The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the growing network of physical objects, from thermostats to cameras, that have network connectivity and can send and receive data. It is estimated that 50 billion devices around the world will be connected to the Internet by 2020, and that IoT commerce will have a total economic impact of up to $11trn by 2025.

Spectrum of legal advice

According to Sherrese Smith, a Paul Hastings partner in Washington, D.C, the core team of about 40 people is mainly lawyers from various practices, though non-lawyers such as eDiscovery specialists will be involved as needed. The group will provide legal counsel for a variety of issues, including data security, IP, litigation, licensing and regulation.

Becoming mainstream

‘The Internet of Things is becoming the new mainstream in a way,’ said Sean Unger, a partner in San Francisco who belongs to the group. He predicted that technology-affiliated practices that combine various legal specialties, including transactional work, will become more common.