Service

Commercial Technology Transactions

The specialized knowledge and experience of Osler’s technology team translate to advice that is practical, relevant and cost-effective.
Datalake Big Data Warehouse Data Lake Platform Analytics Technology

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, including in the rapidly developing field of artificial intelligence.

Our team also represents 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 translate 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 – Osler’s technology team comprises practitioners with broad expertise that is relevant to vendors and purchasers of technology-related products and services and several of these lawyers have education and backgrounds in engineering and computer science.
  • 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 that legal costs are consistent with their expectations.

Areas of specialization include the following:

  • IT contracting – Our IT contracting team has specialized expertise in all aspects of information technology transactions, including AI, software licensing and maintenance, systems integration projects, reseller arrangements, government procurement and open-source software.
  • Outsourcing and complex services arrangements – Our internationally recognized strategic outsourcing team has decades of industry-leading experience working with our clients on complex onshore, near-shore and offshore transactions.
  • Privacy – Our privacy team has specialized knowledge and experience regarding all aspects of privacy and data protection laws that affect technology-related businesses and transactions, including the handling of personal information.
  • Policy and Regulation – Our lawyers play a crucial role in advising organizations on the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding technology, guiding businesses in navigating complex issues related to AI, data privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and compliance. Their expertise helps organizations develop effective strategies to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks.
  • Corporate/commercial – Osler’s technology practice lawyers play either a leading or supporting role in many mergers and acquisitions and in corporate finance transactions in the technology sector.

Recent examples of our transactional work include the following:

IT contracting

  • contracting arrangements for the delivery of driver examination services for a provincial government
  • strategic joint venture relationship between leading ICT companies
  • vendor on complex design and build project in insurance sector
  • system integrator on agreement for deployment of enterprise-wide SAP for Utilities solutions
  • shared services organization on procurement of digital medical imaging repository technology

Outsourcing

  • major Canadian bank on a significant outsourcing of facilities management activities, including establishing services on a cross border basis for a large number of premises for multiple parties
  • major mining company in a significant remote infrastructure outsourcing arrangement
  • multi-national outsourcing provider in the negotiation of several major offshore outsourcing transactions with major Canadian enterprises

Privacy

  • service providers, Internet-based businesses and their customers on compliance with Canadian privacy, anti-spam and anti-spyware requirements
  • enterprises on Internet-related privacy issues involving collection, use and sharing of personal information
  • cross-border privacy issues, including the rules which govern the transfer of data outside of Canada
  • responding to data breach issues, including strategies for mitigating related harm and for complying with data breach notification obligations

Corporate/commercial

  • various corporate matters including shareholder agreements, voting trust agreements, option and other equity-based compensation plans and governance matters
  • various commercial matters including supply agreements, distribution agreements, customer agreements, research agreements and non-disclosure agreements
  • various financing transactions
  • board and shareholder meetings, and attending at such meetings

Key Contacts

Chair

Wendy Gross

Partner, Technology, Toronto

Michael Fekete

Partner, Technology, Toronto

Simon Hodgett

Partner, Technology, Toronto

Sam Ip

Partner, Technology, Toronto

Ted Liu

Partner, Technology, Toronto


Representative Work


Latest Insights

  • Osler Update Jul 26, 2024

    M&A transactions involving AI companies: due diligence considerations

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a strategic imperative for organizations seeking a competitive edge, leading to a surge in AI-related...

    Read more
    M&A transactions involving AI companies: due diligence considerations
  • Osler Update Jul 10, 2024

    The role of ISO/IEC 42001 in AI governance

    Global overview of emerging AI standards The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about a complex landscape of...

    Read more
    The role of ISO/IEC 42001 in AI governance
  • Osler Update Jul 5, 2024

    Leveraging AI in franchising: opportunities and legal considerations

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a driving force in reshaping and transforming business operations across various industries. In the...

    Read more
    Leveraging AI in franchising: opportunities and legal considerations
  • Osler Update Jun 28, 2024

    Canada introduces sweeping bill to mandate tech and data interoperability in healthcare

    On June 6, 2024, the federal Minister of Health introduced Bill C-72 — An Act respecting the interoperability of health information technology and...

    Read more
    Canada introduces sweeping bill to mandate tech and data interoperability in healthcare
View all Insights
Stay up to date with our latest insights
Subscribe

Upcoming Events


Awards and Recognition

  • Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business: Information Technology (Band 1)
    • “Their strengths include deep expertise in competition, IP and privacy law. They also have excellent drafting and negotiation skills for complex IT transactions.”
    • “Go-to firm for complex or bespoke work.”
    • “They’re a top-notch firm – they deliver sound, practical advice and understand the needs of our business.”
  • Chambers Canada AwardsOsler named ‘Technology Law Firm of the Year’, 2019
  • Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business: Recognized in Information Technology (Band 1)
  • The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Recognized in Computer & IT Law; Technology Transactions (Montreal, Quebec; Ottawa, Ontario; Toronto, Ontario)
  • The Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-border Corporate Lawyers in Canada: Osler lawyers recognized in Technology Transactions
  • Legal 500: Recognized in Technology (Tier 1)

In the Media

  • Media Mentions May 17, 2024

    Is Gen AI worth the hassle and risk? – CBA National Magazine

    According to a recent article in the Canadian Bar Association’s National Magazine, analysts have estimated that generative artificial...

    Read more
    Is Gen AI worth the hassle and risk? – CBA National Magazine
  • Media Mentions Jan 29, 2024

    Michael Grantmyre, partner at Osler- The Tech Lawyer — Between Meetings

    From the passenger seat in the vehicle that serves as the moving set of the Between Meetings video podcast, Michael Grantmyre, partner, Emerging and...

    Read more
  • Osler News Oct 13, 2022

    Five Osler lawyers named 2022 IFLR Rising Stars

    Congratulations to Osler’s Laure Fouin, Shawn Cymbalisty, Amelia Miao, Amanda Heale and Erin Rubin on being named 2022 IFLR Rising Stars. These...

    Read more
  • Media Mentions Sep 13, 2022

    Comparative corner: drone laws in Mexico, Canada and the United States – International Bar Association

    Drone operators should be aware of all rules and regulations to avoid serious penalties.

    Read more
View all