Technology
Overview
Cutting edge advice for creators and users
The technology sector is hugely important in Scotland and our team of technology lawyers represent companies at every stage of development – from entrepreneurial start ups and university spin outs with exciting products to consultancies providing technology services to large corporates who are users or resellers of technology products/services.
Businesses operating in the technology sphere encounter many of the same challenges as those in other sectors, however often the nature of your enterprise requires specialist knowledge of the world in which you operate.
You need specialist legal input from advisers who can combine knowledge of advances in the sector with commercial awareness and solution-driven problem solving. The growth and pace of innovation in the technology sector is rapid and the UK continues to be ahead of the game in particular areas. As legislation changes, it is more important than ever to obtain specialist commercial advice.
Our team brings together a multi-disciplinary group of lawyers with specific knowledge of working with clients in the technology sector. We can advise you on all aspects of your business, including: corporate; investment, banking and fundraising; and a full range of business legal services from employment law to intellectual property.
“Working with Harper Macleod was a pleasure due to the fact that they brought a great deal of prior experience to the table. They could take a considered outlook on critical business decisions, as well as providing pragmatic insights to achieve a great result. We enjoy working with an integrated firm that allow us to tap into different specialities that will enhance our business as we grow.”
Key contacts
Services
Key services
Artificial intelligence
Overview
From automated contacting processes, through monitoring and identification systems, to building design, financial services, transport, and beyond, the use of artificial intelligence in today’s society is becoming ever more persuasive. The development and deployment of AI systems brings with it a wealth of legal considerations, from systems development, through data use and protection, to liability and ownership. Within Harper Macleod we have worked with clients operating in the AI sector, through their entire life cycle.
We also act for those procuring and deploying AI driven systems. Advising upon AI has been at the forefront of out practice for over 10 years, not least through our extensive R&D practice area. In addition, we’ve advised regulators, government and foresighting specialists in this field. If you’re thinking about creating or using AI, then get in touch.
Corporate
Overview
Technology businesses are booming in Scotland, which is only set to continue with our ever increasing reliance on technology in our everyday lives. Protecting and commercialising technology at the earliest stage is key to technology businesses’ success, and we have therefore learned to be entrepreneurial and innovative in working with our clients to create solutions which work for their technology businesses.
Our technology team has vast experience of working with businesses at all stages of the business life cycle, from start ups through their high growth journeys to international expansion and ultimate exit. Each stage of growth presents its own challenges to your business, and we have the experience to guide businesses through these challenges with our large team of technology law experts.
Fin tech
Overview
Creative industries
Overview
IT & outsourcing
Overview
Medtech / life sciences
Overview
Working within the life sciences sector, we know what drives business. From the development of new products, through trials and testing, and to sale and supply, we’ve advised on every stage of taking something new to market. Our expertise and experience in regulatory matters is unmatched in Scotland, and we regularly help manage cross border compliance projects.
We have guided some of the largest operators in the sector, listed companies, governments and regulators, funders, and new developers, through a complex and changing landscape. We regularly act for both inward investors to Scotland, those seeking to enter and supply onto the UK and EU markets from abroad.
Our disputes practice has successfully dealt with a multitude of issues for clients, defending them with both legal and technical skill, in matters where an understanding of the science is key. If you’re already on the market, expanding, or thinking about entering, get in touch.
Public / 3rd sector
Overview
Satellite & space projects
Overview
Scotland has a dynamic and growing space sector, which focuses on a high-tech, high skill and R&D. We’re delighted to be supporting clients within the sector whether they be an entrepreneur, start-up, operator, manufacturer, space agency or satellite user and helping our clients achieve their business aims.
Our work includes advising on regulatory, licensing and market access issues, export controls, satellite broadcasting technology, mergers and acquisitions and disputes.
Work
Our work
Investment – venture capital
Investment – public/private
Technology licensing
Technology licensing
Licence and services supply
Investment – venture capital
Overview
We have advised Epidarex Capital, a life sciences venture capital fund, on the majority of their recent Scottish deals including their £3.1 million investment in Aberdeen University spin-out, Sirakoss Limited. Sirakoss develops technology that it believes will revolutionise the treatment of bone defects and fusions.
Epidarex led a syndicate of investors including the Scottish Investment Bank. We advised Epidarex Capital on the legal diligence and the entire investment process.
Investment – public/private
Overview
We advised Inquisitive Systems Ltd (trading as ZoneFox) in relation to a funding round of £450k from Archangel, TRI Cap and the Scottish Investment Bank (Scottish Co-Investment Fund). ZoneFox’s software monitors and records activity on its clients’ systems in order to detect possible security breaches in real time.
We advised the company on the investment documentation, liaising with the investors’ solicitors and ensuring that the transaction completed within the required time-scales.
Technology licensing
Overview
We advised a Scottish pipeline technologies company in its technology licensing and research & development engagement with a global partner.
The matter involved advising on patent protection and exploitation strategy and drafting patent licence and research & development documentation, covering multiple international territories.
Technology licensing
Overview
We have advised a technology firm on multiple licensing matters, developing style licensing documentation relating to the supply to customers of their cloud based data integrity solution.
We also advised in relation to their engagement with a key US healthcare industry data services provider, drafting and negotiating the software solution supply and licensing terms.
Licence and services supply
Overview
We advised on a cross-border, international patent licence and services supply arrangement, taking the deal from initial discussions through the negotiation of the licence and services agreement.
The technology concerned was protected under multiple patents, applied for and granted. There are particular territorial aspects of the arrangement, and key terms on minimum royalty, IP management and competitor engagement.
THE TEAM
“Harper Macleod have excellent knowledge within the IT sector. They always give excellent advice.”
“Harper Macleod provide comprehensive advice and assistance on various IT procurement and contractual issues.”
“They offer pragmatic and practical solutions to challenges and are a great resource for our business.”
“The team at Harper Macleod have provided advice and assistance on a range of IT procurement and contract-related issues. The advice and assistance provided has been comprehensive, informative and supported decision making on these issue. Also, the service provided was responsive, with information and guidance provided to meet project timescales.”
“Great industry knowledge and willingness to explore new technologies and their impacts. The knowledge and skills of the wider company also supports us as we grow our business here in the UK.”
“Thank you Paula & Natalie for your hard work in getting this fantastic deal over the line for us. We’ve been so impressed with the way you have both managed the process. This is a game-changer for us and will only lead to more growth and excitement and chapters for the R3 IoT story. You were both there at the start when we were just two guys with a plan and it’s your expert guidance that’s played a part in helping us get us to this point. I really want to thank you both face to face when we can.”
“Working with Harper Macleod was a pleasure due to the fact that they brought a great deal of prior experience to the table. They could take a considered outlook on critical business decisions, as well as providing pragmatic insights to achieve a great result. We enjoy working with an integrated firm that allow us to tap into different specialities that will enhance our business as we grow.”
“Jo and the Harper Macleod team were always available to support and provide sound advice. They operate as a partner and confidant to our business and have been great to work with. We have received quality advice within the agreed timescales and estimated costs. I would highly recommend them.”
Articles
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Our roundup of Glasgow Tech Week 2024
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Glasgow Tech Week – the rise of the technology B-Corp
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Glasgow Tech Week – understanding share options
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Glasgow Tech Week – is it worth the risk for technology businesses to use legal templates?
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Glasgow Tech Week – Tackling tech talent shortages
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Generative AI in the workplace
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