyber security skills platform, on its recent $40 million Series B funding round. The round was led by global growth equity ...

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  1. 2602-2020

    Product Design Law Challenge - Design Right....or Wrong?

    We are delighted to invite you to our inaugural Product Design Law Challenge. The Challenge will be based around a series of interactive quiz questions as we take you through the latest developments and trends in design case law, enforcement strategies and filing practices.

  2. 1302-2020

    English contract law for international businesses

    Please join us for a practical seminar on English contract law led by Bird & Bird UK partner and contract law specialist, Andrew White. This seminar, held in English, is intended to provide international businesses operating in Europe with essential know-how and tools on English contract law. It is part of a programme of international client events which have been delivered in eight countries in the last year.

View more events