Technology and Telecommunications

Our clients remain competitive in the modern economy by being responsive and agile, and prepared to engage with the latest technologies at every opportunity as a strategic differentiator.

They need legal advisers who are across the disruptive technological changes occurring in business. These changes affect the interpretation of contracts, statutes and regulatory frameworks; the legal bedrocks underpinning commercial activity.

New technology raises challenges not necessarily present with stable technology. Our lawyers collaborate to provide clear, pragmatic and consistent advice on shifting technological sands.

We are engaged with the rapidly expanding Fintech sector and are across the latest trends in data management and cybersecurity, including the associated privacy implications. We are also working with clients introducing new technology and capabilities into their operations, and advise on health and safety considerations, escrow arrangements and commercialisation of new intellectual property.

Our clients include Spark, New Zealand Bus, New Zealand Police, Trustpower, Meridian, Westpac, Fairfax Media, New Zealand Post, New Zealand Lotteries Commission and KiwiRail, and we are members of NZTech, which connects, promotes and advances the New Zealand Tech sector to help the economy grow.

We advise on the contracting, introduction and implementation of ICT solutions including software licensing, development, configuration and integration of on-premise or managed solutions. Our clients are adopters of agile methodologies and we work with them to manage associated risks and challenges, while maximising the benefits of our clients working in real-time and more collaboratively with their technology providers.

We advise on outsourcing transactions (including the related asset and personnel transfer), as service solutions and the risk management framework to be able to successfully rely on such offerings, and commercialisation of intellectual property.

Where legal issues arise, our team assists with resolution of the disputes at all levels, including through negotiations, mediation, arbitration or court proceedings. Our specialist litigators work closely with our contracting team to advise clients on all aspects of the dispute, recognising that optimal outcomes are multi-faceted.

The financial services sector has been one of the most responsive to developments in technology. FinTech services are now big business; and providers and users of services alike need legal advisers who are well versed in the complexities of the sector. Bringing together tech savvy practitioners with financial expertise we offer strategic solutions that FinTech clients need. For further information please refer to our FinTech page.

As data storage and use move to cloud platforms, both onshore and offshore, clients look to us to assist with the legal frameworks for data management and security, including privacy considerations.

Effective cybersecurity is no longer optional and is a key focus area for both boards and management, as well as regulators. We help clients manage legal issues around governance and corporate liability, data management and security, privacy, escrow, insurance, regulatory requirements and with investigations into internal or external cybersecurity breaches.

Emerging technologies are setting a fast and exciting pace of change, but also posing challenging legal and regulatory questions. We advise technology-focused companies of all sizes throughout their business lifecycle, from setting up a company and understanding tax and employment law issues to negotiating key procurement and supply contracts, raising capital, investing in technology businesses and navigating complex regulatory issues. For further information please refer to our Emerging Technology page.

The telecommunications industry faces many unique legal challenges and we have the skills and industry specific knowledge to offer specialised advice for the telecommunications sector, including in the development and roll out of new services, construction of capacity, and outsourcing solutions.

Our integrated team also offers advice on regulatory, competition and public law issues in the telecommunications industry. If required, we also offer specialist litigation and dispute resolution services.

Further, we advise on advertising issues relating to the Fair Trading Act, Consumer Finance Act, the Consumer Guarantees Act, and the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice.

Our experience includes advising/working with telecommunications providers, users/customers in the telecommunications sector, Crown agencies (including the Office of the Privacy Commissioner), etc.