IT AND BUSINESS PROCESS

The Firm has been involved in the establishment and operations of several of its clients in the information technology and outsourcing space and also has acquired expertise relating to the various business models adopted, and the issues faced by entities operating in these sectors.
The Firm has advised clients on issues relating to internet based securities trading as well as on issues relating to Internet Banking in India. The Firm regularly advises and assists internet service providers and e-commerce businesses in relation to their operations, development of websites and online portals, and products and services offered in India in light of a wide array of applicable regulations including information technology regulations, data protection and privacy regulations, regulations relating to payment systems and gateways, etc.
The Firm has assisted its clients in negotiation and drafting of software sale agreements, software development agreements, licensing agreements, hardware and software outsourcing agreements and technical support agreements for various types of software products. The Firm has also advised clients on the procurement of diverse types of computer hardware ranging from VSAT dishes to computer systems for nation-wide networks including the negotiating and drafting of hardware contracts and annual maintenance contracts. The Firm has also advised various multinationals in the structuring of their networks and related operations in light of Indian regulatory requirements.
The Firm has advised and assisted with establishing several captive business process outsourcing (BPO) units (including call centres) for various multinational companies. The Firm’s involvement has ranged from assistance with acquisition of facilities and equipment for the operations of a unit to the strategic sales of such units. The Firm has also worked closely with outsourcers and several third party contractors and service providers in relation to establishment of BPOs as joint ventures or on a Build- Own-Operate basis.
The Firm has assisted both, clients and vendors / service providers with their outsourcing arrangements, including preparation of RFPs, service agreements, taxation, employment, exchange control and intellectual property rights law issues that arise from such transactions. Clients and vendors / service providers regularly consult and have benefited from the Firm’s in-depth expertise in relation to regulations applicable to telecommunication facilities which BPOs use to provide seamless services to their clients.