TECHNOLOGY: DESCRIPTION

McKenna Long & Aldridge's Technology Law practice members have extensive experience in drafting and negotiating technology transactions and counseling clients with respect to technology-related matters. Drawing on our in-depth knowledge of industries ranging from high technology (software, hardware, information technology, electronics, Internet, electronic commerce and telecommunications) to life sciences (biotechnology, bioinformatics, health care and medical devices) and new media (Internet radio, webcasts and multimedia), we are able to offer unrivaled guidance in the complex and ever-changing area of technology law. Team members represent a broad range of companies, from established Fortune 500 companies and large international corporations to emerging companies with innovative technology.

Our experience allows us to handle a broad range of technology and intellectual property related transactions including:

Software and Hardware Transactions

We represent both large and small software and hardware companies in all aspects of their businesses. In this capacity, our team regularly handles domestic and international licensing, technology transfers, development and services agreements, marketing and distribution arrangements, strategic alliances, joint ventures and other commercial transactions. We also represent licensors of technology in complex licensing transactions, including complex source code escrow arrangements. Our lawyers are also highly experienced in issues relating to data privacy, encryption and import-export controls.

E-Commerce and Internet

We regularly handle complex business transactions involving e-commerce and the Internet, such as linking, privacy, application service provider agreements (ASP), online promotions, branding and co-branding, advertising, trademark protection, unfair competition, peer-to-peer networking, copyright and trade secrets. In addition, we have handled numerous disputes regarding Internet domain names and related issues.

Outsourcing Transactions

Working on behalf of our larger clients, we have negotiated and drafted agreements regarding the outsourcing of IT infrastructure and business processes. Specifically, our team has substantial experience in addressing the complex issues surrounding intellectual property that arise in outsourcing arrangements. We regularly advise clients on the various options available with respect to intellectual property developed during an outsourcing relationship and can prepare custom licensing arrangements to meet our clients' specific requirements. Our expertise covers all forms of intellectual property protection, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and all areas of technology and business processes.

Government and University Contracting

The firm's technology practice includes assisting high-technology companies in licensing and selling their goods and services to and from the U.S. Government and universities. In conjunction with our Government Contracts group, we have represented clients in all aspects of government contracts law, including bid protests, claims and appeals.

General Technology Counseling

Without a strong intellectual property strategy, companies risk losing valuable trade secrets, patents, copyrights, trademarks and can place their most important assets at risk. Our team, in conjunction with the firm's trademark, patent and employment lawyers, advises clients on strategies to commercialize and protect their intellectual property, insulate themselves from intellectual property-related liability and resolve related contract disputes. For example, members of our team have provided counsel with respect to structuring of intellectual property licensing programs, Web site audits, clean room procedures for developing new technology and the implications of using "open source" software code.