Technology Law

The Quarles & Brady LLP Technology Law Group advises clients concerning a broad range of e-commerce issues and technology-related transactions, including the ownership and licensing of intellectual property, information technology and business process outsourcing, software licensing and development, technology transfers, strategic alliances, systems integration, website development, hosting, product distribution and other complex technology-related matters. Members of the group also have significant experience assisting emerging and established companies regarding online contracting issues, electronic signatures, domain name protection, data security, privacy strategies, website terms and other legal issues which arise from doing business on the internet. 

The specific experience of the Technology Law Group includes the following core service areas:

Licensing and Technology Transactions 
The Technology Law Group advises clients regarding the licensing, development and acquisition of software, trade secrets, digital content, copyrights, trademarks, know-how, technical information and most other forms of intellectual property.  We are involved in the structuring, drafting and negotiating of complex business arrangements relating to product development, professional services, distribution, hosting, joint ventures and strategic alliances regarding software, information systems and other technology-related products and services.

E-Commerce and Internet 
The Technology Law Group assists clients in connection with various commercial arrangements regarding the internet and e-commerce products and processes, including website development, hosting, privacy, content and branding, electronic signatures, domain name protection, website terms and conditions of use and other legal issues that arise from doing business on the internet. We also monitor legislative and regulatory developments relating to the internet and e-commerce in the United States and elsewhere and provide counsel and advice concerning legal and business issues arising from the implementation of emerging technologies.

Outsourcing
The Technology Law Group has significant experience advising clients concerning both Information Technology Outsourcing, including mainframe, servers, infrastructure management, applications, desktop and help desk services, and Business Process Outsourcing, including human resources, accounting, claims processing, manufacturing and supply chain services. We provide strategic advice regarding the structuring, negotiation and documentation of the many complex business and legal issues which arise in connection with outsourcing fundamental business functions to a third-party provider.

Data Privacy and Security
The Technology Law Group counsels clients regarding privacy and security laws and policies that govern the use and transfer of employee and consumer data in the United States, Canada, the European Union and elsewhere. The Group has experience with the drafting and negotiation of terms and conditions in commercial agreements regarding the access, use and protection of personal data and intellectual property rights as well as reviewing and drafting privacy policies and conducting privacy audits to ensure compliance with applicable privacy rules, guidelines and directives.

Manufacturing and Procurement
The Technology Law Group has experience structuring, negotiating, drafting and implementing manufacturing and supply arrangements for sophisticated technological products such as medical devices, electronic solutions, security devices and computer enclosures. We have negotiated transactions with leading manufacturers in these industries and provide advise to our clients concerning ownership and protection of intellectual property rights, e-procurement strategies and technology-related supply chain issues.

Life Sciences 
The Technology Law Group combines its resources and experience with the Firm’s Intellectual Property Group for the benefit of life sciences clients. Some of the areas of overlap include sponsored research and drug development transactions. Increasingly, life sciences companies have a component of capturing and utilizing biological data that is garnered from their research and development activities. This “bioinformatics” industry is one prime example of the crossover between information technology and life sciences.

Telecommunications
The Technology Law Group, in coordination with our Telecommunications Group, has experience counseling clients regarding various telecommunications-related matters, including contract drafting and negotiations, regulatory strategy, implementation and compliance, corporate strategy, structure and transactions, and arbitration and litigation.

Private Equity/Venture Capital and Mergers & Acquisitions 
In conjunction with our corporate attorneys, the Technology Law Group has experience providing advice and counsel to clients regarding the use, structure, management, transfer and protection of technology and intellectual property assets in a wide variety of corporate, private equity/venture capital and merger and acquisition transactions.

For more information on how our Technology Law Group can assist you with your e-commerce and information technology needs, please contact your local Quarles & Brady attorney.