Blake Morgan LLP's technology group has a strong presence in the South East and represents both supplier and customer clients, including both private and public companies, and charities. Fintech sector work, including issues arising in the context of crypto-assets, is a growing specialism of the team which is jointly headed up by Elisabeth Bell and Alison Patten-Hall in Reading, and Michael Colledge in Southampton. Bell is a key contact for technology and GDPR issues, whilst Patten-Hall specialises in large projects including outsourcing and IT procurements.
IT and telecoms in South East
Blake Morgan LLP
Praxisleiter:
Elisabeth Bell; Alison Patten-Hall; Michael Colledge
Kernmandanten
RAD Propulsion Limited
Digital Space Group Limited
Westcoast Group
NHS England
GB Bank Limited
HiSpeed Limited
Osirium Technologies Plc
Utilita Energy/Procode Limited
Nemean Services Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising international perfumery on the licensing of patented equipment and software that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to generate bespoke scents.
- Advising Osirium Technology on the sale of their entire business to SailPoint.
- Advising Nemean Services Limited to overhaul operating contracts to support their specialist crypto-security services.
Boyes Turner
Sarah Williamson heads the commercial and technology practice group at Boyes Turner which handles complex IT and technology matters for national and international technology sector clients, including IT disputes and data protection projects. Williamson has over 20 years of experience on technology related agreements and comes highly recommended for her ‘extremely effective negotiation style’ and ‘leveraging her expert technical knowledge’. Helen Dobson advises key clients on intellectual property, including issues of brand management, licensing, development and commercial contracts, as well as corporate transactions and restructures.
Praxisleiter:
Sarah Williamson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Helen Dobson
Referenzen
‘We have employed the services of Boyes Turner since 2021 and have consistently found their work to be thorough, relevant to our business and to a very high standard with excellent results. They have always been responsive, even at short notice, and are friendly and easy to work with.
‘Having used different lawyers at different times and in different countries concerning certain software products owned by our company, our experience of Boyes Turner has been excellent. In particular we have found Rowan Turrall and Sarah Williamson at Boyes Turner to stand out. Not only have we found them to be highly knowledgeable in the areas that they cover but also very thorough and sound in the advice and guidance they have given us and also in the high quality of their work. Their ability to quickly understand the issues at hand, often concerning quite complex software related aspects, has been impressive. As well, their focus on detail and their ability to quickly recall salient detail at key moments is a significant and important differentiator. Allied with this has been a fairness in their approach when charging for their work. ’
‘I have always had very high quality lawyers form Boyes Turner and the partner is always accessible and is clearly very close to the details of our transactions.
Kernmandanten
Culligan Group
Virtualstock Limited
Wind River Limited
Guardian News and Media Limited
Kelk Consulting Services Limited trading as KCS Automotive
First Hydrogen Limited
Novatiq Solutions Limited
Virgin Strauss Water UK Limited (trading as Virgin Pure)
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Culligan on DXP project to be rolled out across its group companies in EMEA.
- Advised Virtualstock on agreements for the use of its dropshipping SaaS platform with some of the biggest retailers, merchants and hospitals in the UK.
- Providing an outsourced legal service to The Guardian supporting the in-house commercial legal team and advising on a variety of technology agreements including SaaS and AdTech agreements.
Cripps
Cripps devotes much of its focus to growing areas of artificial intelligence, data protection, adtech, fintech, healthtech and technology-related M&A. The team received praise for its ‘excellent knowledge and understanding’ and is headed up by Pete Kenyon who focuses on commercial software and online business issues. Matthew Holman joined the team from EMW Law LLP in 2024; Holman is a key name for privacy and information rights, AI law, governance and regulation, GDPR and international data transfers and data governance, among others. Kathryn Rogers is another important point of contact within the department.
Praxisleiter:
Pete Kenyon
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Matthew Holman; Kathryn Rogers
Referenzen
‘We’ve enjoyed a successful working relationship with Cripps for many years now. They are able to support all of our UK focussed requirements via their numerous specialist divisions. Everyone I’ve worked with at Cripps has a down to earth approach and an ability to break down and simplify the areas where we need their support.
‘Pete Kenyon as an individual is someone that I have personally trusted for more than 15 years now. Pete possesses a natural ability to cut to the underlying commercial decisions to be made at the heart of any new job that we assign. I always appreciate Pete’s approach which often involves translating complicated points of law into easily digestible facts to aid swift and effective decision making.
‘Excellent knowledge and understanding of the media sector. Great commercial awareness and appreciation of appropriate yardsticks for contract negotiations in the sector.’
Kernmandanten
RDT
Deltatre /Massive Interactive Media
Electroneum
Habicus Group / SilverDoor
Chromalloy Gas Turbine, LLC
Alphastream
Ariosi
Psychological Consultancy Limited
Public-i Group Ltd
Winchester Consulting Ltd
Lumen Research Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Deltatre and its group company, Massive Interactive Media, on technology contracts with its customers across the globe and across a wide range of sporting sectors.
- Advising on the evolution of the Electroneum ETN blockchain to support the development of smart contracts and compatibility with the ERC20 standard and implementation of the “Travel Rule” – a mandatory anti-money laundering communications requirement.
- Advised new client Lumen on their contracts with media agencies, advertisers and platform operators for the provision of Lumen’s attention-based media measurement and optimisation technology services.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Osborne Clarke LLP is known in the regional marketplace for its demonstrably strong track record across the entire gamut of complex IT and telecommunications issues, frequently handling matters encompassing commercial contracts, digital transformation projects and private equity investments, as well as contentious matters arising out of the space including litigation and arbitration. Sara Valentine, Peter Sheppard and Greg Leyshon head the team based in the Thames Valley. Leyshon is an important contact for clients in the communications sector, whilst Sheppard is a key name for IT disputes.
Praxisleiter:
Sara Valentine; Peter Sheppard; Greg Leyshon
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jane Park-Weir; Mike Freer
Referenzen
‘Personalised Service from a team that knows Technology Sector.’
‘Greg Leyshon provides a very knowledgeable team and is very responsive to our needs.’
Kernmandanten
gohenry
Focus Group
Xeretec
Windsor Telecom
Moteefe
Xperi Corporation
Wolfspeed
Onecom
Southern Communications
Management team of Babble
Redwood Technologies / Content Guru
Pinnaca
G3 Comms
9Group
Epicor Corporation
Excell Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Focus on the acquisition of channel partner Zest4, a key existing supplier.
- Acted for the selling shareholders of PrisymID Limited, a leading tech company based in the Thames Valley, on its sale to Loftware, Inc./Riverside Capital and subsequent related matters.
- We advised Crest Nicholson Operations Ltd on real estate service agreement with MyPropTech.
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is recognised in the South East for its prowess across a full range of matters, including structuring and negotiating complex technology transactions, artificial intelligence projects, high tech manufacturing agreements and work among novel and emerging technologies. Practice head Joanne Vengadesan specialises in data protection, IT and IP transactions. Oliver Kidd focuses on the full range of technology agreements as well as advising on related compliance issues, including cybersecurity and data protection. Dan Lovett is another important contact.
Praxisleiter:
Joanne Vengadesan
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Oliver Kidd; Dan Lovett
Referenzen
‘We are working with three partners on three matters. All are all easy to access and quick to respond. I don’t think I can single out any particular person as they are all different but professional. It is a refreshing change from law firms where the daily task is trying to get a response.’
‘Collaborative, responsive, practical and knowledgeable.’
‘Jo Vengadesen is fantastic; engaging, accessible and provides pragmatic, versatile, easily usable advice. ’
Kernmandanten
Telecoms and cloud communications provider
Ubisense Limited
Wavex Technology Limited
Surevine Limited
RazorSecure Limited
Mollis Group
Energy Solutions
Spitfire Network Solutions
Alliance Automotive
TicketSocket, Inc
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Ubisense Limited, a leading supplier of hardware and software solutions which monitors the physical flow of items within factories in order to provide business insights, on a range of commercial and partnering agreements, as well as on intellectual property matters.
- Advised a fast-growing management consultancy providing generative AI products on navigating data protection issues, in relation to use of customer datasets to build and deploy AI tools.
- Advised Wavex Technology Limited (a leading IT MSP) on all of its Commercial/IT matters, in particular customer MSA reviews and negotiations, supplier/subcontracting arrangements and related compliance advice.
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP focuses on TMT issues arising out of the automotive space, with recent work including advising on IT supply chain agreements and advising on the provision of sector-specific software. Commercial head Robin Webb leads the team, in conjunction with Sebastian Price, who is a key name for all aspects of IT outsourcing, software licensing and development, IT systems acquisition, facilities management and electronic trading.
Praxisleiter:
Robin Webb; Sebastian Price
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Matt Ward; Emily Utley
Kernmandanten
Static Systems Group
The Third Space Group Limited
Jaguar Land Rover
Global Switch
IMS Evolve
Facit Data Systems Ltd
Volkswagen Group
Mercedes Benz
Nissan
Renault
Peugeot Citroen Vauxhall
Volkswagen Financial Services
The White Company
Close Brothers Plc
Honda
Travelodge
Highlight-Mandate
- Negotiated and finalised a contract with Zellis UK Limited, their payroll calculation software provider.
- Advising Global Switch on a variety of IT supply chain agreements.
- Advised Charles Tyrwhitt on the contractual provisions for them to terminate its key IT managed services arrangements.
Stevens & Bolton LLP
Stevens & Bolton LLP‘s core focus is on major IT and outsourcing projects across a full range of industry sectors, including insurance, fintech, automotive, healthcare, telecommunications and technology. Guildford-based Charles Maurice leads the team and comes recommended as ‘measured, smart and able to cut through the noise’.
Praxisleiter:
Charles Maurice
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Beverley Flynn; Gary Parnell;
Referenzen
‘Excellent knowledge and experience Excellent collaboration and relationships Excellent support for internal legal Clear and relevant communication’
‘Mention to Beverley Flynn for knowledge and support as well as providing excellent advice ’
‘In comparison to other law firms, Stevens & Bolton’s emphasis on building deep relationships with clients, providing comprehensive and clear advice, and offering a wide range of legal services positions it as a firm that blends the expertise and breadth of a large firm with the personalised service of a smaller practice.’
Highlight-Mandate
White & Black Limited
White & Black Limited remains prominent in the region, and is recognised in the market for its track record when it comes to assisting global clients with cybersecurity, commercial contracts, domestic technology and telecoms compliance matters. Oxford-based lawyers Phil Thompson and Matt Johnston collectively head up the department.
Praxisleiter:
Phil Thompson; Matt Johnston
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Clive Bramley
Referenzen
‘The Firm has a very good understanding of the telecoms sector. It is very easy to transmit and explain local regulations, regardless of the differences with UK regulations.’
‘Phil Thompson is an amazing lawyer. He has a deep understanding of the telecom sector and its regulations. He is very proactive and responsive.’
‘We use Matt Johnson for IT contracts for his expertise, approachability and commercial awareness ’
Kernmandanten
Electricity North West Limited
Mitchells & Butlers Leisure Retail Limited
Headlam Group PLC
Howden Group Services Limited
Northumbrian Water Limited
Tyman PLC
Healthcode Limited
Universal Music
Electricity North West Property Limited
Patient Zone Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for Electricity North West Limited (ENWL) (the UK-based electricity distribution network operator for the North West of England) in relation to the complete renegotiation of its agreement with Schneider Electric for the supply of ENWL’s network management system up until the end of the RIIO-ED2 regulatory period.
- Acting for Mitchells & Butlers in relation to its proposed new merchant acquiring agreement with Barclaycard.
- Led work for Howden Group Services Limited (one of the biggest insurance and reinsurance brokers in the UK) in relation to its global platform and services arrangement with Novo Idea Software (NovoIdea) whereby NovoIdea are providing Howden with a business critical insurance platform with specific enhancements and bespoke functionality for Howden.
Clyde & Co
The team at Clyde & Co is headed by Mark Williamson in Guildford (he leads the technology, data and outsourcing practice in the UK). His extensive expertise spans the insurance, higher education and retail markets. The team advises on a range of cloud-based technologies, data projects and on mobile based trading platforms, including disruptive technologies and acts more on the buyer rather than supplier side. The team benefits from the firm's global expertise and is assisted by a number of London-based practitioners including Tom Tippett, who jointly leads the UK artificial intelligence initiative (part of the firm's global AI working group).
Praxisleiter:
Mark Williamson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Tom Tippett
Highlight-Mandate
Dentons
Dentons leverages its strong international network and relationships with high-end corporate clients to act on a full suite of complex IT and TMT issues out of its Milton Keynes office. Henrietta Baker and Sarah Lima jointly head the practice group, whilst Rukia Khatun is a specialist when it comes to migration to cloud-based solutions in addition to software development and procurement.
Praxisleiter:
Henrietta Baker; Sarah Lima
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rukia Khatun
Kernmandanten
Avis Budget Group
Telehouse Europe
DS Smith
Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales
John Lewis Partnership
Royal Mail Group
Sainsbury’s Group (Sainsbury’s and Argos)
Miro (Realtimeboard)
Essential Living
National Grid
Highlight-Mandate
- Appointed by NGESO to manage a portfolio of central government funded collaboration agreements for innovation projects as led by the client.
- Acted as a trusted advisor in assisting Essential Living with its project to bring online a new website over 2022.
DMH Stallard LLP
DMH Stallard LLP is known for its core strengths in the space, which span IT contracts, data protection, outsourcing of IT services, IT infrastructure issues, Saas arrangements and IT procurement matters, among many others. Tim Ashdown heads the contentious side of the practice, whilst John Yates leads on the non-contentious side. Rebecca Leeves focuses on the education, IT, technology, travel and retail sectors, whilst Debbie Venn is a travel sector expert.
Praxisleiter:
Tim Ashdown; John Yates
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Debbie Venn; Rebecca Leeves
Referenzen
‘As we don’t have an internal legal function, I tend to lean on the team at DMH Stallard quite a lot. They very quicky came to feel like a very natural extension of my team. The communication and collaboration are extremely natural and I genuinely believe that in a meeting you would struggle to tell that they weren’t part of our organisation. This very tight alignment is absolutely vital in our contractual negotiations with third party providers and I have absolute confidence in their representation of our interests. ’
‘I work exclusively with Debbie Venn and Jay Barnett and I couldn’t ask for a better duo! they are flexible, responsive, patient and always willing to work with me the way I need/want them to. They challenge my thinking if they think I am approaching things incorrectly, but will respect my decision if I decide to take a different approach, but ensure I fully understand the consequences or risk of doing so. I genuinely consider them an extension of my own team and cant understate the value they bring on every interaction.’
‘As a client of DMH Stallard, I want to highlight Debbie Venn’s outstanding contributions and why she stands out among her peers:
Kernmandanten
ITIM Ltd
Aspen Pumps Ltd
OpenCapacity Ltd
DFX Technologies Ltd
Chambers Townsend Consultancy Ltd
Hadean Super Computing Ltd
15below Ltd
Regent Exhibitions Ltd (IMEX)
System Improvement Inc
Vermtek Pest Control Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for ITIM in relation to its complex IT services client arrangements, including building new contractual structures, advising on data protection and negotiating with large customer’s on contracts and parent company guarantees
- Assisting and supporting the new IT director in the reorganisation and refinement of the IT infrastructure and all supplier contracts for software, hardware and software services.
- Assisting the business in negotiating its contract with large clients for provision of its app / platform, through customer’s procurement processes and extensive negotiation of terms (including licence and support terms) and escrow arrangements.
Moorcrofts LLP
Moorcrofts LLP remains noted for its specialist expertise when it comes to the areas of open source software and hardware intellectual property and licensing, whilst also possessing strong knowledge in cloud access rights and neighbouring intellectual property rights. Marlow’s Andrew Katz leads the team, and focuses on the core areas of open source licensing, open hardware licensing, technology law and intellectual property. Tim Astley is another important port of call.
Praxisleiter:
Andrew Katz
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Tim Astley
Kernmandanten
Graphaware
BenevolentAI
PagerDuty Inc.
Distribution Technology Limited
Payara Services Limited
Mathematical Market Research
Camunda Services AG
Linked Data Benchmark Council
Transport 2 (UK) Limited
Biz2Mobile Limited
Genle Ltd trading as “GoToGroup”
InixionLimited
Vault Sentinel Limited
Open Forum Europe, Fraunhofer Institute
GÉANT Vereniging (Association)
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Graphaware on the intellectual property and legal framework for their new flagship product “Hume” as well as continually providing commercial and strategic support and advice to GraphAware in the expansion of its business.
- Advised PagerDuty Inc. on European deals and also helped localise template documents.
- Advised Biz2Mobile on agreements covering the expansion of sales channels and compliance to the OpenChain ISO standard.
Moore Barlow
Moore Barlow is known in the market for its strength in depth when it comes to IT and TMT issues including SaaS licensing contracts, software development and outsourcing, managed software services, cloud services, telecommunications, data analytics and telematics. Practice head John Warchus has over 25 years' experience in the space, with recent focuses including areas related to Open Banking technology. Dorothy Agnew is a specialist when it comes to structuring contracts for technology projects
Praxisleiter:
John Warchus
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Dorothy Agnew
Referenzen
‘The team are always there are the end of a phone to give sound practical advice and follow it up with a meaningful meeting if deemed necessary. They take the time to understand our business and their fee structure represents good value for money.’
‘John Warchus has looked after our company affairs for over 15 years, and whilst the contact is on an ad hob basis, he is always available when needed. I have also been advised by some of his colleagues, and their advice has been good as well.’
Kernmandanten
Minesoft Limited
4Com Group Limited
Southern Communications Group Limited
Kallidus Limited
ISEB Limited (The Independent Schools Examination Board)
Symetrica
Academy 21/Inspired Online Schools Limited
Crave Interactive Limited
Bishop Fox
David Store Navigational Management Ltd
NAK Consulting Limited
Intellectual Property Online/WebTMS Limited
Wavesight Limited
Tquila Automation Limited
Open Air Group AB
Parico Limited
Ellescope Limited
Kyocera SGS Precision Tooling Limited
YoungMinds Trust
The Boys Brigade
Tinius Olsen Limited
NetPay Group Solutions Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised 4Com, a leading provider of business telephone systems, on its acquisition of Reach Digital Telecoms
- Advised Minesoft, a leading provider of data and digital services in relation to patents on its database licences and standard licensing terms.
- Advised leading UK telecoms provider on its managed services agreements and compliance with GDPR and Ofcom’s General Conditions of Entitlement.
Clayden Law
Piers Clayden heads the team at Clayden Law , overseeing the group's niche expertise on cloud-based and Saas areas, including regtech, fintech and workplace solutions, among many others. Clayden, an IT law specialist, received praise as an 'exceptional lawyer'. Louisa Taylor is another key contact on the team.
Praxisleiter:
Piers Clayden
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Louisa Taylor; Elizabeth Gibbs
Referenzen
‘Clayden Law stands out as the premier law firm for our commercial needs, particularly in negotiation, contract creation, and safeguarding our interests through astute wording in service level agreements (SLAs). Their exceptional expertise and attention to detail ensure that our contracts are meticulously crafted to protect our interests while fostering mutually beneficial relationships with our partners. Clayden Law’s adept negotiation skills consistently result in favorable outcomes, while their innovative approach to SLA wording provides us with comprehensive protection. Their commitment to client satisfaction, coupled with their track record of success, makes Clayden Law our trusted partner for all our legal needs in the commercial arena.’
‘Piers stands out as an exceptional lawyer within Clayden Law for several compelling reasons. Firstly, his expertise in commercial law is unparalleled, enabling him to navigate intricate negotiations and contract creation with precision and insight. Piers possesses a strategic mindset, identifying opportunities and mitigating risks to secure favorable outcomes for clients. His meticulous attention to detail ensures that contracts, including SLAs, are drafted with clarity and foresight, providing robust protection for our interests. Piers’ commitment to client satisfaction is evident in his proactive communication and tailored approach to each case. His professionalism, coupled with a track record of successful outcomes, solidifies his reputation as a trusted advisor and distinguishes him as an invaluable asset within Clayden Law. ’
‘Clayden Law are experts in the area of data privacy and they provide an excellent service to us in this area, helping us with policies, commercial implications and individual situations. They have excellent knowledge, are very responsive and good value.’
Kernmandanten
Viewpoint
Open Blend
EntitledTo
Tomorrow’s Guides
Assurestor
Mywage
Culture15
Candidly
Modlify
Airbox
Highlight-Mandate
Paris Smith LLP
Paris Smith LLP dispenses specialist advice to SMEs in the region on a full range of matters including procurement projects, system integration and development, Saas subscription contracts, IT outsourcing, post-M&A IT separation issues, and data protection compliance, among others. Practice head Crispin Dick is highly experienced on commercial and IT matters. Ryan Mitchell is another important name of note on the team.
Praxisleiter:
Crispin Dick
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ryan Mitchell
Referenzen
‘Crispin Dick has excellent industry knowledge and did not just help us draft our necessary legal documents but also alerted us to other potential pitfalls. Being a company centred around the use of AI, we are determined to do it legally and well. Crispin was able to guide us adequately.’
‘Excellent client service and responsiveness. Always commercially focussed and delivered in a timely manner. We have worked with Crispin for a number of years and he is an invaluable support on all our in-house legal work.’
‘Crispin Dick is outstanding in his delivery of timely and commercial advice. We are extremely grateful for the work that Crispin and his colleague Ryan Mitchell have done to support our business over recent months whilst our business has been entering into a number of new commercial contracts.’
Kernmandanten
Loan Market Association
Rightszone
Langwith Research
Searchlight Cyber
SUSE Software Solutions
Beyond Encryption
Merchant Technology Marketing
The European Association for Cardio Thoracic Surgery
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised SUSE Software Solutions on an agreement for the supply of software support services to a multi-national telecoms company.
- Advised the Loan Market Association on the procurement of a new CRM system for its membership base.
- Advised Langwith Research on the terms of service and GDPR implications of providing their brand new, AI driven, market research tool to customers.
Trethowans LLP
Trethowans LLP acts as a trusted advisor to in-house legal and digital project teams at a broad range of IT users, companies, and innovative SMEs, advising on complex technology issues. Julian Hamblin and Laura Trapnell jointly lead the practice group.
Praxisleiter:
Julian Hamblin; Laura Trapnell
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sarah Wheadon
Referenzen
‘The team have a deep understanding of Digital contracts and make a real effort to understand the business in which they are contracted. Their people are first rate and do go the extra mile for their clients. At times last year the client put a heavy workload on the Trethowans team as part of divestment activity – the team stepped up to the challenge and all deadlines were met. Trethowans also offer a free of charge digital document signing service, which has come in very useful.’
‘The lead Julian Hamblin, is vastly experienced and provides tailored and sound advice very quickly when requested. Across the wider team, full contract reviews are carried out very diligently, leaving the client feeling reassured. Trethowans have represented the client effectively on calls as needed, often securing preferential terms. It feels a highly personable service – they genuinely understand the both specifics of law, but also the areas of real client concern in Digital contracts – and offer tailored advice and guidance. The client has also used the wider team of Trethowans resources for off-payroll contract checks – again the help given was first rate.’
Kernmandanten
Stannah Stairlifts
Just Develop It Limited
Stark Building Materials UK Limited
Saint-Gobain Limited
Quilter PLC
Glen Dimplex UK Limited
Quostar Solutions
Pure Cremation Group
Kinetic Games
NexGen Cloud
Caspian One Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Stannah regarding the procurement, implementation and launch of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
- Advised Just Develop It Limited on its acquisition of Total Security Limited from NYSE listed entity, System1, for circa $340 million.
- Advising Caspian One on the development and operation of an open banking platform commissioned by a consortium of 15 of Canada’s largest Credit Unions.