McCann FitzGerald LLP

Technology & Innovation, Data Protection, Intellectual Property, Freedom of Information, Commercial Contract

Paul is the head of the firm’s Technology and Innovation Group and advises on a wide range of information technology, data protection, intellectual property, confidentiality and freedom of information issues. He advises on the supply and implementation of new IT systems, the licensing of software and the ownership, exploitation and licensing of intellectual property rights.

Paul drafts and negotiates cutting-edge technology supply and implementation agreements and IT outsourcing agreements with a key focus on mobilisation, business transformation and key performance elements as well as exit management.

Paul is a leading  expert on data protection and advises a large number of private sector entities and public bodies on their data protection obligations under existing and prospective  data protection law, including advising on subject access requests, data security incidents, marketing obligations and consents, record retention matters, data protection notices, policies and privacy statements, data controller and data processor registrations as well as solutions to facilitate the transfer of data outside the EEA.

Paul is heavily involved in advising a number of private sector and public sector clients on their prospective obligations under the EU General Data Protection Regulation, including carrying out data protection assessments and audits and completing data inventories in order to advise clients on what changes to processing activities, data protection notices and agreements etc to ensure compliance with GDPR.

Paul regularly advises on the legal implications of transacting on-line and related consumer protection issues. Paul also advises a number of international clients on their distribution, franchise and sales agency arrangements.

In the area of freedom of information, Paul regularly acts for public bodies and private entities. He advises public bodies in respect of their compliance obligations in connection with the Freedom of Information Acts in dealing with access requests, advising on applicable exemptions and dealing with appeals to the Information Commissioner. Paul also advises public bodies and private entities on the application and scope of the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations.

As a leading expert on the law of confidentiality, Paul regularly advises clients on confidentiality obligations and the drafting of appropriate confidentiality agreements and secrecy protocols.

Paul is the author of Commercial Secrets: The Action for Breach of Confidence in Ireland (Round Hall/ Sweet & Maxwell, 1996), the first and only Irish work on the topic. The book has been quoted in judgments in the Irish Supreme Court.

Qualified in 1996

Graduate of University College Dublin (BCL,LLM).