Denis Halton

I am an associate in Bird & Bird's International IP, Privacy and Data Protection Group, based in the Irish office where I am a member of the Dispute Resolution team. I advise across a broad spectrum of technology, data and IP issues.

Prior to joining Bird & Bird in October 2022, I was an Associate at a top five Irish law Firm for over three years specialising in disputes, regulatory investigations and commercial technology. I advised clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters across a broad range of areas including Intellectual Property (copyright, trademarks & patents), Privacy and Data Protection (including the General Data Protection Regulation). During this time, I completed a secondment advising Airbnb's Global business on risk and regulatory matters including litigation, public policy and privacy.

Prior to joining the above Firm, I practiced as a barrister for several years. This experience brought me before all levels of the Irish Courts and various regulatory tribunals. My practice had a particular focus on commercial litigation and judicial review of statutory bodies such as the DPC. During my time at the Bar, I was part of the legal team advising a financial institution in both regulated and unregulated fund litigation arising from the collapse of Bernard Madoff Investment Securities LLC. I was also appointed by the Minister for Justice and Equality to hear and determine appeals made by the International Protection Office on applications for protection in the State.

Fun Fact: I appeared as an extra on the television show Game of Thrones.

• In particular, advised:
• Leading software company on defending Commercial Court proceedings concerning alleged breach of contract and misuse of confidential information in technology systems.
• Leading technology company in relation to a DPC own-volition Statutory Inquiry pursuant to Section 110 of the Data Protection Act 2018 and in accordance with the co-operation mechanism outlined under Article 60 of the GDPR. The inquiry set out to establish whether the company had a valid legal basis for processing its users' data and whether it meets its obligations as a data controller with regard to transparency.
• Global ticketing company on defending the Irish stream of pan-jurisdictional proceedings in relation to alleged data breaches. In conjunction with US counsel, responsible for proactively developing and exercising cross-jurisdictional strategies to manage existing emerging litigation and regulatory risks across EMEA.
• Numerous international companies in relation to data incidents relating to the disclosure of personal data to the Central Credit Register and associated regulatory engagement
• Pharmaceutical companies on defending High Court/Commercial Court proceedings concerning alleged patent infringement. Often this would include multi-jurisdiction proceedings.

• Leading software company on defending Commercial Court proceedings concerning alleged breach of contract and misuse of confidential information in technology systems.
• Leading technology company in relation to a DPC own-volition Statutory Inquiry pursuant to Section 110 of the Data Protection Act 2018 and in accordance with the co-operation mechanism outlined under Article 60 of the GDPR. The inquiry set out to establish whether the company had a valid legal basis for processing its users' data and whether it meets its obligations as a data controller with regard to transparency.
• Global ticketing company on defending the Irish stream of pan-jurisdictional proceedings in relation to alleged data breaches. In conjunction with US counsel, responsible for proactively developing and exercising cross-jurisdictional strategies to manage existing emerging litigation and regulatory risks across EMEA.
• Numerous international companies in relation to data incidents relating to the disclosure of personal data to the Central Credit Register and associated regulatory engagement
• Pharmaceutical companies on defending High Court/Commercial Court proceedings concerning alleged patent infringement. Often this would include multi-jurisdiction proceedings.