Technology consulting

Technology consulting is the business of advising organizations on technology, such as strategy, system selection, software development, integration, cybersecurity and project management. It is a business service rather than a legal term, but the legal issues usually arise from the consulting contract that defines the scope, fees, deliverables and responsibilities.

How BC law treats it

A technology consulting engagement is governed by the contract and the common law of negligence and misrepresentation. Whether a consultant is an independent contractor or an employee depends on the overall relationship, not just the label, and copyright in deliverables stays with the consultant unless assigned in writing under the Copyright Act, RSC 1985, c C-42.

What it means for your business

Use a written agreement that defines deliverables, acceptance, ownership of work product and limits on liability before work begins.

Risks and common mistakes

Without an intellectual property assignment, the client may only have an implied licence to use the deliverables it paid for.

For the full explanation, see our entry on Technology contracts.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.