The rapid proliferation of technology in nearly every business and industry has raised a host of new legal issues.  Whether you are working with software, data, hardware, the Internet or intranets, you need a coordinated strategy, and agreements and policies that enable you to use technology effectively and efficiently while protecting your interests.

It is about driving technology toward your goals.  It is about making effective choices that leverage your business assets and help you become more productive, more innovative and more flexible.

Making the most of technology goes well beyond choosing a software program, a piece of hardware or an outsourcing partner.  With our wide industry experience and deep understanding of legal and technology issues, we have the knowledge and the perspective to help clients understand the broader opportunities and ramifications of their technology decisions.

At Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, we work with clients at every phase of the technology lifecycle - from innovation to phase-out, and from system selection through implementation and ongoing support.  We develop and execute legal solutions that meet your business objectives, protect your rights and property, help you preserve your flexibility in a rapidly-changing environment, and maximize your customers' satisfaction.  No matter the size or scope of the project, we know that every detail matters.

System Implementation 
Technology solutions are not one-time events; they are business decisions with short- and long-term implications.  We work with clients at every phase in the implementation lifecycle, from developing requests for proposals through software selection, contract drafting and negotiation, user acceptance testing, system support and upgrades, transitions to new systems - and every point in-between.

Licensing
Businesses in every industry enter into licensing agreements for software, data and other content, for internal use or - increasingly - distributing value-added solutions.  We help both users and vendors to analyze contracts, develop new agreements and amend existing agreements to maximize opportunities while minimizing risks.

Outsourcing
When an outside party provides mission-critical services, your proprietary information, physical property, customer relationships and reputation can all be at risk.  We help our clients create effective, enforceable agreements for data center outsourcing, call centers, web- and system-hosting, IT support and other services.

Information Security and Privacy
As a result of growing concerns about personal privacy and data security, legislators and regulators have become increasingly active.  We work with clients to address the legal implications of security risks and ensure compliance with privacy and publicity laws and industry-specific regulations and best practices, both in this country and around the world.

Technology Development
We help clients identify and protect their intellectual property rights and negotiate favorable terms of use for their technology solutions (including software, hardware, content and processes).  Whether the solutions are developed internally or through use of consultants, contractors or other third parties, it is critical for both technology and non-technology companies to secure appropriate rights and protections.

Setting Technology Standards
Information technology is dependent on the development of open standards through standards-development organizations and consortia, and once standards are developed, through fair and reasonable licensing.  Our lawyers are experienced in intellectual property and competition policy issues.

Dispute Resolution
When issues arise with respect to service agreements, software and content licenses or other information technology matters, we work with clients to assess the situation in the context of long-term goals, and evaluate dispute-resolution options that will meet business objectives.  If all else fails, we help clients extricate themselves from unfavorable business relationships, litigate to enforce their rights and refocus their resources.