Technology and IT software can be an invaluable company asset that keeps your business running smoothly.
However, when this software does not provide the service it should, disputes can arise between software providers and businesses.
This may include issues such as a breach of contract, or data protection concerns such as a data breach or cybersecurity breach.
Our solicitors have extensive experience representing both software developers and businesses using these IT services.
The impact of technology on the business and consumer sectors cannot be understated. If you are facing an IT dispute, our expert solicitors can help you resolve the matter as quickly and efficiently as possible.
At Preston Redman, our focus on building client relationships for the past 140 years has given us extensive experience with handling a range of technological disputes.
To speak to one of our highly experienced IT dispute solicitors, please contact our team in Bournemouth on 01202 292 424 or fill out our online enquiry form for a quick response.
How our IT disputes solicitors can help you
- Service level agreements
- Software licensing disputes
- Failure to deliver on IT project
- Data protection
- Data privacy
- Data breach
- Cybersecurity breach
Service level agreements
A service level agreement outlines the expectations of an outsourced IT project.
If you’re considering ordering a software update or committing to a new service altogether, it’s vital to define the scope and standard of your expectations, as service level agreements can offer vital protection in a dispute.
Our solicitors can assist with drafting comprehensive service level agreements, or where you are already involved in a dispute, can review the terms of your agreement and assess whether you have a legal case.
Software licensing disputes
Software disputes usually arise due to either a software licensing disagreement or poor software performance.
Disagreements can arise over terms, scope of use, termination rights, or breaches of contractual obligations.
Software licensing disputes can cause disruption to the running of your business and take time and money to resolve.
Our IT disputes solicitors will communicate with the other party to resolve the matter as efficiently as possible, with minimal disruption to your business.
Whether you are locked into a dispute over the terms of your software licensing or tackling a breach of contract, our solicitors can take on the case on your behalf.
Failure to deliver on an IT project
If you have commissioned an IT project, such as a new website or business infrastructure improvements, and the commissioned tech developers have failed to deliver, then you may have a case for an IT contract dispute.
Our IT disputes solicitor can assess the contract to determine the exact scope of the promise and how it was or was not fulfilled.
If the case proceeds to legal action, then our experienced dispute and contest solicitors will put together a strong case on your behalf.
Data protection/data privacy
The Data Protection law affords you several core rights that ensure that the collection of your data whilst you use any software is done so securely and at no detriment to you.
Under the Data Protection Act, any business or government that collects your data must do so safely and with your consent and must follow a strict list of rules called the Data Protection Principles.
If you believe that your rights under the Data Protection Act have been breached, you can claim compensation with the help of our IT dispute solicitors.
Data breach
Data privacy disputes are serious, and we recognise that having your data in the hands of malicious parties can be threatening.
It is important to contact a technology solicitor as they can help you work towards retrieving your data as quickly as possible and getting compensation from the party behind the failed security.
Cybersecurity breach
This refers to any security breach in which unauthorised access has been made to applications, networks, devices, or computer data.
The difference between a cybersecurity breach and a data breach is as simple as defining what the criminal does with the data they have accessed.
In order for a cybersecurity breach to be identified, there is no need for any data to have necessarily gone missing, more so that it was accessed at all due to the failure of security mechanisms.
Common questions about IT disputes
What is an IT dispute?
An IT dispute broadly includes any disputes over technology-related contracts.
This includes the development, implementation, or integration of IT systems as well as intellectual property disputes and data protection disputes.
Many companies seek legal support when encountering technology disputes relating to the tech integrated into their businesses.
Also, users of IT may take legal issue with an aspect of software or data collection that they feel has become unlawful or mishandled illegally.
An example of a common problem that an IT dispute solicitor could help you with would be reacting to a data breach caused by a neglectful cybersecurity provider. You may be able to secure compensation for the mishandling of private information.
What is an IT dispute resolution process?
There are three main ways in which an IT dispute can be resolved. Since technology dispute resolution is a relatively new branch of the law, you may find in your IT contract that you must try alternative modes of dispute resolution before it can be taken to court. This is often the preferred method, as litigation is often a lengthy, time-consuming process.
The first alternative to litigation would be mediation. In this instance, a mediator or a neutral third party would facilitate the problem being talked through until a resolution is found.
Alternatively, the dispute could be resolved through arbitration. This is where an independent arbitrator is brought in to decide on the outcome of the conflict, and usually, this decision is final and legally binding on both parties.
If litigation is unavoidable, then a judge can make a final decision over your dispute during court proceedings.
Our dispute resolution solicitors can help build your case, collect evidence and provide strong representation on your behalf.
How long does IT dispute resolution take?
As is the case with all dispute resolution, it heavily depends on the circumstances of the case.
Ideally, the case will be settled outside of court, which will take substantially less time.
However, more complex cases and cases that require litigation will result in an extended process.
If you would like a time estimate, please get in touch with one of our dispute resolution solicitors in Bournemouth.
How much does an IT dispute cost?
Preston Redman aims to provide an accurate fee estimate for the cost of advising you on your IT dispute matter.
The complexity of IT dispute cases, however, means that they are prone to change and new developments.
For more complex disputes, it may be more suitable to work at an hourly rate. The rate will be determined by the required level of expertise and support that the case demands.
Our partners are always happy to discuss fees with our clients on an individual basis.
Get in touch with our IT disputes solicitors in Bournemouth
To speak to one of our highly experienced IT dispute solicitors, please contact our team in Bournemouth on 01202 292 424 or fill out our online enquiry form for a quick response.
