Software development can teach us a lot about streamlining the research and development (R&D) process in other industries.  “Agile development”, or the process of dividing up an R&D project into smaller, more iterative segments instead of planning the entire project at its inception, is a hallmark of the software development process.  In a recently published article in Food and Beverage Insider entitled “The ‘Agile’ Path to Market: An Alternative Approach to Food Industry R&D”, Nigel Howard and Chase Brennick show how agile development can be valuable for R&D in many different contexts.   The article focuses on the suitability of agile development for R&D within the food industry, but illustrates the benefits of an agile R&D process for industries that are subject to evolving consumer preferences and rapidly changing regulatory landscapes – characteristics that are also present for companies in the digital-health space.  As described in the article, agile development could be a powerful tool to help digital health companies make their R&D more nimble and maintain greater oversight of the development process on a near-real-time basis.

Photo of Nigel Howard Nigel Howard

For over 30 years Nigel Howard has specialized in technology transactions such as M&A, strategic alliances, licensing, distribution agreements and outsourcing. Clients range from start-ups and emerging companies to international corporations. He has led negotiations of billion dollar service agreements that were critical…

For over 30 years Nigel Howard has specialized in technology transactions such as M&A, strategic alliances, licensing, distribution agreements and outsourcing. Clients range from start-ups and emerging companies to international corporations. He has led negotiations of billion dollar service agreements that were critical to his client, and successfully handled the intellectual property and data issues on over 250 venture capital and M&A transactions.

Nigel is a “tremendous attorney” singled out for his detail-oriented approach, according to clients interviewed by Chambers and Partners. Peer commentators note his admirable commercial awareness, which achieves business-focused results, often in the most challenging of circumstances. He uses his extensive experience with IP and technology to advise on the commercial imperatives underlying these agreements.

Nigel has been ranked by Chambers Global, Chambers USA, Legal 500, Best Lawyers in America, and Who’s Who in American Law. He is frequent speaker on AI, data, distribution, and technology legal issues. His past and current clients include American Airlines, the American Bankers Association, American Express, AstraZeneca, British Airways, Brown Brothers Harriman, Cathay Pacific, Cisco, CoBank, DoubleClick, Etihad, HPE, Farelogix, Iberia, Mars, Merck, Merrill Lynch, Microsoft, NCR, the NFL, Novartis, P&G, Philippine Airlines, Promontory Financial, Singapore Airlines, Teva, TouchTunes, UBS, and Wyeth.

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Photo of Chase Brennick Chase Brennick

Chase Brennick focuses on the key commercial agreements that enable companies to operate, innovate, and act as market leaders in their industries. She approaches drafting and negotiation with a practical lens, aiming for efficient and collaborative strategies to achieve business needs, foster commercial…

Chase Brennick focuses on the key commercial agreements that enable companies to operate, innovate, and act as market leaders in their industries. She approaches drafting and negotiation with a practical lens, aiming for efficient and collaborative strategies to achieve business needs, foster commercial relationships, and mitigate risk. Chase’s expertise includes supply, manufacturing, distribution, and services agreements, as well as agreements involving technology, intellectual property, and data.

Chase’s client base spans multiple industries, including food, ag-tech, animal health, life sciences, digital health, entertainment, and sports. She supports companies throughout the corporate life cycle and understands the considerations that are unique to a company’s particular stage of development.

Chase regularly advises clients on commercial contracting and intellectual property considerations for new product or service offerings, including for internationally-based clients who are entering or operating in the United States. She also regularly advises clients on the commercial and intellectual property aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments.

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