Protecting digital infrastructure and business continuity
In a connected world, technology failures can bring business to a standstill. Shoosmiths’ technology disputes team helps clients respond to critical incidents — from software failures to cybercrime — with urgency and precision. We act swiftly, often on short notice, to protect systems, reputations, and commercial relationships.
Our experience spans software development disputes, licensing and copyright issues, digital asset recovery, telecoms and outsourcing disagreements, and breaches of service-level agreements. We also advise on cyber incidents — including phishing, ransomware, and denial-of-service attacks — and support clients in developing cyber risk strategies and response plans.
Working in multi-disciplinary teams, we collaborate with technical experts, PR advisers, and internal stakeholders to deliver pragmatic, strategic advice. We’re also experienced in recovering digital assets such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs, and in handling complex litigation involving blockchain technologies.
Whether you’re facing a breach, a breakdown, or a business-critical dispute, rest assured, we will help you regain control and move forward.
Recent experience
- advising a telecoms provider on a substantial dispute in respect of technology and core network transformation with a value in excess of £220M. The litigation team advised on a number of claims against system integrators and were instrumental in reaching the negotiated settlement
- acting for a software supplier in a significant dispute with a multinational software solutions supplier in respect of a business critical and bespoke software development and integration project. The lifespan of the project was 10 years with a value of over £60M. It involved review of steering minutes, change control mechanisms and addressing the impact on specifications; design and milestones for the project
- advising a large multinational in respect of a dispute with an IT outsourcing provider concerning a complete failure of services provided, breach of service levels and breaches of confidentiality. This involved the termination of the agreement and migration to various new IT suppliers
- acting for a global company in respect of a high value dispute concerning the licensing of software, service-levels and liquidated damages
- advising a major global retailer following the discovery of hacking activity impacting its consumer facing website. Supporting the client in obtaining Norwich Pharmacal orders and liaising with the police to identify the culprits once the systems had been secured.
