Technology Lawyers in Vancouver and Across BC
Every company now relies on technology, and technology companies rely on getting their legal foundations right. Whiteboard Law's technology lawyers have been advising technology companies for over 25 years. We act for fintech, SaaS, telecom, e-commerce, clean energy, video game, blockchain, artificial intelligence and digital media businesses throughout British Columbia, from first incorporation to financing rounds and exit.
Our lawyers have worked inside large national firms, sat on the boards of public technology companies and co-founded businesses of their own. That combination means we give advice that works commercially, not just legally.
Startups and Emerging Technology Companies
The decisions a technology company makes in its first year shape everything that follows. We incorporate new technology companies and set them up properly from the start, including share structure, founder and shareholder agreements, option plans and employment agreements. We make sure intellectual property created by founders, employees and contractors ends up owned by the company, which is one of the first things investors and buyers check. As the company grows, we guide it through each financing round and, when the time comes, through to exit.
SaaS, Software and Technology Agreements
A technology company's revenue runs on its contracts. We draft and negotiate SaaS agreements, software licences, terms of service, privacy policies, reseller and distribution agreements, outsourcing agreements and technology transfer agreements. We act for both vendors and customers, so we know where each side pushes and where a deal usually lands. Our lawyers also assist post-secondary institutions, government organizations and service providers with their outsourcing and technology licensing transactions.
Intellectual Property and Data
Technology companies are built on their IP and, increasingly, on their data. We help clients identify, protect and manage both: confirming ownership through proper assignments, licensing technology in and out, and putting privacy and data-use terms in place that hold up when a customer, investor or regulator asks.
Artificial Intelligence
We advise companies building AI products and companies adopting someone else's. That includes AI product and model licensing, rights to training data and ownership of model outputs, AI and data-use terms in commercial contracts, and review of AI assets when a company raises money or is bought or sold. See our Artificial Intelligence page for more.
Financing, Mergers and Acquisitions
From early-stage financings to acquisitions and exits, our lawyers understand the full life cycle of a technology company. We have been involved in structuring top-tier investment funds and in their investments in and acquisitions of portfolio companies. We act on venture capital financings, share and asset purchases, and the corporate reorganizations that often come before a sale. Learn more about our Corporate Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions practices.
Gaming, Media and Entertainment
We advise studios and businesses in gaming, digital media and entertainment on financing, publishing and licensing agreements, and the IP that sits underneath them. See our Gaming+ page.
Our Technology Lawyers
Jim Mutter, Managing Lawyer
Jim was previously a partner at Fasken Martineau LLP, where he helped establish one of the largest technology law practices in Vancouver. He is a former President of the Premier's Technology Council, which advised the Premier of BC on technology issues, and has sat on the boards of public technology companies including Vecima Networks Inc. and QHR Technologies Inc. Jim has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada for Corporate Law and Technology Law since 2020, and co-founded a venture-backed network intelligence software company.
Brock Smith, Senior Lawyer
Brock has over 20 years' experience in corporate and technology law, much of it advising entrepreneurs and technology companies from formation to exit. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada for Information Technology Law since 2012. Brock taught at the University of British Columbia's Allard School of Law for over 10 years and regularly presents on information technology and corporate finance topics for technology entrepreneurs.
Emily Mutter, Lawyer
Emily advises technology companies and owner-managed businesses on artificial intelligence, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Before practising law, she worked at a large hedge fund in London, England, which gives her a practical grasp of financing terms and investor expectations.
Why Whiteboard Law
Our lawyers have co-founded companies themselves and know what it takes to build a technology business. You work directly with senior lawyers, not a rotating team of juniors. As a virtual firm, we serve clients across all of British Columbia, with particular depth in Vancouver's technology community. For companies that need ongoing support without hiring a full-time lawyer, Whiteboard In-House provides fractional in-house counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with technology companies outside Vancouver?
Yes. We are a virtual firm and act for clients across British Columbia.
When should a tech startup speak to a lawyer?
Ideally before bringing on co-founders, investors or contractors who will create IP, as these are the points where the right documents matter most.
Can you act as our in-house legal team?
Yes. Through Whiteboard In-House, we provide fractional in-house counsel on an ongoing basis.with fintech, SaaS, telecom, e-commerce, clean energy, video game, blockchain, AI, digital media and other technology businesses throughout British Columbia.