Bird & Bird’s dispute resolution team provides excellent intellectual property services, particularly in the technology, media and telecommunications sectors. Besides these, the team is active in general commercial disputes including cross-border matters. The team also has substantial experience representing clients at leading arbitral institutions such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
Partner Sophie Dawson specialises in media and technology disputes, including data protection and publication laws. IP specialist Jane Owen covers a wide range of IP disputes with extensive experience litigating in the life sciences patent arena. Lynne Lewis is another name to note.
Key cases include acting for American multinational information technology services and consulting company DXC in the New South Wales Supreme Court in litigation against Optus arising from a project concerning Optus's wholesale telephony systems; acting for an ABC journalist in significant Freedom of Information Act proceedings concerning the disclosure of information relating to the allocation of grants monies which resulted in disclosure of substantial additional material; and acting for Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games in proceedings concerning unauthorised mods written for the Grand Theft Auto V game, which is Australia’s first case under the current Copyright Act technological protection measure provisions.
The firm hired Jonathon Ellis as partner from DLA Piper in January 2022.
Brien Holden Vision Institute, Epic Games, Fitness Systems United, Howden Group and Nine Entertainment are key clients.
Client feedback
“Great knowledge of relevant areas of the law, good client interactions including the areas of communications, offer of related services and training. The also deliver prompt service.” – Intellectual property
Sophie Dawson
“Great knowledge of our business and relevant laws, very approachable and responsive.”
