The commercial and technology team at A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP is well regarded for acting on contentious IP matters for large technology companies. The all-Ireland firm is often instructed by London firms on complex matters, such as jurisdictional challenges on regarding trademark infringements. Ciaran O’Shiel leads on contentious cases while Mark Thompson leads on the non-contentious work. O’Shiel has strong experience in acting on complex patent litigations and trademark infringements at the High Court. Thompson is an expert on advising on research and collaboration agreements in various sectors. Senior associate Ronan Marlow provides support on a great deal of O’Shiel’s matters, including many High Court proceedings involving trademark infringements. Associate Caroline Price is another individual to note.

The intellectual property team at Carson McDowell offers a full range of expertise to various sectors, particularly within the education industry, where the firm advises several universities as well as the Education Authority. Declan Magee and Dawn McKnight co-head the practice. Magee has a broad range of IP litigation experience, while McKnight is well regarded for her expertise in drafting and negotiating complex IP contracts in the manufacturing, technology, and life sciences sectors. The ‘market leader’ Peter Guzhar is well versed in trademark and patent infringement proceedings, while the ‘stand-out associate’ Helen Cosgrove provides support on a number of contentious IP matters at the High Court level.

Arthur Cox Belfast provides comprehensive advice to clients on all aspects of IP, including IP litigation, copyright law, trademark law, among other mandates. In December 2023, Lynsey Mallon, the head of the corporate and commercial department, became the head of the IP team. Mallon has vast experience in advising clients in the advanced manufacturing, retail, and public sectors. Alan Taylor remains at the firm in a consultancy role. Richard Armstrong is a trusted advisor for early-stage companies. Associate Erin Carruthers provides IP guidance to clients on high value transactions.

The DWF IP team offers a wide range of IP services, both disputes and transactional to clients in the telecoms, technology, and media sectors. Olivia O’Kane leads the practice. O’Kane has strong experience in contractual disputes, product liability, and content related litigation and is considered ‘a stand-out for her generation across the IP and Media field‘. James Griffiths, ‘a contentious IP expert’, often acts on matters concerning copyright, design rights, and patents. Scott Kennedy advises early-stage technology clients regarding both IPR and corporate matters.

Millar McCall Wylie LLP's IP team excels in the film and media sector, offering clients a wide range of services, such as, cross-border funding agreements, broadcast and distribution agreements, grant of IP from deceased estates, among other services. Damian McParland leads the team, specialising in advising on intellectual property rights issues which arise from investments and acquisitions. Abbie Long is a key contact for media and entertainment as well as private technology companies concerning licensing mandates.

Mills Selig provides comprehensive guidance to clients on a wide range of IP matters, encompassing copyright, franchising, and data protection. Co-leading the department are Emma Hunt and Kirsten Magee. Both are litigation partners and often advise clients on a wide range of IP disputes and judicial reviews, often concerning patent infringement and trademark infringement. Glenn Watterson, corporate partner, provides IP advice concerning licensing matters.

The ‘well-resourced’ contracts and technology team at Tughans is well-respected for its transactional/advisory IP skills. The practice regularly counsels clients on commercial activities which require complex IP advice, including data protection, privacy, and freedom of information. Adrian O’Connell leads the practice. O’Connell, an expert in contract and procurement, assists clients with IP exploitation. Andrew Kirke specialises in trademark law and often assists clients with trademark proceedings across various jurisdictions.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin‘s IP team undertakes IP litigation in a variety of sectors. Michael King leads the team. King is an expert in IP litigations in respect of copyright, breach of confidence, and infringement of registered trademarks.

Lewis Silkin counsels commercial clients, particularly in the manufacturing, retail, and technology sectors, on a range of IP issues. Leading the team, Mathew Forde, ‘a man of great integrity’, assists clients in IP issues in commercial contracts, and provides representation in IP infringement litigations, while Katey Dixon is a specialist in IP licensing and data protection.