IT/Communications and E-Commerce

• Assisting clients to acquire, market and protect software, database, hardware and services - domestically and abroad
• Assisting clients to obtain, defend, enforce and exploit intellectual property rights, including copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade secrets; copyright and patent protection for software
• Drafting, negotiating and enforcing a wide range of specialized IT/communications contracts, including contracts for systems integration, facilities management, outsourcing, software development, maintenance and support, online services, localization, consulting and technology transfer
• Drafting and negotiating confidentiality, license and reseller agreements for domestic or international use
• Advising on the regulatory framework for online services
• Drafting and negotiating Internet access agreements, interconnection and roaming agreements, content provider agreements, service agreements, home shopping, co-branding and linkage agreements and other electronic commerce agreements
• Advising on copyright and regulatory constraints relevant to video-on-demand, cable and satellite television services
• Advising on data protection and privacy laws, and laws restricting the use of data compression and encryption technology
• Electronic commerce issues, including electronic signatures, requirements of writing and delivery, use of credit cards and application of exchange controls
• Advising on multi-country and regional online service content issues, including service provider liability, applicability of consumer protection, defamation and obscenity laws
• Advising on laws regulating the content of advertising, television, radio, cable and satellite services
• Advising in relation to multimedia copyright issues
• Advising in relation to production and recording contracts; acquisition of broadcast and multimedia rights
• Advising on merger and acquisition issues; drafting and negotiating share and asset purchase and sale agreements; advising on anti-trust issues and government approval requirements in relation to the IT and telecom industry
• Advising on structuring, particularly with regard to financing requirements and tax issues; structuring third-party and inter-company relationships for tax efficiency; designing domestic and international tax strategies in relation to the IT and telecom industry

With our network of offices, we are also well positioned to provide global or regional coordination. We frequently act as coordinators for multi-jurisdictional research and advice, in connection with the establishment of multi-country services, and on mergers and acquisitions. 
 
IT/C Knowledgebase
Baker & McKenzie worldwide has established an Information Technology Communications database called "IT/C KnowledgeBase" which accommodates materials regarding the legal issues of cyberspace activities, development of telecommunications businesses and liberalization, and development of information technology and related legislation, judgments and state policies. IT/C KnowledgeBase is intended to provide each Baker & McKenzie office with up-to-date information on worldwide legal issues arising out of the complexities of information technology.

IT/C Law Alerts
In addition, Baker & McKenzie electronically provides monthly e-mail of IT/C Law Alerts to its clients free of charge to keep them informed of the developments on IT/C law, regulations, state policy and court decisions around the world.