Brick Court Chambers

Daniel Piccinin KC

Daniel Piccinin KC

YEAR OF CALL: 2010    YEAR OF SILK: 2023

"Incredibly clear-sighted when dealing with complex issues and brings a deep understanding of the economics of cases."
Chambers & Partners 2020
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Daniel Piccinin KC was called in 2010 and took silk in 2023. He specialises in litigation that raises complex economic, financial and commercial issues – in particular competition law.

Daniel has extensive experience of appearing in the full range of competition litigation, from long running damages claims like the interchange fee litigation or the NHS’s claim against Servier for conduct involving pharmaceutical patents, to collective actions (Apple App Store, Apple iPhone, the Car Carriers Cartel, interchange fees) to appeals from CMA decisions (Paroxetine, drums, Liothyronine) and arbitrations (including in the sports and competition field).

Daniel also regularly acts in FRAND cases, having acted for Ericsson in Unwired Planet, and subsequently having defended ASUS, ZTE and Oppo.

Daniel is also instructed in a range of general commercial claims, most frequently in joint venture disputes and professional negligence cases.

In 2016 he won the Chambers & Partners Competition Law Junior of the Year award and was named as a 2017 Star at the Bar in Legal Week. In 2019 he was nominated as EU and Competition Junior of the Year in the Legal 500 UK Bar Awards.”

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  • Competition M

    Various retailers  v Visa – acting for Visa in more than 1,000 competition law damages claims by retailers, including a 3 month trial in 2016 ([2018] 2 All ER 611), an appeal to the Supreme Court in 2020 ([2020] 4 All ER 807) and a new wave of litigation in the CAT ([2021] CAT 35)

    NHS v Servier – acting for Servier in long running damages claims brought by the NHS, including Supreme Court appeals on the EU concept of res judicata [2020] 3 WLR 1207 and the common law tort of causing loss by unlawful means [2021] 3 WLR 370, and a five week trial of Servier’s mitigation defence in 2021 [2022] EWHC 369 (Ch)

    Trucks – acting for Volvo in several damages claims arising out of the Trucks cartel

    Forex – acting for Barclays in Allianz v Barclays and Ors and in the collective proceedings in the CAT regarding the forex cartel

    Hg Capital v CMA – acting for Hg in its appeal from a CMA unfair pricing decision

    Dr Kent v Apple ­– acting for Apple defending Dr Kent’s proposed collective action in the CAT relating to the App Store

    McLaren v MOL and Ors [2022] CAT 10 – acting for NYK defending McLaren’s collective action relating to the maritime car transport cartel

    Neurim v Viatris [2022] EWHC 109 (Pat) – acting for Viatris on its competition defence to a claim for injunction in the pharma sector

    Case T-106/17 JP Morgan v Commission – acting for JP Morgan in its appeal from the European Commission’s finding of infringement in the Euribor cartel, and intervening in the CJEU in HSBC’s appeal

    LCD Cartel – acting for LG Display in several cases arising from the LCD Cartel, including unled in the Court of Appeal in iiyama v Samsung and Ors [2018] 4 CMLR 23 and again on a jurisdiction challenge from a contribution claim in Samsung v LG Display

    Roland v CMA [2021] CAT 8 – acting unled in an appeal from a CMA decision on penalty for RPM

    Pfizer v CMA – acting unled for the ABPI and BGMA intervening in writing in the Supreme Court appeal on costs awards in CAT appeals

    Nitrofurantoin – acting for Morningside in its successful defence of a CMA investigation in the pharma sector

    GSK and Ors v CMA [2019] 4 CMLR 8 – acting for the CMA in defending its landmark paroxetine “pay for delay” decision

    Unwired Planet v Huawei [2016] 5 CMLR 11– acting for Ericsson in a competition law dispute in the context of patent infringement proceedings

    Cooper Tire and Ors v Dow – acting for Dow in the first ever cartel damages claim to go to trial in the UK

    Case T-788/14 MPF Holdings v Commission – acting unled for MPF Holdings challenging the Commission’s State aid approval of the UK’s capacity market

    Ryanair v OFT/CC/CMA and Aer Lingus [2015] CAT 14; [2015] EWCA Civ 83; [2014] CAT 3; [2012] EWCA Civ 1632; [2012] CAT 21; [2012] EWCA Civ 643 – Acting for Aer Lingus in its long-running and successful campaign to require Ryanair to sell its minority stake in Aer Lingus

    Case T-260/13 Ryanair v Commission – acting unled for Aer Lingus as intervener in the General Court in Ryanair’s appeal from the Commission’s decision to prohibit Ryanair from acquiring Aer Lingus

    Case T-101/13 Aer Lingus v Commission – acting unled for Aer Lingus in its appeal from the Commission’s decision awarding Heathrow slots to Virgin instead of Aer Lingus

    Tesco v OFT [2012] CAT 31 - acting for Tesco in its largely successful appeal in the CAT from the OFT's finding of a price-fixing infringement

    Case T-286/09 Intel v Commission - acting for Intel in its challenge in the General Court to the European Commission's finding of abuse of dominance

    Anglian Water Services - acting for Anglian Water in its successful defence of an Ofwat abuse of dominance investigation

    Northern Ireland Electricity Price Control – acting for the Northern Ireland Utility Regulator in the CC’s price control inquiry

    Teva v Reckitt Benckiser – acting for Teva in its abuse of dominance follow-on damages claim in the Chancery Division (with Kelyn Bacon QC)

  • Frand Litigation M

    Interdigital v Oppo – acting for Oppo defending FRAND proceedings

    Mitsubishi v OnePlus and Ors – acting for Oppo and OnePlus defending FRAND proceedings, including acting unled in the Court of Appeal on the proper approach to allowing in-house counsel to access confidential licences ([2021] FSR 13)

    Philips v ASUS – defending ASUS in FRAND proceedings

    Conversant v Huawei and ZTE – defending ZTE inn FRAND proceedings

  • Commercial M

    Mahmood v Big Bus [2021] EWHC 3395 (QB) –a successful claim for negotiating damages arising out of a joint venture

    Lekoil v Akinyannmi [2022] EWHC 282 (Ch) – a successful jurisdiction challenge for the founder of an African oil business

    Al Jaber v Al Ibrahim [2019] 1 WLR 885 – appeal concerning a claim for interest in the absence of an express term

    Shandong v Andresen [2018] EWHC 2874 (Ch) – a derivative action against a former CEO of a joint venture

    RIFW v LSH – defending valuation advisers in a professional negligence claim Various reinsurance arbitrations

  • Qualifications M

    2010-2011 Pupillage, Brick Court Chambers

    2007-2010 Solicitor, Linklaters LLP, London

    2001-2006 LLB and B.Com (Economics), University of Melbourne (Both First Class Honours, Equal first in 2005 Honours Year in Economics)

    Academic Prizes

    University of Melbourne

    Kinsman Research Prize for best research paper in Economics developed from an Honours Thesis in 2006.

    University of Melbourne Department of Economics Prize for an Outstanding Tutor in 2006.

    Economics Honours Prize in Honours Program in Economics, for finishing equal first in 2005.

    Jean Polglaze Memorial Prize in 316-475 Economic Research Essay for best Economics Honours Thesis in 2005.

    Law and Economics Prize in 2004.

  • Publications M

    Two chapters in European Union Law of State Aid, 3rd Ed, K Bacon (Ed), OUP

    Two chapters in European Union Law of State Aid, 2nd Ed, K Bacon (Ed), OUP 2013

    S Anderson, N Erkal and D Piccinin “Aggregative games and oligopoly theory: short run and long-run analysis”, RAND Journal of Economics, Vol 51, No. 2, Summer 2020, pp. 470-495

    C Ahlborn and D Piccinin, "The Great Recession and other mishaps: the Commission's policy of restructuring aid in a time of crisis", in Research Handbook of State Aid Law, E. Szyszczak (Ed.), Edward Elgar 2011.

    N Purnell, C Bellamy, N Kar, D Piccinin, and P Sahathevan, "Criminal Cartel Enforcement - More turbulence ahead? The implications of the BA Virgin Case", Competition Law Journal 2010(3), 313.

    C Ahlborn and D Piccinin, "The Application of the Principles of Restructuring Aid to Banks during the Financial Crisis", European State Aid Law Quarterly2010(1), 47.

    C Ahlborn and D Piccinin, "Between Scylla and Charybdis: Market Investigations and the Consumer Interest", in Ten Years of UK Competition Law Reform, B. Rodger (ed), Dundee University Press 2010.

    N Erkal and D Piccinin, "Cooperative R&D under uncertainty with free entry", International Journal of Industrial Organization, 2010, 28, 74-85.

    N Erkal and D Piccinin, "Welfare-reducing mergers in differentiated oligopolies with free entry", Economic Record, 2009, 1-7.

    N Erkal and D Piccinin, "Cooperative R&D under uncertainty with free entry", International Journal of Industrial Organization, 2010, 28, 74-85.

    N Erkal and D Piccinin, "Welfare-reducing mergers in differentiated oligopolies with free entry", Economic Record, 2009, 1-7.

  • Directory Quotes M
    • "Daniel is an extremely talented advocate and an absolute pleasure to work with. He has a great ability to spot potential issues and identify and deliver creative solutions." (Chambers & Partners 2024)
    • "Daniel is extremely clever and he has done a fantastic job. I have really liked working with him. He goes above and beyond for his clients." Chambers & Partners 2024)
    • "He is able to get on top of things quickly." Chambers & Partners 2024)
    • "He has a really good understanding of economics, which is really important when handling competition cases." Chambers & Partners 2024)
    • "Daniel is one of the very cleverest people at the bar and in a league of his own when it comes to complex economic issues. A great team player and we were delighted to see him take silk this year; he will go on to great things." (Legal 500 2024)
    • "He has unparalleled understanding of the economic issues that come up in competition cases. He is that person who understands the issues in detail and can explain them in a really coherent, comprehensible way." (Chambers & Partners 2023)
    • "Technically the strongest junior at the Bar, Daniel drafts brilliantly and is very sharp on strategy." (Legal 500 2023)
    • "His legal analysis is exceptionally strong, with an unparalleled understanding of the economic issues which arise in competition law cases. He has proven himself to be consistently user-friendly and hard-working. He is a rising star at the Bar without question." "In the remote hearings, he came across extremely well: clear and easy to follow." "His general drafting skills and unparalleled knowledge of law are extremely impressive. He is never afraid to express a view and has very good judgement." (Chambers & Partners 2022)
    • "Daniel is as close as it gets to a competition law junior genius. His penetrative depth of thought is second to none and he is shaping up as a formidable advocate for the future." (Legal 500 2022)
    • "He is one of the barristers you want when you have particularly tricky issues." "He is really on it and has lots of bright, creative ideas." (Chambers & Partners 2021)
    • "His intellect is second to none and his ability to analyse the economics is better than most of the economists." (Legal 500 2021)
    • Daniel Piccinin is a “superb advocate” who earns acclaim for his expertise in competition economics. (Who's Who Legal - UK Bar: Competition 2020)
    • "A highly sought-after junior handling varied matters including follow-on damages actions, challenges to EC cartel decisions and cases relating to the obligation on telecoms sector patent holders to license standard-essential patents. He has further experience in standout cases on the legality of reverse payment patent settlements in the pharmaceuticals sector. Piccinin attracts significant attention for his economics background, which enables him to contribute to the economic analysis of complex competition claims." "Incredibly clear-sighted when dealing with complex issues and brings a deep understanding of the economics of cases." "He has stellar drafting skills and is able to distil complex concepts down to very simple terms for the solicitor team and client." "His grasp of the detail in cases is astonishing." "When on his feet he makes his points eloquently and carefully." (Chambers & Partners UK & Global 2020)
    • "An industrious junior with an encyclopaedic knowledge of competition cases." (The Legal 500 2020)
    • Daniel Piccinin is regarded as a leading name by peers, who describe him as “a very valuable practitioner due to his great competition economics expertise”. He is experienced at representing clients in the technology and aviation sectors. (Who's Who Legal - UK Bar: Competition 2019)
    • "He is exceptionally strong on economics, has very strong legal analytical skills and is able to take complex concepts and explain them in a simple way." (Chambers & Partners UK & Global 2019)
    • "The go-to competition law junior at the Bar. He is quick, incredibly bright, mature beyond his years and extremely diligent, plus a delight to work with." (The Legal 500 2018-19)
    • The “absolutely top-ranking” Daniel Piccinin is recognised for his experience in landmark competition cases, including the first cartel damages claim to go to trial in the UK. One source says, “Daniel is off the scale in terms of his intellectual ability.” (Who's Who Legal - UK Bar: Competition 2018)
    • "He writes beautifully, has a strong economic background and is good at translating economic language into a language that judges will understand." (Chambers & Partners 2018)
    • "A definite star, wise beyond his years." (The Legal 500 2017)
    • "Daniel Piccinin is “a superlative junior” regularly instructed on major cases, including for Aer Lingus in the long-running battle with Ryanair. He is highlighted for “not only being an excellent lawyer but an excellent economist”." (Who's Who Legal - UK Bar: Competition 2017)
    • Clients commend Daniel Piccinin as a “a highly skilled advocate and a pleasure to work with.” In particular, he is noted for being “accomplished at synthesising legal and economic evidence.” (Who's Who Legal - Competition 2017)
    • "He is a first-class advocate who is very good with clients. Daniel works well with all levels of lawyer and will rise through the ranks." (Chambers & Partners 2017)
    • "His call belies his maturity, outstanding grasp of the law and effective client manner." (The Legal 500 2016)
    • "He impresses with his hard work and high-quality analysis of cases. He is a rising star at the Bar without question." (Chambers & Partners 2016)
    • "Daniel Piccinin is a “user-friendly” and “extremely capable” young junior." (Who's Who Legal UK Bar 2015)
    • A man on the march at the Bar, who receives excellent commendation from peers and clients alike. A former solicitor, he is noted for his ability to understand the commercial perspective of those that instruct him." (Chambers & Partners 2015)
    • "Commercially and legally extremely sound, he is a pleasure to have on the team." "Intellectually very gifted, he is going to be a huge success." (Chambers & Partners 2015)
    • "His practice benefits from past experience working in an international law firm." (The Legal 500 2014)
    • "Former competition solicitor who is causing a stir in the market now he's at the Bar. His popularity with silks is evinced by his role in a large number of market-leading cases. To date he has acted for clients including Aer Lingus, Tesco and Anglian Water Services." (Chambers & Partners 2014)
    • "He is extraordinarily diligent, has fantastic recall, is a strategic thinker and really goes the extra mile." "He will be a superstar; he is a true competition specialist with an incisive mind." (Chambers & Partners 2014)
    • "rising star" (The Legal 500 2013)