We are continually recognised in the industry directories for our expertise and the quality of work we do, at all levels of seniority across junior and KC ranks, and our top ranking year after year reflects this. Below you will find a snapshot of comments extracted from recent directory entries.
2025
8 New Square is an outstanding IP set, home to top-flight barristers who are consistently instructed in the biggest cases in the field. A market commentator states: “It is the number one set for complex IP disputes.” The chambers has extensive patent expertise ranging from matters concerning key innovations in pharmaceuticals to major TMT FRAND cases, with Sandoz & Teva v Bristol-Myers Squibb, Nokia v Oppo, Interdigital Inc v Lenovo, and Optis v Apple serving as notable examples. Members are also well equipped to handle trade mark, copyright and design disputes for their impressive client list. One solicitor notes: “Their strength in depth, collaborative approach and technical knowledge mean that they are able to quickly take a step back to identify the critical issues in a case.”
“Nick Wise is a legend. He just makes it his business to know everyone and everything.”
“The clerking at 8 New Square is seamless. Nick Wise is a pleasure to deal with and really accommodating, especially when client demands are high and fees need to be considered.”
“Ben Newham is very professional and very responsive.”
“We regularly deal with Martin Williams who is excellent.”
Chambers & Partners (Intellectual Property)
8 New Square is widely recognised for its strength in the information technology space, and its members regularly leverage their extensive knowledge of intellectual property in the IT sphere into cases involving patent infringement, FRAND licensing and other issues. Their clients include major software providers and corporate entities, and they have a particularly large footprint in the telecoms industry. Barristers from this set recently acted in Getty Images v Stability AI, which looked at copyright and database right infringement, trade mark infringement and passing off in relation to the AI model known as Stable Diffusion. An interviewee highlights the chambers as being “a real leader when it comes to IP and IT issues.”
“Both senior clerk Nick Wise and practice manager Martin Williams are very good clerks.”
Chambers & Partners (Information Technology)
8 New Square is a well-established set which houses a strong bench of barristers active in the media law field. The set is especially renowned for its strength in IP disputes, such as copyright, trade mark and design right claims. Members are praised for their “clear, practical and commercially-minded advice”, and often act for an enviable roster of clients in the media and entertainment sector, which encompasses film producers, record companies, social media platforms, broadcasters, gaming publishers, collecting societies, musicians and artists.
“The service provided by both the barristers and clerks at the chambers is very good. They are easy to contact and have been very responsive.”
Chambers & Partners (Media & Entertainment)
The members at 8 New Square are highly experienced in representing clients in all levels of court across the entire remit of IP-related cases, including those surrounding patents, copyrights, and trade marks. Among its strong bench of silks sits Michael Tappin KC, who has appeared before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, and he is representing one of the claimants in BioNTech and Pfizer v Moderna and CureVac, which concerns a claim for the revocation of patents and counterclaims regarding the alleged infringement of patents regarding Covid-19 vaccinations. Andrew Lykiardopoulos KC is a notable name in the patents and copyright space, while Charlotte May KC acted for the claimant in a telecommunications patent infringement case which also questioned the validity of the patent involved (Phillips v OPPO). The set is also home to Martin Howe KC, who is especially skilled in cases regarding complex technology, including broadcasting and telecommunications-related technology, as well as biotech and pharmaceuticals, and James Abrahams KC, who is sought after for his expertise in high-tech patent litigation, often surrounding engineering and medical devices. Lindsay Lane KC is another key name at the set with significant experience in the entire range of IP matters, including patents, trade marks, copyrights, and database and design rights, as well as the tort of passing off.
“Ben Newham is excellent and practicable.”
“Nicholas Wise is friendly and helpful, as is Philip Taylor.”
“Excellent team of clerks who are attentive and sympathetic.”
“Best IP set with a great range of IP seniors, juniors and KCs.”
“Top set with a great variety of talented barristers.”
Legal 500 (Intellectual Property)
8 New Square is an ‘elite set’ for information technology law and regularly acts in cases concerning liability of internet intermediaries and FRAND rate determinations, as well as continuing to expand its offering in IT litigation related to the development of AI technology and the set’s core strength of intellectual property. Jaani Riordan is acting for the defendant in IBM v LzLabs GmbH & Ors, with the claimant alleging that LzLabs illegally reverse-engineered its mainframe software to develop its Software Defined Mainframe. In InterDigital Technology Corp v Lenovo Group Ltd, Mark Chacksfield KC is representing the claimant as the Court of Appeal will address fundamental questions on the recoverability of interest in telecommunications FRAND actions. Jonathan Hill appeared before the High Court in PQ Systems Inc v Aughton, successfully establishing for the claimant that its software had been illegally copied and concealed.
“An elite set.”
Legal 500 (Information Technology)
8 New Square members are highly sought-after to assist with disputes across the film, television and publication industries, particularly in relation to authorship and copyright of books, scripts, screenplays and production formats. Martin Howe KC ‘combines his expertise in intellectual property law with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law generally’, while Jaani Riordan offers ’second to none’ knowledge in the field of online enforcement, encompassing website blocking injunctions and other matters. Ashton Chantrielle is acting for the estate of Whitney Houston in a trade mark infringement claim in respect of a tribute show entitled Whitney Queen of the Night.
“I have largely worked with Nick Wise and Paul Worrall. Nick and Paul are both a pleasure to work with. They have very effectively assisted in identifying suitable counsel and managing counsels’ availability and workload, including in some quite difficult circumstances.”
“In my experience the clerks are very responsive, both via email and telephone.”
“Clerks are very responsive.”
“8 New Square is an excellent Intellectual Property set. I have worked with a few of their senior juniors and Kings Counsel across a range of IP disputes and they have all been a pleasure to work with – providing a high standard of advice and responsiveness.”
Legal 500 (Media & Entertainment)
2024
8 New Square is an outstanding IP set, home to top-flight barristers who are consistently instructed in the biggest cases in the field. The chambers has extensive patent expertise ranging from matters concerning key innovations in pharmaceuticals to major TMT FRAND cases, with Sandoz & Teva v Bristol-Myers Squibb, Nokia v Oppo, Interdigital Inc v Lenovo, and Philips v Xiaomi serving as notable examples. Members are also well equipped to handle trade mark, copyright and design disputes for their impressive client list.
“8 New Square has an excellent clerking team, led by Senior Clerk Nick Wise and Chambers Director Ben Newham. Special mention goes to Paul Worrall.”
“From my perspective, we prefer to work with 8 New Square. We like them because their clerking service is very good, they are very efficient, you feel like they are working for you; they know how to work their way through the court system.”
“The clerking team at 8 New Square is exceptional. In particular Nick Wise and Ben Newham are worthy of mention. The team always ensures messages are passed on and they are timely to turn requests around.”
“The clerks are very easy to deal with and have strong relationships with the listing officers, which can come in handy. They understand completely the nature of the work and are very focused on service delivery both for the clients and the solicitors.”
Chambers & Partners (Intellectual Property)
8 New Square is widely recognised for its strength in the information technology space and its members regularly leverage their extensive knowledge of intellectual property in the IT sphere into cases involving patent infringement, FRAND licensing and other issues. Their clients include major software providers and corporate entities, and they have a particularly large footprint in the telecoms industry. Barristers from this set recently acted in Nokia v OPPO, a multi-patent and multi-trial action relating to mobile telecoms patents.
“Nick Wise, senior clerk, is extremely responsive. He’ll always get back to you even when he’s out of the office.”
“The clerks are friendly and make themselves available. They do a great job, especially when you consider how busy their barristers are.”
Chambers & Partners (Information Technology)
8 New Square is a well-established set which houses a strong bench of barristers active in the media law field. The set is especially renowned for its strength in IP disputes, such as copyright, trade mark and design right claims. Members act for an enviable roster of clients in the media and entertainment sector, which encompasses film producers, record companies, social media platforms, broadcasters, gaming publishers, collecting societies, musicians and artists.
“The clerks are always responsive and helpful.”
“The clerking is very, very good. They provide quick responses, quick turnaround times and are sensitive to specific needs.”
“Nick Wise is good, we enjoy working with him.”
Chambers & Partners (Media & Entertainment)
“The team is slick and professional, especially Nick Wise.”
“Responsive and reliable. Nick Wise is a pleasure to deal with.”
“8 New Square is an excellent IP specialist set, with real strength in depth.”
“One of the best IP sets.”
“They have great strength in depth and are very easy to work with, as well as being genuine experts.”
“Excellent chambers with helpful and knowledgeable clerks and a wide variety of excellent barristers.”
“Very strong set for all types of IP disputes.”
“Nick Wise is very good.”
Legal 500 (Intellectual Property)
“Excellent service. Could not be better.”
“8 New Square are an excellent chambers who really go the extra mile on everything from fee arrangements to finding the right listing dates. Second to none.”
“For telecoms cases, 8 New Square is the best set.”
Legal 500 (Information Technology)
“Specialist set in IP generally, pleasure to deal with.”
“My dealings with the clerks were always over telephone and email, and they were always friendly, efficient and courteous.”
“Very good.”
Legal 500 (Media & Entertainment)
2023
“Very strong for all contentious IP work.”
“8 New Square is one of the strongest IP sets at present – good depth and breadth.”
“A well-known IP set with a deep bench.”
“Excellent barristers at all levels of qualification.”
“The set has the greatest strength in depth of any of the IP sets.”
Legal 500 (Intellectual Property – Set Overview)
“Nick Wise and Ben Newham are always happy to help, try to make things work with their barristers to deliver against deadlines, and take on feedback.”
Legal 500 (Intellectual Property – Clerking)
“Good range of barristers.”
“Excellent set and brilliant clerks.”
Legal 500 (IT & Telecoms – Clerking)
“8 New Square is an excellent set with brilliant clerks. Martin Williams, one of the practice managers, is fantastic to work with.”
“The clerk team, with Nick Wise as the senior clerk, is very professional and helpful.”
“8 New Square’s clerks are very good. They have very good connections with the courts and can get things done for you.”
Chambers & Partners (Intellectual Property – Client Service)
“The clerks make sure that you receive a response in good time and are highly organised.”
Chambers & Partners (Media & Entertainment – Client Service)
2022
“A pre-eminent IP set, with strength in depth from the top QCs to very competent juniors.” “8 New Square have an excellent range of barristers, from senior QCs down to new junior tenants. Although they are often extremely busy, they make time for new cases.” “A quality set with strength throughout.” “They continue to be one of the very leading IP chambers.”
Legal 500 (Intellectual Property – Set Overview)
“I have used this set for nearly 30 years, and have always had a first- rate and friendly service from the clerks, in particular Nick Wise, Martin Williams and Ben Newham.” “8 New Square’s clerking service is impeccable – a combination of responsiveness and clarity on fees makes them a favoured choice. Ben Newham is always available to co-ordinate and facilitate client-specific requests.” “The clerks at 8 New Square are very capable and understand the needs of clients. They are friendly and always willing to assist.” “The clerks are friendly and co-operative.” “Very good and responsive. Nick Wise is very helpful.”
Legal 500 (Intellectual Property – Clerking)
“We have been very impressed with its service.”
Legal 500 (Media & Entertainment – Set Overview)
“Excellent set.”
Legal 500 (IT & Telecoms – Set Overview)
“Excellent and friendly.”
Legal 500 (IT & Telecoms – Clerking)
2021
“8 New Square is the complete package: it is home to a wealth of talent, both senior and junior, possessing expertise covering all intellectual property rights”.
Chambers & Partners (Intellectual Property)
“The clerking is first-rate.” “They are very good at problem solving and are very amenable to sensible negotiation on fees.”
Chambers & Partners (IT & Telecoms)
“8 New Square is a well-established set which houses “an excellent team of barristers.” Sources say that the barristers at 8 New Square are “among the best in a highly competitive market.”
Chambers & Partners (Media & Entertainment)
2020
“For patent litigation ‘you can’t go wrong’ with the intellectual property specialists housed at 8 New Square. From silk through to junior counsel, they offer ‘exceptional’ service”.
Legal 500 (Set Overview)
“8 New Square is one of the strongest IP sets in terms of depth of talent, with barristers that are very strong on all aspects of IP law, from the most junior to QC level”.
Legal 500 (Intellectual Property)
“8 New Square, which has been highlighted as ‘one of the best sets in the IP world’, is also considered at the top of its game in IT”.
Legal 500 (IT & Telecoms)
“8 New Square is full of talent and offers quality that is invariably fantastic”.
Legal 500 (Media & Entertainment)
2019
“Boasts a truly impressive stable of IP silks and other counsel who appear in trailblazing cases at all levels of courts internationally.”
Chambers & Partners
“The clerks are approachable and responsive and they understand the pressures we’re under.” “The clerks are excellent, very helpful and prepared to go the extra mile.”
Chambers & Partners (Intellectual Property)
“A highly regarded set for media and entertainment work, housing a strong bench of senior and junior counsel experienced in the representation of a wide range of media clients.”
Chambers & Partners (Media & Entertainment)
“The clerks are professional, well organised and always approachable.”
Chambers & Partners
8 New Square is a chambers noted for its strength in both IP and IT that houses a raft of talented lawyers, including a number of the leading silks in the field.”
Chambers & Partners
“The clerks are good at dealing with conditional fee agreements and so on, and are very proactive, flexible and commercial.”
Chambers & Partners (Information Technology)
‘Perhaps the main repository of intellectual property and media barristers’.
Legal 500
‘The standard of work is of universally high quality and they somehow keep turning out great young new talent to add to the ranks.’
Legal 500
The ‘immensely experienced’ and ‘wise’ senior clerk John Call, ‘runs a tight ship’ that is ‘a commercial, modern outfit’ and ‘supports clients’ needs’.
Legal 500
2018
“A Much in demand set that stands out in the market due to its impressive bench of talented silks and Juniors”
Chambers and Partners ( Intellectual Property)
“The exemplary clerking team led by John Call provide quick turnaround times and are very knowledgeable and responsive.”
Chambers and Partners (Intellectual Property)
“The set is particularly strong in the IP aspects of IT, and has members working on some of the most significant software and hardware disputes in the sector”.
Chambers and Partners (Information Technology)
” A Chambers with a distinguished media practice built upon its reputation as a pre-eminent intellectual property set.”
Chambers and Partners (Media and Entertainment)
“All of the barristers and clerks I have dealt with have been professional and at the top of their game. They are client-friendly, approachable and good team players”.
Chambers and Partners (Media and Entertainment)
‘Perhaps the main repository of intellectual property and media barristers’.
Legal 500
‘The standard of work is of universally high quality and they somehow keep turning out great young new talent to add to the ranks.’
Legal 500
The ‘immensely experienced’ and ‘wise’ senior clerk John Call, ‘runs a tight ship’ that is ‘a commercial, modern outfit’ and ‘supports clients’ needs’.
Legal 500
2017
“Fantastic roster of talent” it is recommended for being “very modern, forward-thinking and providing sound commercial advice” as well as offering solicitors ” a very broad skill set in the soft IP space.”
Chambers & Partners (Intellectual Property)
“Members are noted for the technical expertise they bring to bear when handling complex cases regarding software licensing or matters concerning data protection or cyber security.”
Chambers & Partners (Information Technology)
“Members of the set have a variety of sector-specific expertise.”
Chambers & Partners (Media & Entertainment)
2016
“The standout intellectual property chambers” “Has strength from top to bottom, and always has a barrister at the right level to suit all cases.”
Legal 500 (Intellectual Property)
“A set with an unrivalled number of silks dedicated to rights protection whose expertise taken together spans all conceivable creative and scientific disciplines”
Chambers & Partners (Intellectual Property)
“Highly respected intellectual property and media set, many of whose members rank among the most accomplished silks ands juniors at the IT bar.”
“They have a really great depth of talent, which is reassuring when the person you want you can’t get hold of- they have a bench you know you can trust.”
Chambers & Partners (Information Technology)
“Its members are experts in handling matters concerning trade marks, performing rights and licensing. The set regularly represents print media entities, well-known artists in the music industry and television content providers.”
Chambers & Partners (Media & Entertainment)
2015
“By some measure the IP set with the most firepower. The level of scientific and legal expertise on hand here is staggering.”
Chambers & Partners (Intellectual Property)
“Instructing solicitors find themselves presented with an all but unrivalled choice with respect to all areas of IP law and levels of call.”
Chambers & Partners (Intellectual Property)
“Advocates continue to impress in media and entertainment industry disputes. Individuals here are frequently instructed on highly technical copyright and passing-off cases in the music, broadcast and publishing sectors.”
Chambers & Partners (Media & Entertainment)
“A power house for IP-heavy technology cases. A number of its members have scientific qualifications and previous programming experience, making them highly suitable for these type of cases. Clients seek them out for formidably technical matters.”
Chambers & Partners (Information Technology)
“A number of sources remark on the quality of service in chambers, praising its “highly efficient and accommodating clerks.”
Chambers & Partners (Intellectual Property)
“8 New Square is the largest specialist intellectual property chambers in the UK, with related expertise in technology and media law, and sector strengths in the telecoms and pharmaceutical industries.”
Legal 500
“8 New Square provides ‘strength in depth’, and its counsel are consistently rated highly by peers and clients alike. Adept across the full spectrum of IP matters, the set was bolstered at senior level through two 2014 silk appointments in Charlotte May QC and Andrew Lykiardopoulos QC. High- profile recent work saw members appear in HTC v Nokia and SAS Institute v World Programming.”
Legal 500 (Intellectual Property)
“8 New Square is a ‘standout set’ in this area, with great strength in matters involving a heavy IP element.”
Legal 500 (Information Technology)
“Although 8 New Square is primarily known for Intellectual property work, it also has a well-regarded media and entertainment practice.”
Legal 500 (Media & Entertainment)