William Warne

I'm an associate in Bird & Bird's London Intellectual Property Group. I have extensive experience of advising clients across a wide variety of industries on complex legal issues and strategic considerations relating to all IP rights.

Since joining Bird & Bird's IP group on qualification as a solicitor in 2011, I have worked with a broad range of clients in industries spanning automotive, electronics & telecoms, IT, engineering, consumer goods, fashion, life sciences, media and sport. I specialise in dealing with IP disputes, particularly where technology is involved and regularly advise on matters relating to the IoT. I am a member of Bird & Bird's automotive sector group, with a particular focus on the IP issues relating to connected and autonomous vehicles, such as FRAND licensing of Standard Essential Patents.

In recent years I have been involved in cases of all shapes and sizes, ranging from disputes between SMEs at the IPEC (Intellectual Property Enterprise Court) to international arbitration and complex multi-jurisdictional litigation. Much of my work for clients relates to ongoing or anticipated disputes regarding patents, including freedom to operate opinions and portfolio evaluation. However, I am also experienced in disputes relating to copyright, trade marks, designs and confidential information.

• Positec Power Tools (Europe) Limited v Husqvarna AB
• BAE Systems (Operations) Limited v Thales Visionix Inc
• Conducting a review of standard essential and implementation patents for a mobile telecoms company in preparation for multi-jurisdictional litigation.
• Carrying out an analysis of selected patents in a portfolio to inform the client's decision on whether to purchase the portfolio.
• Advising an energy company regarding a potential claim for misuse of confidential information.
• Advising a major app developer regarding a potential claim for misuse of confidential information and breach of an NDA.
• Advising an education provider in relation to a potential claim of copyright infringement.