Business

Information Technology

BUSINESS OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED

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Forbes Solicitors' information technology solicitors provide advice on all aspects of IT law, including software development and licensing, e-commerce, and data protection. Our experienced IT solicitors works with a range of clients, from start-ups to multinational corporations, to ensure that their IT systems and services are legally compliant and properly protected. We understand the constantly evolving landscape of IT law and work to provide our clients with practical and effective solutions.

What is Information Technology law

Information Technology law is a branch of law which deals with the legal issues related to the use of information technology, including computers, software, and the internet. It covers areas such as data protection, privacy, cybercrime, intellectual property, and internet governance.

Technology is developing rapidly and forms an integral part of most businesses. We understand how important information technology is to a business, whether they operate within the Digital or IT sectors or simply rely on technology on a day-to-day basis.

We assist clients to build and develop their technology platforms and work with businesses who already have these in place. No matter what size your business is, we will ensure that we understand your technological needs and assist you in achieving these.

We advise clients on a wide range of technology issues, including:

  • Software Development Agreements
  • SaaS & On-Premises Software Licences
  • Software Support and Maintenance Contracts
  • Reseller Agreements
  • Web Development Agreements
  • Digital Marketing and Hashing Agreements
  • E-Commerce
  • Website Policies
  • Data Protection of Privacy Policies

Our clients in this sector include software companies and also developers, digital marketing agents and other IT companies.

Our team of experts are able to create both standard and bespoke contracts, agreements and policies to ensure that each individual client's requirements are fulfilled and to ensure that our clients are keeping up-to-date with the fast-paced sector. We can assist in the execution of these documents and where necessary enforcing a client's right in relation to these.

We note that where legal IT support is required, often Intellectual Property law advice is necessary. Our specialist lawyers are able to provide full assistance to ensure that clients receive the most pragmatic and strategic approach, in a time efficient manner.

Information Technology law can be a complicated and time consuming affair so it pays to call on the help of experienced solicitors with years of experience.

Why choose our information technology solicitors?

Our information technology solicitors are highly experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of IT law, including data protection, intellectual property, e-commerce, and software licensing. We provide practical and commercially-focused advice to help our clients navigate the complex legal landscape of the technology industry. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional client service and achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.Who do our information technology solicitors help?Our information technology solicitors help businesses and individuals with legal issues related to technology, including data protection, intellectual property, e-commerce, software licensing, and cyber security.

How can our information technology lawyers help?

Our information technology lawyers can provide legal advice and guidance on a wide range of IT-related issues, including data privacy and security, intellectual property, e-commerce, software licensing, and technology transactions. We can help you navigate complex legal frameworks and regulations, draft and negotiate contracts, and protect your business interests in the rapidly evolving world of technology. Our goal is to provide practical and effective solutions that help you achieve your business objectives while minimising legal risks and liabilities.

To speak with our team, reach out today. Our solicitors possess extensive experience in the Information Technology industry and provide assistance to clients throughout the nation.

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FAQs

We have developed an App / piece of software are there any terms which can apply to its use?
 
 

An End User Licence Agreement (EULA) is a licence between the developer or publisher and the end-user which allows the end user to use the app / software. A well drafted EULA will, for example, outline the developer's / publisher's obligations any restrictions on usage, limits on the liability of the developer / publisher and the mechanism for termination use of the App / software.

Prior to installing or accessing the software, the user will be required agree to the conditions of the EULA, which means they have accepted any terms set by the developer or publisher.

We sell goods to consumers ‘online’ do our Terms and Conditions of Sale need any specific content?
 
 

The sale of goods 'online' is defined in The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (CCR 2013) as a distance sale. As such, businesses operating in this sector need to ensure that their terms and conditions include specific content. From a practical perspective, the terms must include the business's contact details, details of how payments are made and the method for returning goods.

The terms should also outline the customers ability to return the goods and / or cancel the contract between the parties. Where the customer is consumer, the customer is entitled to cancel the contract within 14 of them receiving the goods (albeit subject to some restrictions).

What is the purpose of a Cookie and Privacy policy?
 
 

A cookie is a small text file that a website or app sends to a user's device. These text files collect information about user actions on a specific website site. This information can subsequently be used to tailor the users experience on the website or display advertisement relevant to the user. A cookie policy seeks to outline the rationale for the owners of the website collating such data and inform the user of the website how this data will be used.

While often a standalone document, cookie policies are often integrated into Privacy Policies. A privacy policy is one of the most important documents on any website. It details the company's views and procedures on the information collected from its customers / visitors to the website. A privacy policy will outline what information is being collected, how it is being collected, information regarding how it is being stored and also how a customer / visitor can contact the firm. Importantly, the policy will also outline the customer's / visitor's rights with regard to requesting the company deletes any information held.

Can software code be protected?
 
 

Code written in relation to a specific software project can be protected by copyright law. However, copyright law generally covers the artistic elements of a software program rather than the functional elements. On this basis the appearance of a website, for example can be subject to copyright protection, whereas the source code used to produce it would not.

Businesses should ensure that when engage with a developer any intellectual property rights are correctly assigned. While material subject to copyright is normally retained by an employer, when engaging with a third-party it is imperative that the beneficiary of the work ensures that they retain full intellectual property rights (under English law the author of the code would normally retain the copyright of software).

The business will also need to verify that the party purporting to assign the rights to it is the actual owner, and that any contract between the parties contains a comprehensive IPR warranty and indemnity from the developer.

We have engaged with a developer to produce a website, how can we be sure it is fit for purpose before we pay?
 
 

A business developing a website will want to make sure that it does what its are supposed to do. In this context, it is advisable to include an acceptance tests into the contract between the parties.

Such a test will provide various safeguards, including allowing for minor discrepancies or the ability for the developer to rectify its work if it does not pass the tests first time around without being deemed in breach of contract.

A developer may also insist on "deemed acceptance" provisions within the acceptance test clause. Such will outline how if the customer does not respond within a certain amount of time after the developer has made delivery, the website is deemed accepted and the final payment becomes due.

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Our dedicated Commercial team

John Pickervance

John Pickervance

Partner and Head of Commercial

Commercial

PinLancashire

Call0333 207 1134

Adam Estell

Adam Estell

Trainee Solicitor

Commercial

PinLancashire

Call0113 386 2706

Daniel Fletcher

Daniel Fletcher

Associate

Commercial

PinLancashire

Call0333 207 1145

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Call0800 689 0831

CallRequest a call back

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Contacting Us

Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 17:00
Saturday and Sunday: Closed