Information Technology
Chambers & Partners 2013
THE SET
This set handles some of the heaviest IP/IT disputes around, and has had a strong year. Examples of the typical cases undertaken in recent times include the high-profile Apple v SAMSUNG case, which involved barristers from this set on both sides. Other clients who instruct chambers include household names such as Nokia and IPcom. The set is credited with having secured a larger share of the IT market and has been looking to expand its talent pool accordingly. In 2011 it took on three new tenants, some of whom came from strong technical backgrounds in IT-related industries. They join a set in rude health which further benefits from ”good clerking and a fine fee structure.” Of the clerks instructing solicitors say: ”They make a real effort to get the listing that you need, which is invaluable.”
SILKS
Henry Carr QC ”has a measured style of delivery and is just an excellent player in this field, who is absolutely great at software-type disputes.” He has recently been representing SAMSUNG in the aforementioned high-profile case against Apple regarding touch screen technology. Appearing opposite him, acting for Apple on that same case, was Michael Silverleaf QC. Sources say Silverleaf is “professional and client-friendly.” Mark Vanhegan QC is commended for “genuinely caring about clients as people,” and for ”taking an interest in the underlying issues and personalities attached to a case.” He has recently been instructed on a satellite signalling dispute in which the Macedonian government is a co-defendant.
JUNIORS
Brian Nicholson was instructed by IPcom to handle its case against Nokia concerning mobile phone technology. Sources say: “He’s got a very good reputation in this area, and is known for his deliberate, well-planned, logical way of thinking.”
.
Legal 500 2012
Within Information technology, 11 South Square (Michael Silverleaf QC) is a second tier set,
Leading IP set 11 South Square houses a number of barristers from technical backgrounds. Henry Carr QC recently represented Samsung in its highly publicised patent dispute with Apple, while the ‘professional and client-friendly’ Michael Silverleaf QC acts as an independent expert for Nominet and handles a number of domain name cases for the client. Brian Nicholson (who also acted for Samsung in Apple v Samsung) has ‘formidable technical knowledge’ and is ‘exceptionally talented’; and Jacqueline Reid has ‘a real can-do attitude’. Giles Fernando and Heather Lawrence are also recommended.