Technology

A technology lawyer helps a company manage the legal issues that arise as its products, operations and financing evolve. This can include company formation and venture financing, commercial contracts, intellectual property, employment, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, disputes, M&A and capital markets. The most effective counsel connects these workstreams instead of treating them as isolated matters. DLA Piper advises technology companies throughout the business lifecycle, combining sector knowledge with corporate, commercial, regulatory, IP and disputes experience. That integrated approach can help legal and business teams identify dependencies early, make informed decisions and move efficiently as the company enters new markets or pursues growth.

Technology M&A and strategic partnerships require close attention to the assets and dependencies that drive value. Key issues may include IP ownership, software and data rights, cybersecurity, AI use, material commercial agreements, employee and contractor arrangements, regulatory approvals, export controls, tax structure and integration planning. Counsel should connect diligence findings to valuation, deal protections, closing conditions and post-close priorities. DLA Piper advises buyers, sellers, investors and technology companies on acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and strategic alliances, supported by corporate, IP, commercial, regulatory and disputes teams across jurisdictions.

Counsel can help technology providers and customers structure SaaS, cloud, licensing and outsourcing agreements around the way the product or service will operate in practice. Important terms often include scope, service levels, pricing, implementation, data use, security, intellectual property, regulatory responsibilities, change control, business continuity, liability, termination and transition support. The right allocation depends on the technology, industry and jurisdictions involved. DLA Piper advises on global commercial arrangements, technology procurement, strategic alliances, XaaS offerings, complex digital platforms and outsourcing transactions, drawing on experience representing parties on both sides of these relationships.

International expansion can trigger legal requirements across corporate structuring, tax, employment, commercial contracts, data transfers, intellectual property, product regulation, licensing, foreign investment, trade controls and disputes. The sequence matters: decisions about where to locate people, data, infrastructure and contracting entities can affect cost, risk and speed to market. Technology companies benefit from counsel that can coordinate local advice while maintaining a consistent global strategy. DLA Piper combines lawyers in major technology markets with cross-border corporate, regulatory, commercial and disputes capabilities to support market entry, global operations and multi-country transactions.

A technology company should involve counsel early when it receives a claim, government inquiry, demand letter or notice of a potential incident. Early engagement helps preserve evidence and privilege, clarify reporting duties, assess business exposure and coordinate communications. Technology disputes may involve IP, platforms, contracts, consumers, cybersecurity, competition, employment or regulatory enforcement, often across multiple jurisdictions. DLA Piper advises on complex technology disputes, consumer class actions, patent matters, internal investigations and proceedings before regulators and courts. A coordinated response can help the company protect key assets while continuing critical operations.

Companies choose DLA Piper for technology matters when they need sector experience combined with coordinated support across practices and jurisdictions. The firm has roots in Silicon Valley, more than 50 years of experience advising technology businesses and a team of more than 600 technology lawyers worldwide. Its lawyers advise companies and investors from early-stage financing through global operations, major transactions and disputes. The firm's Technology practice is also recognized in current Chambers, Legal 500, Mergermarket and Financial Times rankings. Any specific matter should be matched with lawyers whose experience fits the technology, jurisdiction and business objective involved.