Protection of interests of IT companies within the framework of English law
The British information technology market is one of the most attractive and, at the same time, most strictly regulated in Europe. For IT companies working in the field of software development, SaaS solutions, FinTech or e-commerce, it is extremely important to have legal protection that takes into account all the peculiarities of English law.
A lawyer helps Ukrainian and international IT companies organise their work in the UK in such a way as to avoid risks, protect intellectual property and confidently enter into agreements with local or global partners.
Drafting contracts for IT companies
Legally sound contracts are the foundation of business security and the reputation of an IT company. In order to protect your interests, you need to draw up such a document. There are several types of contracts:
- Software development agreement: Contracts for software development that clearly define the rights to the code, delivery deadlines, testing, and product support.
- Master services agreement (MSA): Framework agreements for long-term projects that regulate the scope of work (SOW) and changes to the project.
- SaaS and licence agreements: Contracts for providing access to the service, terms of use and limitations of liability.
In each contract, it is important to work out in detail the issues of IP rights ownership, confidentiality terms, and liability for violations. This protects you from possible claims from customers or partners and facilitates further auditing for investors.
Legal support and consulting for IT businesses
Comprehensive legal support for IT companies covers not only contract preparation but also consulting on local regulations. In general, the comprehensive procedure consists of the following stages:
- Analysis and minimisation of risks associated with GDPR and the processing of personal data of users from the EU and UK.
- Resolution of disputes with contractors or customers — from claims to representation in British courts.
- Building the right IP holding schemes (through a UK company or UK subsidiary) to protect software copyright and avoid double taxation.
These steps allow you to build your company's operations in accordance with British standards and avoid legal mistakes that will be very costly in the future.
When is it necessary to protect the interests of IT companies under English law?
Protecting interests is particularly relevant for IT companies that are opening branches or subsidiaries in the UK, planning to hire local employees or enter into B2B contracts with British customers. It is also critically important when preparing to attract investment from funds, which usually conduct a thorough audit of contracts and IP structures, requiring impeccable ‘cleanliness’ of assets. This need also arises if you are launching a platform or mobile application for users in the UK and want to avoid penalties for violating the GDPR or the UK Data Protection Act. Another typical situation is when a business encounters an unscrupulous counterparty who does not fulfil the terms of the contract, or when it is necessary to quickly protect your rights in a British court.
Advantages of legal support for IT companies

Deep specialisation in IT: Lawyers working in this field have many years of experience in supporting IT businesses in the UK and Europe. Thanks to this, they understand the technical details of processes — from API and backend architecture to SaaS models.

Protection of IP and know-how: Our specialists anticipate all risks that could lead to loss of control over software products or technologies.

Full compliance with UK law: Agreements are immediately prepared in accordance with the requirements of English contract and corporate law, which greatly simplifies due diligence audits and negotiations with investors.
How do we work to protect the interests of IT companies?
Work on legal protection for businesses always begins with a detailed consultation. We analyse the company's structure, current agreements and the specifics of its business model to determine exactly what solutions are needed. We then draw up a detailed roadmap outlining the necessary steps: this may include registering a trademark with the UKIPO, updating NDAs, amending partnership agreements or setting up an IP holding company to protect the rights to the software product. After that, we develop or adapt contracts, agree them with you, and help you negotiate with counterparties. We continue to support the business, including auditing existing contracts, preparing for investment audits, or representing you in disputes and courts in the UK.
Frequently asked questions about legal protection for IT companies
Question
Is it necessary to register a company in the UK to sign IT contracts with British customers?
Answer
No, but it often simplifies the conclusion of agreements and allows you to avoid complex tax issues.
Question
How can you protect yourself from code or technology theft?
Answer
You need to have an NDA and properly drafted contracts that clearly state who owns the rights to the software product.
Question
Is it possible to audit already signed agreements?
Answer
Of course, lawyers audit contracts and IP structures to identify weaknesses and suggest solutions for improvement.
ConclusionProtecting the interests of an IT company in the UK is a guarantee that the business will remain under your control, investments will be protected, and projects will develop without legal threats. A lawyer takes on this layer of work so that you can focus on technology and company growth. Contact us - and we will create a reliable legal foundation for your IT business.