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Technology

From start-ups to the largest tech firms, whether you're creating technology, using it to disrupt the market, or changing because of it, we are experts in the known and unknown, and everything in between.

 

Bristows has a rich history in technology.

We advised on laying the first transatlantic cable, and we have been at the forefront of developments ever since. We’re proud to represent many of the biggest names in the sector across a wide range of advisory, transactional and litigious matters.

Many of us have science or engineering backgrounds, some at doctorate level, so we can keep up with changes in technology, whatever they may be.

We also love what we do.

Whether your business is creating technology, transforming itself with technology, reshaping its industry or changing the world through technology, we have the lawyers to help you.

What does technology mean to you?


Are you...

Creating Technology?

These are the driving force behind the advancements that shape our lives, the businesses that bring new technologies to life. From coding complex software to developing AI models and designing hardware, the technology creators are the engine of innovation that propels the industry forward. Whatever the technology, the leading players seek us out for our expertise.
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Transforming with Technology?

These are forward-thinking businesses embracing technology to unlock new opportunities or, in some cases, to survive. By implementing digital transformation projects and partnerships, they streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and deliver additional value to their stakeholders. Whatever the reason, we’re excited to help them on all aspects of their strategy.
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Disrupting with Technology?

New entrants are shaking up every market, from banking to healthcare and taxis to takeaways. These are the businesses revolutionising their sectors by harnessing the power of technology to rewrite the rules, challenge traditional models and redefine what's possible. We have the skills and experience to help them on their journey.
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Trending tech

Explore our insights and expertise in just some of the most innovative areas of technology which are changing the way we live and do business.

Insights

Resources

Our team of tech law experts often share their knowledge and insights either at events or in annual publications and article series.

Tech blog

Key contacts

The depth of our expertise in the technology sector is matched by its breadth. We have specialists across all our practice groups, so we can support you whatever your legal requirements.

What others say

“Pragmatic approach to support the client needs.”

Legal 500 2025

“They don’t simply bill for the hours they’ve worked. Instead, they evaluate whether those hours were reasonable and whether we, as their client, have derived sufficient value from them. If they feel that the value delivered doesn’t align with the hours billed, they’re more than willing to adjust the fee to ensure our satisfaction.”

Legal 500 2025

“They possess an excellent understanding of our industry, and technology in particular, which sets them apart. While being a full-service law firm, they also embody the personalised attention and specialised expertise typically associated with boutique firms.”

Legal 500 2025

“Known for its life sciences, pharma and engineering expertise, the team at Bristows LLP is praised by clients for its depth of commercial knowledge and ‘impeccable service’. Wielding specialist proficiency in regulatory issues such as intellectual property rights, competition and tax law, and data protection, the group are able to handle the full range of commercial issues.”

Legal 500 2025

“They offer an excellent service – good and pragmatic/commercial legal advice coupled with good client-relationship management.”

Legal 500 2025

“Very good at the intersection of commercial and IP disputes – and a dynamic, friendly and efficient team.”

Legal 500 2025

“Great sector knowledge and technical legal know-how for traditional and new media.”

Legal 500 2025

‘They provide a Rolls Royce service, working with the top barristers in the field to ensure a positive outcome for their client in litigation.”

Legal 500 2025

“Particularly strong on online publications where the firm has a wealth of technical expertise.”

Legal 500 2025

“The reputation management team at Bristows is exceptional. They are intensely focused, always practical, and have an excellent ability to keep an eye on the overall direction of travel of case while being right across the detail.”

Legal 500 2025

“One of the few firms with the ability to offer advice across the spectrum, from defamation to data privacy. They have a stellar data protection practice which is now supplemented with a genuinely excellent media and reputation management team.”

Legal 500 2025

“Highly responsive, with deep expertise in AI and the multiple complex product areas that intersect in counselling AI products.”

Legal 500 2025

“The TMT team is a market leader. As a team the market experience is exceptional across the board. But it is the positive and creative way in which this team works with the wider team which is exceptional. Everyone’s input is encouraged and valued such that clients feel involved but looked after. As everyone’s capabilities are allowed to flourish, across the team there is a focus on the commercial significance of the dispute but also on the legal niceties. The team have both the resources and skills necessary to manage substantial litigation and arbitration approaching such disputes with good humour, hard work and creativity.”

Legal 500 2025

“Excellent service with qualified staff who are always available. They are friendly and far superior to other law firms, always remaining focused on practical solutions rather than lengthy legal advice.”

Legal 500 2025

“They are commercial, organised and flexible. All team members are pleasant to work with.”

Legal 500 2025

“Bristows have executed all of our recent transactions flawlessly and provided impeccable advice.”

Legal 500 2025

“Great partner time and easy to work with.”

Legal 500 2025

“An extremely pragmatic team with a willingness to understand the key elements of the transaction for and adjust the way of working to make sure we could close the deal in the tight timing that we had available.”

Legal 500 2025

“Professional, always available, knowledgeable, and skilled.”

Legal 500 2025

“The team have both the resources and skills necessary to manage substantial litigation and arbitration, approaching such disputes with good humour, hard work, and creativity.”

Legal 500 2025

“Their IT and telecoms team is a market leader. Their market experience is exceptional across the board, everyone’s input is encouraged and valued such that clients feel involved, but looked after.”

Legal 500 2025

“They have a clear understanding of what our business wants to achieve and that underpins all their advice. They know when to involve the business stakeholders and are able to tailor their approach to that audience and suggest solutions that take key business drivers into account.”

Chambers and Partners 2024

“Bristows has a comprehensive IT practice with powerful resources for major commercial transactions and complex litigation. It advises many of the world’s leading technology companies, and also sophisticated blue-chip buyers of IT services. It is especially adept at providing counsel on the most current and cutting-edge issues in the technology space. Bristows houses experienced advisers on digital advertising and cloud computing matters.”

Chambers and Partners 2024

“Bristows is our go-to firm for any complex or high-value technology work. The team is accessible, responsive and incredibly knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.”

Legal 500 2024

“Excellent legal skills, combined with a good sector knowledge and a hands-on approach, make Bristows a very useful resource.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“Commercial awareness is definitely one of Bristows’ strong points. Team members’ prior in-house experience shows. It is great to receive advice that is commercially balanced and easily understood by all functions of our business.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“Even in the event the requests were a bit outside of telecom regulations, the firm were able to assist with providing an exhaustive response to all enquiries. They always responded within the quoted review time and usually exceeded expectations.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“All team members have very deep experience in different fields of expertise. They understand what kind of level of response a client needs before wasting money on long reports, which is very much appreciated. On top of this, they provide updates on UK case law that are very helpful.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“They’re very commercial and good at dealing with clients.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“Bristows has a comprehensive IT practice with powerful resources for major commercial transactions and complex litigation. It advises many of the world’s leading technology companies, and also sophisticated blue-chip buyers of IT services. It is especially adept at providing counsel on the most current and cutting-edge issues in the technology space.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

Recent rankings and awards

FinTech Legal: Data Protection & Cyber Security - Band 1

Data Protection (Europe wide) - Band 3

Technology Sector (International & Cross-Border) - Band 2

Data Protection in Global: Multi-Jurisdictional - Band 3

Data Protection (Europe wide) - Band 3

Information Technology and Outsourcing - Band 1

Telecommunications - Band 4

Information Technology and Outsourcing - Band 1

Data Protection and Information Law - Band 1

IT and Telecoms - Tier 1

Data Protection, Privacy and Cybersecurity - Tier 1

Technology, Media & Telecoms - Tier 2

Media & entertainment: Gaming, social media & interactive content - Band 3

Fintech - Tier 3

Fintech - Band 5

Information Technology - Band 1

Outsourcing - Band 1

Technology Sector (International & Cross-border ) - Band 1