Our Technology Group is market leading in advising on all aspects of technology matters for suppliers, users and creators. We advise on supply of goods/services, licensing, outsourcing, e-commerce, data protection and intellectual property, as well as the broader range of corporate and commercial transactions typical in a full service law firm. Our client base includes both Irish start-up companies and established international brands.
We provide advice and practical guidance in relation to establishing and operating on-line businesses. Our experience includes distance selling, e-money, terms of business, domain name issues and dispute resolution.
We can help you with the complexities of data protection, obtaining appropriate consents, direct marketing, and assist with issues surrounding data transfers abroad.
We regularly advise clients on large scale projects including outsourcing and system supply, as well as general commercial activities such as the procurement of IT systems, software licensing, applications development, systems integration, support services, export control and cloud computing services.
Our team works closely with colleagues in other practice groups in the Firm to provide clients with a full legal service on corporate matters such as take-overs, mergers, trade sales, take privates, venture capital investments and IPOs; as well as agency and reseller agreements, non-disclosure agreements, employment and tax.
On contentious matters, we work with our clients on negotiation and litigation strategies as and when disputes arise.
Our experience includes advising/acting for:
The Railway Procurement Agency on its Integrated Ticketing Scheme (Ireland’s equivalent to the UK Oyster Card).
IONA Technologies plc on its take private, which required shareholder approval and was regulated in Ireland by the Irish Takeover Panel and in the US the SEC.
Skillsoft plc on its court-approved capital reduction, involving the reduction of a share premium account and the application of the reserves arising to eliminate historic deficits.
Yahoo! on ongoing multi-jurisdictional IT projects; tax arrangements; advice on regulatory matters including data retention and data interception laws.
Siemens on various tenders for the public and private sectors.
Microsoft on the use of its Xbox Live technology in Ireland.
IKEA on all technology matters for its launch in Ireland.
Inditex on its new e-commerce website for its home wares under its ZARA HOME brand.
Nintendo on marketing of the Wii and other Nintendo products in Ireland.
Olympus Corporation on the €630m sale of its worldwide diagnostic systems business to Beckman Coulter Inc.
GPS-Buddy Holdings plc, provider of vehicle tracking and tracing software and hardware, on its public offer of shares in Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Latvia.
Aviva on outsourcing of business functions.
FÁS (Irish State Employment and Training Authority) on data protection issues in vetting of childcare and other workers.
Delta Partners on various technology investments.
Department
William Fry’s experienced team is ‘affable and insightful’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - TMT
William Fry ranked "Tier 1" as a leading intellectual property law firm in Ireland for contentious patent lawsuits.
Managing Intellectual Property Patent Survey 2012
'William Fry's core philosophy is understanding its client's business. The team is proactive, always operating in a broader context and never focusing on a specific issue.’
Chambers Europe, 2011 - TMT
The firm has strong corporate TMT experience, with clients saying the team 'always delivers'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – TMT
Sources appreciate that “the firm is flexible and can adapt well to the needs of its technology clients,” and that “it offers broad-based knowledge and expertise in the sector.”
Chambers Europe, 2010 – Information Technology
"IT is an active area for the firm and it continues to advise notable clients".
Legal 500 EMEA, 2009 – TMT
This firm has an integrated technology and intellectual property department, and can therefore provide a full service to clients. The team has a wealth of experience in IT procurement, licensing and e-commerce matters.
Chambers Europe, 2009 – Information Technology
Team
Myra Garrett
Managing Partner Myra Garrett is praised as ‘exceptional’ for her ‘excellent understanding of the industry’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – TMT
David Cullen
David Cullen is ‘one of the best in the business’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - TMT
David Cullen is an ‘outstanding lawyer’ with ‘surgical trademark prosecution skills’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2011 - TMT
David ‘takes in the bigger picture’ and advises ‘in a commercial, solution-focused context’.
Chambers Europe, 2011 - TMT
IT and telecoms head David Cullen is considered ‘outstanding’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – TMT
David Cullen comes highly recommended as 'an exceptionally knowledgeable and down-to-earth lawyer'.
Chambers Europe, 2010 – TMT
Leo Moore
Leo Moore is ‘a breath of fresh air’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - TMT
Leo Moore is praised for his grasp of technical issues and his ‘efficient and responsive manner'.
Chambers Europe, 2011 - TMT