Technology: Overview
Osler’s technology practice is internationally recognized for applying strong legal and business skills to find common-sense business solutions. We are counsel to many of the leading vendors and largest purchasers of technology-related products and services. As well, we represent mid-sized and emerging enterprises as they look to develop and enhance their market position.
The specialized knowledge and experience of Osler’s technology team translates to advice that is practical, relevant and cost-effective. Our success has been built upon the following differentiating factors:
- Industry Knowledge –We have a deep understanding of the technology sector and the related opportunities and challenges faced by our clients.
- Depth – We have a large team of experts. Several Osler partners were recognized in the Lexpert Canadian Legal Directory 2010 in the category of Computer & IT Law and/or Technology Transactions. Also, Osler is ranked #1 in Canada for Technology Law according to The Best Lawyers in Canada 2010, which again recognizes several Osler partners.
- Creativity – We are known for developing creative solutions for the toughest problems. We apply our strong legal and business skills to find common-sense business solutions.
- Facilitative Approach – We have earned a reputation for having a practical and facilitative approach to negotiations.
- Delivering Value – We understand the importance of clients receiving value for the fees we charge. We work with our clients to develop fee estimates and strategies for ensuring legal costs are consistent with their expectations.
Osler’s technology team combines practitioners with subject matter expertise and industry knowledge relevant both to vendors and purchasers of technology-related products and services. Areas of specialization include the following:
- IT Contracting – Osler has represented businesses on IT contracting matters for more than 25 years. Our IT contracting team has specialized expertise on all aspects of information technology transactions including software licensing and maintenance, systems integration projects, reseller arrangements, government procurement and open source software.
- Outsourcing and Complex Services Arrangements – Our internationally recognized strategic outsourcingteam has decades of industry-leading experience working with our clients on complex onshore, near-shore and off-shore transactions. We represent both purchasers and vendors of outsourced services in a broad range of sectors including financial services, logistics, transportation, health care and information technology.
- Privacy – Our privacyteam has specialized knowledge and experience regarding all aspects of privacy and data protection laws which impact on technology-related businesses and transactions which include handling of personal information.
- Corporate/Commercial – Our corporate/commercial team has significant experience advising emerging technology companies across all of their corporate and commercial legal matters – in effect, acting as general counsel for these companies – to help them deal with a wide-range of business issues. We provide cost-effective, value-added and practical legal advice that takes into account each client’s needs. In addition, Osler’s technology practice lawyers play either a leading or supporting role in many mergers & acquisitions and in corporate finance transactions.
Recognition
We are recognized in each of the leading surveys of Canadian legal professionals. Our technology transactions practice was ranked as “consistently recommended” by the Lexpert Canadian Legal Directory 2011, while our information technology practice was ranked as a leading firm in Canada by Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2011 and as one of the top three firms in Canada by the Lexpert Canadian Legal Directory 2011. Chambers notes that Osler’s technology team “remains a strong force in the IT space.”