Hardware Disputes
Expert legal advice for your hardware disputes
When critical infrastructure fails, we move fast to protect your business. We know that hardware problems can escalate quickly, which impacts operations, safety, and reputation. We blend deep litigation expertise with real-world technical understanding, backed by specialist experts, to get you back on track.
Common hardware disputes we can help with:
Integration issues
- Device performance and reliability failures
Service level shortfall
- Maintenance windows
- Response/repair times
- Spares and swap out obligations
Change control & scope creep
- What was included, who pays, and when you can terminate or step in
Warranties, liability caps & limitation
- Product liability
- Consequential loss
- Limitation and exclusion of liability
Access & continuity
- Urgent orders for inspection, delivery up, or to preserve systems and data
How we can support you
Need proactive support before issues arise? Explore our Technology & Data team’s IT Hardware capability for procurement, contracting and project delivery advice.
Key contacts
James Hartley
Partner & Divisional Head of Dispute Resolution
How we resolve hardware disputes
- Rapid triage of contracts (T&Cs/MSAs/SOWs) and technical evidence - early case assessment to decide whether to fix, renegotiate, or fight
- Technical expert strategy – we maintain rosters of specialists (e.g. automation, commissioning, telecoms) and run structured expert selection matrices to ensure authority and independence
- Deliver value – we amplify our experience with our own suite of legal tech to add value
- ADR first, trial ready – commercial renegotiations and mediations keep projects moving where possible, but always trial ready
Recent hardware dispute experience
Assisted clients in resolving disputes concerning the leasing of technology equipment.
Acted for a public authority in a claim for damages following the failed installation of a new IT system, including breach of contract and procurement regulation issues.
Testimonials
"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
"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
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
"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
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
Related news & articles
Meet our team
James Hartley
Partner & Divisional Head of Dispute Resolution
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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