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Mark Heaney

Partner

Email

mark.heaney@aoshearman.com

Phone

+44 20 3088 2914

Offices

London

Dublin

V-CARD
Mark trained as a computer scientist before turning to the law in 1996 and is one of the few UK based technology litigators with a “hi-tech” pedigree.

He is known as one of the "go to" litigators in the hi-tech sector and is recognised by all major directories as a leading practitioner and is included in the Legal 500 “Hall of Fame”. He regularly advises on large scale international matters for well-known names in the telecoms, IT and software sectors in respect of copyright, patents and trade secrets. He has a particular interest in the fast-moving computing sector and the new legal challenges that arise as technology outstrips the pace of legal change.

Mark has been involved in many of the leading cases in the electronics and telecommunications sectors in the UK for the last 25+ years and much of his work involves cross-border disputes, with litigation often taking place in the UK in parallel with actions in Japan, Germany, the US or the Netherlands.

Experience

Representative matters

  • A multinational technology corporation on Conversant’s claim for a declaration that it has offered fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms in respect of its standard essential patent (SEP) portfolio.
  • Seoul Semiconductor on action concerning semiconductor patents.
  • A manufacturer in the defence industry in respect of a patent for laser devices to counter heat seeking missiles. 

Published Work

  • Mark Heaney, Neville Cordell, Mark Ridgway, Taly Dvorkis (April 2017), First UK High Court judgment in Unwired Planet v Huawei FRAND trial, finds worldwide licence is FRAND, Allen & Overy
  • Mark Heaney, Mark Ridgway, Taly Dvorkis (November 2016), The UK high court to determine FRAND rates for standard essential patents, Allen & Overy

Leadership Positions And Professional Affiliations

  • Member, British Computer Society
  • Associate member, CIPA  

Recognition

“Mark Heaney is a titan in high-tech litigation in the UK. He is most people's go-to lawyer. He is a genius”
Chambers UK 2024
“Mark is absolutely exceptional. He is one of the most insightful solicitors we have in intellectual property. He is extremely experienced in terms of how things would turn out in court”
Chambers UK 2024

Qualifications

Admissions

Solicitor, England and Wales, 1998

Academic

BSc in Computer Science, 1991
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.