Outsourcing has become a fundamental strategy for companies aiming to streamline operations, reduce costs and access specialised expertise. However, amid these benefits is a landscape of legal complexities and risks that can jeopardise businesses through contractual liabilities, civil litigation, theft, reputational damage, and more.
To explore this further, we sat down with Philip Evangelou, the Founder and legal mind behind OpenLegal, to shed light on the most pressing legal considerations when outsourcing.
This article covers:
- Common Legal Pitfalls and Mitigation Strategies
- Evolving Legal Landscape and Key Trends
- Practical Advice for First-time Outsourcers
- Balancing the Benefits with Legal Risks
Common Legal Pitfalls and Mitigation Strategies
While outsourcing presents numerous opportunities for businesses, it equally exposes them to some risks. However, staying ahead of these risks offers the chance to mitigate them proactively.
Evangelou offered detailed insights into the most common legal pitfalls he sees in outsourcing, and the best mitigation strategies. These are highlighted in the table below.
| Risk | Mitigation Strategy |
| Intellectual Property (IP) Rights Violations | Define IP ownership in contract for existing and created IP. Conduct due diligence on provider’s IP practices. |
| Data Privacy and Security Risks | Ensure provider compliance with data protection laws/standards. Include robust data protection clauses in contract, specifying requirements for data handling, storage and transfer. Consider data encryption and regular audits. |
| Breach of Confidentiality | Include strict confidentiality clauses in contract. Limit the amount of confidential information shared. Use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and employee training on confidentiality obligations. |
| Non-Compliance with Regulations | Conduct due diligence on provider’s compliance capabilities. Include compliance-related clauses and the right to audit in contract. |
| Contract Disputes and Unclear Terms | Develop clear, detailed contracts with the help of legal counsel. Define scope of work, deliverables, timelines, payment schedules, and performance metrics. Include dispute resolution mechanisms in the contract. |
| Termination Issues | Add termination clauses in contract, including conditions under which the agreement can be terminated, notice periods for termination and the obligations following termination such as the return of data and materials. |
Evolving Legal Landscape and Key Trends
Evangelou notes that “the legal landscape is constantly changing and being shaped by globalisation, technological advancements and regulatory shifts.” Accordingly, companies must adapt their practices to these changes.
With automation and AI commanding widespread attention, the realm of outsourcing is no exception. Issues surrounding liability for AI-driven decision-making, intellectual property rights for AI-generated content, and the ethical use of AI are paramount considerations.
The Optus 2022 data breach, affecting 10 million customers, serves as a stark reminder of the prevalent cybersecurity risks. Evangelou underscores the importance of addressing security protocols, incident reporting, and response mechanisms in outsourcing agreements. He also highlights a trend towards requirements for cyber insurance.
Moreover, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are gaining traction, prompting regulatory bodies to heighten scrutiny. As ESG considerations increasingly influence outsourcing decisions, legal agreements may incorporate provisions related to sustainability practices, social impact, and governance standards.
Additional trends identified by Evangelou include evolving labour laws in the outsourced/gig economy, heightened emphasis on data privacy, and cross-border legal considerations necessitating localised business activities.
Practical Advice for First-time Outsourcers
For companies venturing into outsourcing for the first time, Evangelou offered practical guidance. He emphasises the importance of approaching the process methodically and with due diligence:
- Conduct thorough research to understand the outsourcing market and identify providers with a proven track record in your industry.
- Familiarise yourself with legal and regulatory implications, including data protection laws, intellectual property rights, and labour laws.
- Draft a comprehensive request for proposal (RFP) outlining your requirements, expectations, and timelines.
- Perform a thorough risk assessment encompassing operational, financial, legal, and reputational risks.
- Develop a robust contract with legal professionals delineating the scope of work, service level agreements (SLAs), confidentiality clauses, data protection measures, intellectual property rights, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
- Establish a viable exit strategy detailing the termination process, including notice periods, transition support, and the handling of assets and data.
Balancing the Benefits with Legal Risks
While outsourcing offers myriad benefits as a growth strategy for businesses, it necessitates a meticulous approach to managing legal risks. The strategies outlined by Philip Evangelou, Founder of OpenLegal, in this article are instrumental in striking a balance between the rewards and risks inherent in outsourcing endeavours.
To enquire about outsourcing in your business or for professional advice on mitigating outsourcing risks, book in a time to speak to one of the team at OpenLegal or make an enquiry with them. Let us navigate your outsourcing needs, allowing you to focus on propelling your business forward confidently.
*As a disclaimer, none of these responses can be exchanged for legal advice.
This article is brought to you by OpenLegal, in partnership with Trust The Process.
Trust The Process is a professional outsourcing company that advocates for empowering both technology and people within organisations to promote growth and scalability.
Phil is a director at OpenLegal. He has over 16 years experience working in private practice and in-house counsel in Sydney and London, giving him expertise in employment law, IP, finance, leases, dispute resolution, insurance and contracts.
