Addressing the most common misconception about TMT law

Kylie Speer [00:00:08] Hello and welcome to New Zealand Lawyer TV. I'm Kylie Speer. And joining me today is Anchali Anandanayagam, Partner with Hudson Gavin Martin. Anchali has been named one of New Zealand Lawyers' Elite Women for 2023. Congratulations to you Anchali. And thank you so much for joining us today.

Anchali Anandanayagam [00:00:29] Kylie, thank you for having me. It's nice to be here.

Kylie Speer [00:00:33] Well, firstly, Anchali, what specifically attracted you to specialize in the field of TMT?

Anchali Anandanayagam [00:00:41] I started working in TMT by chance really, but I've specialized in the field because I really enjoy learning about the how the what and the why. And by that, I mean, understanding how the underlying technology media or telecommunications assets that I'm working with works, what the innovative things are that clients are looking to do with those assets? And also why I find I'm constantly learning and that is something I really enjoy. 

Kylie Speer [00:01:10] Anchali in your opinion, what do you believe is the most common misconception people have about your area of expertise?

Anchali Anandanayagam [00:01:19] It's a great question clearly, because when I'm, when I say I'm a TMT lawyer, the first thing most people say to me is, oh, you're a patent attorney. And well, intellectual property underlies everything we do. There is so much more to the field of technology media and telecommunications. TMT lawyers put together what I like to think of as the commercial frameworks that allow people to use to buy to sell and to commercialize technology, media and telecommunications products and services. So I see us as an effect, crafting the relationships that actually allow businesses to leverage those assets.

Kylie Speer [00:01:59] What is one pressing challenge in the field of TMT that you believe requires more attention and greater awareness?

Anchali Anandanayagam [00:02:08] I think probably one of the most pressing challenges in the field of TMT is the rapid pace at which technology is developing, and it's being adopted, and the impact that that rapid pace of adoption is having on businesses, communities and individuals. And also what that means in terms of the regulatory oversight that's required as a result. So clearly, generative AI is a really good example of this. The rise and proliferation of generative AI in just the last year has been one of the fastest and most significant technology developments we have seen in recent times. And while the technology is not new, it has now been democratized. And everyone can use it. And I think there's enormous benefits that can be gained from generative AI tools. But it does also have its challenges and risks. And while countries around the world are grappling with, how do we regulate this technology? What do we need to do to keep people safe? The development and use of the generated AI tools continue. And so I think from a business perspective, or what we talk to our clients about, is, it's really incredibly important for businesses and users, to be aware of it understand the nature of these developments, the nature of these new emerging technology and tools, not just the opportunities they present, but also the risks and challenges. And take that into account before using that technology, especially

Kylie Speer [00:03:39] As the partner responsible for managing the human aspect of practice management, what is one issue that is top of mind for you?

Anchali Anandanayagam [00:03:49] Look, I'm incredibly proud of the importance that we place here at HGM on the caliber of the people we work with, and who worked with us. I think this has resulted in us having a team of incredibly invested authentic, talented people who all share passion for the work we do and the clients that we work with that one of the key issues that is top of mind for us is how technology is going to change the practice of law, and what that means for developing good lawyers. So while the practice of law can absolutely be augmented by technology, and we think that's really important, careful thought needs to be given to how that is done, to make sure that we are actually developing and growing capable lawyers. And we continue to do that in terms of lawyers who are who can leverage technology and deliver on better outcomes for our clients.

Kylie Speer [00:04:46] And finally, actually what's in the pipeline for you going into 2024?

Anchali Anandanayagam [00:04:51] Well, the legal regulatory landscape in New Zealand is changing enormously, particularly in relation to platform emerging technology and data rights. And that's likely to continue to be to be the case with the new government. And as new challenges are discovered with emerging technology. So one example one good example is the proposed biometrics code that has been consulted on by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. So 2024 thing is going to be a year of us helping our clients to navigate these really big changes. 

Kylie Speer [00:05:26] Well, congratulations once again. And thank you so much for your time today. Anchali, it was lovely speaking with you.

Anchali Anandanayagam [00:05:33] Got it. Thank you, Kylie. It's great chatting with you here as well. 

Kylie Speer [00:05:38] And thank you, of course to our audience for watching the latest episode of New Zealand Lawyer TV. We look forward to seeing you again soon.