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. 2509-2020

    More Severe Criminal Penalties on Safety Production Are Coming in China

    The draft PRC Criminal Law Amendment (XI) (the "Draft Amendment") was released on July 3, 2020, seeking for public comments. Amongst others, the draft amendment to Article 134 of the PRC Criminal Law ("Article 134") ...

  2. 2109-2020

    Brexit Checklist for Technology & Communications Businesses

    The UK left 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 to ...

  3. 1809-2020

    International Comparative Legal Guide to Patents 2021

    The 11th edition of the International Comparative Legal Guide to Patents 2021 is a practical cross-border insight into patent law, with contributing editor Katharine Stephens of Bird & Bird.

  1. 2409-2020

    Bird & Bird ATMD ranked in a total of nine practice areas and industry sectors in asialaw Profiles and asialaw Leading Lawyers 2021

    We are delighted to share that Bird & Bird ATMD has been ranked in a total of nine practice areas and industry sectors in the asialaw Profiles 2021 edition, which ranks the leading regional and domestic law firms and ...

  2. 1409-2020

    Bird & Bird expands its Tech & Comms group with the appointment of partner Jan Ussing Andersen in Copenhagen

    International law firm Bird & Bird today expands its Tech & Comms group with the appointment of partner Jan Ussing Andersen in Copenhagen.

  3. 0709-2020

    Bird & Bird strengthens its commercial practice in Sweden – Mikael Bock joins as Senior Counsel

    Bird & Bird has appointed Mikael Bock as Senior Counsel, strengthening its commercial offering in Sweden.

View More Firm News
  1. 2909-2020

    The Changing Tech Workplace – the Opportunities and Challenges

    There has been a great deal of debate about the impact of COVID-19 on the future of work and the demise of the traditional workplace. The tech industry is viewed by many as being ideally equipped to lead the way in the transition to a different type of working model and "the workplace revolution". However, all businesses, even those with the technology and experience to seemingly navigate these changes have many issues to consider.

View more events