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Last week marked the launch of Tech East, a new industry body formed to promote East Anglia’s digital sector; yet again signifying the importance of the technology market to the region’s economy. It is envisaged that Tech East will unify East Anglia’s digital businesses, large and small, with a view to creating links and encouraging collaborations.

Whilst Norwich has traditionally been synonymous with the agricultural industry, and will no doubt remain so, it has become increasingly apparent that our digital sector is strengthening. According to Tech Nation 2016, a survey of the nation’s top technological cities, the digital sector in Norwich contributed approximately 22% gross value added (GVA) growth to the city’s economy between 2010 and 2014, totalling £148 million. Tech Nation suggests that Norwich’s digital sector is particularly notable for its digital advertising and marketing, software development and ecommerce businesses.

For many, these types of survey merely confirm something commonly known: that Norwich has a thriving digital community. Well-known businesses such as Rainbird Technologies, Proxama and FXHome all serve as proof of some of the pioneering concepts devised in the area. A number of commentators have suggested that a large part of the success of the city’s digital sector is down to the access to creative talent in the area. The start-ups in Norwich benefit from a stream of graduates from the University of East Anglia and Norwich University of the Arts, who can provide technical and design expertise alike.

With the influx of technological businesses comes a shift in the type of legal services that may be required. In addition to the usual commercial considerations, such as payment terms and limitation of liability, there is an increased focus on the protection and exploitation of intellectual property (IP), which is often a technological business’ most valuable asset. English law has to-date been reactive, rather than proactive, when it comes to technology and as such, there is a degree of judicial uncertainty surrounding how and when IP should be protected. In light of this, it is crucial that businesses providing digital-based products and services properly deal these matters in their commercial agreements.

At Leathes Prior, we provide bespoke and specialist advice to businesses in the digital sector, dealing with a range of matters including agile and waterfall software development agreements, software licence agreements, intellectual property protection (e.g. trade mark registrations) and reseller agreements. If you would like to discuss any of the matters contained in this article, then please contact a member of our Corporate & Commercial Team on 01603 281141.

Note: the content of this article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be taken in any specific circumstance.