"Deirdre Kilroy is a trademark maven with complementary expertise in data privacy, advertising and outsourcing"

World Trademark Review 1000 

Expertise

Deirdre Kilroy is a partner in the Technology and Innovation team and is Head of Intellectual Property. Deirdre specialises in intellectual property, technology and data privacy law. She has over 20 years’ experience in these areas. Prior to joining Matheson she spent over 12 years as Head of Technology & Intellectual Property with a leading Irish law firm.

Many of the commercial contracts that Deirdre has worked on are complex, and she is proactive in helping clients model their agreements and strategic positions. She has experience with large outsourcing projects, technology supply agreements and patent licences, particularly for clients in the life sciences, pharma, data and technology sectors. Much of her work involves advising businesses how to model and conclude contracts, including distribution, supply, services and sales agency arrangements. She works closely with our taxation department on international projects involving significant IP and technology assets.  Deirdre also advises on confidentiality, trade secrets, advertising, ecommerce and consumer protection.

Deirdre assists brand owners to proactively protect and enforce their trade marks and designs in Ireland, Europe and globally. From brand / design creation and pre-registration advice through to searching, filing, enforcement, anti-counterfeiting and commercialisation, her clients benefit from her extensive experience. Her practice focuses on the protection, acquisition and commercial exploitation of intangible assets including through licensing, franchising, collaboration, research, sponsorship and disposals.

Deirdre advises Matheson’s clients on all aspects of privacy and data protection laws including international transfers, policies, audits and the GDPR. She frequently supports clients with retail, online, outsourcing, litigation, M&A and employment needs, helping them navigate the application of data protection laws to their businesses and relationships. Clients with cybersecurity issues and data breach issues regularly seek her advice and services.

For over 16 years Deirdre has also advised international and large national entities on gaming, gambling and lotteries activities in Ireland, online, physical and remotely delivered. Not only does she understand the recent licensing regime applicable to remote operators, but also appreciates how the legislation dating from the 1930s and 1950s applies to todays’ bookmakers, other operators, affiliates and service providers. Clients value her pragmatic approach.

Deirdre is acknowledged by many independent directories as an expert in her field. She regularly lectures in Ireland and internationally, including at the Law Society of Ireland, and contributes to relevant publications. She is a member of the Intellectual Property & Data Privacy Committee of the Law Society of Ireland, and sits on Technology Ireland's Data Working Group. She is a member of the Intellectual Property Commission of the International Chamber of Commerce and also of INTA, IAPPI and SCL.