Information Technology
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7405 4321Chambers Review
8 New Square is widely recognised for its strength in the information technology space, and its members regularly leverage their extensive knowledge of intellectual property in the IT sphere into cases involving patent infringement, FRAND licensing and other issues. Their clients include major software providers and corporate entities, and they have a particularly large footprint in the telecoms industry. Barristers from this set recently acted in Getty Images v Stability AI, which looked at copyright and database right infringement, trade mark infringement and passing off in relation to the AI model known as Stable Diffusion. An interviewee highlights the chambers as being "a real leader when it comes to IP and IT issues."
Ben Newham is the chambers director.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Both senior clerk Nick Wise and practice manager Martin Williams are very good clerks."
"Both senior clerk Nick Wise and practice manager Martin Williams are very good clerks."
Notable Practitioners
Jaani Riordan is a well-established junior with substantial experience in contentious IT and telecommunications cases. He focuses his practice on technically complex matters such as online fraud and cybersecurity, software and FRAND patent licensing, and failed IT projects.
"Jaani is excellent for software and IT-related IP disputes. He has fantastic drafting skills and is absolutely forensic in his analysis."
"A man who can overwhelm his opponents with a barrage of well-constructed arguments."
Adrian Speck KC is commended for his mature and intelligent handling of cases concerning technology patent licensing, telecommunications and media production. He frequently appears in appellate matters.
"Adrian is a class act who is all over the detail when tackling any case given to him. He has excellent judgement and a very nice cross-examination style."
Jonathan Hill's work in this field mainly focuses on handling the IP aspects of IT cases, and he is particularly highly regarded for disputes concerning copyright matters and alleged breaches of licensing agreements. He is applauded for his effective communication style and attention to detail.
"Highly experienced, extremely user-friendly and very collaborative in his approach."