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; Digital Tech & eCommerce; and 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.

Contacts

Fabian Niemann

Dr. Fabian Niemann

Partner, Global Co-Head of Tech & Comms
Germany

Call me on: +49 (0)69 74222 6000
vCard Location
Chwu-Ted

Ted Chwu

Partner, Global Co-Head of Tech & Comms
China

Call me on: +852 2248 6000
vCard Location
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. 1802-2019

    Big Data & Issues & Opportunities: Free Flow of Data

    In this seventh article in our series on "Big Data & Issues & Opportunities", we focus on the free flow of data in the context of big data processing. Where relevant, illustrations from the transport sector will be ...

  2. 1302-2019

    The First Non-traditional Trademarks are Granted in Mexico

    The Industrial Property Mexican Institute (IMPI) has delivered the first non-traditional trademarks registration certificates within the scope of olfactory marks, sound and commercial image since the amended Mexican ...

  3. 1302-2019

    How France uses law as a strategic tool for growing its satellite industry

    In 2008, France adopted its first comprehensive national space law, the French Space Operations Act (FSOA).

  1. 2801-2019

    UAE team write a chapter for the 2019 edition of Technology Media and Telecommunications Review

    Our Partner David Bintliff and lawyers Cathal Flynn, Shannon Rogers, Racheal Sanni and Ayah Abdin have written the UAE chapter for the 2019 edition of Technology, Media and Telecommunications Review

  2. 0801-2019

    International law firm Bird & Bird advise UK FinTech company Earthport on its proposed recommended takeover by Visa for £198 million

    Bird & Bird has been acting for Earthport since 2009 and was appointed to take the company through its global expansion over the last 10 years.

  3. 0701-2019

    Bird & Bird boosts its Commercial team with the appointment of Tech & Comms expert Tomasz Zalewski as partner in Warsaw

    International law firm Bird & Bird today boosts its Tech & Comms sector group with the appointment of Tomasz Zalewski as a partner in its Commercial team in Warsaw.

View More Firm News
  1. 0503-2019

    Advance Series Event: Nurturing Innovation in the UK

    Join us, in association with The Telegraph, on 5 March for the first event in our Advance Series, in which leaders across industries discuss the impacts of technological innovation on UK business.

View more events