IT Software Development & Technology Disputes

Waterfront has more than 25 years’ experience as a specialist IP, technology and commercial law firm.

We act for technology providers, software developers and customers in complex IT and technology disputes, including:

• Software development, implementation and systems disputes – acting on disputes about scope, specifications, milestones, acceptance testing, delays, change control, performance, defects and termination. We focus early on the contractual framework, critical technical issues and a proportionate route to resolution.
• Software licensing, SaaS and technology contract disputes – including disputes over fees, licence scope, audit rights, service levels, renewals, termination, IP ownership, data access, migration and exit obligations. We advise on negotiation, mediation, litigation and arbitration, with business continuity firmly in view.
• Breach of confidence and trade secret disputes – including alleged misuse of source code, product know-how, datasets and other confidential material, sometimes following the departure of employees, founders or consultants. We advise on evidence preservation, restrictive covenants, injunctions and related IP claims.
• Data and database disputes – concerning ownership, access, licensing, misuse, loss and delivery of commercially valuable data. These matters can engage contract, copyright, database rights, confidentiality and data protection issues.
• AI, digital assets and emerging technology disputes – including disputes arising from AI development and deployment, training data and outputs, automated systems, blockchain and digital assets, where contract, IP, data, confidentiality and regulation often overlap.
• Complex hardware, connected-device and infrastructure disputes – including claims involving allegedly defective hardware, IoT solutions, EV charging equipment and other technical systems. We work closely with technical experts to turn complex evidence into a clear litigation or settlement strategy.

Technology disputes frequently combine contract, intellectual property, confidentiality, data and employment issues. We draw on specialists across those areas to build the right team around the technical and commercial issues.

Our litigation practice is partner-led, with senior lawyers involved throughout. We focus on early case assessment, proportionate procedure and realistic settlement options, while being prepared to pursue litigation or arbitration decisively where required.