With experience of defending companies against AI-related copyright and trade mark infringement claims, as well as handling multi-jurisdictional M&A within the AI sphere, Bird & Bird LLP is highly regarded for its data regulatory and IP expertise. The practice displays considerable strength in advising corporations on their internal policies for the use of generative AI, in addition to complex patent filing strategies. The practice is co-headed by Toby Bond, Gabriel Voisin, Katharine Stephens, and Richard McMorris, with the quartet bringing extensive knowledge in: disputes relating to data licensing and cybersecurity issues, IP enforcement programs, and commercial rights matters to the team. Roger Bickerstaff is an expert on all aspects of technology and EU procurement law, while Will Bryson primarily focuses on licensing and maintenance agreements.

Advising a range of major clients on the development AI governance frameworks, whilst addressing emerging AI regulation and IP issues, the ‘market leading’ practice at Clifford Chance LLP displays strong multi-jurisdictional capabilities, predominantly across the US, Europe, and Asia. Described as a ‘superstar’, Jonathan Kewley heads the outfit, being a specialist in AI cybersecurity regulation, Don McCombie is knowledgeable in IP disputes, while Zayed Al Jamil focuses on procurement agreements and data licensing. Kate Scott is highly regarded for her work in IT litigation, the ‘rising star’ Herbert Swaniker concentrates on commercial law matters, and Arnav Joshi is also noted as a key port of call.

Known as a ‘superstar in the field’, Minesh Tanna heads the ‘highly collaborative’ team at Simmons & Simmons. The practice specialises in all elements of AI regulation and governance, while also boasting a strong contentious offering covering regulatory enquiries. The practice’s client list is extensive, spanning governmental bodies to international technology companies, with Tanna regularly providing a ‘commercial and thorough’ approach when advising on the EU AI Act and the development of tools for risk assessments of AI models. Having been promoted to partner in May 2023, Sophie Sheldon brings expertise on data protection and fintech matters, and William Dunning routinely assists major corporations with global AI regulatory compliance affairs. The group also displays significant knowledge on the corporate side, supporting AI-focused businesses with cross-border M&A and contractual issues.

Counting global technology conglomerates and major AI research laboratories amongst its key clients, Baker McKenzie LLP has ‘in-depth knowledge’ in all aspects of AI-related governance, data acquisition, and IP matters. Headed by the trio of Sue McLean, Vinod Bange and chief innovation officer Ben Allgrove, the practice has experience in advising on dispute relating to the training of large language models. The ‘creative, strategic’ Allgrove is a specialist in the music industry, McLean is knowledgeable on complex technology and commercial deals, while Bange is an expert on data privacy and regulatory matters. John Groom primarily focuses on copyright and digital media issues, and Julia Hemmings concentrates on e-commerce and marketing affairs.

With a ‘highly responsive’ approach and ‘deep expertise in AI’, Bristows LLP consistently represents major companies and start-ups in acquiring IP rights for new AI-based inventions, with the ‘truly excellent’ team co-head Vik Khurana being an experienced commercial technology expert. Chris Holder also co-leads, being a specialist IT outsourcing lawyer, Mark Watts heads the firm’s data protection group, while Anna Cook concentrates on litigation surrounding software licensing. Claire Smith primarily focuses on the life sciences sphere, and both Charlie Hawes and Anneke Pol are also highlighted as key members of the practice.

With specialists in both London and Birmingham and across the rest of the UK, the AI team at DLA Piper is well versed in acting for international brand names across the life sciences, financial services, and insurance fields. The team shows considerable strength in implementing AI governance measures, handling complex IP rights issues, and overseeing financing rounds for software corporations, with the Birmingham-based lead Gareth Stokes focusing on technology transactions and strategic sourcing. In London, Mark O’Conor is an expert on digital transformation and public procurement initiatives, Ruth Hoy is an IP litigation specialist, and from Leeds, Andrew Dyson is an expert on cybersecurity. Rebecca Lawrence and Imran Syed are also noted as key contacts.

With AI experience spanning the film, gaming, and music industries, Wiggin LLP actively blends ‘deep legal expertise’ and ‘genuine proficiency in AI technology’ when advising domestic and international clients on complex copyright issues and global regulatory compliance measures. The team covers the gamut of IP-related matters, frequently managing the acquisition and exploitation of data in the AI space, with the head Mark Deem leveraging his ‘thorough and extensive experience’ when assisting with AI investments and risk management affairs. Marcus Bagnall is an expert on blockchain solutions and NFT development, Rachel Alexander is knowledgeable on online enforcement issues, while Ross Sylvester primarily focuses on commercial deals in the AI field. Alexander Ross represents record labels and digital platforms, and Calum Smyth is a specialist in complex technology transactions.

Renowned for advising venture capital funds on investing in AI companies, filing patent applications for AI technologies, and assisting with complex governance frameworks, Dentons routinely demonstrates ‘deep knowledge’ of AI-related matters. The team has vast expertise in the gamut of regulatory compliance and data privacy issues, with the ‘reliable and pragmatic’ head Simon Elliott specialising in AI risk assessments and product development. Co-chairing the firm's global privacy group, Antonis Patrikios has an extensive track record in privacy and cybersecurity affairs, while the ‘very knowledgeable’ Kuan Hon primarily focuses on data and tech law.

Hailed for being ‘super responsive’ and ‘very diligent’, Lewis Silkin has vast expertise in IP ownership and infringement issues, generative AI-based matters, and corporate transactions within the AI space. The firm’s reach is broad, representing both start-ups and multinational corporations, with Oxford-based co-head James Davies being highly knowledgeable on the intersection between employment law and AI. The other three co-leads, Cliff Fluet, Bryony Long, and Ali Vaziri are all London-based, each bringing vast insight into AI policies and procedures to the outfit, alongside copyright infringement and data privacy knowledge. Tarun Tawakley and Alexander Milner-Smith are both additionally cited as key contacts.

Mishcon de Reya LLP's merger with Taylor Vinters in January 2023 brought together teams of experts on both sides to create a ‘responsive, insightful, and very experienced’ combined practice, which routinely provides core AI regulatory and licensing advice, alongside IP protection and infringement risk counsel. From the legacy Taylor Vinters side, the 'practical, personable, and fiercely intelligent' Ashley Williams heads the group, while also co-leading the tech transactions team; Claire Green is a specialist in the fintech sphere, while James Boyle stands out for providing privacy and data protection advice to data rich businesses. Nina O’Sullivan is a partner and head knowledge lawyer in the innovation department, focusing on IP and data protection, while sports and tech expert Simon Leaf and fintech and privacy partner Ashley Winton are also noted as key.

Demonstrating considerable strength across the healthcare, agriculture, and tech sectors, Ashfords LLP has extensive experience in advising AI companies in funding rounds and drafting commercial contracts for AI-powered software. Chris Dyson heads the Bristol-based team, whilst Suzie Miles primarily focuses on tech outsourcing projects and complex compliance measures. Brett Lambe is knowledgeable on AI regulation, and Hannah Pettit concentrates on data protection issues.

'Consistently applying a commercial, practical approach to lawyering', the Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP team has a strong track record of advising clients on AI regulatory compliance, data privacy, and complex tech disputes. The ‘innovative’ Nasser Ali Khasawneh, who heads the global AI practice, has vast experience in the contentious tech sphere, covering cybercrime issues and data protection matters, Simon Lightman focuses on the procurement and licensing of AI systems, while Philip James is knowledgeable in generative AI and risk management affairs.

Offering strategic counsel on data privacy, IP, and AI regulatory compliance measures, the ‘dedicated and collaborative’ lawyers at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher regularly act for global tech conglomerates in multi-jurisdictional transactions. Robert Spano leads the team, being an expert in regulatory and litigation matters in the field of EU law and digital rights, whilst Joel Harrison co-chairs the firm’s privacy, cybersecurity and data innovation practice group.

Handling corporate structurings, early-stage investment and complex IP disputes, the practice Harbottle & Lewis LLP is praised for being ‘expert’ and ‘creative’. The team often focuses on content ownership protection and the infringement of copyright works, with the ‘exceptional’ Emma Wright leading the outfit, specialising in multi-jurisdictional technology transactions. Shireen Peermohamed is knowledgeable in IP and contractual litigation, Charles Lévêque concentrates on public M&A, while both Lizzie Williams and Zoey Forbes are also highlighted as key.

Described as ‘a leading law firm in the field of media and technology’, Reed Smith LLP acts on behalf of a multitude of clients, spanning across the AI music generator field to the content creation sector. The firm is predominantly active in the music industry, demonstrating extensive knowledge on European copyright law and trade mark infringement cases, with Gregor Pryor known as ‘an extremely knowledgeable, well respected and authoritative source’. Elle Todd is an expert on licensing and regulatory issues relating to AI, while the ‘standout’ Sophie Goossens primarily focuses on data ownership and crypto matters. Nick Breen and Henry Birkbeck are also cited as key.

Standing out for its ‘specific expertise in this novel field’, Taylor Wessing LLP handles both contentious and non-contentious matters in the AI arena, spanning generative AI agreements to complex copyright disputes. Headed by the London-based trio of Xuyang Zhu, Victoria Hordern, and Josef Fuss, the practice is well equipped to address data protection and advertising law matters, in conjunction with boasting a strong corporate offering for AI-focused clients. Adam Rendle also stands out for his media and publishing work.

Spearheaded by Gareth Kristensen from London, the lawyers at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton work collaboratively with the litigation, IP, and cybersecurity departments to advise global clients on all aspects of AI and Gen AI development. The group is especially knowledgeable on AI compliance measures and litigation risks, with Kristensen primarily focusing on technology and data matters, frequently representing multinational corporations and private equity houses. He is supported by Prudence Buckland, a specialist in emerging technologies and related regulation.

With European information governance, privacy and cyber security head Marcus Evans at the helm, the Norton Rose Fulbright practice is well regarded for advising on the protection of AI-related IP, developing template agreements and licensing deals, alongside managing regulatory compliance issues. Evans is knowledgeable on all aspects of data privacy compliance, strategy, and regulatory response, Lara White primarily focuses on privacy and cybersecurity matters, while Hannah Meakin is a fintech regulation expert.

Fielding a multidisciplinary team comprising legal, policy, and regulatory experts, Squire Patton Boggs has a strong track record in advising AI companies on corporate finance, regulatory compliance and IP ownership issues. The firm also focuses on employment and related data protection issues, with the head David Naylor being a specialist on all aspects of digital media and privacy affairs. From Birmingham, Stuart James has expertise in open-source software licensing issues, London’s Andrew Wilkinson assists on the procurement of large technology systems, and Francesco Liberatore is knowledgeable on communications and competition law.