Technology, SaaS & IP Disputes

Resolving Commercially Significant Technology and Software Disputes

Is a software development project failing to deliver? Has a SaaS provider breached an important agreement, or is a dispute over intellectual property threatening your technology business?

Technology disputes can create significant commercial difficulties, particularly where a business relies on software platforms, digital infrastructure, proprietary technology or important commercial contracts. Disagreements over software ownership, system performance, licensing rights and contractual obligations can affect revenue, customer relationships, investment plans and day-to-day operations.

At The Jonathan Lea Network, we advise businesses on resolving technology, SaaS and intellectual property disputes, with a focus on protecting commercial interests and achieving practical outcomes. Whether you are a software developer, SaaS provider, technology company or business relying on critical digital services, we can help you assess your legal position and determine an appropriate strategy.

Technology and SaaS Disputes We Can Help With

Software Development and Failed IT Projects

Software development disputes commonly arise where a project is delayed, the delivered system does not meet the agreed specification or the parties disagree about payment, performance or acceptance. A failed software implementation can create significant financial losses, particularly where it affects business-critical operations or requires substantial additional investment.

We can help businesses review development agreements, statements of work, project milestones, acceptance criteria and relevant communications to establish their contractual rights. Depending on the circumstances, available options may include requiring remedial performance, negotiating revised delivery arrangements, terminating the agreement or pursuing compensation.

SaaS Contract and Subscription Disputes

SaaS agreements often govern services that businesses rely on every day.

Disputes may arise over service availability, performance failures, subscription charges, termination rights, renewal terms or limitations of liability.

For SaaS providers, such disagreements can threaten important customer relationships or recurring revenue. For customers, service failures can disrupt business operations and create unexpected costs.

We advise on interpreting contractual obligations, responding to breach allegations and finding commercially workable resolutions.

Software Ownership and Developer Disputes

A dispute over software ownership can become particularly serious where the technology represents a substantial business asset.

For example, a company may discover that a former developer claims ownership of its source code, or that an external software supplier disputes the customer’s right to modify or develop the platform.

These matters often turn on development agreements, employment arrangements, copyright assignments and licensing terms.

We can help establish the relevant rights and assess the options for securing continued access, resolving ownership disagreements and protecting commercial value.

Source Code Copying and Intellectual Property Infringement

Disputes involving alleged copying of software or source code can threaten a company’s competitive position.

A business may discover that a former developer or competitor is using protected code, or it may itself face allegations of unauthorised copying.

Such disputes can involve copyright infringement, breach of contract, misuse of confidential information and technical questions about independent development.

We can assess the relevant legal issues and advise on pursuing or defending claims.

For detailed advice on copyright enforcement and defence, see our Copyright Infringement Solicitors service.

Software Licensing and Access Disputes

Technology businesses frequently rely on licensing arrangements governing the use, distribution and commercial exploitation of software.

Disputes can arise where a customer exceeds its permitted usage, a supplier suspends access, a licence is allegedly terminated unlawfully or the parties disagree about source-code rights.

These matters can be particularly urgent where continued access to a platform is essential to business operations.

We can advise on contractual rights, termination provisions, potential infringement and available remedies.

Confidential Information and Trade Secret Disputes

Technology companies often hold valuable confidential information, including source code, product development plans, algorithms, technical documentation and customer data.

Concerns may arise where a former employee, contractor, supplier or commercial partner has accessed, retained or disclosed confidential information without permission.

Depending on the circumstances, legal remedies may be available through contractual obligations, breach of confidence or statutory trade secret protections.

We can help assess whether urgent steps are required to protect the information and prevent further misuse.

Data Access and Technology Service Disputes

Disputes can also arise when a technology supplier restricts access to business data, fails to return information at the end of a contract or does not provide agreed migration assistance.

For businesses dependent on cloud services or outsourced technology, these disagreements can have immediate operational consequences.

We can review the relevant service, termination and data-return provisions and consider appropriate contractual remedies.

What Should You Do When a Technology Contract Goes Wrong?

Where an important software or technology relationship begins to break down, early decisions can significantly affect the outcome.

Before withholding payment, terminating an agreement, suspending services or changing access arrangements, it is important to understand the contractual position.

Relevant evidence may include:

• Software development agreements and SaaS contracts.
• Statements of work, specifications and service-level agreements.
• Correspondence about performance, defects or delays.
• Payment records and change requests.
• Technical reports, support tickets and system logs.
• Intellectual property ownership and licensing documents.

We can help assess the available evidence and identify whether immediate action is necessary.

Can You Terminate a Software or SaaS Agreement?

Whether a technology agreement can be terminated depends on its terms and the circumstances.

Some contracts contain express termination rights triggered by particular breaches or events. In other cases, termination may depend on whether the breach is sufficiently serious under general contractual principles.

Incorrectly terminating an agreement can create further liability, so it is important to obtain advice before taking action.

We can help assess termination rights, contractual notice requirements, payment obligations and the consequences for continued access to software, data and intellectual property.

How We Resolve Technology Disputes

Reviewing the Contract and Technical Evidence:We assess the agreements, obligations, alleged breaches and supporting documentation.

Where technical issues are central to the dispute, specialist evidence may be required.

Assessing Financial and Operational Risk: We consider the potential damages, impact on customers, interruption to services and importance of the technology to the business.

Negotiation and Commercial Resolution: Where appropriate, we explore practical solutions such as revised delivery arrangements, remedial work, compensation, licensing changes or an agreed termination.

Injunctions and Court Proceedings: If negotiation is unsuccessful or urgent protection is needed, formal legal proceedings may be appropriate.

We can advise on the available remedies, litigation strategy, potential costs and risks.

Why Choose The Jonathan Lea Network?

Technology disputes frequently combine contractual, intellectual property and wider commercial issues.

We aim to provide advice that considers not only the legal merits but also the implications for your products, customers, revenue and business continuity.

Our approach is to identify realistic outcomes and help clients make commercially informed decisions about negotiation, settlement and litigation.

Speak to Our Technology Disputes Solicitors

If your business is involved in a significant software, SaaS or technology dispute, obtaining advice early can help protect its legal and commercial position.

At The Jonathan Lea Network, we can discuss the background to the allegations and explain the potential scope of legal assistance.

We provide most enquiries with an indicative scope of work and fee estimate, based on the information you share. We aim to respond within one working day.

In the same email you will be invited to arrange a 20-minute complimentary, no-obligation video consultation, should the proposed scope of work and fee estimate be of interest. This initial discussion is designed to better understand your requirements, refine the scope and ensure our approach is fully aligned with your objectives, at the end of which we will email you a definitive formal fee estimate to consider and approve.

Where you would prefer to receive initial advice and guidance from the outset, or where a short introductory call would not be the most appropriate starting point, we may instead recommend a 2.5-hour fixed-fee appointment, starting from £700 + VAT. This enables us to review the information you provide, discuss your situation with you and provide considered, tailored advice at an early stage.

To make an enquiry, please email us at wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net, complete our contact form, or call us on 01444 708640.