Tech, IP & Digital Rights

Proptech and the law – interactive guide – ask us anything!

Welcome to our comprehensive, interactive video guide where we aim to address the most common questions regarding the intersection of law and proptech. This area is evolving very quickly and it is crucial to stay abreast of the latest developments and their implications. Whether you are facing specific issues within your business, or simply someone interested in understanding the legal aspects of proptech, this collection of frequently asked questions will provide you with valuable insights. From artificial intelligence and regulation to data privacy and IP rights, we have compiled a wide range of topics to cover the diverse aspects that may affect you. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of tech together. If any questions are not covered, please email us at simon.halberstam@smb.london.

Overview

We have specialist teams with expertise in Technology, IP and Broadcasting Rights. They are led by experts in their field with substantial industry experience and are supported by lawyers from throughout the firm in the Media, Corporate, Commercial and Finance teams, all of whom have sector experience.

Our clients include tech companies, digital agencies, retailers, financial institutions, brands, publishers, picture agencies and broadcasters. We advise on their commercial requirements and, through our Dispute Resolution and Media and Communications Disputes teams, act on their behalf to enforce their rights in the UK, Europe and internationally.

What we do

  • Data Protection

    We provide specialist data protection advice to companies, public bodies and business owners operating both in the UK and internationally.

    Our clients rely on us to guide them through their compliance obligations, how to manage and secure data, and how this links with privacy laws, public disclosure requirements and their ability to create, utilise and transfer data which they aggregate in all forms relating to their storage of information, their websites, and the publications they produce.

    We also have expertise in dealing with data and privacy disputes,  including acting for individuals whose data has been misused, and protecting businesses from a regulatory and reputation management perspective in response to data breaches.

  • Tech & Online

    We advise start-ups, scale-ups and listed companies, including digital agencies, UK publishers and media companies, web-based service companies and national charities.  We provide specialist advice from conventional tech and online advice to FinTech, EdTech and RetailTech, and cover the latest tech developments from bots to quantum computing.

    We have particular expertise in tech and online agreements, app development and managed services and advise on all aspects of consumer and business issues, as well as data protection.

    We work closely with tech entrepreneurs, founders, and senior management of established tech companies and advise on restructuring, employee share options, fundraising, and joint ventures as well as  helping them to negotiate exit and sale often to private equity houses, and US and other international investors.

    Simon Halberstam is head of the Technology team. His work is focused on the drafting and negotiation of contracts for those providing or procuring technology or digital services. He also acts in domain name disputes and advises on other aspects of Intellectual Property. In addition, he provides guidance to companies wishing to set up online gambling operations either in the UK or targeted at UK consumers.

    Partner, Raoul Lumb is a specialist commercial technology lawyer who has clients ranging from start-ups to listed multinational companies, including software developers, digital agencies, virtual reality producers, crowdfunding platforms and online gaming services. Raoul regularly appears on the BBC as an expert commentator on technology issues.

  • IP & Brand Protection

     

    Led by Maninder Gill, our team is a market leader in terms of acting for brands, retailers and rights owners in advising them on all aspects of IP and brand protection.  We offer deep industry experience in preparing all forms of commercial IP agreements, from licenses, sponsorship agreements and franchising to trademark registration, advice and enforcement.

    We are experienced in litigating in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC), including in the Small Claims Track, and have a successful track record in obtaining judgments quickly and cost efficiently.

    We work with clients both in the UK and globally and take action on their behalf to stop infringement, remove content from websites and other promotional materials, and to claim unpaid royalties.

    Our clients range from retailers, manufacturers and financial services firms, to celebrities, photographers, photographic agencies, and football clubs all of whom rely on us to protect their portfolios of IP assets.

  • Broadcasting & Content Distribution

    We are experts in advising on all aspects of broadcasting and content distribution.

    We advise media and sports clients on all forms of traditional and new media distribution. Recent work includes acting for major UK and overseas television platforms in channel carriage and content licence agreements and advising a major broadcast group upon its commercial strategy within the UK market.

    We have worked on tenders and assisted leading clients in the industry including Virgin Media, AMC Networks International, UKTV, Econet Media (a multi-platform Pay TV service in Africa) and TRT.

  • Retail, Franchising & Licensing

    We have a unique and leading practice that helps household-name brands build and develop national and international networks. Relying on cross-departmental strength, we act for top public schools, restaurant chains, fashion brands and retailers of all types at all stages of brand development.

    We also advise companies and public bodies domiciled in Singapore, Denmark, UAE, and China, in addition to a number of market-leading organisations based in the UK on cross-border matters.

    We have a team of industry experts with significant in-house experience, enabling us to give informed, pragmatic advice. Maninder Gill, head of the department, was previously Legal Director of a publishing powerhouse and a global luxury fashion store. He has niche franchising expertise in the specialist areas of publishing and education sectors, having franchised a number of leading publications and schools. Partner, Natalie Wright, has worked alongside retail clients for over ten years and is especially experienced in the beauty industry and in franchising.  Associates Raoul Lumb and Ben Ifrah advise on a range of licensing matters.

    The team are regularly called upon to speak at retail and franchising conferences in the UK and overseas.

  • Testimonials

    “Simons Muirhead Burton has very experienced and very capable senior lawyers, who are personally engaged with their clients.” Legal 500, 2023

    “The team is very strong and experienced and have repeatedly given very good advice on how to deal with disputes and challenges.” Legal 500, 2023

    “The team is unique because they react quickly, understandable, friendly and realistic. They are experts in the practice and know their competitors.” Legal 500, 2023

    “SMB team have a range of international partnerships that enables them to handle trade mark licensing work globally.” Legal 500, 2023

    “The firm is friendly, reliable and well-organised. Work was completed in a very timely manner and I felt entirely supported throughout the process. All correspondence was always responded to extremely quickly, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the firm to others.” Legal 500, 2023

    “We have always enjoyed a really strong working relationship with Simons Muirhead Burton. Billing is accurate and they always check in with us first before submitting their invoices. Their response and accessibility is second to none. They have a very good feel for our business and have finely tuned their advice based on this.” Legal 500, 2023

    “Simons Muirhead Burton has helped me significantly in all legal matters including copyright infringements.” Legal 500, 2022

    “Always easy to understand and they always get back to you – with solid advice!” Legal 500, 2022

    “Overall I would say that they have a unique blend of legal knowledge and commercial understanding which means that their advice is practical and pragmatic.” Legal 500, 2022

    “Attentive team that are always available round the clock. Billing is transparent.” Legal 500, 2022

  • ‘Exceptional level of engagement and commitment to client needs.’

    Legal 500, 2024
  • ‘The team has an excellent client service. Always reliable and actionable advice.’

    Legal 500, 2024
  • ‘SMB’s IP team is very experienced and has a nice personal touch. Trade mark applications are lodged and followed up on time and any issues are promptly resolved.’

    Legal 500, 2024