Technology Disputes & Litigation
We’re a specialist team handling complex technology disputes. We handled one of the largest and most complex technology project disputes to enter the UK High Court, namely the litigation regarding the Fujitsu/Post Office Horizon Point of Sale System.
Expert lawyers in technology disputes
Your tech & digital world, protected
In today’s relentlessly digital landscape, technology underpins every aspect of business. Our specialist team resolves complex technology disputes and IT disputes quickly and cost‑effectively - combining legal insight, sector expertise and smart, tech‑enabled litigation tools to secure the right outcome for your organisation.
Why clients choose our technology disputes lawyers
- Project rescue, fast: We stabilise distressed IT programmes and recover commercial value before positions harden
- Landmark, proven results: Our strategy was shaped by success in the Post Office / Horizon litigation, one of the UK’s most complex technology disputes
- Smart, tech‑enabled litigation: eDisclosure, data analytics and sector experts drive efficient case management and evidence‑led outcomes
- Funding & risk solutions: Deep experience in litigation funding, ATE insurance and risk transfer to align strategy with budget and risk appetite
- ADR excellence (alternate dispute resolution): Skilled in mediation, expert determination and arbitration - resolving disputes swiftly while protecting commercial relationships
Our approach (ARC)
We apply our ARC system to deliver winning strategies aligned to your objectives:
- Early case evaluation: Immediate view on merits, costs and strategic options
- Insight & action plan: Scenario‑mapping of win outcomes and the pathway to achieve them
- Efficient execution: Sophisticated project management to minimise process cost and accelerate closure
- Commercial alignment: Reporting and governance that fit your stakeholders and decision cadence.
Working seamlessly with our non‑contentious technology lawyers, we bring one cohesive strategy from project rescue to resolution, whether in ADR or the High Court.
James Hartley
Partner & Divisional Head of Dispute Resolution
Who we help
- Corporate end‑users: Ensuring technology works for your business - finance, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, public sector
- Vendors & suppliers: Acting for software developers, SaaS providers, systems integrators and consultancies on delivery and performance disputes
- Start‑ups & innovators: Managing risk at pace - IP, licensing, scaling infrastructure and partner/customer agreements
- International clients: Cross‑border disputes, international arbitration and multi‑jurisdiction risk in global tech supply chains
Technology disputes we resolve:
Projects & contracts
- Failed IT implementations and programme delivery disputes
- Outsourcing / managed services performance and termination
- Software development & supply (bespoke and off‑the‑shelf)
- Software licensing & audit claims (including SAP and Oracle)
- Service levels (availability, resilience, data access) for cloud / SaaS
Data & cyber
- Cybersecurity liabilities, incident response, business interruption
- Data disputes, data misuse, confidentiality and trade secrets
- Regulatory issues intersecting with disputes (eg UK GDPR, data transfer risk)
Emerging technology
- AI disputes (implementation, outputs, bias, safety, licensing)
- Blockchain & digital currency (smart contracts, custody, token mechanics)
- FinTech and payments infrastructure disputes
- Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices liability
Hardware & Infrastructure
- Hardware manufacture & supply, warranties and defects
- Point of Sale (PoS) systems and retail platforms
- Telematics, sensors and edge devices procurement and performance
Outcomes we deliver in technology disputes
- Stabilise & rescue: Rapid triage to get failing projects back on track
- Protect & contain: Interim relief, escrow, access to data and systems
- Resolve & close: Negotiated outcomes via ADR where possible
- Win & enforce: Robust litigation strategy when needed, including urgent applications
Examples of our work
AI cybersecurity licensing dispute
Represented a Canadian client in defending a claim by an AI cybersecurity provider for unpaid fees, arising from alleged malfunctioning of the service.
ERP, CRM and DMS project failures
Advised on multiple claims involving failed implementations of enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and document management systems for both public and private sector clients.
Technology equipment lease disputes
Assisted clients in resolving disputes concerning the leasing of technology equipment, including printers and telematics hardware.
Landmark case: Post Office Horizon
We were the legal team behind the group action against Post Office Limited relating to the Horizon Point of Sale system - a defining UK technology dispute. The case resulted in a settlement, apology, compensation, a public inquiry and the quashing of wrongful convictions, demonstrating our ability to lead complex, high‑stakes technology litigation to successful outcomes.
Technology disputes FAQs
Any dispute arising from the design, build, licensing, supply or operation of technology - software, cloud/SaaS, hardware, data, cybersecurity, AI and IoT.
We deploy an ARC‑led early case evaluation within days, prioritising system access, data preservation, governance triage and commercial options.
Yes. We understand both sides’ drivers and craft strategies that reflect contractual frameworks, technical realities and ongoing commercial relationships.
Yes. We handle audit findings, licensing scope, indirect use, environments, acceptance and settlement strategies.
Yes. We advise on third‑party funding, ATE insurance, portfolio strategies and risk‑aligned fee arrangements.
National press coverage
- BBC News | Workers secure fresh victory over Post Office
- The Sunday Times | Post Office was still gagging victims this year
- The Independent | Hundreds of Post Office workers ‘vindicated’ by High Court ruling
- The Telegraph | Subpostmasters ‘vindicated’ as High Court finds IT system had ‘bugs & defects’
- Computer Weekly | More wrongful convictions quashed in Post Office IT scandal
Testimonials
PGK
"This was David v Goliath litigation, on a large scale; from the outside, the difficulties which the claimants faced now seem masked by the scale o...
Patrick Green KC
Henderson Chambers
"James Hartley and Freeths deserve huge credit for taking on this case. What is now recognised as the biggest miscarriage of justice in British his...
Client testimonial
"Their dedication and expertise was extraordinary and they deserve due recognition for the vital and central role they played in unmasking the inju...
Client testimonial
KD
"Imogen Randall was exceptional throughout: she was indefatigable in her efforts to find justice for the subpostmasters and expose the truth behind...
Kathleen Donnelly, Barrister
Henderson Chambers
KF
"In the face of ferocious denial of the claim by Post Office and its lawyers, and even when it looked like it could go either way on technical lega...
Karl Flinders, Chief reporter
Computer Weekly
"The team is excellent and can handle large and complex IT disputes. They give solid and realistic advice and are great at including counsel into t...
The Legal 500, 2026
Related news & articles
Meet our team
James Hartley
Partner & Divisional Head of Dispute Resolution
Will Richmond-Coggan
Partner
Antonia Adebambo
Managing Associate
Contact us today
Whatever your legal needs, our wide ranging expertise is here to support you and your business, so let’s start your legal journey today and get you in touch with the right lawyer to get you started.
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