“One of the top advocates at the Bar. His grasp of both strategy and practicalities is superb, and his mind is razor sharp.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
“A superb advocate. Able to grasp the most complex fact patterns and distill them into simple arguments. A true silver-tongued speaker, who is able to command the bench and be robust when needed.”
Legal 500, 2024
“We have been blown away by Michael's advocacy skills and his ability to react with alacrity despite only having been instructed a short time before a hearing.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Michael Bloch KC is one of the most impressive people at the Bar; he speaks as if you are sitting down for a lecture (in a good way).”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“From an advocacy point of view, he is excellent – a more mellifluous and silver-tongued counsel solicitors cannot think of, and he is not afraid to take on the judge if required.”
Legal 500, 2023
“An absolutely outstanding commercial lawyer, who is very user-friendly and a really, really good trial advocate. He is an amazing cross-examiner.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“Fantastic: he is calm gravitas personified, and his brain works very quickly.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“A hyper-intelligent and fluent advocate who holds the court’s attention.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He is extraordinarily creative and very strong on jurisdiction work.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“He is a delight in court.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“Vastly experienced, very intelligent and sees all sides of an issue.”
Legal 500, 2021
“Fantastically clever and very good at thinking outside of the box.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He has encyclopaedic knowledge and is a razor-sharp lawyer at the top of his game.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He is extremely clever and very good at combining legal arguments with policy considerations.”
Legal 500, 2019
“He is phenomenally smart, very aware of how judges might approach particular problems, and is not only logical but good with strategy”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“He is a heavyweight. He is fiercely bright, very affable and a very good advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“He has a first-rate mind, a compelling advocacy style and tremendous charm at all times.”
Legal 500, 2015
Michael Bloch KC is a trial and appellate advocate who has advised and appeared in a wide range of high value and high profile domestic and international disputes; he is accomplished and at ease whether analysing esoteric points of law or cross-examining on dense or technically complex factual issues; and, whilst he is sensitive to what the court is thinking, he is also forceful and, where appropriate, fearless.
Michael is a registered Advocate before DIFC Courts (Dubai International Financial Centre) and called to the Bar in the BVI.
Michael is recognised as a leading silk in the latest editions of both the leading legal directories, Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, for his expertise in intellectual property, commercial litigation and international arbitration. He was also highlighted as a Recommended Individual in JUVE Patent Rankings 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Previous comments include:
In the field of commercial litigation, Michael is advising and representing several high net worth individuals in relation to offshore disputes, including Abdulhameed Dhia Jafar in proceedings in the Cayman Islands relating to the collapse of the Abraaj investment platform, he is advising several private equity funds in connection with claims relating to distressed debt against the Republic of Mozambique and the sale of debt by Credit Suisse, he has advised and represented Koza in a dispute with the Erdogan regime and he has acted for and is advising a global petrochemical refinery enterprise in connection with a series of ongoing disputes, as well as a private equity enterprise in connection it its control of a Scandinavian gold mine.
Michael's recent telecoms experience includes advising and representing ZTE in the Conversant case at first instance, in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court; he has advised and represented Lenovo, ZyXel and Xiami in connection with anti-suit and jurisdiction disputes, he is advising and representing Apple in its dispute with Unwired Planet and Pan Optis, and he is also acting for several other SEP owners and cellular telecommunication providers in relation to anti-suit, jurisisdictional and FRAND issues.
Michael's specialist Intellectual Property work includes advising and representing two automobile manufacturers in connection with an ongoing registered design right cases concerning new and vintage vehicle designs (which may be seen as building on his work in relation to the Land Rover Defender); he is advising and representing garment manufacturers in the Oh Polly copyright dispute; he is acting for multi-national entertainment and media conglomerate in connection with a copyright and trade mark dispute (which may be seen as building on his work in relation to the StarWars case); he has advised and represented American Eagle in a global licensing and trade mark dispute with Lyle & Scott; and he has advised and represented a multinational US based technology enterprise in pursuing breach of confidence claims against ex-employees involved in the development of satellite communication systems, as well as a host of FRAND cases in which Michael has dealt with both IP and commercial aspects in dispute.
Michael is also advising and representing several major undertakings in the pharmaceutical space on licensing and other IP related commercial issues.
Michael is versed in the law and practice of commercial disputes generally. He has advised and appeared in many proceedings concerning pre-emptive, interim and ancillary relief, as well as jurisdictional, justiciability and forum challenges in addition to trials in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division and Antigua, BVI, Cayman Islands and appeals to the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the Cayman Court of Appeals in relation to banking, company law, confidence, contract, fiduciary duty, oil and gas, partnership, proprietary, restitutionary, tort and trust claims.
The company law matters on which Michael has been recently and is currently working include disputes as regards the validity and interpretation of UK company articles, shareholder disputes relating to the control, dilution and management of UK and off-shore companies and the contested position of the directors of and professional advisers to UK and non-UK companies in the context of international undertakings and multi-jurisdictional disputes.
Michael is at home in the courts and before arbitrable panels in jurisdictions and territories throughout the Caribbean where he has/is currently working on a wide range of corporate and commercial disputes relating to financial services, private equity and other businesses; he also has hands-on experience of acting in proceedings in Canada, Hong-Kong, Russia and the United States; and is familiar with the procedural rules, as well as the substantive law, of the jurisdictions in which he practices, having advised and appeared in high value cases at all stages of the litigation from anti-suits, anti-anti-suits and jurisdiction challenges to final trials, appellate proceedings and settlement processes.
Michael is advising and representing several high net worth individuals in relation to offshore disputes, including Abdulhameed Dhia Jafar in proceedings in the Cayman Islands relating to the collapse of the Abraaj investment platform, he is advising several private equity funds in connection with claims relating to distressed debt against the Republic of Mozambique and the sale of debt by Credit Suisse, he has advised and represented Koza in a dispute with the Erdogan regime and he has acted for and is advising a global petrochemical refinery enterprise in connection with a series of ongoing disputes, as well as a private equity enterprise in connection it its control of a Scandinavian gold mine.
“A superb advocate. Able to grasp the most complex fact patterns and distill them into simple arguments. A true silver-tongued speaker, who is able to command the bench and be robust when needed.”
Legal 500, 2024
“He is a strategic thinker and has great court awareness.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“We have been blown away by Michael's advocacy skills and his ability to react with alacrity despite only having been instructed a short time before a hearing.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Michael is excellent; he is very impressive on his feet and he quickly builds a strong relationship with the client.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“From an advocacy point of view, he is excellent – a more mellifluous and silver-tongued counsel solicitors cannot think of, and he is not afraid to take on the judge if required.”
Legal 500, 2023
“An absolutely outstanding commercial lawyer, who is very user-friendly and a really, really good trial advocate. He is an amazing cross-examiner.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“Michael is extremely clever and has a great way with words.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He is a delight in court.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“Vastly experienced, very intelligent and sees all sides of an issue.”
Legal 500, 2021
“Michael gives very effective advice and is very good at handling clients.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He is easy to get on with, he puts in the hard graft and he is a real team player.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He is exceptional, and a superb advocate, his personal presence in court commands considerable respect.”
Legal 500, 2019
Resisting an application for an anti-anti suit injunction in the English court following an application for an anti-suit injunction in the United States court in relation to a worldwide technology patent dispute.
Acting for Lenovo in FRAND jurisdictional and anti-suit proceedings.
Jurisdiction challenge in relation to a claim for global FRAND damages for alleged breaches of patents.
This claim arises out of the notorious and widely-publicised collapse of the Abraaj Group, believed to be the largest ever collapse of a private equity platform (valued at over $13.6 billion) as a result of years' worth of alleged financial mismanagement and fraud, whilst the Group purported to act as a world leader in ethical, impact investing. Acted for Mr Jafar, the Founder of Crescent Petroleum, who brings claims in deceit against certain Abraaj Group entities in respect of loans of over US$300 million procured in a belated attempt to rescue the business.
Contractual construction and patent dispute.
Instructed by Apple in its FRAND dispute with Pan Optis.
Acting for a private equity enterprise in connection to its control of a Scandinavian gold mine.
Substantial fraud proceedings involving allegations of fraudulent wrongdoing against former officials of the Republic of Mozambique. Acting for two secondary market purchasers in multiple claims against Credit Suisse International and the Republic of Mozambique arising out of the US$2 billion so called "tuna bonds" scandal.
A jurisdiction dispute over the forum for the determination of FRAND licences. Acted for ZTE at first instance, in the Court of Appeal and in the Supreme Court.
A case concerning the enforcement of a foreign judgment agaisnt assets in the possession of a non party.
An LCIA arbitration arising out of the breakdown in the relationship between a Cayman based carried interest partner for certain special opportunity funds and a U.S. based placement agency.
A case in the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda relating to the repudiation of a power purchase agreement by the public utilities authority.
A case concerning the enforcement of a foreign judgment and the operation of CPR 71, 83 & 85, the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013.
A case concerning an unlawful means conspiracy to manipulate the share price of a payment platform.
A case in the Court of Appeal concerning the termination of a joint venture.
A case concerning the development and cross-licensing of intellectual property.
An auditor’s negligence case in the Commercial Court concerning the collapse of a sub-prime lender.
A Commercial Court case concerning the termination of a suit of agreements relating to the supply of gas infrastructure and processing services.
A commercial court case concerning breach of warranty claims under an SPA relating to a global handset business.
A derivative action in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands concerning the alleged diversion of a partnership opportunity in breach of fiduciary duty.
A commercial court case concerning the sale and purchase of an international advertising business, the enforceability of the restrictive covenants imposed on the sellers and the application of the penalties doctrine to adjustments to the Consideration and Call and Put Options.
An application for leave to apply to commit a party for contempt of court in connection with the signing of a Statement of Truth.
An application in the Chancery Division concerning the recognition of the terms of the protective orders granted by US courts in relation to evidence obtained for use in English proceedings.
A Cayman Islands case concerning alleged breaches of fiduciary duties allegedly owed to a company within a structure created to operate a hedge fund or joint venture in connection with the intended acquisition of metals and mining assets and the actual acquisition from Unilever of world-wide rights in FABERGE. The decision of the Appeals Court in Cayman is pending.
A case in the Chancery Division concerning the ownership of the rights in quantitative trading software used by a hedge fund operated through a series of partnerships and international corporate structures.
A case in the BVI concerning the impression of trusts on distributed profits of a family business and the status of a “Letter of Wishes”.
Michael has advised and appeared in a series of cases in which it was necessary to master, debate and cross-examine on substantial quantities of accounting, corporate and transactional documentation, as well as expert testimony relating to BVI, Cayman, Cypriot, French, German, Greek, Russian, US and other systems of foreign law. He is widely recognized as a formidable and effective cross-examiner, as well as for his deep interest and understanding of the proprietary and trust aspects of fraud disputes.
A private equity dispute worth $1billion involving telecommunication assets in the United States. Related proceedings in Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands seeking worldwide injunctive and Norwich Pharmacal relief.
This claim arises out of the notorious and widely-publicised collapse of the Abraaj Group, believed to be the largest ever collapse of a private equity platform (valued at over $13.6 billion) as a result of years' worth of alleged financial mismanagement and fraud, whilst the Group purported to act as a world leader in ethical, impact investing. Acted for Mr Jafar, the Founder of Crescent Petroleum, who brings claims in deceit against certain Abraaj Group entities in respect of loans of over US$300 million procured in a belated attempt to rescue the business.
Substantial fraud proceedings involving allegations of fraudulent wrongdoing against former officials of the Republic of Mozambique. Acting for two secondary market purchasers in multiple claims against Credit Suisse International and the Republic of Mozambique arising out of the US$2 billion so called "tuna bonds" scandal.
A case at first instance and on appeal to the Court of Appeal concerning a letter of credit fraud raising issues of contribution, recoupment and subrogation.
A case concerning a rogue bank manager making fraudulent investments in Spanish property.
A case concerning the diversion of a syndicated loan.
A fraud case in the commercial court raising Nigerian law issues and Carl Zeiss issues.
A commercial court case concerning an anti-suit injunction and other related relief founded on alleged breaches of a joint venture agreement between a US foundation and an Australian inventor.
A commercial court case concerning the falsification of survey records in connection with the sale of an oil tanker.
Michael has appeared and acted in several substantial UNCITRAL, ICC, LCIA, ad hoc and other arbitrations over the last couple of years seated in the Isle of Man, London, Paris, Russia and the US.
“Lateral thinking, very bright, great with clients, good fun.”
Legal 500, 2023
“Excellent intellect, strategic nous and stamina. Michael is well up to the task in demanding cases.”
Legal 500, 2022
“Exceptionally smart, and very commercial in his approach.”
Legal 500, 2021
“Formidably intelligent and willing to interrogate every argument to tease out the most coherent position.”
Legal 500, 2019
“Always very sensible in his advice and is good in written and oral submissions.”
Legal 500, 2018
“A heavyweight commercial silk and a real streetfighter.”
Legal 500, 2017
“His ability to bury down into the issues and then put very complex ideas into prose is exceptional.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“He has a first-rate intellect and thinks around problems in a very creative way.”
Legal 500, 2016
“He is a premier advocate, both written and oral, and he has a good sense of humour.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“He's a very technical practitioner, who is able to identify the main points of strength or weakness and focus on them effectively.”
Chambers and Partners, 2015
A private equity dispute worth $1billion involving telecommunication assets in the United States. Related proceedings in Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands seeking worldwide injunctive and Norwich Pharmacal relief.
Axis Bank v Republic of the Maldives.
An UNCITRAL arbitration for one of the world’s largest computer and telecommunication CHIP and software businesses in relation to the cross licences granted in connection with a joint venture.
An ICC arbitration for one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical groups in relation to the rights arising in connection with the development, manufacture and supply of vaccines.
An arbitration under the Singapore Arbitration Act concerning the termination of a concession agreement governing the development and operation of the Maldives principal international airport.
An arbitration under the Singapore Arbitration Act concerning the termination of a concession agreement governing the development and operation of the Maldives principal international airport.
An LCIA arbitration arising out of the breakdown in the relationship between a Cayman based carried interest partner for certain special opportunity funds and a U.S. based placement agency.
An UNCITRAL arbitration raising issues concerning the operation of the doctrine of abuse of process in arbitration proceedings.
An arbitration under the Singapore Arbitration Act concerning the termination of a concession agreement relating to development and operation of the main international airport of the state at issue.
An UNCITRAL arbitration relating to cross border energy supplies.
An LCIA arbitration relating to the payment of placement agency fees.
An UNCITRAL raising issues as to the availability in arbitration of preclusive defences.
An arbitration under the Singapore Arbitration Act concerning the liability of a sovereign state and state owned company to repay loans under a quasi guarantee.
An ICSID arbitration relating to a border and customs control system.
An UNCITRAL arbitration for one of the world’s largest computer and telecommunication CHIP and software businesses in relation to the cross licences granted in connection with a joint venture.
An ICC arbitration for one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical groups in relation to the rights arising in connection with the development, manufacture and supply of vaccines.
An ICC arbitration for a major Asian supplier of electric power in relation to the breach of the lock out provisions in an agreement concerning the acquisition of an interest in a power station from one the world’s largest engineering groups.
An LCIA arbitration brought under the SPA for the leveraged acquisition of a Greek chemicals conglomerate.
An LCIA arbitration brought under a co-operation and distribution agreement raising intellectual property rights in a pharmaceutical MAB platform.
Michael has advised and appeared in a host of substantial breach of confidence, copyright, design right, IP licensing, passing off, patent and trademark cases in the Chancery Division, the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the CJEU.
The independent legal directories credit Michael as one of a handful of leading silks in this field, noting his expertise in copyright and trade mark cases, as well as IP-related commercial contracts disputes.
“Michael is extremely bright, and very user-friendly. He's also very commercially minded: he comes up with practical solutions and gives the advice that the client looks for.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“He's a very intelligent human being and has an amazing ability to assimilate a huge amount of information to devise a strategy. He's an extremely competent advocate; he presents extremely complex points in a simple manner.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Michael Bloch KC is one of the most impressive people at the Bar; he speaks as if you are sitting down for a lecture (in a good way).”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“He has an amazing ability to assimilate huge quantities of factual and legal information and analyses, and then devise a suitable case strategy on the fly that meshes with the client’s objectives. From an advocacy point of view, he is excellent.”
Legal 500, 2023
“He has the ability to look at things from a different angle, and is fantastic on strategy and in his cross-examination.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“Fantastic: he is calm gravitas personified, and his brain works very quickly.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“A hyper-intelligent and fluent advocate who holds the court’s attention.”
Legal 500, 2022
“Has a real understanding of how a judge's mind works.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“He is extraordinarily creative and very strong on jurisdiction work.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“He is easy to communicate with and very responsive.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He has encyclopaedic knowledge and is a razor-sharp lawyer at the top of his game.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“Fantastically clever and very good at thinking outside of the box.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He has encyclopaedic knowledge and is a razor-sharp lawyer at the top of his game.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He is extremely clever and very good at combining legal arguments with policy considerations.”
Legal 500, 2019
“"Really powerful – a very good IP lawyer who gives good commercial, sensible and useful advice."”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“He's particularly good at the interaction between IP rights and contractual rights. He is my go-to person for those issues.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“He cuts through to the key issues and makes sure they fit the commercial objective.”
Legal 500, 2018
“He is phenomenally smart, very aware of how judges might approach particular problems, and is not only logical but good with strategy”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“He is a heavyweight. He is fiercely bright, very affable and a very good advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“He is bright, personable, enthusiastic and incredibly responsive.”
Legal 500, 2017
“He cuts through to the key issues and makes sure they fit the commercial objective in a way that is surprisingly uncommon among even very good barristers.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“He has a first-rate mind, a compelling advocacy style and tremendous charm at all times.”
Legal 500, 2015
Jurisdiction challenge in relation to a claim for global FRAND damages for alleged breaches of patents.
Advising and representing garment manufacturers in the Oh Polly copyright dispute.
Advising and representing two automobile manufacturers in connection with an ongoing registered design right dispute concerning new and vintage vehicle designs.
Acting for Lenovo in FRAND jurisdictional and anti-suit proceedings.
Resisting an application for an anti-anti suit injunction in the English court following an application for an anti-suit injunction in the United States court in relation to a worldwide technology patent dispute.
Contractual construction and patent dispute.
A jurisdiction dispute over the forum for the determination of FRAND licences. Acted for ZTE at first instance, in the Court of Appeal and in the Supreme Court.
An ICC arbitration for one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical groups in relation to the rights arising in connection with the development, manufacture and supply of vaccines.
A case concerning trade mark infringement in connection with the licensing and marketing of pesticides.
A trade mark infringement case relating to the use of Google AdWords and the results of organic searches on the Amazon.co.uk website. The case was settled in the course of the Court of Appeal hearing.
An arbitration under the Singapore Arbitration Act concerning the termination of a concession agreement governing the development and operation of the Maldives principal international airport.
An appeal case relating to whether the pursuit of a proposed patent amendment would be an abuse of process.
A case concerning, amongst other things, the determination of royalties in respect of the use in or in relation to the U.K. of a patented invention practised directly or indirectly by joint venture partners globally.
A Chancery case concerning rights in the Saatchi name.
A Chancery case concerning the alleged breach of a trademark licence and the infringement of the licensed marks by allegedly unlicensed use.
A passing off and trade mark infringement case relating to a logo or sign appearing on articles of clothing.
A Court of Appeal case concerned with the registration of colour marks and, in particular, a shade of the colour purple.
A trademark infringement case concern with the use of the name “SKYDRIVE” on the Microsoft Windows Platform.
A patent case at first instance and on appeal to the Court of Appeal concerning post trial amendments and abuse of process.
A Court of Appeal case concerning the duties of in-house patent attorneys to former and current employers and the potential conflicts of interest that may arise.
A case concerning the application of trade mark law and the law of passing off to start ups in the music and social media spheres.
A case concerning database right, confidence and conspiracy in relation to betting data.
A trade mark case concerning the registration of vehicle shapes.
A Court of Appeal case concerning, among other things, the legal principles applicable to the test of abuse of process in relation to post trial applications to amend patent claims.
A case concerning the interplay between English and foreign law in the assignment of musical copyrights governed by English law.
A case concerning, among other things, the principles applicable to the taking of an account of profits and assessing user based damages.
A trade mark case in the Court of Appeal concerning the registration of the KITKAT shape.
Michael has advised and appeared in many media and entertainment cases calling for both commercial and IP experience and expertise. He has also advised and/or appeared in defamation and confidence cases for most of the major media groups, including the BBC, The Times, The Guardian, Time Out and The Express, as well as for many politicians, journalists and celebrities. Cases include Lion Laboratories v Evans [1985] QB 526 and Hyde Park Residence v Yelland [2001] Ch. 143
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