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Mark Heaney

Partner

Email

mark.heaney@aoshearman.com

Phone

+44 20 3088 2914

Offices

London

V-CARD
Mark is known as one of the "go to" patent litigators in the hi-tech sector and is recognised by all major directories as a leading practitioner. 

He regularly advises on large scale international matters for well-known names in the telecoms, IT and software sectors. Mark is unique in the London IP market with a background and previous career in electronic engineering and a degree in computer science before moving to law, allowing him to talk to clients in their own language.

Mark has been involved in many of the leading cases in the electronics and telecommunications sectors in the UK and much of his work involves cross-border disputes, with litigation often taking place in the UK in parallel with actions in Japan, Germany, the US or the Netherlands.

Experience

Representative matters

A multinational technology corporation on Conversant’s claim for a declaration that it has offered fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms in respect of its standard essential patent (SEP) portfolio.

Seoul Semiconductor on action concerning semiconductor patents.

A manufacturer in the defence industry in respect of a patent for laser devices to counter heat seeking missiles. 

Published Work

  • Mark Heaney, Neville Cordell, Mark Ridgway, Taly Dvorkis (April 2017), First UK High Court judgment in Unwired Planet v Huawei FRAND trial, finds worldwide licence is FRAND, Allen & Overy
  • Mark Heaney, Mark Ridgway, Taly Dvorkis (November 2016), The UK high court to determine FRAND rates for standard essential patents, Allen & Overy

Leadership Positions And Professional Affiliations

  • Member, British Computer Society
  • Associate member, CIPA  
Recognition
“One of the most experienced electro-mechanical patent experts in the UK, with a real understanding of what will work and what will not; he brings pragmatic strategy to every case.”
Legal 500 UK 2020: Intellectual Property (Leading Individual)
“A notable litigator reputed for his experience handling FRAND and standard-essential patent cases as well as advising on potential infringement actions.”
Chambers UK 2020 Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation

Qualifications

Academic

BSc in Computer Science, 1991
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.