How can we help?
To access legal support from just £145 per hour arrange your no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your business requirements.
Business Legal Services
IT & Commercial Technology Law
Maximise the effectiveness of technology across your business, as a provider or end user, with commercially astute legal advice from our specialist commercial technology and IT solicitors.
Whether you’re updating company-wide software, developing a video game, or undertaking ground breaking research, we’ll take the complexity out of the related legal matters so you can get back to business. We’ll help you protect your IP rights, manage your contractual relationships, safeguard sensitive information, support innovative product development, and at all times, keep you compliant.
Commercial technology services
Legal support for technology and IT businesses
Our solicitors can support your business in all legal matters relating to technology and IT, including:
Protect your interests with sound advice from commercial technology solicitors
We recognise that development in commercial technology and IT is rapid, so circumstances and projects can change quickly. Our IT solicitors possess the expertise and resources to anticipate and react to your needs and can offer you cost-effective advice on a variety of issues, including:
SaaS agreements
We can provide you with a comprehensive legal review of the terms of the agreement, conducting thorough due diligence of the provider to ensure you’re protected and getting the very best out of the relationship.
Cloud services agreements
We’ll carefully negotiate and draft your agreement, detailing service levels, obligations, and your right to terminate, also making sure you comply with the platform providers’ requirements while minimising risk to your business.
Software licensing and end user licensing
We’ll carefully draft your license agreements so that you successfully prevent abuses of your software, keep control over its use, limit your liabilities and, put terms in place that will protect your business and suit your future plans.
Procurement
Whatever software, hardware or systems you need to introduce to your business, we can review any boilerplate agreements you’ve been presented with by your supplier and make sure that the necessary adaptations are made to terms so that you get exactly what you require.
Technological research and development and collaboration agreements
We can produce an agreement that clearly defines each party’s obligations, limitations, and ownership so that roles are clearly defined, helping you avoid costly disputes later on.
Protecting and commercialising your intellectual property
Our intellectual property specialists will provide a clear route to protect your IP, and where appropriate, uncover the right opportunities to commercialise assets to benefit your business.
Ecommerce and Distance selling regulations
Whether it’s via phone, mail or online transactions, we’ll ensure you comply with The Consumer Rights Act and have the right terms and conditions in place to protect you.
Cyber security
By assessing potential risk to your business, we’ll help you put the right cyber resilience protocols in place, build incident response plans, and make sure you comply with the relevant legislation.
Data protection
Our specialists will ensure your processes align with current data protection law and GDPR, with comprehensive audits, staff training, and data breach prevention and management.
Outsourcing
We’ll ensure that any established outsourcing agreements are carefully reviewed and adapted and that any early stage negotiations with a new provider are fit for purpose, while also considering exit provisions, such as the right to step in, should the supplier be unable to perform.
Video game and app development
From development agreements, to intellectual property considerations, distribution agreements, and regulatory compliance, we can support you at every stage in video game or app development, so that you protect your assets, safely distribute your product, and abide by current regulations.
Fintech
We’ll guide you through the regulatory minefield that you’ll have to navigate as part of the Fintech sector, helping you manage risk effectively, taking a wider view of your business so that we can also support you with the accompanying data protection, intellectual property, and contractual considerations as you scale.
Why work with a specialist commercial tech and IT solicitor?
Protect your innovation
If you’re in the business of developing a product or service that is not yet seen elsewhere or will undoubtedly see commercial competition, it’s worth investing heavily in its protection. Our IP specialists will be able to advise you on the best course of action when it comes to protecting your assets, and beyond that, will also advise you on the best way to commercialise your technology, taking your business to that next level.
Get exactly what you need from providers
Relying on third party providers means putting an element of your business in their hands. Whether that’s IT systems, data storage, or working with developers, you need to ascertain obligations and levels of responsibility to protect your business. Our commercial technology experts will give you peace of mind, knowing that they have your best interests and objectives in mind throughout all commercial negotiations.
Minimise risk
Through careful consideration of your current processes, risk assessment, and application of legislation, we can ensure that you comply with regulations in your sector. From refining your data storage procedures, to limiting your liability as part of commercial negotiations, and helping you protect innovative products – our aim is to reduce the risk of sanctions that could disrupt your business.
Stay compliant
The last thing you want slowing you down is having to decipher your obligations when it comes to regulatory and legislative compliance. We have the experience to make sure you comply with the regulations that apply to your business, so that you can spend more time successfully managing it.
Legal support commercialising new technologies with carefully drafted contracts
We can also help with the drafting and reviewing of all commercial contracts required for your tech business to progress:
- IT contracts and agreements
- Distribution agreements and reseller agreements
- Enterprise agreements
- Sub-contracting agreements
- Affiliate agreements
- Professional service agreements including transformations, installations, and migrations
- Managed service agreements including break/fix and service desk agreements
- Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
- Escrow agreements
- Heads of terms/memoranda of understanding
- Privacy policies
- Software and hardware development agreements
- Terms of business
- Website audits, hosting, development, and terms agreements
Who we help: Fast-growing technology companies
We work with software companies, video game developers, ISPs, fintech, biotech companies, and leading international tech businesses. Our team of commercial technology lawyers are expert legal advisers to growing technology companies and have particular experience in the fields of IT, telecommunications, energy and utilities, and e-commerce, with a large number of our clients operating in these sectors.
Testimonials
What our clients say
Harper James are our trusted legal adviser and having them by our side at key moments in our business growth, knowing we are protected, is immensely reassuring.
Chris Mason
CEO,
Namos Solutions
The extend service we get from Harper James allows us to combine their expertise with that of our own in-house counsel. It means we can get quick and trustworthy legal advice from specialists in every legal area, as and when we need it. There are no hidden extras and the service we have received has always demonstrated an awareness of our fast-moving commercial requirements.
Amelia Guilfoyle
Head of legal,
Zoopla
Having the Extend plan with Harper James gives us constant access to leading legal experts across the areas of law we need to keep growing our business. I’m convinced no one delivers better service or beatable value.
Paul Hutton
CEO,
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions
For us, the support of Harper James Solicitors has been a gift. The collaboration we have had has been of tremendous importance. The service has been superb value for money.
Iraklis Bourantas
COO,
Novoville
We often need legal advice quickly, especially during sales with new customers, and Rob is very responsive and always available for meetings. When I was looking for a law firm, I wanted that full range of services, as I knew we’d need advice outside of the tech remit. The flexibility has been really positive.
Ivan Harding
CEO and Co-Founder,
Applaud
Knowing you have that level of legal support enables any new business to be able to move forward with more confidence. With Harper James we have that - and more.
Julian Cook
CEO and Co-Founder,
Howamigoing
Harper James removes the stress for us. I know that we can get advice quickly, without some sort of golden clock being turned on when you pick up the phone. This means we can focus on running the business.
Tom Davenport
Co-Founder,
TalentPool
Harper James solicitors don’t speak in the legalese which I have heard too many times from other solicitors and which is totally unhelpful. What I’m after is focused, considered advice about the specific situations that I face. By which I mean, do you think this is a good idea? Their response might be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. One word is often all I’m looking for! My solicitor gives a view and I really value that.
Tom Davenport
MD & Co-Founder,
Alvius
We initially turned to Harper James for help in one part of our business but quickly realised we could benefit from their support in other areas too. The level of service has been impressive. What I like about Harper James is they seem to take a proactive approach to legal services provision. They’ve looked at our business and made suggestions as to areas where they can best focus their support and expertise. It is reassuring to have a legal services provider like that working alongside you.
Heidi Ayton
Chief of Compliance,
Croud
Sarah was incredibly responsive to my e-mails and was accurate with rough timelines for completion. She was also very approachable and down to earth on an agreement that contains a lot of jargon and isn't that user friendly for people from a non legal background. She also took the time to get to know the purpose the document will be used for to make it accurate and legally binding.
Steph Darrah
Business Development Manager,
Playtonic Limited
Harper James has been invaluable. They drafted the relevant agreements and gave us sound legal advice in an area that we did not have prior experience in. As a start-up, having advice and feedback from an organisation that specialises in early-stage enterprises was instrumental in us having the confidence to push forward with our product
Dean Bryan
Co-Founder,
Yyoma
It's been fantastic - I've worked with 3 lawyers to date (commercial, incentive, employment) and all three have been very competent in their areas.
The value for money is unbeatable - I have already recommended it to another start up who plans to reach out shortly.
Colin Blakely
Head of Finance,
Qargo Tech Limited
Excellent service. Expert, high quality advice that I have real confidence in. Timely. Good communication and friendly/easy to work with.
Andrew Chalmers
CEO,
CiteAb Limited
Fast, efficient and pragmatic advise! Excellent advise delivered quickly, over the weekend when needed such as with the recent SVB debacle.
Anna Fraser-Harris
CFO,
MyDidimo UK
Often we challenge the Harper James team with tough questions around commercial relationships and evolving law in deep technology, generative AI, and the like. We always receive thoughtful perspective and partnership in navigating our growth and protecting our business.
Veronica Orvalho
Founder and CEO,
Didimo
We love Dave Sant. He’s super efficient, clear and understands our business.
Aela Callan
Co-founder,
Head Set Immersive Ltd
Super efficient service and June was a delight to work with.
Carol Evans
Director,
Harwood Brittain Technology
Harper James are our trusted legal adviser and having them by our side at key moments in our business growth, knowing we are protected, is immensely reassuring.
Chris Mason
CEO,
Namos Solutions
The extend service we get from Harper James allows us to combine their expertise with that of our own in-house counsel. It means we can get quick and trustworthy legal advice from specialists in every legal area, as and when we need it. There are no hidden extras and the service we have received has always demonstrated an awareness of our fast-moving commercial requirements.
Amelia Guilfoyle
Head of legal,
Zoopla
Having the Extend plan with Harper James gives us constant access to leading legal experts across the areas of law we need to keep growing our business. I’m convinced no one delivers better service or beatable value.
Paul Hutton
CEO,
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions
For us, the support of Harper James Solicitors has been a gift. The collaboration we have had has been of tremendous importance. The service has been superb value for money.
Iraklis Bourantas
COO,
Novoville
We often need legal advice quickly, especially during sales with new customers, and Rob is very responsive and always available for meetings. When I was looking for a law firm, I wanted that full range of services, as I knew we’d need advice outside of the tech remit. The flexibility has been really positive.
Ivan Harding
CEO and Co-Founder,
Applaud
Knowing you have that level of legal support enables any new business to be able to move forward with more confidence. With Harper James we have that - and more.
Julian Cook
CEO and Co-Founder,
Howamigoing
Harper James removes the stress for us. I know that we can get advice quickly, without some sort of golden clock being turned on when you pick up the phone. This means we can focus on running the business.
Tom Davenport
Co-Founder,
TalentPool
Harper James solicitors don’t speak in the legalese which I have heard too many times from other solicitors and which is totally unhelpful. What I’m after is focused, considered advice about the specific situations that I face. By which I mean, do you think this is a good idea? Their response might be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. One word is often all I’m looking for! My solicitor gives a view and I really value that.
Tom Davenport
MD & Co-Founder,
Alvius
We initially turned to Harper James for help in one part of our business but quickly realised we could benefit from their support in other areas too. The level of service has been impressive. What I like about Harper James is they seem to take a proactive approach to legal services provision. They’ve looked at our business and made suggestions as to areas where they can best focus their support and expertise. It is reassuring to have a legal services provider like that working alongside you.
Heidi Ayton
Chief of Compliance,
Croud
Sarah was incredibly responsive to my e-mails and was accurate with rough timelines for completion. She was also very approachable and down to earth on an agreement that contains a lot of jargon and isn't that user friendly for people from a non legal background. She also took the time to get to know the purpose the document will be used for to make it accurate and legally binding.
Steph Darrah
Business Development Manager,
Playtonic Limited
Harper James has been invaluable. They drafted the relevant agreements and gave us sound legal advice in an area that we did not have prior experience in. As a start-up, having advice and feedback from an organisation that specialises in early-stage enterprises was instrumental in us having the confidence to push forward with our product
Dean Bryan
Co-Founder,
Yyoma
It's been fantastic - I've worked with 3 lawyers to date (commercial, incentive, employment) and all three have been very competent in their areas.
The value for money is unbeatable - I have already recommended it to another start up who plans to reach out shortly.
Colin Blakely
Head of Finance,
Qargo Tech Limited
Excellent service. Expert, high quality advice that I have real confidence in. Timely. Good communication and friendly/easy to work with.
Andrew Chalmers
CEO,
CiteAb Limited
Fast, efficient and pragmatic advise! Excellent advise delivered quickly, over the weekend when needed such as with the recent SVB debacle.
Anna Fraser-Harris
CFO,
MyDidimo UK
Often we challenge the Harper James team with tough questions around commercial relationships and evolving law in deep technology, generative AI, and the like. We always receive thoughtful perspective and partnership in navigating our growth and protecting our business.
Veronica Orvalho
Founder and CEO,
Didimo
We love Dave Sant. He’s super efficient, clear and understands our business.
Aela Callan
Co-founder,
Head Set Immersive Ltd
Super efficient service and June was a delight to work with.
Carol Evans
Director,
Harwood Brittain Technology
Why choose Harper James Solicitors?
Our commercial technology lawyers’ expertise spans several legal practice areas, so whatever legal advice you need, we have a solicitor with experience advising technology businesses, able to deal with your needs quickly and cost-effectively.
We advise on protecting and commercialising technology innovations and taking action against online and offline infringements around the world. And we specialise in supporting start-ups and scale-ups. Our aim is to partner with ambitious businesses that would normally find legal support inaccessible and provide them with the legal guidance they need to advance. Our integrated services also mean that you won’t just have the technology team to guide you. With our unique subscription pricing model, you’ll also be able to access our other legal services when you need them.
Find out more about the commercial technology team here:
Pricing and service plans
Legal support designed
to fit your business needs
Our three transparent service plans are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
Engage
Flexible access to senior solicitors at highly competitive rates
An alternative to our subscription plans, offering access to full service legal expertise on a project-by-project basis.
Enable
Purpose built legal support for start-ups and smaller businesses
Monthly subscription plan for £215 per month, with £145 monthly credit and access to all legal services at 50% discount on our Standard Rates.
Extend
Comprehensive legal partnership for established businesses
Fully account managed and scalable annual subscription plan with support from a curated team of partners and senior solicitors, with up to 34% discount on our Standard Rates.