Reed Smith has been advising technology companies and software developers on machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-based products for more than a decade, guiding clients through the complex web of legal and ethical issues that arise from developing and training AI models in a highly competitive environment. Our teams have been at the forefront of the rapid emergence of generative AI, addressing challenges such as deepfakes, the status of synthetic content, how to protect and manage personal data, and how to enable information sharing and fight AI biases. We have been following the evolution and development of the regulatory environment for AI, advising policy teams and trade bodies on the adoption of key legal frameworks for the sector, including the EU AI Act. We are guiding our clients every step of the way as they embrace AI to enhance their products and services, boost productivity and unleash their potential to stay ahead of the curve. We offer high-quality, sector specific and practical legal advice on a multi-jurisdictional basis. We are dedicated to empowering our clients to harness the full potential of AI while navigating the evolving legal landscape with confidence and integrity.
We assist AI developers and AI deployers with a sharp sector focus:
Product counseling. Provide guidance and advice to companies and developers who are creating or integrating AI technologies into their products and services, including legal and regulatory compliance, ethical considerations, copyright and other intellectual property (IP) rights, data privacy and security, risk management and strategic planning. We help navigate the complex landscape of AI development and deployment, mitigate potential risks and provide advice on AI products to ensure they are designed and implemented in a responsible and ethical manner.
AI roadmaps. Develop and implement roadmaps and plans that guide organizations through all legal aspects from start to go-live regarding AI technologies.
Legal and regulatory compliance. Provide regulatory guidance on data privacy, IP, cybersecurity, AI-specific laws (EU AI Act and others), environmental, social and governance (ESG) laws and other relevant laws and regulations.
Governance. Assist organizations to determine their legal requirements regarding governance (e.g., Data Ownership Protocol (DOP), AI officer) and assist with implementing a structure that fits into their organization.
Datasets licensing. Help clients develop datasets as a product offering to support companies building machine learning models and business models around it.
Copyright. Our copyright team is widely recognized as a leader in the market with particular experience in future-facing areas of copyright, including AI, text and data mining, the law and conflict of law rules applicable to copyright online, the protectability of synthetic content and the application of copyright treaties.
Intellectual property protection. Protect AI-related inventions, algorithms and trade secrets. Assist with in- and out-licensing structures for training material. Assist with licensing and protection of output of generative AI solutions.
AI policies and AI in the workplace. Work with clients to prepare policies that support innovation and manage the risks associated with AI technologies, including in response to the issues raised by using large language models (confidentiality, privacy, accountability, biases and the delicate issue of AI hallucinations).
Training and education. Offer training programs and workshops to educate organizations and their staff on legal topics related to AI. For example, conduct seminars on AI regulations, data protection, IP and other relevant topics to enhance understanding and compliance.
Contract drafting and negotiation. Draft and negotiate contracts related to AI, such as development agreements, data sharing agreements and licensing agreements.
Data governance and privacy. Assist in establishing data governance frameworks for AI projects, including data collection, storage and use. Assist with existing and evolving data regulations, including data protection, IT security, data sharing and AI laws. Advise on protection strategies, especially with respect to the use of data for machine learning.
Ethical and bias considerations. Advise on implementing responsible AI practices, develop ethical guidelines, assess potential legal risks associated with biased or discriminatory AI systems (e.g., under the AI Act) and advise on employment-related situations (e.g., employee AI policy, employment agreement language, AI guidelines for developers).
Litigation, e-discovery and dispute resolution. Represent clients in AI-related litigation cases, including IP disputes, privacy breaches and contractual disagreements. Advise on compliant use of AI in litigation and e-discovery.
Mergers & acquisitions and private equity. Provide the full spectrum of legal advice and expertise to clients that sell, buy or invest in AI-driven companies.
Industry focus
We provide leading-edge counsel and structure innovative solutions that respond to the specific challenges faced by our clients operating or investing in AI across numerous sectors, including:
