Who We
Represent

Technology Sector

The technology sector represents one of the economy’s fastest and largest growing segments. This sector is comprised of a number of industries ranging from biotechnology and semiconductors to nanotechnology. Companies operating throughout the technology sector deliver a diverse array of products and services to individual consumers and businesses. These products and services include computers, software and database systems and support, data processing facilities, and countless other items related to information technology, innovation and communication.

Companies operating in the technology sector face an increasingly competitive landscape. Companies are continually developing new products and innovations to grow their businesses and increase their financial performance. Like most economic sectors, the technology sector faces many legal and regulatory challenges. While businesses often emphasize data security, they must also comply with changing environmental laws at the state, national and international levels. Environmental compliance can be costly and businesses across the sector must devote time and resources to develop proper compliance measures.

Environmental Laws and Regulations Impacting the Technology Sector

Expanding regulatory oversight both domestically and abroad can place a substantial burden on businesses operating throughout the technology sector. Each California environmental attorney at our firm is well versed in the complex environmental challenges and issues facing technology related companies. We counsel clients in all industry sectors, including:

Technology By The Sector

Biotechnology

Biotech companies develop products to combat a broad range of problems, from infectious diseases to pollutants threatening the environment. Biotechnology companies must comply with strict environmental regulations, including obtaining government approvals for the products and goods they develop. These businesses can also be subject to government enforcement actions and litigation brought by environmental groups and private parties. The attorneys at Bick Law help companies in the biotechnology industry navigate emerging environmental laws and regulations. We work with clients to develop compliance programs aimed at avoiding costly and disruptive litigation and enforcement actions. We also help companies structure and negotiate commercial transactions that advance their business goals and operations.

Semiconductor

A key driver of the U.S. economy, the semiconductor industry is one of the fastest growing manufacturing sectors. Semiconductors are used to manufacture computer chips, as well as for military, automotive, industrial, communications and other purposes. The “clean room” facilities used to produce semiconductors are notorious for exposing workers to toxic chemicals. The manufacturing process results in wastewater, permitted air emissions, and solid and hazardous waste generation. Bick Law regularly advises clients on compliance issues in connection with the manufacturing and distribution process in the semiconductor industry. Our team helps companies develop compliance programs and we aggressively defend our clients in worker exposure and toxic tort cases.

Nanotechnology

Much of the nanotechnology industry has been applied in the manufacturing of semiconductors, but new nanotechnology applications are emerging in the health industry. While these technologies have the potential to generate tremendous advances and benefits, we do not fully understand the health and environmental impacts of nanoscale materials. Nanotechnology products and materials are subject to numerous regulations, including the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA), the hazard communication standard, and the General Duty Clause. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also established a voluntary Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program which sets forth proposed codes of conduct for companies working with nanomaterials.

The legal team at Bick Law closely monitors existing and developing regulations impacting the nanotechnology industry in order to assist clients in developing effective environmental compliance strategies and programs. We also advise clients on possible common law tort and other liability considerations that may come into play in connection with their activities and operations.