The dispute resolution team at Bird & Bird has ‘deep domain knowledge in all aspects of litigation, regulatory matters, IP and privacy’, and particular sector strength in the IT, media and sports industries, regularly representing clients in cases which involve defamation issues. Sophie Dawson and Jonathon Ellis co-lead the team from Sydney; Dawson specialises in technology and media matters, while Ellis enjoys a strong reputation in commercial litigation. Also in Sydney, Julie Cheeseman bolsters the team’s growing cybersecurity expertise.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Bird & Bird offer a very responsive litigation and advisory service - providing pragmatic and commercially realistic advice. They have deep domain knowledge in all aspects of litigation, regulatory matters, IP and privacy.’
‘Jonathon Ellis is a stand-out partner; an expert in his field, but very approachable and commercial. Jonathan Tay, Senior Associate, is incredibly hard-working and very good at client relationship management.’
'The team are incredibly proactive which provides a sense of feeling prepared about what is to follow.'
‘Great to work with, very client-focused. Nothing is too much trouble.’
‘Jonathon Ellis is brilliant at bringing together great teams and keeping everything on track, while always focused on achieving the client's goals and protecting their interests. Jonathan Tay is a delight to work with - always competent, very professional and courteous. He will go far.’
Key clients
- Take-Two Interactive Inc, Rock Star Games, Inc
- Epic Games Inc
- CJZ Pty Ltd (formerly Cordell Jigsaw Productions)
- Nine Network Australia
- Elixinol Wellness Limited
- Globaltech Corporation Pty Ltd
- Troy Laboratories
- Revitalife
Work highlights
- Acted for Take-Two Interactive Software Inc; RockStar Games, Inc to protect Grand Theft Auto V - successfully obtained orders and relief for copyright infringement in proceedings concerning unauthorised mods written for the Grand Theft Auto V game.
- Acted for Epic Games Inc in relation to the unauthorised online sale of items relating to its popular Fortnite game.
- Acting for CJZ (formerly Cordell Jigsaw Productions) in Supreme Court of New South Wales, Court of Appeal proceedings concerning a dispute relating to the consumer affairs television series, The Checkout.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sophie Dawson, Jonathon Ellis