The technology team at A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP has a stellar track record advising blue-chip clients on both domestic and cross-jurisdictional IP matters. ‘Standout’ Ciaran O’Shiel leads the contentious side, while Mark Thompson heads up the non-contentious IP practice. O’Shiel is sought after for his expertise in trade mark infringement disputes, while Thompson remains at the forefront of software licensing and IP commercialisation matters. Of Counsel Caroline McNally is well-versed in the full spectrum of IP licensing, sponsorship and ownership agreements. Other key practitioners include Ronan Marlow, who is routinely involved in high court disputes, agritech expert Keith Dunn, and Caroline Price, who regularly advises on infringement claims.

Lauded for its ‘exceptional’ sector knowledge, the intellectual property team at Carson McDowell has a robust presence in Northern Ireland, particularly within the public sector, advising both Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast on life sciences-related IP matters. Declan Magee and Dawn McKnight co-lead the team. Magee focuses on IP litigation, while McKnight is head of the non-contentious side and has extensive experience in negotiating complex IP contracts. Peter Guzhar maintains his reputation for being a go-to for copyright and patent infringement proceedings. Rounding out the team, Karla Dooey is singled out for her knowledge of brand protection and licensing issues, while Helen Cosgrove is regularly instructed in contentious IP matters.

Arthur Cox Belfast provides comprehensive support to its corporate team, advising on the IP due diligence aspects of high-value acquisitions and investments into IP-based tech companies. Lynsey Mallon leads the team and is active in advising large corporates in the manufacturing, retail, and public sectors. Richard Armstrong counts several early-stage companies among his client roster, while Erin Carruthers focuses on the protection of IP.

DWF‘s intellectual property team has a robust contentious practice, regularly representing clients in IP-related alternative dispute resolution procedures. At the helm of the practice is media law expert Olivia O’Kane, who handles copyright infringement disputes and is praised for her ‘unmatched depth of experience in handling complex litigation’. Early-stage startups and IP issues arising out of corporate transactions are key areas of focus for Scott Kennedy, while the ‘excellent advocate’ James Griffiths is highlighted for his contentious IP expertise across the technology and manufacturing sectors.

The intellectual property team at Millar McCall Wylie LLP is acclaimed for its expertise in the film and media sector. The team handles copyright issues covering archive film and television and has a strong standing dealing with matters related to digital media and content. Damian McParland leads the team and advises investors and companies in the venture capital space on intellectual property rights issues. Abbie Long is a trusted advisor for IP ownership and licensing issues for media and entertainment clients.

Mills Selig combines disputes and corporate expertise to provide clients, particularly technology companies, with a comprehensive IP offering. Co-leading the department are Emma Hunt and Kirsten Magee. Magee is an expert litigator who is routinely instructed on trademark infringement proceedings. Corporate partner Glenn Watterson provides IP licensing advice and is a key contact for FD Technologies PLC.

Tughans‘ IP team acts for both early-stage and established companies, particularly those in the software development industry. The practice is recognised for its transactional and advisory expertise, covering licensing, supply and technology transfer agreements. Team lead Adrian O’Connell is a contract and procurement specialist, assisting clients with protecting and exploiting their IP. ‘Top asset’ Andrew Kirke is head of the trademarks practice and is well-versed in trademark proceedings. Paul Eastwood regularly advises on the IP aspects of M&A and public procurement.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin‘s IP team’s core proficiency lies in contentious matters, handling issues for clients across several sectors in the civil courts. Michael King leads the team. King is a reputed IP litigator with strengths across trademark infringement and copyright disputes.

Lewis Silkin draws on its London office to advise clients on IP protection, asset-related transactional contracts and prosecutions aimed at protecting IP rights. Team head Matthew Forde has extensive experience with copyright and trademark litigation, while Emma Wightman joined from Shoosmiths LLP in October 2024.