Companies and private investors are increasingly seeking to capitalise on digital opportunities. Today, holding cryptocurrencies on a blockchain is becoming as commonplace as having cash in the bank. But digital transformation isn’t just about tech and Web 3.0: there are legal implications to consider. These tend to be multi-faceted, cutting across compliance, data privacy, cyber security, employment, tax, antitrust, estate planning and other legal areas. And the rules can change quickly as the digital landscape evolves.
A team dedicated to everything digital
Integrated and dynamic, our Digital offer is a single team of legal professionals from a wide range of disciplines, all of whom combine in-depth knowledge of traditional areas of law with a comprehensive understanding of digital services, their opportunities and their legal implications. Our expertise spans all of our practice areas including intellectual property, compliance, IT, data privacy, commercial, corporate and employment. Our Digital service is designed to break down traditional law firm practice area boundaries to give you holistic, joined-up legal advice.
Services for private individuals
All of us have at least part of our lives online and in digital assets such as emails, social media profiles, cryptocurrency and online bank accounts, to name just a few. The law recognises that digital assets can be owned. However, there is no consistency between assets and you may find that some of your most valuable assets are mere licences to use a third-party provider’s service. This has significant consequences when attempting to access, manage and transfer digital assets after death.
We represent wealthy individuals who are looking for comprehensive advice regarding their digital assets, investments and reputations, with a particular focus on what will happen to these assets when they die.
With ever-growing increase of our ‘digital’ footprint, the legal and taxation treatment of digital assets is also becoming increasingly unknown. Collyer Bristow’s Tax and Estate Planning team have long been following this trend and have industry leading expertise. The team can provide estate planning advice for online (banking and trading) accounts, email accounts, online profiles (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram) photos stored in the cloud etc. to ensure smooth transition. Succession and tax planning in regard to financial investments such as Crypto, NFTs. Assisting the emerging wealth client who have made their wealth via an online presence, ensuring appropriate legal structuring (wills/LPAs/Trusts) measures are in place in case of incapacity or death.
Some of the things we can help with include:
Services for businesses
The businesses we advise range from innovative start-ups looking to disrupt the market in imaginative ways to global enterprises wanting to secure their competitive edge with digital solutions. Whoever you are and whatever your objectives, our focus is to help you cut through the tech hype and bridge the gap between your technical aspirations and the reality of your business, compliance, and operations functions. We can help you understand the legal risks and opportunities early on, make confident decisions and protect your best interests and reputation.
While it’s impossible to give full details of all the services we can offer our business clients, here’s a snapshot of the type of work we do for our clients engaged in all aspects of the digital economy, including artificial intelligence, Esports, the metaverse and those utilising Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies:
From gaming to commerce to the workplace, the metaverse is making waves everywhere. We proactively support the next generation of tech-enabled businesses to capitalise fully on the opportunities being presented by the dynamic virtual spaces enabled while mitigating vulnerabilities and legal risks.
By definition, the metaverse is borderless—a meeting point for multiple technologies, platforms, software, peripherals and interfaces, as well as blockchain for acquiring digital assets like NFTs. This is often at odds with the territorial nature of IP laws. It’s important to work with a legal team that understands the commercial challenges and grey areas when operating in the virtual worlds sector.
Cutting across conventional practice areas, our metaverse team advises on regulation, commercial contracts, funding, cybersecurity, software development, software licensing, intellectual property, privacy and data protection, digital design/ Online Choice Architecture issues, online safety, real estate, taxation and more. Clients trust us to ensure that all elements of their metaverse operations are legally sound to help them take advantage of fast-moving developments in this space.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we do business. From chatbots and natural language processing to smart factories and robotics, AI can help businesses automate and optimise processes. But it also presents a wide range of legal challenges and questions, especially in areas of compliance and data privacy. Can works created by AI be protected? How do you handle security, ensuring that an individual’s data-privacy rights are protected? Who is liable for the information generated by AI chatbots? What are the employment consequences if the use of AI results in redundancy, unintentional discrimination or a bias in your hiring practices?
Navigating regulatory compliance, liability risk, privacy, governance and ownership rights calls for a knowledgeable, experienced team. Collaborating with clients across the AI ecosystem—and covering all legal services that touch on AI—we can help you make the most of these game-changing technologies while staying alive to both the commercial issues that surround the use of AI and an ever-increasing array of global regulations.
From the procurement and contracting of AI-enabled services to intellectual property strategies, data management, ethics and cybersecurity, our specialist team has you covered.
The esports – competitive videogaming – sector is booming and with it, the commercial, regulatory and legal challenges that set this sector apart from its counterpart in traditional sports. Those operating in this area need an in-depth understanding of advanced technology, media rights and sports regulatory issues to name just a few. It’s a fast-moving sector, and you need legal advice that can keep pace with the diverse range of issues at play.
Drawn from specialist lawyers across all of our practice areas, our dedicated esports team regularly advises clients on the full spectrum of issues that arise within esports. Our work includes:
We have a flourishing FinTech practice acting across the breadth of business stages from start-up, through rapid growth and to exit. Working with a wide range of companies, entrepreneurs, investors and venture capitalists, we understand the challenges they face, and offer a uniquely tailored service.
Our practice advises a diverse client base including challenger banks, peer-to-peer e-payment vehicles, Forex companies, high net worth individuals and those utilising Blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
We regularly advise companies and projects looking to raise funds via Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and Security Token Offerings (STOs) in regards to UK law and FCA regulation and the contractual relationship between those offering the token and the token holder. We have particular expertise advising on corporate, commercial, data protection, intellectual property issues and in resolving disputes around digital assets.
We understand that, in this space, simple is better. We keep our approach light touch, focusing only on what needs to be done to secure the best result as quickly as possible, freeing you up to focus on the progression of your business.
Need some more information? Make an enquiry below
Digitalisation key contacts
cameron.crees@collyerbristow.comAssociate
Talk to Cameron about Digital, International trusts, tax & estate planning, Private wealth, UK trusts, tax & estate planning and Wills & succession planning
nigel.brahams@collyerbristow.comPartner - Head of Financial Services
Talk to Nigel about Corporate, Digital, Financial regulatory and Private equity
The importance of putting in place Lasting Powers of Attorneys (“LPAs”) cannot be overstated. The choice of attorney and informing them of your wishes is particularly vital when considering digital assets. The pertinency of this is increased with more valuable assets such as cryptocurrency.
With an increase in demand for advice about digital assets, it is important to ask: what are NFTs? How are NFTs taxed during an individual’s lifetime and subsequently on death? How can we ensure access for attorneys and personal representatives whilst guaranteeing security for these high-value assets?
The rise and fall of cryptocurrencies is something regularly publicised in today’s media. It is increasingly important for individuals to understand how crypto assets are taxed, both in life and on death, and ensure the consideration of crypto assets in succession planning.
Fundamentally, digital assets are the possessions you access on a digital device. These assets are normally stored online and accessed via a personal online account run by a third-party provider such as Google, Facebook, Ebay, Amazon, Apple or Netflix. Examples include emails, social accounts, and cryptocurrency.
An overview of the services and expertise provided by our flourishing FinTech practice, working with entrepreneurs, investors and venture capitalists across the breadth of business stages.
Recent experience
We advised two well-known public figures on copyright relating to their social media photographs, which were reproduced without permission by major news groups.
DATA PROTECTION & DIGITAL & MEDIA & PRIVACY
Steven HefferPartner - Head of Media & Privacy, Abbie ArmstrongTrainee Solicitor
Case study
We advised two well-known public figures on copyright relating to their social media photographs, which were reproduced without permission by major news groups.
We advised a US gaming corporation on establishing a UK business and obtaining the necessary gaming licenses from the Gambling Commission.
DIGITAL & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & INTERNATIONAL
Case study
We advised a US gaming corporation on establishing a UK business and obtaining the necessary gaming licenses from the Gambling Commission.
We prepared and negotiated a complex software development agreement between a disruptor developing an AI-powered platform aiming to provide predictions on financial and cryptoasset markets for use by traders, and advised on related intellectual property issues.
DIGITAL & FINTECH & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Case study
We prepared and negotiated a complex software development agreement between a disruptor developing an AI-powered platform aiming to provide predictions on financial and cryptoasset markets for use by traders, and advised on related intellectual property issues.
The world is transforming faster than ever before. Across many sectors, traditional business models have either been or are being disrupted by digital innovation, paving the way for new opportunities and changing “the way that things are done.”
Companies and private investors are increasingly seeking to capitalise on digital opportunities. Today, holding cryptocurrencies on a blockchain is becoming as commonplace as having cash in the bank. But digital transformation isn’t just about tech and Web 3.0: there are legal implications to consider. These tend to be multi-faceted, cutting across compliance, data privacy, cyber security, employment, tax, antitrust, estate planning and other legal areas. And the rules can change quickly as the digital landscape evolves.
A team dedicated to everything digital
Integrated and dynamic, our Digital offer is a single team of legal professionals from a wide range of disciplines, all of whom combine in-depth knowledge of traditional areas of law with a comprehensive understanding of digital services, their opportunities and their legal implications. Our expertise spans all of our practice areas including intellectual property, compliance, IT, data privacy, commercial, corporate and employment. Our Digital service is designed to break down traditional law firm practice area boundaries to give you holistic, joined-up legal advice.
Services for private individuals
All of us have at least part of our lives online and in digital assets such as emails, social media profiles, cryptocurrency and online bank accounts, to name just a few. The law recognises that digital assets can be owned. However, there is no consistency between assets and you may find that some of your most valuable assets are mere licences to use a third-party provider’s service. This has significant consequences when attempting to access, manage and transfer digital assets after death.
We represent wealthy individuals who are looking for comprehensive advice regarding their digital assets, investments and reputations, with a particular focus on what will happen to these assets when they die.
With ever-growing increase of our ‘digital’ footprint, the legal and taxation treatment of digital assets is also becoming increasingly unknown. Collyer Bristow’s Tax and Estate Planning team have long been following this trend and have industry leading expertise. The team can provide estate planning advice for online (banking and trading) accounts, email accounts, online profiles (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram) photos stored in the cloud etc. to ensure smooth transition. Succession and tax planning in regard to financial investments such as Crypto, NFTs. Assisting the emerging wealth client who have made their wealth via an online presence, ensuring appropriate legal structuring (wills/LPAs/Trusts) measures are in place in case of incapacity or death.
Some of the things we can help with include:
Services for businesses
The businesses we advise range from innovative start-ups looking to disrupt the market in imaginative ways to global enterprises wanting to secure their competitive edge with digital solutions. Whoever you are and whatever your objectives, our focus is to help you cut through the tech hype and bridge the gap between your technical aspirations and the reality of your business, compliance, and operations functions. We can help you understand the legal risks and opportunities early on, make confident decisions and protect your best interests and reputation.
While it’s impossible to give full details of all the services we can offer our business clients, here’s a snapshot of the type of work we do for our clients engaged in all aspects of the digital economy, including artificial intelligence, Esports, the metaverse and those utilising Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies:
Want to connect? Select someone below to view their profile.
Associate
Partner - Head of Financial Services
From gaming to commerce to the workplace, the metaverse is making waves everywhere. We proactively support the next generation of tech-enabled businesses to capitalise fully on the opportunities being presented by the dynamic virtual spaces enabled while mitigating vulnerabilities and legal risks.
By definition, the metaverse is borderless—a meeting point for multiple technologies, platforms, software, peripherals and interfaces, as well as blockchain for acquiring digital assets like NFTs. This is often at odds with the territorial nature of IP laws. It’s important to work with a legal team that understands the commercial challenges and grey areas when operating in the virtual worlds sector.
Cutting across conventional practice areas, our metaverse team advises on regulation, commercial contracts, funding, cybersecurity, software development, software licensing, intellectual property, privacy and data protection, digital design/ Online Choice Architecture issues, online safety, real estate, taxation and more. Clients trust us to ensure that all elements of their metaverse operations are legally sound to help them take advantage of fast-moving developments in this space.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we do business. From chatbots and natural language processing to smart factories and robotics, AI can help businesses automate and optimise processes. But it also presents a wide range of legal challenges and questions, especially in areas of compliance and data privacy. Can works created by AI be protected? How do you handle security, ensuring that an individual’s data-privacy rights are protected? Who is liable for the information generated by AI chatbots? What are the employment consequences if the use of AI results in redundancy, unintentional discrimination or a bias in your hiring practices?
Navigating regulatory compliance, liability risk, privacy, governance and ownership rights calls for a knowledgeable, experienced team. Collaborating with clients across the AI ecosystem—and covering all legal services that touch on AI—we can help you make the most of these game-changing technologies while staying alive to both the commercial issues that surround the use of AI and an ever-increasing array of global regulations.
From the procurement and contracting of AI-enabled services to intellectual property strategies, data management, ethics and cybersecurity, our specialist team has you covered.
The esports – competitive videogaming – sector is booming and with it, the commercial, regulatory and legal challenges that set this sector apart from its counterpart in traditional sports. Those operating in this area need an in-depth understanding of advanced technology, media rights and sports regulatory issues to name just a few. It’s a fast-moving sector, and you need legal advice that can keep pace with the diverse range of issues at play.
Drawn from specialist lawyers across all of our practice areas, our dedicated esports team regularly advises clients on the full spectrum of issues that arise within esports. Our work includes:
We have a flourishing FinTech practice acting across the breadth of business stages from start-up, through rapid growth and to exit. Working with a wide range of companies, entrepreneurs, investors and venture capitalists, we understand the challenges they face, and offer a uniquely tailored service.
Our practice advises a diverse client base including challenger banks, peer-to-peer e-payment vehicles, Forex companies, high net worth individuals and those utilising Blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
We regularly advise companies and projects looking to raise funds via Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and Security Token Offerings (STOs) in regards to UK law and FCA regulation and the contractual relationship between those offering the token and the token holder. We have particular expertise advising on corporate, commercial, data protection, intellectual property issues and in resolving disputes around digital assets.
We understand that, in this space, simple is better. We keep our approach light touch, focusing only on what needs to be done to secure the best result as quickly as possible, freeing you up to focus on the progression of your business.
Recent experience
Case study
We advised two well-known public figures on copyright relating to their social media photographs, which were reproduced without permission by major news groups.
Case study
We advised a US gaming corporation on establishing a UK business and obtaining the necessary gaming licenses from the Gambling Commission.
Case study
We prepared and negotiated a complex software development agreement between a disruptor developing an AI-powered platform aiming to provide predictions on financial and cryptoasset markets for use by traders, and advised on related intellectual property issues.
Need some more information? Make an enquiry below.
Please note that Collyer Bristow provides this service during office hours for general information and enquiries only and that no legal or other professional advice will be provided over the WhatsApp platform. Please also note that if you choose to use this platform your personal data is likely to be processed outside the UK and EEA, including in the US. Appropriate legal or other professional opinion should be taken before taking or omitting to take any action in respect of any specific problem. Collyer Bristow LLP accepts no liability for any loss or damage which may arise from reliance on information provided. All information will be deleted immediately upon completion of a conversation.
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