Data & Digital Economy
Our Cross Border Strength
As the digital economy accelerates, Rajah & Tann Asia is ready to take on this change with our Data & Digital Economy services, where we hope to to position ourselves as the region’s first choice in legal solutions providers and thought leaders in the Data & Digital Economy space and the new Metaverse.
This is achieved with the strategy of merging core Data & Digital Economy skillsets with the various specialist practices across Rajah & Tann’s Corporate and Disputes practices, to draw on the strengths and expertise of each lawyer to provide clients with multi-disciplinary, multi-legal solutions on a scale and depth few other firms can meet internationally.
Rajah & Tann Asia transforms to be your go-to regional team for all data and digital economy matters.
We Can Help You
The rise of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and data analytics is transforming our clients’ business models in a profound manner. AI encompasses data analytics, natural language processing, machine learning, Big Data and ioT. AI solutions deployed by our clients extract patterns from large sets of data, derive insights and offer predictions based on such information. These new technologies and business models requires new strategies from a legal and compliance standpoint which this team focuses on.
These wide-ranging solutions and business processes enable our clients to integrate information, analyse data and use the resulting insights to improve their decision making. Many industry players have been putting the use of these fast-evolving technologies to their advantage. However, along with these advantages also come its own set of legal challenges in areas such as compliance, risks, ethics, privacy, manipulation, data governance and human-robot interaction.
As we approach a bifurcated future in both the real and the metaverse, both AI and machine learning will play a key role in the development of real-life decision-making processes and the virtual world.
Legal expertise in data management and security, as well as both intellectual property and intangible asset protection will be essential to clients dealing in this space.
Led by a team of highly experienced lawyers who are recognised thought leaders in this nascent field coupled with Legal Engineers from our Rajah & Tann Technologies InnoLex team, we are able to provide multidisciplinary solutions to meet the demands of this rapidly evolving space.
Whether you are a company that is selling an AI or data analytics solution, or a company looking to invest in an AI solution to drive your business forward, or even a company that is utilising AI and data analytics in your business operations, we are well placed to provide end-to-end legal support and to guide you through every step of your AI journey.
Our areas of focus comprise of the following, but are not limited to:
Regulatory & Compliance
The team has a strong understanding of the regulatory environment, in particular the AI ethics & governance framework that are put in place across the region. We are well-versed in assisting clients with assessing their regulatory obligations and implementing the necessary compliance measures in AI systems and solutions. This including antitrust and consumer protection advice, as well as addressing privacy and data security issues. This experience places us at an advantage to provide practical and implementable legal advice for our clients.
Monetization & Intangible Assets Protection
The team works closely with our clients to devise legal strategies by enforcing IP rights in AI and data analytics, solutions such as IP protection of data systems and the data assets themselves, patent coverage, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret protection, to prevent infringement and misappropriation.
In data analytics and data monetization exercises, businesses who are in the process of securing adequate IP rights over such data assets will be able to benefit from the pragmatic and commercial advice provided by the team.
Data Analytics
Working in tandem with Rajah & Tann Technologies Pte. Ltd. and LegalComet, our team of experts offers clients Legal Engineering advisory services including electronic discovery (ediscovery), forensic technology and data governance.
Through identifying, preserving and collecting data, LegalComet can process such data into a structured format for effective review. By utilising AI in our solutions, we are able to analyse data to discover purposeful and valuable insights for you.
Data Governance & Cybersecurity
Through Rajah & Tann Cybersecurity Pte Ltd, we have a one stop shop pairing of legal and technical services to provide seamless cybersecurity and data protection solutions to clients.
Our legal engineering team has a strong understanding of the AI ethics and governance framework and is able to provide end-to-end legal and technical support to assist clients in compliance, legal proceedings and government investigations.
The revolution of technology has brought about rapid changes in the world of construction, giving rise to new digital infrastructure projects such as data centres and smart buildings.
Our team at Rajah & Tann draws expertise from our range of market leading practices to assist clients throughout the entire lifecycle of complex infrastructure projects in the technology space.
We are the go-to firm to provide expert commercial and legal advice on all aspects of technology infrastructure – hardware, software, facilities and structures that support the delivery of business systems and IT-enabled processes, as well as data centre solutions for investors, developers, operators, and users participating in the data centre and communications infrastructure realm.
To stay ahead of the rapid technology developments in relation to the future of the Metaverse, we recognise that it requires a higher need for connectivity, storage space, 6G zero latency and massive data centre development.
We have broad expertise to guide and advice our clients from IT procurement and to various stages of technology and communications infrastructure projects to advance alongside these technological developments.
Infrastructure
We have advised extensively on technology infrastructure projects across South East Asia, having acted for multinational leading technology companies as well as traditional powerhouses and specialised technology clients.
We provide advice at the earliest pre-construction phases ranging from project feasibility to financing to contract drafting.
We have advised private bidders and governments in the various stages of the bidding of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects for public technology infrastructure and have also assisted in the preparation and/or assembly and review of the documents and submissions necessary for the bidding or award of such projects.
Our work involves assisting in preparing, negotiating and advising on concession agreements, Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) / Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) contracts and other types of project development agreements.
We also advise on project agreements such as Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts, Operation & Maintenance (O&M) agreements and offtake agreements.
Information Systems Procurement
Our broad experience and in-depth knowledge since the start of the dot com has enabled us to help numerous state level IT major organisations in drafting and negotiating complex information systems procurement contracts based on shared services, outsourcing and PPP models.
We set the benchmark as pioneer draftsmen for various cloud computing contract structures, both from a vendor and a consumer perspective in the Asia Pacific region and in the rest of the world.
Corporate Real Estate
Our Corporate Real Estate lawyers are equipped with the right technology knowledge to provide relevant advice on property due diligence and advisory services concerning all property issues including applications to the relevant governmental and statutory authorities on stamp duty remissions and approvals for subleasing, subdivision, change of use, land use and easements.
The team also represents landlords and tenants in leasing and subleasing transactions for various types of commercial and industrial properties. We are very familiar with the issues relating to technology infrastructure such as state leases, long-term leases, build-to-suit arrangements, turnkey projects, and sale and leaseback agreements.
Cloud, Data Centres
Every business has been affected by the rapid evolution of technology, data centres included. The move to cloud computing has proved to be a a cost-effective alternative to setting up and running a data center.
The team combines depth of experience and knowledge across a broad range of practice areas in order to provide extensive capabilities in all aspects of the cloud, data centre ecosystem.
This includes advising on Cloud Service Agreements, Cyber Security and Data Privacy, Cloud Services Infrastructure and compliance with the regulatory regime, to name a few.
Cloud Providers need to ensure that the necessary data security measures are in place to safeguard the data that is stored or processed
In this respect, we work in tandem with legal tech specialists from Rajah & Tann Cybersecurity to provide:
Cybersecurity & cybercrime have always been key areas of concern in the digital world. As we marvel at new opportunities in the Metaverse, businesses must be prepared to face new and advanced threats of Meta-cybercrimes where next level massive attacks make current ones seem like systemic tests for the dangers to come.
Our Data & Digital Economy expertise in cybersecurity allows us to help clients leverage the value of data responsibly and safeguard the confidentiality of sensitive data. Our market leading lawyers work in tandem with legal tech specialists from Rajah & Tann Technologies Pte. Ltd. and Rajah & Tann Cybersecurity Pte. Ltd. in the creation of new policies, cross party reliance and systems, meta-security standards and protocols, and next-gen compliance procedures to ensure that security is maintained along with the cool features from emerging technologies in the Metaverse. This synergistic collaboration provides technical audit, forensic and investigation services to complement the legal services that are provided by technologically savvy lawyers. We provide multi-disciplinary data breach services and 24-hour emergency response teams ready to assist our clients as may be required. We also advise on capital markets regulatory issues and the necessary due diligence in a merger and acquisition transaction. This ensures that the Rajah & Tann group is the one stop shop for anything to deal with data or cybersecurity, giving clients the head start to solutions vital in the Metaverse.
Customisable & Scalable Suite of Services
We provide our clients with a holistic solution designed to assist in preventing cyberbreaches and in effectively responding to a cyberbreach. Our services can be customised to assist large organisations as well as small and medium sized enterprises, across every industry.
Our end-to-end service offerings cover the entire risk management lifecycle in your operations and ensure they maintain a robust cybersecurity solutions strategy. Working with highly experienced technical experts in the field of security services and consultancy, we are a market leader in providing comprehensive pre and post incident security services. Our team also includes specialists with investigations background and a former Deputy Public Prosecutor who will be able to handle any cyber crime incidents. Our services include:
Our dynamic litigation team have been pioneering cutting edge data and technology disputes, offering a multidisciplinary approach to assist clients of every size and stage with integrated counsel. We have navigated this terrain and guided clients in the asset recovery, forensics, cybersecurity, technology, entertainment, software, marketing, media, and gaming industries, across the entire spectrum of the digital space.
Our Services
The digital wave has brought about major transformation to businesses and commerce. The metaverse realm has also open doors to new kinds of disputes including data assets, avatar legal rights, NFTs, meta interdependency disputes and token specific disputes.
Our team of tech litigation specialists are equipped to guide clients as they navigate this new frontier, with emphasis on:
- Digital asset investigations, tracing and recovery
- Privacy and data use and governance disputes
- Software and intellectual property disputes
- Mergers & acquisitions disputes, joint ventures disputes
- Digital financing disputes
- Digital payment processing and token disputes
- Technology and telecoms infrastructure disputes
- Digital trade and intangible asset related disputes
Working closely with the Rajah & Tann Technologies Group of companies, our lawyers together with our technical professionals provide clients with cutting edge legal service delivery models to meet the demands and challenges of the digital economy.
Cyber Fraud Investigations
Our team is at the forefront of cyber fraud investigations and asset recovery, obtaining the first reported mareva injunction in Singapore against “persons unknown” to freeze cryptocurrency.
In the borderless and anonymous nature of the digital sphere there are often challenging issues of jurisdiction, tracing and recovery. Working in tandem with Rajah & Tann Cybersecurity Pte. Ltd. and Rajah & Tann Technologies Pte. Ltd., we deliver services in close collaboration with other professionals in anti-corruption, investigations and digital forensics, forensic accounting and insolvency. The team has forensics capabilities to provide blockchain analysis and asset recovery work for all aspects of fraud in the digital space.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) is an effective problem-solving tool that allows our clients to benefit from the confidentiality, flexibility and relative speed of the process.
This is particularly important in the ever-changing digital sphere where swift and commercial resolutions often take priority.
The team has notable expertise and is highly experienced in resolving matters both domestically and globally through ADR. Our services include arbitration, mediation, negotiation, and settlement conferencing.
Whether you are seeking to invest in, purchase assets or shares of a technology company, or to acquire new digital capabilities, our team of specialist tech lawyers is here to provide effective and strategic legal support across the entire spectrum of technology-related M&A transactions.
We have a thriving Tech M&A practice representing investors, giant corporations, startups and emerging enterprises involved in all facets of the Data & Digital Economy. Our lawyers have acted frequently on either side of the table in acquisitions / divestments and investments into growth-stage companies operating in the disruptive, cutting-edge fields of Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Agri-FoodTech, FinTech, DeepTech, LegalTech and MedTech, along-side more “conventional" technology companies doing social networking, gaming and e-commerce. Our team also assists in the set-up of funds / fund formation and advises on governance protocols that are involved in investing in technology companies.
We understand that the traditional approach may not work for M&A transactions in the digital sphere, and we pride ourselves in providing the depth of knowledge that is unique to acquisitions / divestments and investments in tech companies and/or its related assets.
Today, we are on the cusp of the Metaverse as digital worlds and augmented reality continue to be developed, and technology companies are envisioning various types of Metaverse platforms. Taking into account this new digital reality concept, M&A activity and collaboration between Metaverse builders and companies now require Meta-specific M&A checklists and indicators to ensure smooth integrations.
Our team of legal and technical specialists is highly adept at providing practical advice on complex issues that often arise in Tech M&A and Meta Commercial transactions, from conducting intellectual property and cybersecurity due diligence to drafting transitional service agreements, invention assignment agreements and designing data protection policies.
Our impressive roster of clients includes high-profile technology companies which is testament to the calibre of our team and the crucial role we play in the technology space.
In this age of the Data & Digital Economy where rapid internet and technology advancement have impacted almost every aspect of corporate and consumer behavior, increasing accessibility and connectivity have created a strong wave of consumer outreach.
In addition to having a strong online presence to boost e-commerce sales, many companies are now adopting innovation and automation in increasingly complex and imaginative ways to engage with their clients.
With expertise spanning across all of our practice areas, we have a solid grasp of technology trends in the spheres of e-commerce, artificial intelligence, blockchain and fintech. We constantly keep abreast on the latest developments in the sector, and our team is fully-equipped for potential issues that may arise from the constant evolution of technology in businesses.
Electronic Commerce
It has never been clearer that a robust digital platform and e-commerce enabled service delivery model is critical to businesses.
Our team has extensive experience in assisting clients in creating the legal terms and conditions, and agreements for electronic contracting and the proper deployment of electronic signature platforms.
They are necessary to ensure your transactions are valid and your agreements enforceable.
Trade
The implementation of alternative supply and demand channels for businesses are crucial as a matter of contingency and future planning. Pivoting to e-commerce sale channels is but one step, for continued survival, businesses must build in flexibility through diversification.
The drive for operational efficiency has seen investment in digitalisation, where ecommerce has disrupted and created new opportunities within the shipping space for digital ports and terminals.
We provide counsel and advice for all types of matters involving the import and export of goods, including origin, valuation, exporter verification, strategic goods controls, hazardous goods, licensing and permits requirements, antidumping matters, as well as trade-related contractual documentation.
Consumer Protection
With digitalisation, businesses are now able to reach out to customers in new ways.
Moving forward, businesses are already or will increasingly devise online promotions and advertising campaigns to maintain their reach to customers. Yet, consumer protection issues can be a minefield for businesses. We are familiar with consumer protection concerns on e-commerce sites and have experience with the same.
We are able to advise our clients intensively on the full spectrum of consumer protection law, including without limitation on pricing transparency, consumer safety, as well as the applicable licensing regime for consumer products. We also defend clients in investigations by the consumer protection authorities into their trade practices.
Sustainability
With increasing concerns on ESG issues, more focus is now placed on ways to manage operations and reputation through a sustainable business strategy. Recent technological innovations have helped data centres become sustainable, and the advent of Metaverse platforms could also have significant environmental benefits. With a renewed focus on sustainability within the technology sector, Metaverse services can be leveraged as a means of offsetting carbon footprint in the real world and achieving net zero compliance requirements.
Our team of specialist corporate sustainability lawyers help corporates, investors and financial institutions transform operations, manage risk and drive growth towards a more sustainable future. With our depth of expertise and experience, we can help you address the commercial aspects and economic objectives of the transactions.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing technology has reshaped the ecommerce industry, allowing businesses to save both time and resources.
Our expert team can assist as you begin your journey to find the right cloud solution that will enhance and empower your business’ ecommerce site, advising on a range of matters from cloud computing contracts and transactions to data security and privacy in the cloud. We are also well versed in other technologies that can help your business grow, such as Big Data, IoT, Artificial Intelligence etc.
For Cloud Computing Providers, we understand how imperative it is to provide a secure platform that will safeguard customers’ personal data during their cloud computing sessions.
In this respect, our team works in tandem with legal tech specialists from Rajah & Tann Cybersecurity Pte. Ltd. to provide the following services:
Limiting the liability for security or risks in clouding is an important issue and you can now have a one stop shop access to both legal and cybersecurity expertise with Rajah & Tann.
Tax
The advent of technology has fuelled the growth of e-commerce and has changed the way in which consumers are able to purchase goods. With the rise of electronic marketplaces and platforms, businesses have a wider reach to consumers across the globe without the need to have a physical store-front. The rapid growth of e-commerce has therefore led to increased scrutiny from the Singapore tax authorities, who have issued and implemented new tax regulations governing e-commerce businesses.
Our team of specialist tax lawyers can help businesses such as operators of electronic marketplaces or suppliers using these e-commerce platforms by advising them on the new Singapore tax regulations which may be relevant to them. With our depth of expertise and experience, we can help e-commerce businesses to better manage and understand their tax risks and obligations.
Our Services
Our extensive experience with matters involving technological assets gives us the upper-hand in supporting our clients with the provision of intuitive advice on all forms of e-commerce, trade and consumer protection matters, some of which include:
- Taking brick-and-mortar business to the e-commerce sphere
- Reviewing business structures to best exploit FTA benefits
- Providing advice on ongoing import and export requirements, including other trade-related compliance issues
- Reviewing campaigns to ensure that there are no consumer protection violations
- Developing a consumer protection compliance process
- Data privacy and security concerns
- Tax implications of ecommerce businesses
Being part of a full-service firm with integrated practices means that our clients have access to the experience and skills of all our lawyers across the full spectrum of legal practices. Our team works closely with the other lawyers in the firm and the Rajah & Tann Asia network to provide clients with a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional and quality service.
We are accessible whenever you need us. We work efficiently and deliver value – placing great importance on allocating the right lawyer to the right task to ensure high quality yet cost-effective service.
Do reach out to us to find out more.
In this Data & Digital Economy, the increasing use of blockchain technology and digital assets could ultimately reshape the way many industries operate for decades to come.
Our multidisciplinary team focuses on the developments affecting the blockchain and digital assets industry, enabling us to anticipate and address the legal challenges that our clients may face with respect to tokenization, blockchain and digital asset development or utilization.
Our long track record of working with blockchain and other emerging technologies allows us to assist clients to pursue the untapped possibilities of blockchain technology, from innovative financing structures such as token generation to applications beyond cryptocurrency.
The next phase of the internet is approaching fast, the metaverse, is taking cyberspace by storm. Along comes with it a new class of economy which has already taken shape in the form of cryptocurrencies and NFTs, these digital currencies will hold a significant place in the metaverse. Our lawyers can help you navigate your way though the world of digital assets and cryptocurrency and assist with the legal issues that arise where the virtual and real worlds converge.
Smart Contracts
As blockchain applications and smart contracts introduce automation to entirely new functions, our lawyers advise on appropriate standards and protocols for the deployment of blockchain applications and smart contract coding to ensure the validity and enforceability of these smart contracts and that confidentiality, data security and privacy issues continue to remain prioritised.
Who We Can Help
- Financial Institutions and Intermediaries
- Blockchain-enabled Tech Companies
- FinTech Start-Ups
- Venture Capitalists & PE
- Capital Market Intermediaries
How We Can Help
- IT Hardware, Software, Services Agreements.
- Regulatory support on compliance with outsourcing guidelines and notice.
- Facilitate and prepare for meetings with regulators to access funding and showcase products.
- Building bridges with traditional banks’ fintech labs.
- Due diligence on new start-ups.
- Carrying our specific compliance changes to target companies’ products as a condition precedent to investment.
- Advising and assisting on navigating the financial regulatory requirements.
- Advising on data protection, intellectual property and technology regulatory issues for new projects.
- Assist with technology partnerships with IT firms in terms of outsourcing deals and IT services agreements.
- Preparing submissions to regulatory bodies on legal risk assessments of new technology solutions or seeking of approval for outsourcing arrangements.
- Assist with applying for licences with the relevant regulatory bodies.
The Information Age has brought about a thriving Data & Digital Economy. Digital transformation and the growing embrace of IoT have seen many organisations seizing the opportunity to deliver data services, and ultimately reaping the benefits of data commercialisation.
As businesses start to amass a wealth of data, the enhancement of customer data for powerful insights and improvement of products and services becomes highly valuable.
Beyond the considerations of company data value and technology solutions, a data commercialisation strategy also requires compliance with regulatory regimes, as well as privacy and security standards.
As we approach a future in the Metaverse, new legislative models will be required. From advising on policy thinking, real-time User-Generated Content (UGC) management systems, to content licensing frameworks involving avatars, we have got you covered.
Our Services
In coping with the ever-changing legal and regulatory landscape, the evolution of technology and business models can be potentially disruptive and challenging, particularly in the technology and media sector.
Companies are hard-pressed to keep abreast of major developments in technology as well as regulations.
We provide our clients with end-to-end and intuitive advice on all forms of data commercialisation, media, and tech matters, some of which include:
- Privacy and data protection provisions;
- Intellectual property protection, prosecution and advice;
- Transparency and protection of sensitive and confidential information;
- Licensing and commercialisation of technology, data, digital media and content, and intellectual property;
- Data acquisition and transfers;
- Trademark acquisition, licensing and prosecution; and
- Digital assets and data recovery services in the event of restructuring or insolvency.
Data Commercialisation Strategy
The importance of risk and legal obligations when handling sensitive information cannot be overstated. We provide our clients with critical advice and guidance on important societal and legal questions ranging from liability, intellectual property, data protection and even fundamental rights, enabling our clients to develop an overarching data commercialisation legal strategy.
Digital Asset Management, Tokenisation and IP Rights
With the Metaverse on the horizon, transactions involving non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are surging to new highs. The team understands that creating and trading digital assets and experiences from the creator economy is not as straightforward as that of a physical one, and various IP issues may arise from the purchase and sale of NFTs.
From digital asset securitisation, blockchain custodian services, virtual real estate asset protection, and gaming loot commercialisation, our team is well-versed in all aspects involved to handle this multi-faceted work.
Technological Considerations
To drive significant growth in data commercialisation, a combination of major technological developments and strategies is often used to get the most out of data and digital assets. To capitalise on new revenue streams, it is critical to keep pace with the evolving technologies in today’s fast-moving business environment.
In keeping our finger on the pulse of the latest developments, we are able to navigate these waters and help our clients respond to and embrace these changes.
The team is also able to assist in enhancing the value of distressed assets by creating parallel value by tokenisation, for instance through the creation of NFTs.
Intellectual Property Management
The speed at which technology develops and the increasingly competitive atmosphere in the digital arena call for effective management of intellectual property portfolios to ensure our clients’ assets are kept well and secure.
We assist clients with IP registration, licensing, transfer, prosecution, watches and searches, and filing, amongst others.
Our specialist multi-jurisdictional data protection and privacy team is the clear leader in the region, as far as privacy, data protection acumen and services, data governance and legal work are concerned. We advise clients across multiple jurisdictions and regions at each stage of the data lifecycle.
We provide a full gamut of services revolving around data protection, privacy and data. Our keen expertise has manifested in our provision of innovative services where we become the pioneer of such services in this area. Our best of breed value added services provide organisations with guidance and advice across compliance with privacy and data protection laws, astute handling of data breaches and data incidents, and on the handling of data as a key asset of the organisation.
Engagement in the Region
Closely following developments in the data and digital economies of the region, our team remains at the forefront of data protection law, often speaking at international conferences as subject matter experts on the developments in privacy and data protection in South East Asia.
Data Privacy & Protection
We have assisted many clients from across a wide range of industries to comply with the various data protection authorities and sector specific regulators.
The exposure we have to multiple industries where we carry out comprehensive compliance programs for these organisations, provide us with the leading edge in understanding the issues that are at play within an organisation and best practices that should be adopted.
Our strong working relationships with the key regulators has also allowed us to develop a deep understanding of these regulators’ priorities from a data protection and privacy perspective.
We are always at the forefront of legal innovation, legal understanding and legal services. Whether it is grappling with digital related technology issues, artificial intelligence, big data, the metaverse, we are there to guide and advise organisations in navigating laws relating thereto and in their commercialization activities.
We have further distinguished ourselves with the creation of a unique legal and technical ecosystem, with the setting up of separate companies, Rajah & Tann Technologies Pte. Ltd. (RTT) and Rajah & Tann Cybersecurity Pte. Ltd. (RTC).
This means that clients have the benefit of receiving seamless legal and technical services in the privacy, data protection and data governance space, by engaging with us. As an example, this unique combination of both legal and technical services that complete the data breach preparedness and response ecosystem services that we provide clients assure clients that their data related problems, incidents and issues are handled by a best of breed multi-disciplinary legal cum technical team.
Data Breach Readiness and Response / Data Protection Officer Services
A data breach can arise from many causes such as an intentional hacking attack, employee mischief or neglect, inadvertent leak, lack of or failure in security measures, equipment failure, human error, etc. It is no longer a question of preventing data breaches but one of being able to effectively handle a data breach when it occurs. With data continuing to be a key asset and operational currency of any organisation, it is of paramount importance for an organisation to assess its readiness in dealing with a data breach and effectively deal with it when a breach does happen. Our Data Breach Readiness and Response Services are designed to meet and deal with the heightened risk and increasing occurrences of data breaches in organisations across every industry.
Our Areas of Work
Across our regional network, our team helps clients understand how to manage privacy, data protection, data governance and data security issues from a legal and technical perspective. Our experience spans the full range of industry sectors and matters Our scope of services includes:
- Data breach readiness, prevention & management
- Data mining, data sharing, data processing & data transfer agreements & negotiation
- Online and offline workplace privacy issues and employee data protection
- Privacy and cybersecurity policies, audits & compliance risk assessments
- Data and privacy-related claims & litigation
- Internal and external data investigations, response & remediation
- Due diligence and data protection requirements in M&A transactions
- Technical and Legal Advisory Support for Regulatory Responses
- Education & training for employees
- Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA)
- Data Protection Officer services
- E-discovery & digital forensics
- Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Test (VAPT)
- Compliance review
- Data governance & data transfer agreements
- Vendor risk management & implementation
- Post breach response & activation
- 24x7 Standby incident response service
- IT Architecture Security Review
- Incident response & forensics
Related Links
Recognition
-
Innovative Lawyers in Cyber Security & Data Governance AwardFinancial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards Asia-Pacific (2023)
-
Tier 1 - TMTThe Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2024)
-
Tier 1 - Fintech & Financial Services RegulatoryThe Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2024)
-
Band 1- TMTChambers Asia-Pacific (2024)
-
Band 2 - Fintech LegalChambers Fintech (2024)
-
Top 100 Data Practices WorldwideGlobal Data Review 100 (2023)
-
Outstanding - Technology and TelecommunicationsAsialaw Profiles (2024)
-
“They are very responsive and have a very strong ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters.”Chambers Asia-Pacific (2023)
-
“The team is very familiar with our requirements and has a strong network in the field.”Chambers Asia-Pacific (2023)
-
"Rajah & Tann Singapore fields a team with seasoned lawyers who are well placed to provide expertise on telecoms and technology regulatory matters as well as licensing, data protection and data centre projects. Acts for an impressive roster of high-end domestic and multinational social media, electronics and telecoms companies."Chambers Asia-Pacific (2022)
Our Cross Border Strength
As the digital economy accelerates, Rajah & Tann Asia is ready to take on this change with our Data & Digital Economy services, where we hope to to position ourselves as the region’s first choice in legal solutions providers and thought leaders in the Data & Digital Economy space and the new Metaverse.
This is achieved with the strategy of merging core Data & Digital Economy skillsets with the various specialist practices across Rajah & Tann’s Corporate and Disputes practices, to draw on the strengths and expertise of each lawyer to provide clients with multi-disciplinary, multi-legal solutions on a scale and depth few other firms can meet internationally.
Rajah & Tann Asia transforms to be your go-to regional team for all data and digital economy matters.
Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics
The rise of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and data analytics is profoundly transforming business models. Many industry players have been making use of these fast-evolving technologies to their advantage. However, along with these advantages also come their own set of legal challenges in areas such as compliance, risks, ethics, privacy, manipulation, data governance, and human-robot interaction. These new technologies and business models also require new strategies from a legal and compliance standpoint. Led by a team of highly experienced lawyers who are recognised thought leaders in this nascent field, together with Legal Engineers from our Rajah & Tann Technologies InnoLex team, we provide multidisciplinary solutions to meet demands in this rapidly evolving space and stand ready to guide you through every step of your AI journey
Cloud, Data Centre & Info-Communications
The revolution of technology has brought about rapid changes in the world of construction, giving rise to new digital infrastructure projects such as data centres, smart buildings and telecommunications infrastructure. Our team at Rajah & Tann draws expertise from our market-leading practices to assist clients throughout the entire lifecycle of complex infrastructure projects in the technology space. We are the go-to firm to provide expert commercial and legal advice on all aspects of technology infrastructure including hardware, software, facilities and structures that support the delivery of business systems and IT-enabled processes. We also regularly advise on data centre solutions for investors, developers, operators, and users participating in the data centre and communications infrastructure realm. Amidst all of these, we ensure that our clients stay compliant with current and upcoming regulations.
Cybersecurity & Cybercrime
Cybersecurity & cybercrime have always been key areas of concern in the digital world. As we marvel at new opportunities in the Metaverse, businesses must be prepared to face new and advanced threats of Meta-cybercrimes where next level massive attacks make current ones seem like systemic tests for the dangers to come. Our Data & Digital Economy expertise in cybersecurity allows us to help clients leverage the value of data responsibly and safeguard the confidentiality of sensitive data. Our market-leading lawyers work in tandem with legal tech specialists from Rajah & Tann Technologies and Rajah & Tann Cybersecurity in the creation of new policies, cross-party reliance and systems, meta-security standards and protocols, and next-gen compliance procedures to ensure that security is maintained while preserving the user experience. This synergistic collaboration provides technical audit, forensic and investigation services to complement the legal services that are provided by our technologically savvy lawyers. We also provide multi-disciplinary data breach services and 24-hour emergency response teams ready to assist our clients as may be required. We regularly advise on capital markets regulatory issues and the necessary due diligence in merger and acquisition transactions. This ensures that Rajah & Tann is the one-stop shop for all data or cybersecurity matters, giving clients the head start to solutions vital in the Metaverse. We provide our clients with a holistic solution designed to assist in preventing cyberbreaches and in effectively responding to a cyberbreach. Our services can be customised to assist large organisations as well as small and medium-sized enterprises across every industry.
DDE Disputes & Crisis Management
Our dynamic litigation team has been pioneering cutting-edge data and technology disputes, offering a multidisciplinary approach to assist clients of every size and stage with integrated counsel. We have navigated this terrain and guided clients in the asset recovery, forensics, cybersecurity, technology, entertainment, software, marketing, media, and gaming industries, across the entire spectrum of the digital space.
Our team of tech litigation specialists are equipped to guide clients as they navigate this new frontier, with emphasis on:
- Digital asset and cryptocurrency tracing and recovery
- Privacy and data use and governance disputes
- Software and intellectual property disputes
- Mergers & acquisitions disputes, joint ventures disputes
- Digital financing disputes
- Digital payment processing and token disputes
- Technology and telecoms infrastructure disputes
- Digital trade and intangible asset related disputes
DDE Mergers & Acquisitions
Today, we are on the cusp of the Metaverse as digital worlds and augmented reality continue to be developed, and technology companies are envisioning various types of Metaverse platforms. Taking into account this new digital reality concept, M&A activity and collaboration between Metaverse builders and companies now require Meta-specific M&A checklists and indicators to ensure smooth integrations.
Whether you are seeking to invest in, purchase assets or shares of a technology company, or acquire new digital capabilities, our team of specialist tech lawyers is here to provide effective and strategic legal support across the entire spectrum of technology-related M&A transactions.
Our legal and technical specialists are highly adept at providing practical advice on complex issues that often arise in Tech M&A and Meta Commercial transactions, from conducting intellectual property and cybersecurity due diligence to drafting transitional service agreements, invention assignment agreements, and designing data protection policies.
Digital Media, Social Media & Online Falsehoods
We are well versed in social media and digital media laws and offer a multidisciplinary approach to assist clients of every size and stage with integrated counsel. From the earliest stages of the digital media wave, we have navigated this terrain and guided clients in the technology, entertainment, software, marketing, media, and gaming industries, across the entire spectrum of social media and digital media law.
While digital and social media create new markets and opportunities, they also open the door to a range of issues such as cybercrime, data protection, customer privacy, intellectual property and content regulatory compliance.
To assist our clients in navigating the media space, we provide end-to-end, intuitive advice on all forms of social and digital media-related matters, some of which include:
- Drafting and advising on service contracts, software integration contracts, software and content licensing and development agreements, and customer terms of use and privacy policies for digital platforms
- Privacy and data protection provisions for customers and employees of digital media service providers
- Digital media intellectual property protection, prosecution and advice
- Issues related to cross border storage and transfer of data and cloud service provision
- Mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures and venture capital financings of digital media companies
Electronic Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection
In this age of the Data & Digital Economy where rapid internet and technology advancement has impacted almost every aspect of corporate and consumer behaviour, increasing accessibility and connectivity have created a strong wave of consumer outreach.
In addition to having a strong online presence to boost e-commerce sales, many companies are now adopting innovation and automation in increasingly complex and imaginative ways to engage with their clients.]
With expertise spanning all our practice areas, we have a solid grasp of technology trends in the spheres of e-commerce, artificial intelligence, blockchain and fintech. Our extensive experience in handling technological assets gives us the upper hand in supporting our clients on all forms of e-commerce, trade, and consumer protection matters, including:
- Taking brick-and-mortar businesses to the e-commerce sphere
- Reviewing business structures to best exploit FTA benefits
- Providing advice on ongoing import and export requirements, including other trade-related compliance issues
- Reviewing campaigns to ensure that there are no consumer protection violations
- Developing a consumer protection compliance process
- Data privacy and security concerns
- Tax implications of e-commerce businesses
Fintech, Blockchain & Smart Contracts
The increasing use of blockchain technology and digital assets could ultimately reshape the way many industries operate for decades to come. Our long track record of working with blockchain and other emerging technologies allows us to assist clients to pursue the untapped possibilities of blockchain technology from innovative financing structures such as token generation to applications beyond cryptocurrency.
With the Metaverse is taking cyberspace by storm, along with it comes a new class of asset which has already taken shape in the form of cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Our lawyers can help you navigate your way though the world of digital assets and cryptocurrencies and assist with the legal issues that arise where the virtual and real worlds converge.
Intangible Assets, Intellectual Property & Media
In the Information Age, digital transformation and the growing embrace of IoT have seen many organisations seizing the opportunity to deliver data services, and ultimately reaping the benefits of data commercialisation.
As businesses start to amass a wealth of data, the enhancement of customer data for powerful insights and improvement of products and services becomes highly valuable. Beyond the considerations of company data value and technology solutions, a data commercialisation strategy also requires compliance with regulatory regimes, as well as privacy and security standards.
We provide our clients with end-to-end and intuitive advice on all forms of data commercialisation, media, and tech matters, some of which include:
- Privacy and data protection provisions
- Intellectual property protection, prosecution and advice
- Transparency and protection of sensitive and confidential information
- Licensing and commercialisation of technology, data, digital media and content, and intellectual property
- Data acquisition and transfers
- Trademark acquisition, licensing and prosecution
- Digital assets and data recovery services in the event of restructuring or insolvency
Privacy, Data Protection & Data Governance
Our specialist multi-jurisdictional data protection and privacy team is the clear leader in the region, as far as privacy, data protection acumen and services, data governance and legal work are concerned. Our keen expertise has manifested in our provision of innovative services when we became the pioneer of such services in this area. Our best-of-breed value added services provide organisations with guidance and advice across compliance with privacy and data protection laws, astute handling of data breaches and data incidents, and data handling as key assets of the organisation.
We have assisted many clients from across a wide range of industries to comply with the various data protection authorities and sector-specific regulators. Our strong working relationships with the key regulators have also allowed us to develop a deep understanding of these regulators’ priorities from a data protection and privacy perspective.
The exposure we have to multiple industries where we carry out comprehensive compliance programs for these organisations provides us with the leading edge in understanding the issues that are at play within an organisation and the best practices that should be adopted.
Related Links
Recognition
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2023)
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2023)
Chambers Asia-Pacific (2023)
Chambers Fintech (2022)
Global Data Review 100 (2022)
Asialaw Profiles (2023)
Chambers Asia-Pacific (2023)
Chambers Asia-Pacific (2023)
-
Tier 1 - TMTThe Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2023)
-
Tier 1 - Fintech & Financial Services RegulatoryThe Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2023)
-
Band 1- TMTChambers Asia-Pacific (2023)
-
Band 2 - FintechChambers Fintech (2022)
-
Top 100 data practices worldwideGlobal Data Review 100 (2022)
-
Outstanding - Technology and TelecommunicationsAsialaw Profiles (2023)
-
“They are very responsive and have a very strong ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters.”Chambers Asia-Pacific (2023)
-
“The team is very familiar with our requirements and has a strong network in the field.”Chambers Asia-Pacific (2023)
-
"Rajah & Tann Singapore fields a team with seasoned lawyers who are well placed to provide expertise on telecoms and technology regulatory matters as well as licensing, data protection and data centre projects. Acts for an impressive roster of high-end domestic and multinational social media, electronics and telecoms companies."Chambers Asia-Pacific (2022)
"Rajah & Tann Singapore fields a team with seasoned lawyers who are well placed to provide expertise on telecoms and technology regulatory matters as well as licensing, data protection and data centre projects. Acts for an impressive roster of high-end domestic and multinational social media, electronics and telecoms companies."
Chambers Asia-Pacific 2022