Technology & AI Attorneys in New York City
Technology companies and businesses adopting AI tools face a rapidly evolving legal landscape. From contract disputes over software licensing and SaaS agreements to intellectual property questions raised by generative AI, the legal issues confronting technology businesses are novel, high-stakes, and often without clear precedent. Travis & DeBlase advises technology companies, AI startups, and businesses integrating AI into their operations on the commercial, regulatory, and litigation matters that define this sector. We combine deep litigation experience with a practical understanding of how technology businesses operate, enabling us to provide counsel that is both legally rigorous and commercially realistic.
Legal Challenges in Technology & AI
The technology sector moves faster than the law. Companies building or deploying AI systems must navigate an emerging patchwork of regulations at the federal, state, and local level — including New York City’s Local Law 144 governing automated employment decision tools. Intellectual property ownership questions surrounding AI-generated content remain unsettled. Data privacy obligations under state consumer privacy laws are expanding. And the contracts that govern technology relationships — SaaS agreements, licensing deals, development contracts, and vendor arrangements — frequently contain provisions that create significant risk if not carefully negotiated. Our attorneys stay current on these developments and advise clients on how to structure their businesses, contracts, and compliance programs to manage risk in a fast-changing environment.
What We Handle for Technology & AI Clients
We advise technology and AI clients across the full range of legal issues they encounter as they build, scale, and defend their businesses. Our work in this sector includes drafting and negotiating SaaS agreements, software licensing contracts, API terms of service, and technology vendor agreements. We advise on AI governance frameworks, including policies for responsible AI use, bias auditing compliance under NYC Local Law 144, and AI-related disclosure obligations. We litigate technology contract disputes, including claims arising from failed software implementations, SaaS service level breaches, and disputes over intellectual property ownership in jointly developed technology. We counsel companies on data privacy compliance, including obligations under New York’s SHIELD Act and evolving state privacy laws. And we structure business formations, equity arrangements, and commercial agreements for technology startups and growth-stage companies.
Building or deploying AI? Need counsel on a technology contract or dispute?
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AI Governance & Compliance
Businesses that use AI in their operations — whether for hiring, customer service, content generation, or decision-making — face growing regulatory scrutiny. New York City’s Local Law 144 requires employers using automated employment decision tools to conduct annual bias audits and provide notice to candidates and employees. Federal agencies including the FTC, EEOC, and SEC have issued guidance on AI-related risks in their respective domains. We help clients develop AI governance policies, conduct compliance assessments, and structure their AI deployments to minimize legal and reputational risk. For companies building AI products, we advise on terms of service, acceptable use policies, and contractual risk allocation with customers and data providers.
Technology Contracts & Commercial Disputes
Technology contracts are the foundation of every technology business relationship, and they are frequently the source of disputes. SaaS agreements, software development contracts, licensing deals, and reseller arrangements all involve complex provisions governing service levels, intellectual property rights, data ownership, limitation of liability, and termination rights. We draft and negotiate these agreements with a litigation-informed perspective — because we know which provisions are actually enforced and how courts interpret ambiguous terms. When disputes arise, we litigate them aggressively in New York state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration.
Intellectual Property & Data Privacy
Technology and AI businesses generate and rely on valuable intellectual property — from proprietary algorithms and training data to brand assets and trade secrets. We advise clients on IP protection strategies, including trade secret programs, confidentiality agreements, and work-for-hire and assignment provisions in employment and contractor agreements. We also counsel clients on data privacy compliance, helping them understand and meet their obligations under New York’s SHIELD Act, sector-specific regulations, and the expanding landscape of state consumer privacy laws. When IP or data privacy disputes arise, we represent clients in litigation to enforce their rights or defend against claims.
Related Practice Areas
AI Enhanced General Counsel · Business Agreements · Commercial Litigation · Business Disputes
Related Resources
Christopher Travis — Attorney Profile
Joseph DeBlase — Attorney Profile
News & Insights from Travis & DeBlase
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If you are a technology company, AI startup, or business integrating AI tools and need legal counsel — whether for contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, or dispute resolution — contact Travis & DeBlase to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.