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• TMT Law

• • Overview

  Put Simply...

  Technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) is an area of legal practice which focuses on specific industries; the name says it all. These industries have grown at such a rapid pace, a specialization even in one industry means that your hands can be full.
  
  The TMT sector covers the full gamut of legal advice – industry-specific knowhow; technical and commercial matters; compliance and regulatory mechanisms; corporate laws and structuring; new laws and recent innovations and inventions.
  Most of the top firms in the UK have dedicated TMT departments, while medium sized firms will have smaller teams.
  
  There is also a third tier consisting of boutique TMT firms where expertise and services are totally devoted to these industries. The type of work available can be contentious and non-contentious, private and public sector deals and crossover practices where corporate, commercial, tax, intellectual property and employment law can overlap to provide full-service legal advice.

  What is involved in Technology, Media & Telecommunications Law?

  Legal services in the TMT sector include advice on licensing of software and hardware and outsourcing arrangements, particularly active right now. There is also a lot of work in new media and technology developments such as internet and mobile telephony, data protection and privacy laws, ecommerce issues and fraud prevention.
  
  There is general management matters such as employment and benefits; copyright and trademark issues; and in corporate and commercial matters regarding financing, restructuring, M&A, etc. A typical work-week for a TMT solicitor will involve advising and drafting agreements on new business, contractual work for new projects, partner tie-ups, licensing and rights’ distribution.
  You will also have to assist with advertising and marketing plans, commercial launches, etc. As mentioned above, outsourcing is a very happening area in TMT, and as a TMT lawyer your work will cover identifying and completing due diligence on the outsourcing partner selected, preparing and reviewing draft agreements, protection clauses and the rights and obligations of both parties.
  
  The biggest attraction of outsourcing is the movement of IT functions and technical support to countries where business costs are lesser and a qualified workforce is available in plenty at cheaper rates. This means that, as a TMT lawyer, you would need to be familiar with business laws and regulations in several jurisdictions. Media companies frequently research and develop new channels to market services and the phenomenal growth of the internet and cutting-edge next-generation technologies means that work is constantly piling in.
  
  A lawyer in TMT has much work to do in areas of content management & distribution, user-generated content on the internet amongst other things. In ecommerce, work will cover setting-up of websites and portals for virtual payments, data security, protection of proprietary technology and content, etc.Dispute resolution is the other side of the coin in TMT. Most clients would prefer not to spend time and money in protracted litigation. As such, most disputes which arise in TMT are on issues of technology breakdowns, software non-performance, website ownership, disclaimers on liability, contractual obligations, etc.

  What is needed forTechnology, Media & Telecommunications Law?

  A TMT lawyer needs to have in-depth knowledge of the TMT industry and be current on latest developments and innovations. Knowledge of industry-specific terminology is definitely necessary. Strong skills in communication, negotiation and excellent knowledge of commercial and corporate law are required. Other personal skills you will need to practice in this sector are enthusiasm, a quest for new knowledge, an extrovert nature and an appetite for challenges.

  Current Climate for Technology, Media & Telecommunications Law?

  With the rise of the internet giants, Google, Facebook, Youtube and Myspace, TMT is arguably the area of law that is undergoing the biggest boom of all. As the world continues to move onto the internet in every greater waves, this sector will only continue to expand.
  
  The last decade or so has also seen a massive increase in new technologies, whether the birth of the mobile phone or broadband internet, governments, institutions and companies are now investing in technology more than ever. This is definitely an exciting area of law to be associated with!
  
  

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