Digital Economy

Essential for digitalisation

Digital infrastructure is at the heart of digitalisation. Its importance is growing, but traditional business models (and margins) are being challenged – be it in towers, fibre, undersea cable, data centres or the internet of things. This is spurring a wide range of deals, from new roll-outs and partnerships, to financings and mergers and acquistions.

Innovation

We can help you develop your digital strategy, exploiting new developments in technology, communications and data, while maximising value and mitigating threats. Our Digital Infrastructure team combines corporate, commercial, regulatory, finance, construction and digital infrastructure experts with other specialist lawyers from across our network. This group has direct experience of working together on digital infrastructure transactions across the globe.

Holistic legal solutions

In today's increasingly regulated and digital environment, Ashurst's data practice will help you navigate the challenges of privacy compliance by providing holistic, practical and commercial legal solutions. Our expert team have in-depth global experience in developing data protection frameworks and assessments of data protection compliance and supporting clients on highly complex data transfer queries and preparation of transfer impact assessments. We advise on all aspects of data privacy including data regulation, data governance and data commercialisation, advising on issues arising from new technologies and regularly advise on privacy issues concerning AI and machine learning, digital platforms and digital identity. We are also there when things go wrong and can help you manage cyber risks and respond effectively to cybersecurity incidents and data breaches.

Valuing data as an asset

By embracing the perspective of considering data as a valuable asset, numerous possibilities arise to enhance revenue, elevate customer experience, accelerate the launch of new business ventures, and much more. Importantly, the breadth of our expertise enables us not only to assist our clients navigating the shifing challenges of compliance, but also to pusue new data-related opportunities emerging from the evolving data and technology ecosystems.

Practical experience gained through real-world experience

We support our client with pragmatic advice, gained through real-world experience navigating cyber incidents, ransomware events and high impact crises. We are unique, in our capability and experience in providing holistic cyber legal solutions utilising the combined strengths of our legal, consulting and delivery teams. The proficiency of our incident response team expedites the recuperation process in the aftermath of ransomware, data breaches and cyber attacks.

Helping you prevent breaches and respond to incidents

Our global data breach team have experience in dealing with and advising on privacy, reputation, regulatory, director's duties and other risk issues in relation to a variety of cyber threats. Our consulting team have deep expertise in developing strategic cyber risk programs to build cyber resilience, testing executive readiness and cyber Board reporting and governance. While our delivery team execute forensic investigations utilising technology in the identification and analysis of digital evidence.

Staying ahead of the curve

At Ashurst, we acknowledge the significant impact that fast-evolving technological advancements such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy technologies and robotics are having on our clients' business models, growth strategies and daily decision-making processes. While these technological changes present both opportunities and risks, our global Digital Economy team offers integrated and dynamic tech law advice to help clients stay ahead of the curve and outpace the rapid pace of change.

Cutting through the complexities

Ashurst cuts through the complexities to deliver practical commercial solutions to address your legal problems. Our wide-ranging expertise places us in an advantageous position to assist companies operating in sectors undergoing significant change and disruption, such as fintech, infratech and proptech. The group comprises digital experts who work hand in hand with our sector experts and lawyers in all legal disciplines and across our global network.

Digitisation encouraging deals

We possess the expertise to safeguard the value of a technology acquisition, joint venture, collaboration agreement, or capital raising, which may involve intellectual property, talent, data, or an innovative business model. In a fiercely competitive market where the best technology assets are in high demand, we know how to act swiftly and decisively. Our team will conduct a rapid assessment of the legal and regulatory aspects that could impact the long-term value of your investment or the success of your exit, instilling confidence in your decision-making.

Innovative advice for transactions across multiple jurisdictions

We work with public and private organisations of all sizes and at all stages of growth to execute transactions. We also advise institutional investors with fundraising, regulatory and investment activities. Our global team comprises of M&A and antitrust lawyers, IP and data experts, and lawyers with decades of experience working within government agencies that play an increasingly pivotal role in technology transactions.

Streamlining processes in the Digital Economy

In the era of technology-driven businesses, harnessing the advantages of technology is more crucial than ever before. Effective outsourcing and procurement are critical for businesses to control costs, develop and implement their core business strategies, and maximise the efficiency of support functions. Our technology lawyers possess extensive experience in handling strategic matters, intricate technology contracts, intellectual property and software commercialisation, digitalisation, and IT transformation. Our team has a strong track record of working seamlessly with our clients' project teams and adopting a hands-on approach to closing deals. This experience has provided us with valuable insights into the key factors that contribute to the success of large IT projects.

High profile commercial experience

Ashurst has a global team of lawyers focused on drafting and negotiating all types of commercial contracts. These include outsourcing and other service provision agreements; joint venture, strategic relationship, franchise and agency arrangements; and supply and manufacturing contracts; and cloud based service model arrangements. Our team proactively digitalises contracts, enabling businesses to streamline processes, store contracts securely and effectively manage contract portfolios.

New challenges for all media participants

The media and entertainment industry is undergoing constant evolution at an unrelenting pace, where digital technology and globalized content have given rise to a dynamic and tumultuous marketplace full of potential opportunities spanning broadcasting, print, social media, gaming, and the internet. We can assist clients in harnessing those opportunities both locally and globally.

A full-service media law practice

Ashurst has a full-service media law practice and acts for a range of prominent media organisations as well as government and corporate clients. Our team of media and entertainment lawyers possesses a strong track record of success collaborating with major industry players, providing an integrated and effective approach to achieving our clients' goals. We have experience in all media law issues, including pre-publication advice, copyright, broadcasting, media and communications regulatory issues, licensing and commercial transactions and litigation.

Dealing with contentious legal issues

As organisations increasingly collaborate with technology firms to digitalise systems and processes, the likelihood of disputation also increases so it is crucial to seek early input from experts to facilitate prompt resolution. Technology disputes can stem from contract claims, misleading or deceptive conduct, negligence, copyright, equitable claims and licensing issues.

Achieving the optimal outcome

Ashurst can help you manage technology disputes to optimise outcomes and minimise costs. Our technology dispute resolution team possess in-depth understanding of the market, as well as the technical and commercial factors that drive it, enabling them to rapidly address the underlying issues without delay. Our team assesses and prepares evidence in technology disputes. They also work closely with our information technology contracts team, enabling a matter to move seamlessly from dispute negotiations to settlement.