Overview of Science and Technology Law

There is broad overlap between law, science, and technology in our increasingly tech-based society. Science and technology law involves laws, regulations, litigation, and dispute resolution in the science and technology industries. This legal practice area touches on intellectual property, data privacy, biotechnology, telecommunications, and more.

As technology advances, new legal issues arise, including internet law and E-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics. Science and technology law determines regulatory compliance, licensing, patents, and technology transactions. For more information, contact a science and technology attorney for legal advice.

What Is Science and Technology Law?

Science and technology law is a legal practice area that involves the overlap of scientific issues, technological advancements, and the legal field. Most areas of science and technology touch on legal issues, including government regulations, commercial transactions, and litigation to resolve disputes.

Science and technology law can involve many areas of legal practice. For example, start-up companies may need legal assistance with business formation, drafting contracts, and securities compliance. A company developing new technologies will need intellectual property protections.

Many aspects of science and technology law require a specialized understanding of advanced technology and science, including patent law, cybersecurity, and internet crime.

Find top Science and Technology Law lawyers easily

Connect with a qualified attorney today.

Find a lawyer today

Patent and Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual property (IP) law gives creators and inventors ownership rights over their work. IP law involves protecting, licensing, and controlling intellectual property.

IP is an important topic in science and technology. Inventors and companies want to protect their technological developments. IP and patent law often involves specialized training and technical understanding. Technological patent lawyers generally have an educational background in the sciences, as well as legal training.

Laws Regulating Science and Technology

Federal, state, and local laws can regulate existing science and technology issues or adapt existing laws to apply to new scientific advances.

For example, the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1941 (FTC Act) regulates unfair trade practices. This was was enacted well before the creation of the internet. Later amendments added FTC oversight to online commerce. As a result, the FTC has a part in regulating data security, consumer privacy, and online advertising.

The Role of a Science and Technology Lawyer

A science and technology attorney’s work will vary depending on their specific practice area and the legal issues involved. Legal work generally falls into two main categories: Transactional work and litigation.

Transactional law in the science and technology context can involves drafting contracts, filing IP patents, and technology mergers and acquisitions. Transactional legal support can help avoid costly legal issues down the road.

Litigation involves legal disputes and lawsuits. It can involve appearing in court before a judge and jury, though a lot of litigation takes place outside the courtroom. Litigation work includes research, discovery, and negotiations. Most civil lawsuits settle before they get to a courtroom. Examples of science and technology litigation work includes patent infringement, cybercrime criminal charges, and breach of contract.

Emerging Issues in Science and Technology Law

Novel issues continually arise in science and technology law. As technology develops, the law must confront new problems that have never been regulated.

Legislators in the 19th century never had to consider legal issues around generative AI, cybersecurity, or pharmaceutical data protection. Even new bioethics laws passed today will become outdated in the future among emerging technologies in the life sciences.

Science and technology law involves a combination of creating new laws and adapting existing legal frameworks to cutting-edge technologies. Legal issues in scientific and technology law include:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Biotechnology and healthcare
• Cybersecurity
• Data privacy laws
• Ethics and professional responsibility
• Intellectual property (patents, copyrights, and trademarks)
• Internet and social media law
• Trade secrets and employment law

These legal issues will continue to evolve and develop with new technologies. Important legal developments can become obsolete in short time as new issues emerge.

Find a Lawyer for Your Science and Technology Legal Needs

For personalized legal advice, talk to an experienced science and technology attorney. A legal professional with experience in technology cases will understand your legal concerns and can provide up-to-date legal help. Contact a local science and technology lawyer to understand your legal options.