Commercial & Technology
Commercial lawyers who understand the technology
From robots that weld complex, one-off parts without manual programming to AI that is changing how eye tests are carried out, our clients are building technology that transforms how businesses work. We are the commercial advisers who help them take it to market, protect what they create and make the right decisions as they grow.
We advise on the deals and relationships that shape a technology business. These include strategic partnerships and collaborations, licensing and commercialisation, routes to market through distributors and resellers, and the terms on which technology is developed, supplied and deployed. When projects, partnerships or implementations run into difficulty, we help clients protect their position and find a way forward. Our commercial and disputes work is closely connected, so the agreements we negotiate are built to hold up if things go wrong.
Technology has been at the heart of our practice from the outset. Our lawyers bring years of experience advising technology, robotics and autonomous systems businesses. As artificial intelligence has moved from the laboratory into factories, clinics, kitchens and boardrooms, we have moved with our clients. We understand how AI and robotic products are developed, integrated, sold and supported and the commercial and legal issues that arise when technology moves from development into real-world deployment. That understanding shapes every negotiation we lead and every piece of advice we give.
We act for founders, emerging technology companies and established businesses in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, financial services and beyond, as well as the customers, partners and investors who work with them. Because we see these relationships from every side, we understand what matters to each party and where the leverage lies.
Selected Experience
Industrial robotics and automation
We advise a pioneer of autonomous robotic welding powered by AI and machine vision as it takes its technology to manufacturers worldwide. We structure the terms on which the technology is licensed, supplied and deployed, negotiate with customers across the United States, Europe and the Middle East, and act for the company in disputes over specifications, acceptance and performance.
AI-enabled business transformation
We advise a UK investment group that acquires established businesses and uses AI, automation and digital technology to transform how they operate and grow. Our work focuses on the group’s technology partnerships, including collaboration and licence agreements for developing and commercialising technology across its businesses.
AI-enabled medical technology
We advise a medical technology company whose AI-powered software is transforming how eye examinations are carried out. We built the framework for supplying and licensing its technology internationally, including its customer and partner agreements, and continue to support its expansion across the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
Robotics in hospitality
We advise a restaurant technology company developing robotics, AI and software to automate food preparation and back-of-house operations. We act for the company on its agreements with customers, partners and suppliers covering the development, supply and roll-out of its technology, as it moves towards commercial deployment at scale.
Software development, SaaS and RaaS
Technology companies and their customers regularly instruct us on Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) and software development agreements. We advise across the life of the technology, from development and implementation to ongoing licensing, support and commercial use.
Commercial and technology disputes
Our Commercial & Technology practice works closely with our Dispute Resolution practice. We advise on disputes arising from the development, supply and deployment of technology. We bring a disputes perspective to the agreements we negotiate and an understanding of the technology to disputes when they arise.
Introducers, resellers and distribution
We help businesses build and grow their routes to market through introducers, resellers, distributors and agents in the UK, across Europe and in other key markets. We advise on the right model for each market and negotiate the terms that matter most, from exclusivity and territory to commission and exit.
Emerging companies and start-ups
We work with founders from the earliest stages, and our support grows with the business. We tailor the scope and cost of our advice to each company’s stage and resources. We help founders put the right foundations in place, from securing ownership of their technology to agreeing their first customer and partner terms and preparing for investment.
Related Insights
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Limitation of Liability in Technology Contracts: What Businesses Need to Know
Key takeaways Words decide outcomes: English courts generally hold commercial parties to the risk allocation they agreed. Recent technology cases show that small drafting differences can change recoverable damages by millions of pounds. Three moving parts: Most clauses exclude certain
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When Technology Projects Go Wrong: Managing Contractual Risk
Key takeaways Prevention: Most technology disputes turn on scope, milestones, dependencies, change control and acceptance. Clear drafting of these provisions is the best protection against a dispute. Early action: When a project starts to slip, the contract, the project records
