Commerce

We advise on draft a full range of issues relevant to commercial organisations.  These include:

• UK and International Agency and Distribution Agreements
• Outsourcing Agreements
• Government Procuring and Tendering
• Joint Venture Agreements
• Collaboration Agreements
• Franchise Agreements
• Long Term and Framework Supply Agreements
• Leasing, Hire and Consumer Credit Agreements
• Terms and Conditions of Business for the Sale and Purchase of Goods or Services
• Consumer terms and Conditions
• Maintenance and Support Agreements
• Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations Agreements
• Aviation Supply Agreements
• Tendering (including Defence Contracts)
• Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements

Our domestic and international clients range from listed companies, through substantial private companies, to SME's, partnerships and sole traders operating in a variety of sectors, including IT, electronics, luxury products, manufacturing, vehicle distribution, and pharmaceutical and healthcare.

Contact Mark O'Shea on moshea@rawlisonbutler.com or telephone him on 01293 527744.

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Technology and e-commerce

Our advice encompasses all aspects of the dynamic world of technology, e-commerce, new media and telecoms. We can advise on, negotiate and prepare agreements in respect of the following:

• IT Outsourcing
• Technology distribution, OEM and value added reseller Agreements
• Commissioned Software and Turnkey Agreements
• Technology Licensing
• Software Marketing Agreements
• Maintenance and Support Agreements
• Facilities Management Agreements
• Escrow agreements
• Domain Name Registration and Disputes
• Web Site Terms and Conditions and Disclaimers
• Privacy and Usage Policies
• Electronic Signatures
• Data Protection
• Distance Selling

Contact Mark O'Shea on moshea@rawlisonbutler.com or telephone him on 01293 527744.

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Data Protection

The processing, use, storage and transfer of personal data is a highly regulated area. The increasing regulatory burden on businesses means that it is all too easy to fall foul of the law. Infringement can result in criminal liability.

We advise on all aspects of data protection, including notification procedures, the collection, retention and disposal of personal data, data subject access, and the cross border transfer of personal data to and from the UK, the EU and other jurisdictions. We carry out data protection audits, assist with the data protection policies, procedures and compliance programmes.

Contact Mark O'Shea on moshea@rawlisonbutler.com or telephone him on 01293 527744.

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EU and UK Competition Law

Competition law is a major and growing area of concern for many businesses, and has seen significant new legislation and regulation. The law is complex.

The regime, both in Europe and in the UK, has toughened.  This has culminated in high profile investigations and the imposition of significant fines (and sometimes even criminal liability) for those who seek to obtain an unfair advantage through entering into agreements or practices which prevent, restrict or distort trade, or through the abuse of a dominant market position.

And it does not only effect large, household names - many niche and smaller businesses can unwittingly find themselves drawn into the competition arena where their product or service offering enjoys a significant market share, or due to agreements or arrangements entered into with customers or suppliers.

We can assist businesses by advising on compliance issues and programmes, by advising on the competition aspects and impact of business practices, agreements and transactions, by acting in connection with regulatory investigations into alleged cartels, price fixing or other anticompetitive practices, and by seeking appropriate clearances.

n addition, we can advise on competition and regulatory aspects of mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures, including the impact of the Enterprise Act.

Contact Mark O'Shea on moshea@rawlisonbutler.com or telephone him on 01293 527744.

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Brand Protection and Intellectual Property

Intellectual property rights and branding can be highly valuable assets that require proper protection.

Our team can advise you on strategies for the protection of such rights and assist you through registration processes.

We cover:

• Patents
• Trade Marks and Service Marks
• Copyright
• Design Right
• Registered Designs
• Goodwill and Passing Off
• Trade Secrets, Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

We can assist with intellectual property licensing and assignments, technology transfers and collaboration agreements.

Contact Mark O'Shea on moshea@rawlisonbutler.com or telephone him on 01293 527744.

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