Information Technology | UK Bar

4 Pump Court is the pre-eminent chambers in the realm of IT-related disputes. Chambers boasts an enviable bench of experienced and highly regarded barristers who are regularly instructed in significant cases and who offer particular expertise in high-stakes contractual disputes. The set's clientele includes prestigious names in software development, as well as major consumers in the corporate and public spheres.Key recent matters include IBM UK Limited v LZLabs and Others, a claim for breach of licensing agreement and injunctions related to IBM mainframe software. A commentator notes: "4 Pump Court is the go-to set for complex IT disputes. It has an unparalleled reputation for this kind of work."

11 South Square offers great depth of expertise in IT and telecoms-related intellectual property matters, and is consistently recognised as one of the top IP chambers. Its tenants are sought out by major technology companies and corporate clients for some of their most substantial patent disputes, and barristers from the set have excellent knowledge of FRAND licensing matters. Recent highlights include the representation of LzLabs against IBM in the High Court. IBM accused LzLabs of intellectual property infringement and claimed that the company wanted to steal and copy trade secrets.

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."

Atkin Chambers is host to several highly respected practitioners in the field of IT contractual disputes. Its barristers offer deep experience in matters associated with large-scale technology projects, including breach of contract and early termination, and frequently represent global IT service providers and major consumers in the energy, telecommunications and public spheres. Members of the set have recently appeared in Capita Life v Pearl Group Management Services, a case concerning payment for insurance administration support IT services. Capita claimed for £16 million in unpaid invoices, while Pearl Group counterclaimed for £60 million in respect of alleged failures in the service it received.

Henderson Chambers is an established name for IT litigation. Its members are well versed in disputes concerning software defects, especially those that arise in business-critical projects. Chambers' tenants can boast additional expertise which allows them to take on novel mandates in such varied fields as cybercrime, the regulation of cryptocurrency and autonomous vehicles. Members of the set act for Volkswagen in ongoing litigation relating to alleged 'defeat device' software and emissions readings during testing.

Quadrant Chambers is noted for its expertise in a variety of information technology disputes. Members are instructed in cases concerning complex contractual issues and intellectual property infringement. The barristers represent a plethora of clients facing litigation over distressed IT projects, including telecoms service providers, software developers and technology suppliers. Recent case highlights include Tata v DBS, a matter concerning a government agency's dispute with an IT supplier in relation to a long-term contract for the operation and modernisation of the disclosure and barring services provided by the Home Office.

Three New Square's IT law practice draws on the set's noted strength in the often related realm of intellectual property. Matters taken on by chambers' tenants cover complex issues of patent infringement, as well as FRAND licensing concerns. Recent examples include Tesla v Interdigital, where individuals from the set represented InterDigital in a FRAND-related patent dispute brought by Tesla in respect of patents that cover the use of 5G technology in its cars.Members of the set are sought out by government bodies, financial institutions and prominent technology companies to assist with various disputes. They are particularly expert in the field of mobile phone technology.