What is outsourcing in a legal context?

Outsourcing involves contracting a third party to handle services or functions previously performed in-house. We help ensure contracts are clear, fair and protect your interests.

What is included in a technology procurement agreement?

A technology procurement agreement sets out the terms for acquiring hardware, software or IT services. It typically covers the scope of work, technical specifications, delivery timelines, pricing, and payment terms. It also includes important legal protections such as warranties, liability clauses, termination rights, and governing law. Where relevant, the agreement should address data security, confidentiality, and service level agreements (SLAs), particularly in cloud-based or managed service arrangements.

What are the legal risks of cloud services and SaaS?

Cloud and SaaS contracts raise issues around data ownership, security, service levels, and liability. Our lawyers advise on negotiating terms that protect your data and minimise business risk.

How can I protect IP developed during a tech project?

We draft contracts to clearly define IP ownership, ensuring your business retains control over any inventions, code, or materials created by developers, partners or suppliers.

Can existing outsourcing contracts be amended without rewriting everything?

Yes. We work with clients to make targeted amendments to reflect commercial changes while preserving the existing framework, minimising disruption to ongoing business relationships.

What’s involved in a software development contract?

A development agreement should outline scope, delivery milestones, timeline, payment terms, testing, and IP ownership. We tailor these agreements to the specific development method and business priorities.

Home / Expertise / Commercial / Outsourcing and technology

Outsourcing and technology legal support

FAQs Contact us

Our specialist outsourcing and technology lawyers support businesses across a range of sectors with the design, negotiation and delivery of complex commercial and IT arrangements.

From cloud services and software development to outsourcing business-critical functions, our team of experienced solicitors will help you protect your interests while enabling the long-term growth and success of your business.

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Helping you navigate complex technology projects

Technology and outsourcing projects often involve multiple layers of contracts, risk allocation, and shifting technical requirements. Our team brings legal expertise and commercial understanding to ensure your agreements are robust, scalable, and future-proofed.

We act for both suppliers and customers across the technology, media and telecoms (TMT) sector as well as businesses that rely heavily on technology for service delivery, internal systems or customer engagement.

Our expertise

Outsourcing agreements >

Technology procurement and integration >

Software development agreements >

Licensing and distribution >

Cloud services and SaaS >

Intellectual property and technology transfers >

Data protection and regulatory compliance >

Contract re-negotiation and amendments >

Software licensing strategy >

E-commerce and digital services >

Software disputes and enforcement >

Outsourcing agreements

We advise on the drafting, negotiation and review of outsourcing contracts, helping clients manage risk and secure key commercial terms. We regularly support multi-million pound projects, including those in the defence and security sectors.

Technology procurement and integration

Our team supports the procurement of technology solutions, including integration into your operations and ongoing support or maintenance arrangements; particularly under the “service integration” model.

Software development agreements

We advise on software development contracts, whether under traditional waterfall models or agile methodologies, ensuring clarity around deliverables, timelines, and ownership of IP.

Licensing and distribution

We handle the commercial, legal, and strategic issues around licensing and distribution of software and technology products, including drafting and negotiating licensing agreements.

Cloud services and SaaS

We advise on cloud-based solutions, including Software as a Service (SaaS) models. With strong experience in this growing area, we help clients navigate risk, compliance, and contractual complexity in the cloud.

Intellectual property and technology transfers

We advise on technology transfers, IP licensing, and the assignment of patents and know-how. We ensure you protect and retain ownership of any IP created during your technology projects, including by third parties.

Data protection and regulatory compliance

We help clients ensure their outsourcing contracts meet data protection and cybersecurity obligations, including under the UK GDPR. Missteps here can lead to serious legal and financial risks.

Contract re-negotiation and amendments

Our team supports contract updates and variations, maintaining core structures while introducing new terms where needed. This approach limits disruption and reflects commercial changes without unnecessary legal overhauls.

Software licensing strategy

We help clients assess whether to license software and advise on drafting clear and enforceable agreements to maximise commercial value while maintaining control over IP.

E-commerce and digital services

We support businesses delivering services online, including those operating in e-commerce, media, and platform-based models, ensuring contracts and terms of use are fit for purpose.

Software disputes and enforcement

We act in software licensing disputes, including counterfeit software and unauthorised use. Our experience ranges from negotiation to litigation, depending on the nature and severity of the issue.

FAQs

What is outsourcing in a legal context?

Outsourcing involves contracting a third party to handle services or functions previously performed in-house. We help ensure contracts are clear, fair and protect your interests.
What is included in a technology procurement agreement?

A technology procurement agreement sets out the terms for acquiring hardware, software or IT services. It typically covers the scope of work, technical specifications, delivery timelines, pricing, and payment terms. It also includes important legal protections such as warranties, liability clauses, termination rights, and governing law. Where relevant, the agreement should address data security, confidentiality, and service level agreements (SLAs), particularly in cloud-based or managed service arrangements.
What are the legal risks of cloud services and SaaS?

Cloud and SaaS contracts raise issues around data ownership, security, service levels, and liability. Our lawyers advise on negotiating terms that protect your data and minimise business risk.
How can I protect IP developed during a tech project?

We draft contracts to clearly define IP ownership, ensuring your business retains control over any inventions, code, or materials created by developers, partners or suppliers.
Can existing outsourcing contracts be amended without rewriting everything?

Yes. We work with clients to make targeted amendments to reflect commercial changes while preserving the existing framework, minimising disruption to ongoing business relationships.
What’s involved in a software development contract?

A development agreement should outline scope, delivery milestones, timeline, payment terms, testing, and IP ownership. We tailor these agreements to the specific development method and business priorities.

Contact us

Ann Critchell-Ward

Key contact

Ann is an Intellectual Property and Commercial Law specialist with over 20 years’ experience.

Phone

01926 732558

Email Address

ann.critchell-ward@wrighthassall.co.uk

meet the team

"Wright Hassall offer excellent overall performance. They listen to their clients' needs and respond accordingly. They are highly commercial and accurate in everything they do."

Chambers UK