The commercial and technology practice at A&L Goodbody LLP is active across the full spectrum of intellectual property and technology law. The team assists clients with the drafting and negotiation of outsourcing contracts and intellectual property and GDPR compliance, including data processing. John Whelan leads the team, with a focus on commercial transactions and contract management-related IT issues. The other notable individuals include John Cahir, Chris Bollard and Andrew Sheridan, who are recommended for their expertise in IP and data-driven transactions. Aideen Burke was a new arrival in 2023.
Information technology in Ireland
A&L Goodbody LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
John Whelan
Autres avocats clés:
Mark Ellis; John Cahir; Chris Bollard; Andrew Sheridan; Aideen Burke; Eimear McCluskey
Les références
‘It’s a very large team in the Irish market with great technical knowledge.’
‘Mark Ellis is excellent.’
‘Mark Ellis is very knowledgeable of the law but also practical and commercial in his approach to negotiation. He is very responsive and kept the matter we were working on moving forward despite unanticipated delays.’
Principaux clients
Enterprise Ireland
Vera Financial
Bank of Ireland
Numis
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Enterprise Ireland in the negotiation and drafting of a contract for the complex outsourced provision of a financial management system.
- Represented Vera Financial in a detailed technology outsourcing agreement with Irish Progressive Services International Limited.
- Advised Numis on the structuring, drafting and negotiation of an intra-group outsourcing agreement, including the application of the EBA and CBI outsourcing guidelines.
Arthur Cox
Arthur Cox‘s team is well versed in advising on technology contracts, particularly relating to outsourcing and IT systems procurements. The practice also assists a roster of household names across a range of industries, including clients from both the public and private sectors, with day-to-day technology-related corporate issues. Rob Corbet has a strong background in the protection and commercialisation of data and intellectual property. Colin Rooney has extensive knowledge of IT agreements and data processing structures. Ian Duffy is adept at handling IT contracts and cyber security matters for corporations, technology companies and state bodies. Olivia Mullooly is an IP expert who assists clients with technology and data protection contracts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rob Corbet; Colin Rooney; Olivia Mullooly; Ian Duffy
Les références
‘The information technology team at Arthur Cox has excellent lawyers across all levels who provide an outstanding service. They take the time to understand your commercial objectives and ensure their advice is tailored to your needs.’
‘Colin Rooney is an exceptional lawyer. He has deep technical knowledge and consistently delivers with clarity and focus. He partners with you to ensure you achieve the best result from a legal perspective and for your commercial objectives.’
‘Always practical and finding solutions, always trying to make sure the deal stays alive, always with the client’s interests at heart. They can be tough when needed and tough on the things that make sense.’
Principaux clients
Openmind Networks Limited
Permanent TSB
Phoenix Group
AIB
Woodies DIY
Flutter Entertainment plc
IBEC
Bytedance (TikTok)
CRH
Musgrave
Dole/Total Produce
National Treasury Management Agency
Front App LLC
Carelon Global Solutions
Indeed
Bank of Ireland
First Home Scheme
RTE
Home Building Finance Ireland
Genuity Science Limited
Meta
Vodafone
CluneTech
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Munster Technological University on all matters arising from the cyber attack on the university in February 2023.
- Assisted Permanent TSB plc with its recent acquisition of certain elements of the Ulster Bank retail, SME and asset finance businesses.
- Advised First Home Scheme on the master services agreement with the relevant service provider and the establishment of the IT platform to establish the First Home Scheme.
Mason Hayes & Curran LLP
The technology, sourcing and innovation team at Mason Hayes & Curran LLP continues to work with both established and upcoming clients on the full range of technology matters, with specific expertise in data privacy and consumer protection. The team has witnessed a notable uptick in casework associated with artificial intelligence, including advising on the ramifications of the forthcoming EU AI Act. Practice head Philip Nolan has longstanding experience of advising on GDPR compliance, while Robert McDonagh assists clients with security incidents and privacy-related claims. Wendy Hederman and Mark Fry specialise in outsourcing and licensing contracts, while Dermot McGirr’s practice focuses on advising on technology contracts and regulatory matters in both the public and private sectors.
Responsables de la pratique:
Philip Nolan
Autres avocats clés:
Robert McDonagh; Wendy Hederman; Mark Fry; Dermot McGirr
Les références
‘Mason Hayes & Curran have developed a deep knowledge of the context where their clients operate. They can provide tailored advice, allowing clients to make risk-based decisions promptly. Their experience is a great added value.’
‘MHC lawyers are always available and always have a dedicated resource with the right expertise to support their clients. They also provide practical advice, and their professionals are humble and confident when dealing with in-house lawyers.’
‘Unrivalled legal and industry knowledge. They are the go-to firm for anything information technology related.’
Principaux clients
Meta Platforms Ireland Limited
WhatsApp Ireland Limited
Strava
Yahoo
Ancestry
Airbnb
Avant Money
Etsy Ireland
Biohaven Pharmaceuticals
Irish Life
Allied Irish Bank
Royal London
Axa Life Europe
Google/Fitbit
Slack
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Stripe on aspects of adopting and deploying generative AI.
- Advised Meta and WhatsApp on the negotiation of bespoke commercial arrangements incorporating complex product terms.
- Advised Ancestry on its online user terms and its platform online interfaces to assess compatibility with various e-commerce and consumer protection laws.
McCann FitzGerald LLP
McCann FitzGerald LLP’s technology and innovation group offers comprehensive legal advice to public and private sector entities on the full spectrum of IT agreements and projects. The team particularly stands out for its experience of handling high-value acquisition transactions within the technology sector. Paul Lavery heads the practice and regularly assists clients with the supply, implementation and support of new IT systems and services. Adam Finlay and Doug McMahon advise on technology outsourcing, data protection, and cyber security matters. Other key members of the team include Ruth Hughes and Catherine Walsh.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul Lavery
Autres avocats clés:
Doug McMahon; Adam Finlay; Ruth Hughes; Catherine Walsh
Les références
‘A very strong team that provides insightful, practical advice and lawyers with a lot of experience in the sector.’
‘I would highly recommend Paul Lavery in this area – he knows his way around this industry very well. Another superlative performer in this space is Catherine Walsh.’
‘Excellent availability for urgent matters. Ability to explain complex concepts. Good understanding of the market from the perspective of both the contracting authority and the supplier.’
Principaux clients
National Transport Authority
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Ervia (including Uisce Éireann and Gas Networks Ireland)
Vhi
Central Bank of Ireland
Irish Life
Institute of Banking
Alkermes
Maynooth University
CreditLogic
Road Safety Authority
Various Corporate Transactions
Kingspan
Allied Irish Bank, p.l.c
Nostra Technologies
Coimisiún na Meán
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the NTA on a number of large-scale IT outsourcing agreements.
- Advised Alkermes on a key IT project for its enterprise resource system and financial systems.
- Advised the Central Bank of Ireland on its procurement of managed IT services, including the provision of a new data centre and SIEM services.
William Fry LLP
William Fry LLP continues to act for some of the world’s largest technology and social media companies, advising them on regulatory requirements, data protection mandates, and other implications of Irish and EU legislation. The practice is led by David Cullen, who has significant expertise in contractual matters related to the design, development and delivery of large-scale IT projects. Leo Moore and John O’Connor are go-to lawyers for domestic and international clients looking for advice on outsourcing transactions, GDPR matters, and cyber security law. Other key contacts include David Kirton, Rachel Hayes, and AI law expert Barry Scannell.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Cullen
Autres avocats clés:
Leo Moore; John O’Connor; Rachel Hayes; Barry Scannell; David Kirton
Les références
‘William Fry is like an extension of our very own team. Available on request, timely and accurate in their advice and most of all understanding of our needs. Personal and commercial in their approach to legal challenges presented by contract negotiation.’
‘Barry Scannell has been influential in the success of our team. Measured and innovative in his approach to legal challenges and generous in his sharing of advice and knowledge transfer.’
‘The technology team at William Fry has a deep knowledge of privacy, commercial, outsourcing and intellectual property issues facing businesses operating domestically and internationally. The team are collaborative and always aim to understand client issues and concerns and provide commercially savvy advice and planning. As well as this, the team are approachable, focused and engaged on client matters from ad hoc queries to larger-scale work.’
Principaux clients
Deliveroo
Nintendo
Tines
ConsenSys
Saol Assurance (joint venture of AIB and Irish Life )
PrepayPower
Skyscanner
iCabbi (Renault Group)
Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications
UKG Inc
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the DECC on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan.
- Advised Deliveroo on a wide range of legal technology matters, including the unique aspects of new product offerings and food platform issues at the intersection of tech, IP and data.
- Represented Skyscanner in Commercial Court proceedings brought by Ryanair.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard is the preferred choice for advice on information technology matters for a number of clients from the retail, agriculture, and life sciences sectors. Key services include advice on outsourcing transactions, software-as-a-service arrangements, and IT development contracts. Practice head David Hackett regularly advises on data privacy and software licensing matters, along with conducting due diligence for acquisitions and disposals within the IT sector. Jane Farren handles all contentious and non-contentious information technology issues and assists with the drafting and negotiating of contracts for the development, sale, and licensing of IT systems.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Hackett
Autres avocats clés:
Jane Farren
Les références
‘Good people and very knowledgeable and link well with us. Our sector has a different dynamic to other commercial sectors, and often patience is needed to deal with the individuals involved in our sector.’
‘Team and individual members have always been our preferred partners when issues arise (even more so than our auditors or other professions).’
Principaux clients
Digital Manufacturing Ireland CLG
An Post National Lottery Limited (In Voluntary Liquidation)
ASDA
Instavolt
BMW Automotive Ireland and BMW Financial Services Ireland
Flutter plc (previously PaddyPower Betfair)
Mango Retail Ireland
JD Sports
Dawn Farm Foods Limited
OSG Group
IDA Ireland
SYSCO Software Solutions
Vestas Northern Europe AB
DABL Limited
McGee Pharma International
Harvey Norman Trading (Ireland) Limited
Harvey Norman Holdings (Australia) Limited
BMW Ireland
Electrolux
Hickey & Co Limited
iHeed
Kepak Group
Rosderra Limited
Marks & Spencer
Vodafone Ireland
PointsBet
Johnson & Johnson Group (includes Neutrogena Corporation, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, DePuy Synthes, Inc.)
Atlantic Therapeutics Group Limited
Oxford Global Resources
Applegreen/Petrogas
Autoglass/Belron
Cilag GMBH International
British Sky Broadcasting Group plc
Virgin Media
AA Ireland
Tifco Hotel Group
Aerospace Software Developments
FCR Media Limited
Sky Ireland Limited
Aylien Limited
Collinson Insurances
Caci Life
Grosvenor Services Limited
Danske Bank
Medmark Limited
Bath Fitter Inc
B Braun Medical
Gist Distribution
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Digital Manufacturing Ireland CLG on a range of template IT agreements.
- Advised Kepak on a complex IT solutions arrangement with Emydex in respect of software to run its business operations.
- Advised IDA Ireland on a major new IT system which will cover all aspects of the IDA’s business operations and which included a master framework SaaS services agreement for operation of the system and supply of services.
ByrneWallace LLP
The technology group at ByrneWallace LLP acts for a diverse set of domestic and international technology companies that includes start-ups, mid-cap companies, and large multinational organisations. The team advises on all traditional and upcoming areas of information technology, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Victor Timon heads the practice and regularly assists suppliers and buyers with software licensing and technology outsourcing transactions. Laura Greene has extensive experience of advising public and private sector organisations on software-as-a-service agreements and data privacy policies.
Responsables de la pratique:
Victor Timon
Autres avocats clés:
Laura Greene
Les références
‘We have worked with many firms but give 100% of our business/commercial and privacy work to Byrne Wallace. We have found them to be expert and personable, which is a welcome mix.’
Principaux clients
Avar Communications Limited t/a Jobbio
Glocal Advertising Limited t/a Gladcloud
Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG
XtremePush Limited
Phonovation Limited
Volograms Limited
Ourworld Media Limited
Blockbee Ventures Limited
Reitigh Software Limited
Axon Evolution Limited
Treo Technologies DAC
Cranntech Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG on the procurement of new IT systems required to set up and run the deposit return scheme for beverage containers.
- Advised Ourworld Media Limited on the set-up of a new metaverse world.
- Advised Avar Communications Limited t/a Jobbio on a number of high-profile transactions, including with NewsCorp, the Times, Telegraph, and Daily Mail.
DLA Piper Ireland LLP
DLA Piper Ireland LLP’s information technology team stands out for its specific expertise in serving public and private sector clients within the financial services, technology, life sciences, CPG, and fashion and retail spaces. Mark Rasdale regularly handles complex technology law matters in the financial services sector and co-heads the team with Aoife Murphy and John Magee, who assists Irish and international organisations with information security and breach response matters. Conor McEneaney and Elizabeth Sharkey have significant experience of drafting outsourcing agreements and advising on the technology aspects of mergers and acquisitions. Claire O’Brien and Eilís McDonald are active in assisting clients with GDPR and compliance matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Rasdale; John Magee; Aoife Murphy
Autres avocats clés:
Conor McEneaney; David Brazil; Eilís McDonald; Claire O’Brien; Elizabeth Sharkey
Les références
‘DLA has some of the most experienced data practitioners in Ireland and can handle complex and sophisticated matters. They offer strong client service and make you feel valued as a client.’
‘Mark Rasdale is a true leader in his field, a trusted partner and a highly skilled lawyer who invariably finds workable solutions to complex problems. Eilís McDonald is deeply knowledgeable about the industry, timely and helpful, and a pleasure to work with. Claire O’Brien is very commercial and very savvy in her advice. Very approachable and provides comprehensive client-based solutions. Conor McEneaney is a truly excellent lawyer and adviser. His ability to distil complex issues into easily understood language is second to none.’
‘DLA’s work to build a strong team in Dublin has been extremely impressive, and we now regard them very much as our first choice external counsel across a range of relevant issues, including the development of cyber strategy. They offer a genuine point of differentiation from the incumbent players and have invested heavily in relationship-building with their clients. The Dublin team works seamlessly with DLA’s international offices, particularly in the UK, which is extremely beneficial in providing a wider perspective on issues and experiences.’
Principaux clients
Green Mountain
Musgraves
Keywords Studios
AIB Life
Allied Irish Banks
Smurfit Kappa Group Plc
Bank of Ireland
Ernst & Young Consulting
Udemy
Permanent TSB plc
Glanbia
Payzone
Stripe Payments Ireland Limited
Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Limited
KPMG
Mount Street Mortgage Servicing Limited
EHA Advisory
Redfaire
Horizon Therapeutics
TELUS
Principaux dossiers
- Advised AIB on a major financial services technology transformation deal.
- Assisting various leading Irish companies with their strategic technology and privacy matters.
- Advised Green Mountain on a significant data centre sourcing deal.
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland handles the full range of contentious and non-contentious technology matters, acting for both suppliers and buyers on complex technology transactions. Marie McGinley heads the practice and has significant experience of advising domestic and international clients on technology outsourcing and cyber security matters. Other integral members of the team include Peter O’Neill and Ellie Cater – a duo specialising in data protection matters and transactions involving the acquisition or disposal of high-value technology assets.
Responsables de la pratique:
Marie McGinley
Autres avocats clés:
Peter O’Neill; Ellie Cater
Principaux clients
Momentive AI
CyrusOne LLC
Clanwilliam Health Group
Glen Dimplex
T5 Data Centres
Synch Payments DAC
SafeTnet Digital
Eaton Corporation
BearingPoint
Musgraves
DXC Technology
Specsavers
Sun Life Financial of Canada
Arachas Insurance DAC
Turas Mobility Services Limited
EirGrid
Webdoctor Limited
e-ShopWorld
UPMC
Dukes Education Group
Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman
Kingspan Group
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Synch Payments DAC, a joint venture between Ireland’s four pillar banks, with the development and launch of an interbank mobile payments solution on the Irish market.
- Advised Kingspan on its investment in H2 Green Steel, a company developing new technological solutions for a green steel plan to manufacture low carbon steel.
- Assisted E-ShopWorld Ascendia with a significant corporate transaction where ESW acquired Los Angeles-based Scalefast.
LK Shields Solicitors LLP
The technology and data privacy team at LK Shields Solicitors LLP acts for domestic and international clients from a wide range of sectors, with key expertise in the gaming and gambling sector. Key services include advice on software-as-a-service agreements, regulatory investigations, international data transfers, and data breaches. Jane O’Grady is experienced in complex software licensing transactions and AI regulatory matters. Aideen Burke and Eimear McCluskey left the firm in 2023.
Autres avocats clés:
Jane O’Grady
Les références
‘Team were extremely knowledgable about the subject at hand, flexible with schedules and very pleasant to deal with.’
‘Jane O’Grady was excellent at taking on board our industry experience and tailoring the recommendations provided to be practical given the industry. Always very flexible with scheduling calls and prompt to respond to any queries.’
Principaux clients
Integrated Facilities Solutions Limited t/a Fexillon
Centric Health
Visibility Blockchain Limited t/a Getvisibility
AxiomSL
MartEye Limited
Ronspot Limited
Kaleyra UK Limited
Dentons Europe LLP
CorrIT Limited
Whyze Health Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Fexillon on an ongoing basis in respect of various agreements related to its business operations.
- Advised Centric Health on its contracts with new corporate joint venture, Carepath Connect DAC (t/a Care-Connect) and Irish Life to develop AI-generated healthcare plans for patients in a community setting.
- Advised Getvisibility on an OEM software and cloud services licence with Forcepoint, LLC to design and develop data and security automation software solutions that Getvisibility licenses to Forcepoint internationally.
Matheson LLP
Matheson LLP has significant experience of advising blue-chip technology companies and multinational financial services companies on technology transactions, cyber security matters, and other regulatory issues. Anne-Marie Bohan heads the practice and has extensive experience of drafting and negotiating contracts for the development, sale, purchase, licensing and distribution of technology. Rory O’Keeffe and Carlo Salizzo specialise in technology outsourcing transactions and data privacy matters. Michael Byrne relies on his dispute resolution experience to handle contentious matters for technology clients and represent them in proceedings before the Irish courts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Anne-Marie Bohan
Autres avocats clés:
Rory O’Keeffe; Carlo Salizzo; Michael Byrne
Principaux clients
Allied Irish Bank plc
An Post
Aviareto
Callsign
Carne
CosenSys
Crypto.com
Grifols, S.A.
IQ-EQ
Irish Life
Microsoft
Northern Trust
Segment
Three Ireland
Vertex, Inc.
WaterWipes
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Microsoft on an ongoing basis in connection with technology, contract and regulatory matters, including contentious contract matters.
- Advised Zoom Video Communications, Inc. on its acquisition of Workvivo, a Cork-based employee communication and engagement platform.
- Advised Bank of Ireland on the data protection aspect of its acquisition of a number of portfolios from KBCI.
Beauchamps LLP
Clients turn to Beauchamps LLP for advice on the full range of information technology matters, including technology contracts, GDPR compliance, data sharing arrangements, and cyber security law. The team also assists with IT due diligence and M&A transactions within the IT sector. Key members of the team include Damian Maloney, who has extensive experience of drafting and negotiating agreements relating to franchising.
Autres avocats clés:
Damian Maloney
Les références
‘Partner-led advice at all times.’
‘Available and always supportive of our typically urgent advice requirements.’
Principaux clients
IDA Ireland
Zalando
The Arts Council
Cleveland Clinic London Limited
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission
The Mental Health Commission
Pobal
Open Medical (Europe) Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Zalando Ireland on technology-related matters.
- Advised Tailte Éireann on matters including website terms and conditions and privacy policies.
- Advised GSOC on issues including the data protection and intellectual property aspects of agreements with third parties regarding the provision of services.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP handles a diverse caseload comprising cyber risk management, contract remediation and data privacy matters, as well as technology-related disputes, for multiple domestic and international tech clients operating in Ireland. Practice head Andreas Carney has extensive experience of handling technology outsourcing matters for clients from the financial services sector. Nicola Barden’s practice focuses on conducting data protection audits and remediation projects for international clients. The team was further strengthened with the arrival of Maureen Daly, whose expertise encompasses IP and data privacy issues, from Beauchamps LLP in November 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Andreas Carney
Autres avocats clés:
Nicola Barden; Maureen Daly
Les références
‘The team is responsive and pragmatic, giving practical advice that is easy to implement.’
‘Nicola Barden is always responsive and provides solid advice.’
‘Very impressed with the helpful approach and depth of knowledge.’
Principaux clients
Mercer (Ireland) Limited
Evervault Limited
Barclays Bank Ireland and Barclays Bank PLC
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Masterlink
Towercom
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Evervault on its customer-facing master services agreement.
- Advising Mercer on an ongoing basis on data protection issues.
RDJ LLP
RDJ LLP offers specialist technology law advice on data protection, e-commerce, and intellectual property matters to clients from a wide range of sectors, including fintech, medtech, cyber security, digital, and media. Ricky Kelly heads the practice and assists clients with the investigation, management, and mitigation of cyber security and personal data breaches. Gillian Keating and Bryan McCarthy have significant experience of handling high-value M&A transactions within the IT sector. Other key members of the team include Diarmaid Gavin, Sarah Slevin, and data protection practitioner Jennifer Noctor.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ricky Kelly
Autres avocats clés:
Gillian Keating; Bryan McCarthy; Diarmaid Gavin; Sarah Slevin; Jennifer Noctor
Principaux clients
GTT Communications, Inc.
EXA Infra
FNZ (UK) Limited
Poppulo
Genesis Automation
Irish Examiner Limited
Stanhope Financial Limited
Abtran
Hiscox as insurers for the Kerry’s Eye newspaper
Internet Neutral Exchange CLG
Marco Polo Network
Otonomee
Wayleadr
AgbioInvestor
Client Solutions
Abi Global Health
Spearline Labs/Cyara Ireland