IT and telecommunication solicitors
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Contact our teamAdvice and guidance on all legal issues relating to IT and telecommunications
- In order to minimise risks when outsourcing IT, it is important that the relevant contract terms are drafted
- To make sure your terms and conditions are compliant with consumer legislation, a thorough understanding of social media and online business regulatory issues is imperative
- If you develop software or mobile apps, suitable limitation clauses and service levels must be in place
- If you are a telecommunications provider and/or reseller its advisable to seek expert advice on regulatory issues and agreements for the supply and purchase of telecommunications services.
As the law that applies to IT and telecommunications is complex, it is important to ensure that any disputes or issues related to IT services and integrated projects are dealt with before becoming a problem for you. Support from experts with a detailed understanding of the IT and telecommunications industry as well as knowledge of how to successfully drive a deal in this sector can help you successfully run your business.
What is telecommunications law?
Telecommunications law is a set of legal rules and regulations that govern the use of electronic communication technologies, such as telephones, radios, and the internet. It covers issues such as privacy, data protection, network neutrality, and competition in the telecommunications industry.
We can advise you on:
- IT services agreements
- Outsourcing and procurement arrangements
- Telecoms agreements and regulations
- Intellectual property , its creation, protection and enforcement
- Software development
- Distribution, agency and reseller agreements
- Social media and E-Commerce
- Data protection and privacy
- Emerging sectors such as data analytics and artificial intelligence
- Resolving disputes
IT services/outsourcing agreements/technology procurement
It is important that major risk areas are identified, and the relevant contract terms drafted to minimise those risks. With a track record for acting successfully on large projects where IT services or other outsourced services are involved, we can ensure the contract delivers what you expect.
Social media and e-commerce
A thorough understanding of social media and online business regulatory issues, website development and terms is important in ensuring that your terms and conditions are compliant with current consumer legislation: we can advise you on this together with data protection and privacy rules.
Software development and mobile apps
Ensuring that suitable limitation clauses and service levels are in place is important in helping protect you and your business.
We can advise you on the early negotiations, drafting Heads of Terms and the development process, including the need for clear, objective technical specifications, a suitable acceptance testing regime and having relevant warranties to back these up.
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Telecommunications
If you are a telecommunications provider and/or reseller we can advise you on regulatory issues and agreements for the supply and purchase of telecommunications services, including data services (Broadband, Superfast, FTTC, MPF, SMPF, Ethernet First Mile and Ethernet), hosted services, mobiles and equipment.
Dispute management
Disputes can be expensive and are always an unwelcome distraction to running the business. Taking legal advice at an early stage of a dispute is important, before parties become entrenched in their positions or, even worse, before any actions are taken that could mean legal rights are lost.
Our expertise in contracts means that we can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your position. We use negotiation, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to resolve disputes as cost-effectively as possible.
If resolution attempts are unsuccessful we can handle any formal litigation that is necessary to protect your interests.
Our experience
Our IT and telecommunications lawyers have extensive experience advising clients across a broad range of technology and digital infrastructure matters. We act for software developers, telecoms providers, digital platforms, managed service providers, and businesses procuring or delivering IT services.
We regularly assist clients with negotiating complex IT outsourcing agreements, cloud service contracts, and SaaS licensing arrangements. Our team is well-versed in drafting service level agreements (SLAs), handling regulatory compliance under telecoms and data protection law, and advising on commercial technology projects involving AI, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
We have supported clients through every stage of the technology lifecycle—from early-stage contract structuring and procurement to ongoing compliance, dispute resolution and termination. Our experience also includes advising on the legal risks associated with network security, digital transformation initiatives, and cross-border data transfers.
Whether you’re a technology start-up, a growing SaaS provider, or a multinational with critical infrastructure needs, we offer pragmatic, sector-focused legal support that helps you manage risk, maximise opportunity, and remain compliant in a fast-changing digital environment.
Why Moore Barlow?
It pays to use expert advisers that are able to switch effortlessly between advising on broad strategy, the detailed specifics of your business, and intellectual property issues or European law, all the while keeping a close eye on potential issues.
Our solicitors are selected for their detailed knowledge of technology, media and telecoms issues, and their unrivalled understanding of what it takes to drive a successful deal in this sector. We are pragmatic and plain-speaking, able to weigh up the options, advise you of the risks and help you make your decisions with clarity and confidence.
With our expert team based across our offices in London, Richmond, Southampton, Guildford, Lymington and Woking, we’re on hand to offer all the legal support you need.
We are here to help
Discover how our expert commercial and technology lawyers can help you.
Contact our commercial and technology team
Frequently asked questions
What is an IT outsourcing agreement?
An IT outsourcing agreement is a contract defining the terms under which a business engages an external provider to supply IT services—such as infrastructure management, software development or support services. It sets out service specifications, service level agreements (SLAs), data protection responsibilities, liability limits and confidentiality terms.
Why do I need legal advice for telecoms regulation?
The UK regulates telecoms activities through laws like the Communications Act 2003 and the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021. Legal advice ensures compliance with licensing, network security obligations and data breach preparedness, reducing risk of regulatory penalties and reputational harm.
How do SLAs in IT contracts protect my business?
Service Level Agreements establish minimum standards for uptime, response times and resolution deadlines. They often include remedies such as credits or termination rights if service performance falls below agreed thresholds—vital for governing critical and ongoing IT delivery risks.
What legal risks are associated with cloud-based services
Cloud contracts may raise data privacy and security concerns—including GDPR compliance, cross-border data transfer rules, vendor lock-in risks, and liability for breaches. Legal support helps ensure cloud service agreements address these issues with clear responsibilities, indemnities and termination rights.
How can I protect my software licensing and intellectual property?
Legal counsel can assist with drafting licensing terms, protecting underlying IP, and ensuring compliance with usage restrictions. This includes managing open-source obligations, licence audits, escalation clauses and protecting IP when entering strategic partnerships or SaaS models.
Do telecoms contracts require special notice provisions?
Yes. Telecoms contracts may demand notification of price changes, customer alerts approaching contract expiry, and marketing disclosures as required by Ofcom regulations. Explicit notice and opt‑out mechanisms help ensure legal and consumer compliance.
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