Buckworths works with app, software, and technology start-ups and scale-ups across the UK. Technology businesses face specific legal challenges around IP ownership, software licensing, data protection, and investor readiness, and we have the expertise to address them all.
We advise on software development agreements, app licensing, SaaS agreements, maintenance contracts, escrow arrangements, and systems integration. We draft website terms and conditions, e-commerce terms, and UK GDPR-compliant privacy notices. We advise on outsourcing IT functions and managing business process outsourcing arrangements.
For IP protection, we advise on trademark registration, copyright ownership in software, and technology licensing. We advise on data protection compliance and cybersecurity governance. For tech businesses seeking investment, we handle SEIS and EIS advance assurance, VC funding rounds, and all related investment documentation. We also advise on employment contracts, EMI share schemes, and staff incentives for technology teams.
Book a free consultation to discuss your technology business.
Our Services
- Commercial
- Commercial Property
- Corporate
- Data Protection
- Dispute Resolution
- Employee Incentivisation
- Employment
- Franchising
- Funding
- General Counsel
- Intellectual Property
- Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
- Regulatory Services
- Secretarial Services
- Strategy and Business Support
FAQs
IP created by employees in the course of their employment belongs to the company. IP created by contractors or freelancers belongs to them unless there is a written assignment to the company. This is one of the most common issues we see in technology start-ups seeking investment: developers engaged as contractors who have not signed IP assignments. We audit IP ownership and put the necessary agreements in place.
A SaaS business needs a SaaS agreement governing the terms on which customers access the software, a data processing agreement covering GDPR obligations, a privacy policy, and a cookie policy. If you use resellers or channel partners, you also need reseller agreements. We draft all of these for technology start-ups and scale-ups.
Yes, if your app collects or processes personal data about users. This includes user accounts, location data, usage data, and any other information that identifies an individual. The requirements include a privacy policy, a cookie policy, a data processing agreement with any third-party processors, and compliance with data subject rights. We advise technology businesses on their specific GDPR obligations.