Tommy McKenna

I trained at the firm and currently hold the position of Partner. Whilst my practice covers the full range of intellectual property rights, I most frequently advise on, and litigate, patent disputes.

Before switching to law, I graduated with a BEng in Electronic Engineering. Due to this background, much of my work is focused on highly technical sectors, with examples including the mobile telecommunications, mechanical engineering, electronics and medical device sectors. I have a particular interest in the renewable energy and clean-tech sectors and regularly attend industry events in these areas.

I also regularly advise clients on contractual disputes relating to highly technical subject matter and have experience in data protection and privacy work, focusing on contentious matters including cyber security and data breach response.

I have a good understanding of the pressures, demands and priorities faced by in-house counsel, having spent time on secondment at MTV Networks Europe (a division of Viacom).

I regularly teach and lecture on intellectual property, with recent examples including to: students of the Masters in Bioscience Enterprise course at the University of Cambridge; delegates on the Music Publishers Association's induction course; and numerous internal and external client events.

I am well known and well connected within the IP community and my professional memberships include AIPPI and (until recently) IPSoc (a society for junior IP practitioners). I have been an active committee member of IPSoc since 2012, during which time I held a number of executive roles (and most recently, Chair).

I have completed the University of Oxford Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice and am regularly listed in legal directories for both IP and technology work. Recent examples include Managing IP 'IP Stars Handbook', where I have been listed as both a "notable associate" and "Rising Star", and Legal 500, where I have repeatedly been listed as a "key lawyer", including in the most recent 2023 edition.

Outside of work, I spend my time following Liverpool Football Club and listening to punk music.