James Seadon

I am a partner in the Intellectual Property group and lead the Technology & Data Disputes practice in Fieldfisher's London office. I advise clients around the world on IP, technology, cybersecurity and privacy, specialising in resolving disputes. 

I'm ranked by all of the leading directories for my expertise. Some highlights are below:

• Chambers & Partners UK 2024 lists me as a Notable Practitioner recommended for copyright, trade mark and design rights litigation as awell as handling breach of confidence and trade secrets matters: "a very sophisticated lead partner who coordinates multiple matters across European borders...excellent - he's hard working, thorough and good at strategy".
• The Legal 500 has rated me for data protection litigation ("...shows great practical insights and instincts on litigation matters" (2023) and for IP ("a really excellent litigation solicitor" (2023); "incredibly hardworking and thorough... really [goes] the extra mile for the client" (2021); "absolutely outstanding" (2018)).
• Global Data Review's GDR 100 has repeatedly listed me for my data disputes work when ranking Fieldfisher as one of the top firms globally in data protection: "Seadon stands out as one of the few litgators on the London market to have had extensive experience working on non-personal data litigation" (2023); "experience of acting in major copyright, database right and other non-personal data cases alongside a solid data protection practice" (2022).
• World Trademak Review (2021) reported "Data disputes head Seadon combines his prowess in IP battles wiht a fine-grained understanding of technology and cybersecurity").
• IP Stars, too, has listed me repeatedly, calling me a "notable lawyer for soft IP disputes" (2023) and singling out my "innovative and practical" advice (2018). 

I have almost two decade's experience in data protection and privacy, primarily cybersecurity, data breach response and data protection litigation (including controller v processor and controller v data subject). I have worked as in-house IP and data protection counsel at a multinational telco. I'm a specialist in resolving technology issues, including project disputes.

My IP practice includes copyright, database rights, confidential information, trade secrets, designs and trade marks. Often I am sought for my expertise on matters at the intersection of IP and technology, particularly emerging technologies such as AI. My brand protection practice extends to the franchising sector, where reported cases include ChipsAway v Kerr (Court of Appeal) and Carewatch v Focus (High Court).   
 
I have litigation experience up to the Supreme Court but also an excellent track record of resolving complex disputes without involving the courts, for example in mediation.

I have teach IP (particularly copyright), amongst others to masters students in the University of Cambridge Institute of Biotechnology and delegates on the Music Publishers Association's induction course.
 
My professional memberships include the American Intellectual Property Law Association, AIPPI UK, INTA and the Society for Computers and Law. I chair AIPLA's International Copyright Issues subcommittee.
 
In 2009, I co-founded IPSoc (the society for junior IP practitioners). I was twice elected Chairman and remained an active committee member for six years.