https://www.morganlewis.com/rss/blogsBlogs RSS Feed25https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/the-rise-of-morals-clauses-as-sponsors-focus-on-brand-protection-careful-drafting-is-keyWhile morals clauses have long been common in athlete endorsement agreements, their importance to sponsorship agreements between teams and sponsors is mounting as brands seek greater protection against reputational harm tied to their association with a team. In the team sponsorship context, however, the analysis will differ.Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500cbad7c21-1d94-4b0b-83b1-1c57fe6f142fCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementCommercial ContractsTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesSportsSports Media, Sponsors & RetailersSports Investors, Financing Sources & OwnershipWomen's SportsProfessional Sports Leagues, Teams & PlayersSports Governing Bodies & Major EventsCBTOUT Jesse R. TaylorKatherine B. O'Keefehttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/upcoming-tech-and-sourcing-webinar-on-distribution-agreementsPlease join partner Marie Davy and of counsel Emily Lowe on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm ET for a discussion on current issues and key contractual provisions in global distribution agreements. Topics will include territory and exclusivity, compliance, and intellectual property protection.Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -050036117a18-8ae2-44b0-98b0-ee1772f18277Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsIntellectual PropertyCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementUnited StatesTechnologyOUTIPCBTKatherine B. O'Keefe Jesse R. Taylorhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/the-growing-ip-and-commercial-complexity-of-the-sports-industryWorld Intellectual Property Day on April 26, 2026 provides a timely lens through which to examine the increasingly complex role that intellectual property (IP) and commercial rights play across the sports industry. Far beyond traditional questions of trademark, copyright, patent, and design protection, the modern sports ecosystem is shaped by layered rights and contractual structures governing athlete branding, sponsorships, media distribution, data, venue technology, and emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven uses.Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -05004f135a82-a55b-4fb7-b379-26c24e48b7f6Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementCommercial ContractsIntellectual PropertyTechnology TransactionsTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsTrademark, Copyright, Advertising Litigation & Brand ManagementUnited StatesSportsSports Investors, Financing Sources & OwnershipSports Media, Sponsors & RetailersWomen's SportsProfessional Sports Leagues, Teams & PlayersSports Governing Bodies & Major EventsCBTOUTIPTRCUCTS Jesse R. TaylorKatherine B. O'Keefehttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/as-global-events-shape-stadium-sponsorship-temporary-obscuring-emerges-as-a-key-naming-rights-issueWhile stadium naming rights agreements have traditionally focused on the core commercial points one would expect—category exclusivity, signage rights, use of trademarks, media integration, hospitality benefits—as more stadiums host global events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, temporary obscuring signage language has become an increasingly important consideration in naming rights negotiations.Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -050073e63c6e-93a3-4758-962f-1b6d7e76e923Commercial ContractsTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsIntellectual PropertyUnited StatesSportsSports Governing Bodies & Major EventsOUTIP Jesse R. TaylorKatherine B. O'Keefehttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/new-executive-order-signals-heightened-federal-oversight-of-nil-and-college-sportsThe White House’s April 3, 2026 executive order, Urgent National Action to Save College Sports , signals a sharp expansion of federal involvement in college sports by moving beyond broad policy statements and toward an enforcement-focused framework tied to federal funding.Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500d389e7b0-0f89-48ce-9cec-326063a965bfCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementCommercial ContractsIntellectual PropertyTechnology TransactionsTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesSportsUS College SportsCBTOUTIP Jesse R. TaylorKatherine B. O'Keefehttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/study-finds-average-cost-of-data-breaches-decreased-globally-in-2025In our May 2025 blog post, Study Finds Average Cost of Data Breaches Significantly Increased Globally in 2024 , we highlighted the key findings of the Ponemon Institute’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024. The Ponemon Institute has now published its Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025, showing a decrease in data breach costs, driven by faster identification and containment. Each year, the report sets forth a vast dataset analyzing data breaches at hundreds of organizations to spot trends and developments in security risks and best practices.Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -05008971e397-6cb5-4b1e-9b48-ec7022a46555Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyCommercial ContractsIntellectual PropertyTechnology TransactionsUnited StatesTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceCBTOUTLITACCPIP Jesse R. TaylorKatherine B. O'Keefehttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/upcoming-tech-and-sourcing-webinar-on-digital-healthJoin partner Ben Klaber and of counsels Ariel Seeley and Eric Pennesi on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm ET for a discussion on innovations and trends in digital health. Topics will include artificial intelligence and connected devices, as well as data governance and regulatory developments.Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500797b6930-61ec-4d17-8980-b6d014171eacLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationseDataCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsHealthcareTechnologyDigital HealthArtificial IntelligenceLITEDATACBTOUTKatherine B. O'Keefe Jesse R. Taylorhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/from-assistant-to-actor-what-the-rise-of-agentic-ai-means-for-your-businessWe are currently witnessing a fundamental shift in the role that AI plays in enterprise operations, transitioning from a system that responds when prompted to one that plans, decides, and acts on its own. This shift has a name: agentic AI. And for business leaders and counsel advising on technology strategy, it deserves serious attention right now.Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500f79c007d-0416-4c5b-bb7a-087f814092bdTelecommunications, Media & TechnologyCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesArtificial IntelligenceTechnologyTMTACCPLITOUTCBTDoneld G. Shelkeyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/negotiating-ai-provisions-in-commercial-and-technology-contracts-where-the-market-is-headingTwo years ago, many technology agreements addressed artificial intelligence (AI), if at all, through a generic disclaimer or a brief acknowledgment that AI features might be included in the offering. Today, that approach is inadequate. The integration of AI into commercial products, outsourcing arrangements, and enterprise software agreements has forced a rethinking of longstanding contract frameworks.Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -050071231356-69b1-41d8-8efc-0909b17a5eccCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementCommercial ContractsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationseDataIntellectual PropertyTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceCBTOUTLITEDATAIPDoneld G. Shelkeyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/03/saudi-arabia-cloud-compliance-part-1-data-residency-and-contractual-expectationsSaudi Arabia’s cloud and data protection framework is substantive, cross-sectoral, and still maturing, creating a dynamic environment for technology companies entering the region. The threshold challenge is not merely identifying the applicable rules but truly understanding how multiple overlapping frameworks interact and where regulatory gaps require considered judgment in the absence of published guidance.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -050001de3e87-f0bf-4ccc-90d3-ad875cafd5e5Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementMiddle EastSaudi ArabiaTechnologyOUTCBTDoneld G. ShelkeyAlena Neskoromyukhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/03/sports-sponsorships-are-now-data-deals-whether-the-contract-says-so-or-notSports sponsorship agreements were once relatively straightforward: brand visibility in exchange for fees. This is no longer the case. Today, most meaningful sponsorships involve significant data components, whether fan engagement platforms, digital activations, or, increasingly, AI-driven analytics. As a result, these agreements are starting to look much more like technology and data contracts.Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -050053b2ac0d-5cbb-4ba9-bd37-bf33275023c1Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsIntellectual PropertyCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementTechnology TransactionsUnited StatesTechnologySportsArtificial IntelligenceOUTIPCBTDoneld G. Shelkeyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/02/building-exit-rights-and-portability-into-ai-dealsWith the pace of new product releases and market buzz, artificial intelligence (AI) has crossed a line in many organizations from an experimental tool to an embedded business function. Companies are increasingly relying on third-party AI offerings to support core processes, streamline operations, automate customer support, and perform other back-office and customer-facing tasks.Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -060091280cc4-52c8-4968-a6f0-4423c43c35ccTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesEuropeAsiaMiddle EastTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceData CentersDigital HealthHealthcareFintech & Digital AssetsOUTJonathan D. TraubChristopher C. Archerhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/02/join-us-for-our-fifth-annual-artificial-intelligence-boot-campPlease join us for our fifth annual Artificial Intelligence (AI) Boot Camp. Throughout the series, Morgan Lewis lawyers will explore the latest in AI developments, insights, usage, and integration, as they may impact companies of all sizes and across industries. Discussions will examine key challenges and opportunities presented by AI from a business and legal perspective.Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -060091332c1f-575e-4c02-85b0-7fb2092f3d19Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesEuropeAsiaMiddle EastArtificial IntelligenceTechnologyData CentersHealthcareDigital HealthFintech & Digital AssetsRetail & EcommerceSportsOUTJonathan D. TraubChristopher C. Archerhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/02/get-ahead-of-the-game-upcoming-tech-and-sourcing-webinar-on-sports-and-sponsorshipGet ahead of the game by joining partner Don Shelkey and associates Charlotte Cavendish and Jesse Taylor on March 4, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET, for a discussion on emerging trends in sports business transactions. From artificial intelligence–driven fan engagement to innovative sponsorship models shaping the future of sports transactions, the Morgan Lewis team will explore the trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping these transactions.Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -06004bf1fb6a-9e6a-4813-8bf3-c4c245f68813Commercial ContractsCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementGlobal OutsourcingTechnology TransactionsUnited StatesEuropeAsiaMiddle EastArtificial IntelligenceDigital HealthFintech & Digital AssetsRetail & EcommerceSportsTechnologyOUTCBTIPJonathan D. TraubChristopher C. Archerhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/02/contracting-for-resilience-and-optionality-part-2-a-90-day-action-plan-and-contract-checklistIn Part 1 of this Contract Corner, we discussed the renewed focus on resilience in outsourcing agreements for 2026 and how resilience is increasingly becoming a design requirement, not just an untested BCP. In Part 2 we look at how geopolitical pressures can quickly become delivery constraints and how many organizations are leveraging global capability centers as an anchor for critical knowledge and continuity, and provide a practical 90-day action plan and high-level contract checklist that deal teams can leverage during strategy planning.Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -060047dd2b98-fa00-4239-80ad-519e2bc7fa80Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsGlobal OutsourcingGlobal Capability CentersTechnologyOUTChristopher C. ArcherJonathan D. Traubhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/02/contracting-for-resilience-and-optionality-part-1Outsourcing strategies in 2026 are being shaped by persistent disruption. Geopolitical uncertainty, major service outages, talent disruption, and post COVID-19 consolidation initiatives are driving a renewed focus on resilience in outsourcing operations and contracts.Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600c9caaebc-bcaa-4cd0-982d-c306edc7def1Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsGlobal OutsourcingOUTJonathan D. TraubChristopher C. Archerhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/02/stitching-in-sponsorship-ncaa-opens-the-door-for-commercial-patchesThe NCAA has ushered in a major shift in college sports commercial sponsorship: a shift that has the potential to reshape sponsorship strategies at every Division I school. Starting August 1, 2026, teams at Division I schools will be permitted to display commercial patches on uniforms, apparel, and equipment, subject to certain size and number restrictions.Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600cd1fecb4-158e-428d-9754-9017adf0152fTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesTechnologyRetail & EcommerceSportsUS College SportsOUTJonathan D. TraubChristopher C. Archerhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/02/contract-corner-fast-fixes-for-streamlining-your-contractsLegal departments and contract teams are now often under pressure to move faster, provide value, and streamline processes all while contracts increase in length and complexity to address changes in technology (e.g., artificial intelligence) and laws (e.g., various privacy and regulatory requirements). The good news is that meaningful contract streamlining does not require a full rewrite or oversimplification of existing templates. Small, targeted changes can improve speed to contract, clarity of the agreement, and usability for both the legal/contract team and business team stakeholders.Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600a9bc8e49-f279-4597-926e-5182a45e5d60Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesEuropeTechnologyHealthcareDigital HealthArtificial IntelligenceRetail & EcommerceOUTJonathan D. TraubChristopher C. Archerhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/02/upcoming-webinar-its-still-all-about-aiPlease join us on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 pm ET as Morgan Lewis partners Don Shelkey and Heather Egan explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how business operate, innovate, and deliver value. The Tech & Sourcing team will dive into legal, commercial, and other strategic issues shaping AI adoption with topics ranging from contracting to compliance.Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600a663260e-5fb8-4aeb-bdae-ca823711612fTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsTelecommunications, Media & TechnologyCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyUnited StatesEuropeAsiaMiddle EastTechnologyHealthcareDigital HealthFintech & Digital AssetsData CentersRetail & EcommerceSportsArtificial IntelligenceOUTTMTACCPLITJonathan D. TraubChristopher C. Archerhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/01/7-tips-for-drafting-outsourcing-agreements-for-flexibility-in-an-uncertain-marketIn an era defined by economic volatility, supply chain disruptions, rapid technological change, and geopolitical risk, outsourcing remains an attractive strategy for businesses seeking efficiency and scalability. At the same time, uncertainty has fundamentally changed what clients expect from their outsourcing agreements. Rigid, long-term contracts that assume stable market conditions are increasingly misaligned with business reality.Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -06003d31f56e-40cf-4752-8367-aaca5f567b96Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesTechnologyOUTBarbara Murphy MelbyAdia Brantleyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/01/key-takeaways-from-the-isg-index-q425-technology-industry-updateISG’s latest index highlights a technology services and software market that is increasingly defined by cloud momentum and AI-driven investment shifts. While headline growth remains strong, the underlying dynamics point to a more selective and strategic buying environment as enterprises head into 2026.Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600c73dffbf-a8ca-4b05-a565-fca3d520ed71Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsTechnology TransactionsEmerging Companies & Venture CapitalIntellectual PropertyUnited StatesAsiaEuropeMiddle EastTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceOUTIPCBTEBTBarbara Murphy MelbyAdia Brantleyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/01/navigating-cloud-computing-contracts-essential-capacity-considerationsAs demand for data-intensive and AI-driven workloads continues to grow, customers are increasingly encountering constraints on cloud compute resources—particularly specialized processors and region-specific capacity. These market dynamics raise a fundamental question for customers and their advisors: will the promised compute capacity actually be available when it is needed?Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600f279c9c0-7728-4a6d-ba40-dc2313ea3d69Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesTechnologyOUTBarbara Murphy MelbyAdia Brantleyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/01/sports-sponsorships-in-2026-key-insights-from-don-shelkeyAs the sports industry looks ahead to 2026, sponsorship agreements are becoming more complex, more strategic, and more closely scrutinized. We sat down with Doneld “Don” Shelkey, a leading sports sponsorship and commercial agreements lawyer at our firm, to discuss what he’s seeing in the market and what sponsors and rights holders should be thinking about now.Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -06000bf84e03-573a-4cd5-8554-2260162bcca6Telecommunications, Media & TechnologyCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesEuropeTechnologySportsTMTACCPLITOUTBarbara Murphy MelbyAdia BrantleyDoneld G. Shelkeyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/01/join-us-for-our-tech-sourcing-webinar-on-key-considerations-in-procurement-agreementsAs demand for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and cloud-based infrastructure grows, organizations are entering increasingly complex agreements for compute capacity across public cloud, private infrastructure, and specialized providers. Join our Tech & Sourcing Webinar Series on Thursday, February 26, at 12:00 pm ET/11:00 am CT for our next presentation—Capacity Frenzy: Key Considerations in Procurement Agreements. This session will consider some of the specific challenges of this market, including the surge of new entrants, constraints on supply, and the need for many participants to finance these arrangements.Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -060098302a30-f086-4212-966d-d90dec1b9121Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsTelecommunications, Media & TechnologyTechnology TransactionsCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyCommercial ContractsGlobal OutsourcingUnited StatesAsiaMiddle EastEuropeDigital HealthArtificial IntelligenceData CentersTechnologySportsRetail & EcommerceInsuranceHealthcareFintech & Digital AssetsEnergyOUTTMTIPACCPLITBarbara Murphy MelbyAdia Brantleyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/01/whats-new-and-whats-next-navigating-ai-in-technology-transactionsAs AI continues to reshape technology transactions, deal lawyers have been compelled to revisit longstanding allocations of risk, revisit boilerplate, and develop new contracting mechanics to address novel uncertainty. While the core goals of technology deals remain the same—facilitating commercial outcomes and protecting the business—AI introduces distinctive pressure points across intellectual property, data, regulatory exposure, and liability frameworks.Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -06004573e383-a02b-4a2a-bc82-cbc9d5a6b279Telecommunications, Media & TechnologyTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyUnited StatesAsiaMiddle EastEuropeLatin AmericaTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceTMTOUTACCPLITBarbara Murphy MelbyAdia Brantley