Desmond is a former Chairman of the Bar and former Joint Head of Chambers (with Justin Rushbrooke KC). In the Queens’ Birthday Honours List 2020, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the Inns of Court and diversity at the Bar.
Mr Browne has been involved in a huge number of the most important cases affecting the media over the past three decades. He appeared in the Supreme Court for PJS; in the House of Lords for Times Newspapers, Neil Hamilton, the late Boris Berezovsky and Mirror Newspapers in the Naomi Campbell case. Clients for whom he has acted in the Court of Appeal include Elton John, Michael Douglas, Don King, Victoria Beckham, the Tchenguiz brothers and Associated Newspapers. He acted as counsel for Trinity Mirror at the Leveson Inquiry.
Recent cases
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v. Reuters Ltd, Maiya Keidan & Persons Unknown [2017] EWHC 644 (QB) – The case is a useful illustration of the way a public interest justification applies in breach of confidence cases.
Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v. Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi [2017] EWHC 242 (QB) – Breach of Confidence- Misuse of Private Information – Breach of statutory duty under the Data Protection Act 1998
Selected reported cases in Supreme Court, House of Lords and Court of Appeal
PJS v. News Group (SC) [2016] UKSC 26 – argued for claimant – value of anonymisation when identity published abroad and online.
AAA v. Associated Newspapers [2013] EMLR 2 (CA) identifying child’s father, respect for privacy of family life.
KC v. MGN [2013] EMLR 8 (CA) measure of damages for libel in cases of offers of amends.
Ambrosiadou v. Coward [2011] Fam Law 690 (CA) privacy of court documents in family case.
Warren v. Random House [2009] QB 600 (CA) whether permission to amend can be given after an offer of amends is accepted.
Boehringer Ingelheim v. Vetplus [2007] FSR 29 (CA) grant of injunction in comparative advertising case raising malicious falsehood and trade mark infringement.
McKennitt v. Ash [2008] QB 73 (CA) Confidentiality of information derived from a personal relationship.
Douglas v. Hello (No.3) [2006] QB 125 (CA) Privacy in relation to photographs covertly taken at wedding reception; conspiracy to injure.
Don King v. Lewis [2005] EMLR 45 (CA) Service out of jurisdiction in relation to Internet publication accessible within jurisdiction.
Campbell v. MGN [2004] 2 AC 457 (HL) Privacy of Naomi Campbell in relation to her therapy for drug abuse.
McManus v. Victoria Beckham [2002] 1 WLR 2982 (CA) Remoteness of damage in relation to remarks made by Posh Spice subsequently re-published in tabloid newspaper
Ashworth Hospital v. MGN [2002] 1 WLR 2033 (HL) Journalistic privilege in relation to obtaining of confidential medical records.
Loutchansky v. Times Newspapers [2002] QB 321, 783 (CA) Requirements for qualified privilege for story published in public interest.
Thomas v. NGN Ltd. [2002] EMLR 4 (CA) statutory harassment proceedings following publications with allegedly racist slant.
Berezovsky v. Forbes Inc. [2000] 1 WLR 1004 (HL) England as choice of forum in case of libel in American magazine.
Hamilton v Al Fayed [2001] 1 AC 395 (HL) waiver of Parliamentary privilege by a member to bring libel proceedings.
He served as a member of Lord Neuberger’s Committee on Super-Injunctions, and on the Civil Justice Council working group on costs protection in media-law cases in the aftermath of the abolition of CFAs.
Called
1969 Called to the Bar of England and Wales
1990 Silk
1991 Year of recorder
Education
New College, Oxford (Open Scholar, B.A. Jurisprudence) - 1968
Qualifications
Chairman of the Bar - 2009
Chairman International Committee of Advocacy Training Council of the Inns of Court - 2012 to date
Treasurer of Gray's Inn - 2015
President of the Council of the Inns of Court - 2016 to date
Areas of work
Defamation and Malicious Falsehood
Privacy and Confidence
Intellectual Property
Reporting the Courts and Contempt
Injunctive Relief
Harassment
Testimonials
“Very thorough and a pleasure to work with. Knows which pressure points to push and thinks outside the book. An excellent advocate.”
‘A big-hitter with charm and wit.’ Legal 500 2016
“He is very approachable and judges like him.” “Highly experienced and accomplished advocate with a keen sense of strategic appreciation. Knows the law inside-out. Respected by judges and feared by opponents.” Chambers UK 2017
Featured cases
McKennitt v Ash (CA)
[2006] EWCA Civ 1714; [2008] QB 73; [2007] 3 WLR 194; [2007] EMLR 113; The Times, 20 December 2006 14/12/2006
Campbell v MGN Ltd (HL)
[2004] UKHL 22; [2004] 2 AC 457; [2004] 2 WLR 1232; [2004] EMLR 247 06/05/2004
Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi
[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Ltd, Maiya Keidan & Persons Unknown
[2017] EWHC 644 (QB) 28/03/2017
Ashworth Hospital Authority v MGN Ltd
[2002] UKHL 29; [2002] 1 WLR 2033; [2002] EMLR 36; [2002] 4 All ER 193 27/06/2002
Alexander Economou v David de Freitas
[2016] EWHC 1853 (QB); [2017] EMLR 4 27/07/2016
Alexander Economou v David de Freitas (PTR)
[2016] EWHC 1218 (QB) 25/05/2016
All cases
Defamation and Malicious Falsehood
Nugent v Willers
[2019] UKPC 1 17/01/2019
Alvaro Sobrinho v Impresa Publishing SA
[2016] EWHC 66 (QB); [2016] EMLR 12 22/01/2016
Cruddas v Calvert (CA)
[2015] EWCA Civ 171 19/03/2015
Jose Antonio Serrano Garcia v Associated Newspapers Limited
[2014] EWHC 3137 (QB) 06/10/2014
RBOS Shareholders Action Group Ltd v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2014] EWHC 130 (QB) 04/02/2014
Cruddas v Calvert & Others (No.4)
[2013] EWHC 2298 (QB) 31/07/2013
Cruddas v Calvert & Others (No.3)
[2013] EWHC 1791 (QB) 26/06/2013
Cruddas v Calvert & Others (No.2) (CA)
[2013] EWCA Civ 748 21/06/2013
Cruddas v Calvert & Others (No.2)
[2013] EWHC 1427 (QB) 05/06/2013
Cruddas v Calvert
[2013] EWHC 1096 (QB) 01/05/2013
Waterson v Lloyd
[2013] EWCA Civ 136; [2013] EMLR 17 28/02/2013
Al Amoudi v Kifle
[2013] EWHC 293 (QB) 13/02/2013
Cruddas v Adams
[2013] EWHC 145 (QB) 04/02/2013
KC v MGN Ltd (Costs)
[2013] EWCA Civ 3 22/01/2013
Cairns v Modi; KC v MGN Ltd
[2012] EWCA Civ 1382 31/10/2012
Terluk v Berezovsky (No.2)
[2011] EWCA Civ 1534 15/12/2011
Waterson v Lloyd (No 2)
[2011] EWHC 3292 (QB) 13/12/2011
Waterson v Lloyd
[2011] EWHC 3197 (QB) 08/12/2011
Al-Amoudi v Kifle
[2011] EWHC 2037 (QB) 29/07/2011
Modi v Clarke; IMG v Clarke
[2011] EWHC 1324 (QB) 24/05/2011
Lewis v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis
[2011] EWHC 781 (QB) 31/03/2011
Terluk v Berezovsky (CA)
[2010] EWCA Civ 1345 25/11/2010
Cairns v Modi
[2010] EWHC 2859 (QB) 10/11/2010
Berezovsky v Russian State Television & Another (No 2)
[2010] EWHC 476 (QB) 10/03/2010
Metropolitan International Schools Ltd v (1) Designtechnica Corporation (2) Google UK Ltd & (3) Google Inc
[2009] EWHC 1765 (QB); [2009] EMLR 27 16/07/2009
Mardas v New York Times; Mardas v International Herald Tribune
[2008] EWHC 3135 (QB); [2009] EMLR 8 17/12/2008
Berezovsky v Russian State Television & Another
[2008] EWHC 1918 (QB) 31/07/2008
Warren v The Random House Group Ltd (Nos.1-3) (CA)
[2008] EWCA Civ 834; [2009] QB 600; [2009] EMLR 1 16/07/2008
Warren v The Random House Group Ltd (No.3)
[2007] EWHC 3062 (QB) 20/12/2007
Warren v The Random House Group Ltd
[2007] EWHC 2856 (QB); [2008] 2 WLR 1033 05/12/2007
Warren v The Random House Group Ltd (No.2)
[2007] EWHC 2860 (QB) 05/12/2007
Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd & Others v Vetplus Ltd (CA)
[2007] EWCA Civ 583; [2007] FSR 29; (2007) HRLR 33; (2007) BusLR 1456; (2007) 97 BMLR 1; (2007) 30(8) IPD 30052; The Times, 27 June 2007 20/06/2007
Drury v Carnegie (CA)
[2007] EWCA Civ 497; [2007] EMLR 637; The Times, 11 June 2007 23/05/2007
Wakefield v Channel Four Television & Others (No.3)
[2006] EWHC 3289 (QB); [2007] 94 BMLR 1 21/12/2006
McKenna v MGN Ltd
[2006] EWHC 1996 (QB) 28/07/2006
Al Amoudi v Brisard & Another
[2006] EWHC 1062 (QB); [2007] 1 WLR 113; [2006] 3 All ER 294 16/05/2006
Turner v News Group Newspapers Ltd (CA)
[2006] EWCA Civ 540; [2006] 1 WLR 3469; [2006] 4 All ER 613; [2006] EMLR 703; The Independent, 23 May 2006 16/05/2006
Lowe v Associated Newspapers Ltd
[2006] EWHC 320 (QB); [2007] 2 WLR 595; [2006] 3 All ER 357; [2006] EMLR 476; The Times, 29 March 2006 28/02/2006
Wakefield v Channel Four Television & Others
[2005] EWHC 2410 (QB) 04/11/2005
McKeith v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2005] EWHC 1162 (QB); [2005] EMLR 780 14/06/2005
Collins Stewart Limited & Another v The Financial Times Ltd (No 2)
[2005] EWHC 262 (QB); [2006] EMLR 100 25/02/2005
Hewitt & Others v Grunwald & Others
[2004] EWHC 2959 (QB) 21/12/2004
Collins Stewart Ltd & Another v The Financial Times Ltd
[2004] EWHC 2337 (QB); [2005] EMLR 64 20/10/2004
King v Lewis & Others (CA)
[2004] EWCA Civ 1329; [2005] EMLR 45; The Independent, 11 November 2004 19/10/2004
Sharma v Jay & Others (No.2)
11/02/2004 11/02/2004
King v Lewis
[2004] EWHC 168 (QB) 06/02/2004
Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation v Wall Street Journal Europe (No.2)
[2003] EWHC 1776 (QB) 21/07/2003
Reuben & Others v Time Inc & Another (No.2)
[2003] EWHC 1430 (QB) 03/07/2003
Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corp v Wall Street Journal Europe
[2003] EWHC 1358 (QB) 12/06/2003
Rigg v Associated Newspapers Ltd
[2003] EWHC 710 (QB); [2004] EMLR 52 07/03/2003
Loutchansky v Times Newspapers Ltd and others (No. 8)
[2002] EWHC 2726 (QB) 12/12/2002
Loutchansky v Times Newspapers Ltd and others (No. 7)
[2002] EWHC 2490 (QB) 26/11/2002
Mills v MGN Ltd
[2002] EWHC 1384 (QB) 05/07/2002
McManus v Beckham
[2002] EWCA Civ 939; [2002] EMLR 880; [2002] 1 WLR 2982 04/07/2002
Gregson v Channel Four Television
[2002] EWCA Civ 941 04/07/2002
Cook & Carlton Communications Ltd v News Group Newspapers Ltd (No.2)
[2002] EWHC 1070 (QB) 21/05/2002
Kiam v MGN Ltd
[2002] EWCA Civ 43; [2003] QB 281; [2002] 2 All ER 219; [2002] 3 WLR 1036 28/01/2002
Loutchansky v Times Newspapers Ltd and others (Nos. 2-5)
[2001] EWCA Civ 1805; [2002] QB 783; [2002] 2 WLR 640; [2002] 1 All ER 652; [2002] EMLR 241 05/12/2001
Berezovsky v Forbes Inc & Michaels (No.2)
[2001] EWCA Civ 1251; [2001] EMLR 1030 31/07/2001
Elite Model Agency v BBC
24/05/2001 24/05/2001
Loutchansky v Times Newspapers Ltd and others (No. 4)
[2001] EMLR 898 27/04/2001
Berezovsky v Forbes Inc & Michaels
[2000] UKHL 25; [2000] 1 WLR 1004; [2000] 2 All ER 986; [2000] EMLR 643 11/05/2000
Hamilton v Fayed
[2001] AC 395 23/03/2000
Dwek v Macmillan Publishers Ltd & Others
[1999] EWCA Civ 2002; [2000] EMLR 284 28/07/1999
ex parte Coventry Newspapers Ltd
[1993] QB 278 24/07/1992
Privacy and Confidence
UUU v BBB
[2019] EWHC 3190 (QB) 28/11/2019
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Limited & another
[2017] EWCA Civ 950 07/07/2017
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Ltd, Maiya Keidan & Persons Unknown
[2017] EWHC 644 (QB) 28/03/2017
Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi
[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017
PJS v News Group Newspapers Ltd (SC)
[2016] UKSC 26 19/05/2016
PJS v News Group Newspapers (2)
[2016] EWCA Civ 393 18/04/2016
AAA v Associated Newspapers Ltd (CA)
[2013] EWCA Civ 554 20/05/2013
RocknRoll v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2013] EWHC 24 (Ch) 17/01/2013
Abbey v Gilligan
[2012] EWHC 3217 (QB) 20/11/2012
Contostavlos v Mendahun
[2012] EWHC 850 (QB) 30/03/2012
Ambrosiadou v Coward (CA)
[2011] EWCA Civ 409 12/04/2011
CDE v MGN Ltd
[2010] EWHC 3308 16/12/2010
ABC Ltd v Y
[2010] EWHC 3176 (Ch); [2011] 4 All ER 113 06/12/2010
Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council v BBC
[2010] EWHC 53 (QB) 22/01/2010
Northern Rock PLC v Financial Times Limited & Others
[2007] EWHC 2677 (QB) 16/11/2007
McKennitt v Ash (CA)
[2006] EWCA Civ 1714; [2008] QB 73; [2007] 3 WLR 194; [2007] EMLR 113; The Times, 20 December 2006 14/12/2006
John v Associated Newspapers Ltd
[2006] EWHC 1611 (QB); [2006] EMLR 772 23/06/2006
McKennitt v Ash (QBD)
[2005] EWHC 3003 (QB); [2006] EMLR 178 21/12/2005
Covance Laboratories Inc v PETA Europe Ltd
16/06/2005 17/06/2005
Douglas v Hello! Ltd (No 8) (CA)
[2005] EWCA Civ 595; [2006] QB 125; [2005] 3 WLR 881; [2005] EMLR 609; The Times 24 May 2005; The Times 26 May 2005 18/05/2005
Campbell v MGN Ltd (HL)
[2004] UKHL 22; [2004] 2 AC 457; [2004] 2 WLR 1232; [2004] EMLR 247 06/05/2004
Paddick v Associated Newspapers Ltd (No.2)
[2003] EWHC 2991 (QB) 10/12/2003
X (formerly known as Mary Bell) & Y v News Group Newspapers Ltd & Ors
[2003] EWHC 1101 (QB); [2003] FSR 850; [2003] EMLR 850 21/05/2003
Campbell v MGN Ltd (CA)
[2002] EWCA Civ 1373; [2003] QB 658; [2003] 2 WLR 80; [2003] EMLR 39 14/10/2002
Ashworth Hospital Authority v MGN Ltd
[2002] UKHL 29; [2002] 1 WLR 2033; [2002] EMLR 36; [2002] 4 All ER 193 27/06/2002
Campbell v MGN Ltd (QBD)
[2002] EWHC 499 (QB); [2002] EMLR 617 27/03/2002
Venables & Thompson v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2001] EWHC 32 (QB); [2001] Fam 430; [2001] 2 WLR 1038; [2001] 1 All ER 908; [2001] EMLR 255; [2001] 1 FLR 791 08/01/2001
Trinity Mirror plc & Another v Punch Ltd
19/07/2000 19/07/2000
Nicholls v BBC
[1999] EMLR 791 29/03/1999
Harassment
UUU v BBB
[2019] EWHC 3190 (QB) 28/11/2019
Thomas v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2001] EWCA Civ 1233; [2002] EMLR 78 18/07/2001
Blackmail
UUU v BBB
[2019] EWHC 3190 (QB) 28/11/2019
Reporting the Courts and Contempt
XW v XH (Court of Appeal)
[2019] EWCA Civ 549 02/04/2019
ABC Ltd v Y
[2010] EWHC 3176 (Ch); [2011] 4 All ER 113 06/12/2010
Lykiardopulo v Lykiardopulo
[2010] EWCA Civ 1315 (QB) 19/11/2010
Re Gracie Attard
14 June 2001/23 Oct 2001 14/06/2001
Venables & Thompson v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2001] EWHC 32 (QB); [2001] Fam 430; [2001] 2 WLR 1038; [2001] 1 All ER 908; [2001] EMLR 255; [2001] 1 FLR 791 08/01/2001
M v BBC
[1997] 1 FLR 51; [1997] 1 FCR 229 25/09/1996
Re L (a minor)
[1988] 1 All ER 418 03/07/1987
Injunctive Relief
UUU v BBB
[2019] EWHC 3190 (QB) 28/11/2019
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Limited & another
[2017] EWCA Civ 950 07/07/2017
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Ltd, Maiya Keidan & Persons Unknown
[2017] EWHC 644 (QB) 28/03/2017
Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi
[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017
PJS v News Group Newspapers Ltd (SC)
[2016] UKSC 26 19/05/2016
PJS v News Group Newspapers (2)
[2016] EWCA Civ 393 18/04/2016
RocknRoll v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2013] EWHC 24 (Ch) 17/01/2013
Contostavlos v Mendahun
[2012] EWHC 850 (QB) 30/03/2012
CDE v MGN Ltd
[2010] EWHC 3308 16/12/2010
Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council v BBC
[2010] EWHC 53 (QB) 22/01/2010
Northern Rock PLC v Financial Times Limited & Others
[2007] EWHC 2677 (QB) 16/11/2007
Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd & Others v Vetplus Ltd (CA)
[2007] EWCA Civ 583; [2007] FSR 29; (2007) HRLR 33; (2007) BusLR 1456; (2007) 97 BMLR 1; (2007) 30(8) IPD 30052; The Times, 27 June 2007 20/06/2007
John v Associated Newspapers Ltd
[2006] EWHC 1611 (QB); [2006] EMLR 772 23/06/2006
Covance Laboratories Inc v PETA Europe Ltd
16/06/2005 17/06/2005
Douglas v Hello! Ltd (No 8) (CA)
[2005] EWCA Civ 595; [2006] QB 125; [2005] 3 WLR 881; [2005] EMLR 609; The Times 24 May 2005; The Times 26 May 2005 18/05/2005
Fayed v BBC
[2004] EWHC 109 (QB) 08/01/2004
X (formerly known as Mary Bell) & Y v News Group Newspapers Ltd & Ors
[2003] EWHC 1101 (QB); [2003] FSR 850; [2003] EMLR 850 21/05/2003
Venables & Thompson v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2001] EWHC 32 (QB); [2001] Fam 430; [2001] 2 WLR 1038; [2001] 1 All ER 908; [2001] EMLR 255; [2001] 1 FLR 791 08/01/2001
Trinity Mirror plc & Another v Punch Ltd
19/07/2000 19/07/2000
Nicholls v BBC
[1999] EMLR 791 29/03/1999
M v BBC
[1997] 1 FLR 51; [1997] 1 FCR 229 25/09/1996
Intellectual Property
Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd & Others v Vetplus Ltd (CA)
[2007] EWCA Civ 583; [2007] FSR 29; (2007) HRLR 33; (2007) BusLR 1456; (2007) 97 BMLR 1; (2007) 30(8) IPD 30052; The Times, 27 June 2007 20/06/2007
Morgan v BBC
10/12/1997 10/12/1997
Human Rights
UUU v BBB
[2019] EWHC 3190 (QB) 28/11/2019
Data Protection and Information Law
Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi
[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017
Douglas v Hello! Ltd (No 8) (CA)
[2005] EWCA Civ 595; [2006] QB 125; [2005] 3 WLR 881; [2005] EMLR 609; The Times 24 May 2005; The Times 26 May 2005 18/05/2005
Campbell v MGN Ltd (CA)
[2002] EWCA Civ 1373; [2003] QB 658; [2003] 2 WLR 80; [2003] EMLR 39 14/10/2002
Campbell v MGN Ltd (QBD)
[2002] EWHC 499 (QB); [2002] EMLR 617 27/03/2002
General Common Law
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Limited & another
[2017] EWCA Civ 950 07/07/2017
Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi
[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017
Fayed v BBC
[2004] EWHC 109 (QB) 08/01/2004
5RB Talks
5RB talks: the Lachaux decision
7 Jan 2021
With Desmond Browne CBE KC, Adrienne Page KC, Tom Blackburn SC & Gervase de Wilde
5RB talks: 5RB Podcasts on Interim Injunctions
26 Apr 2018
With Desmond Browne CBE KC, Adam Speker KC & Alexandra Marzec
Articles
5RB Podcast - The Lachaux decision ramifications for Serious Harm
By Desmond Browne CBE KC. 19 Oct 2017
Supporting a free press and high standards – approaches to Regulation
By Desmond Browne CBE KC. 13 Oct 2011
The PCC Time for last rites?
By Desmond Browne CBE KC. 6 Sep 2011
Now we know what they are, where do we go from here?
By Desmond Browne CBE KC. 6 Aug 2011
Libel Reform - Common law development or statutory codification?
By Desmond Browne CBE KC. 15 Jul 2010
Kiss & Tell Stories and Snatched Photographs
By Desmond Browne CBE KC. 20 May 2008
Article 8: The use of private correspondence in claims for ancillary relief
By Desmond Browne CBE KC. 10 May 2008
Libel and Publication in the Public Interest
By Desmond Browne CBE KC. 2 Dec 2005
Recent Practical Issues in Defamation
By Desmond Browne CBE KC. 26 Jan 2005
Publications
The Law of Privacy and the Media
Oxford University Press
By Desmond Browne CBE KC. 17 Oct 2002
In 5RB News
20 Oct 2023
5RB tops rankings in Chambers & Partners
10 Oct 2020
Desmond Browne QC receives CBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours
5RB congratulates Desmond Browne QC on recognition for services to diversity and Inns of Court
18 Mar 2020
5RB members praised in Who’s Who Legal 2020
Five 5RB silks and 11 5RB juniors commended in Who's Who Legal Marketplace Analysis 2020
10 Mar 2020
5RB plays major role in Al Maktoum v Al Hussein
CA upholds President's decision to allow publication of earlier judgments
5 Feb 2020
Court refuses strike out in Enterprise Insurance libel case
Gibraltar Supreme Court dismisses five applications by Defendants
31 Jan 2020
Statement in Open Court for Licensing Officer
Claim by Wajed Iqbal concludes
12 Nov 2018
Privy Council hears appeal in Nugent v Willers
Board considers limitation in appeal from the Isle of Man
24 Oct 2018
ABC v Telegraph – CA grants injunction
CA prevents publication of confidential information covered by NDAs
26 Apr 2018
5RB Podcasts on Interim Injunctions
Seeking and defending an interim injunction application
6 Feb 2018
5RB ‘stands above the competition’
Leaders and juniors praised in new edition of Who's Who Legal
15 Dec 2017
Scottish Law Commission proposes defamation reforms
Report and Draft Bill on defamation law in Scotland published
2 Nov 2017
“The pre-eminent set”: Chambers UK
5RB and members recommended for Defamation & Privacy and Data Protection in 2018 Chambers UK Bar Guide
19 Oct 2017
5RB Podcast on the Lachaux decision
Round Table discusses the ramifications for Serious Harm
11 Oct 2017
5RB ‘dominates the field’ in Legal 500
Chambers and members recommended for Defamation & Privacy, Data Protection, and Media and Entertainment work in legal directory
16 Dec 2016
First order made under s.12 of the Defamation Act 2013
ARY News broadcaster ordered to broadcast summary of High Court's judgment
2 Dec 2016
Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman awarded £185k libel damages
Media group chairman wins libel claim against ARY News broadcaster over 'traitor' allegations; but loses harassment claim
19 May 2016
Supreme Court upholds PJS injunction
Appeal allowed, injunction continued until trial
2 Dec 2015
Sunday Times wins libel claim
Newspaper’s defences upheld in former MP’s action
6 Aug 2015
Sportsman granted interim injunction
Privacy injunction against the Sun on Sunday
19 Mar 2015
Cruddas Appeal allowed in part
Damages assessed at £50,000
27 Nov 2014
‘Plebgate’ Judgment
Mitting J: Mitchell said words alleged or similar
31 Oct 2014
5RB tops Chambers & Partners 2015
Set and 19 barristers recommended in UK Bar Guide
10 Oct 2014
Legal 500 Awards 2014
Desmond Browne QC: IP, IT and Media Silk of the Year
21 Jul 2014
Garcia v ANL trial begins in the High Court
Two-week libel claim being heard by Mr Justice Dingemans
10 Jun 2014
Matthew Nicklin QC becomes Joint Head of Chambers
Joins Desmond Browne QC
24 Oct 2013
Costs in defamation and privacy proceedings
MoJ consultation open until 8 November 2013
31 Jul 2013
Former Tory Treasurer awarded £180,000 against Sunday Times
Peter Cruddas wins libel and malicious falsehood action over Insight's 'cash-for-access' sting
19 Apr 2013
CJC report on defamation costs published
Report makes recommendations for costs protection in future defamation and privacy proceedings following changes to the CFA regime. Desmond Browne QC and Chloe Strong form part of the Working Group.
12 Apr 2013
5RB silks at 2013 Oxford International Media Moot
Browne, Page and Warby are Price Court judges
4 Feb 2013
Peter Cruddas awarded £45k for breach of election law libel
Former Tory treasurer vindicated after Tweets dared him to sue.
4 Sep 2012
Libel dispute settled by arbitration
Royal hairdresser withdraws threat to sue Daily Telegraph
12 Jul 2012
Tulisa’s ex admits uploading sex film
Star's former boyfriend finally owns up to publication of sex tape
21 May 2012
Leveson Inquiry
Availability of 5RB counsel
30 Mar 2012
Tulisa obtains injunction
X Factor judge restrains publication of sex tape
23 Mar 2012
5RB silks judge Oxford media moot
Price International Media Law moot 2012
8 Dec 2011
Summary judgment for ex-MP
Election campaign newsletter claim succeeds
28 Oct 2011
5RB tops Chambers and Partners 2012
Adam Wolanski wins Defamation and Privacy Junior Barrister of the Year
26 Oct 2011
Radio Four’s Unreliable Evidence on trial by media
Desmond Browne QC and others - discussion airs tonight at 8pm
27 Sep 2011
‘Truly experts’
The Legal 500 review 2012
30 Aug 2011
Saudi businessman awarded £175,000 libel damages
Award ensures maximum vindication
23 Jun 2011
Defamation Bill Committee update
Joint Committee hears evidence from 5RB's Heads of Chambers
21 Jun 2011
Launch of Early Resolution CIC
New arbitration service for libel disputes
20 May 2011
Committee reports on super-injunctions
Committee chaired by Lord Neuberger MR publishes findings on superinjunctions, anonymity and open justice
31 Mar 2011
Met Police fail to stop phone hacking libel claim
Allegations of dishonesty against senior officers ruled out
9 Mar 2011
Appeal judge receives libel apology
Telegraph apologises to Lord Justice Sedley for publishing false allegations over handling of care home case
5 Nov 2010
5RB tops directory ranking
Chambers & Partners 2011 edition praises set
14 Oct 2010
Binyam Mohamed injunction refused
Attempt to restrain publication of former Guantanamo Bay inmate's grant of leave to remain in the UK fails
24 Mar 2010
Libel Working Group report published
Reforms proposed for internet publication, public interest publications and 'libel tourism'
10 Mar 2010
Berezovsky wins libel action
Eady J awards 150,000 GBP over Litvinenko murder claims
28 Jan 2010
Libel law reform panel announced
Desmond Browne QC appointed to government working group
8 Jan 2010
Desmond Browne returns to 5RB
Joint head of chambers back in full-time practice after year as Chairman of the Bar
18 Dec 2009
BBC apologises to Trafigura
Commodities trader accepts apology, damages and costs
7 Oct 2009
Browne warns of the ‘database state’
Desmond Browne QC addresses Tory conference fringe meeting
24 Sep 2009
Legal 500 2009 review praises 5RB
21 barristers recommended by legal directory in defamation, privacy, media, entertainment and sport
23 Jul 2009
5RB QC named in Top 100 Lawyers
Publication of ‘The Times Law100 2009’
20 Jul 2009
Google held not to be a publisher
Search engine not liable for defamatory search results, rules Eady J
8 Jun 2009
IVF doctor libel case settles
Long running battle over claims made on Panorama programme ends
12 Jan 2009
Desmond Browne QC on Radio 4
5RB joint head discusses media rights
19 Dec 2008
‘Magic Alex’ libel claims reinstated
Jameel abuse of process appeal succeeds
4 Dec 2008
Cab rank rule ‘fundamental’ to independent Bar
5RB's Desmond Browne QC interviewed in The Times ahead of inaugural speech
11 Nov 2008
QCs defend judge in privacy row
Paul Dacre's criticisms do 'not bear proper examination', say leading silks
26 Sep 2008
5RB wins Chambers and Partners award
Set named ‘2008 Defamation and Privacy Set of the Year’ at Chambers Bar Awards
3 Sep 2008
Publisher settles Warren libel action
Boxing Promoter to receive £115,000 from Random House for Ricky Hatton book
16 Jul 2008
Warren wins offer of amends appeal
Court of Appeal rejects Random House’s justification bid in Ricky Hatton libel case
3 Jun 2008
Rooney book libel case settles
Everton manager accepts apology and damages over 'leak' allegations
20 May 2008
Kiss ‘n’ tell and snatched photos
Desmond Browne QC delivers key speech at Specialist Bar Associations' seminar
23 Apr 2008
OFT pays out over milk pricing investigation
Morrisons accepts £100,000 over defamatory press release
12 Mar 2008
Bid to injunct Channel 4 fails
Interview with Equatorial Guinea coup attempt 'manager' is broadcast
13 Feb 2008
Danish newspaper apologises to bank
Anglo-Icelandic bank accepts libel damages for internet publications
14 Nov 2007
Northern Rock granted injunction against Financial Times
Further reporting of confidential documents prohibited
8 Nov 2007
5RB tops Chambers & Partners review
20 Barristers rated and recommended in the new annual survey
9 Oct 2007
Vice Chairman of Bar announced
Desmond Browne QC to take up post in January 2008
20 Sep 2007
5RB tops Legal 500
20 Barristers rated and recommended in Defamation, Privacy, Intellectual Property, Sport and Media & Entertainment Law
16 Jul 2007
Paul McKenna suffers costs loss
Daily Mirror awarded costs of dropped malice allegations
29 Mar 2007
WPP libel and privacy case settles
Sir Martin Sorrell accepts £120,000 in damages
14 Mar 2007
WPP libel and privacy trial begins
Sir Martin Sorrell claims former WPP consultant responsible for blog and email
14 Dec 2006
New blow for kiss and tell?
McKennitt v Ash: Court of Appeal hands down judgment in major privacy case
21 Nov 2006
Privacy case in the Court of Appeal
McKennitt v Ash appeal begins today
24 Oct 2006
5RB tops Chambers & Partners review
Nineteen barristers recommended in Annual Survey
27 Sep 2006
5RB tops Legal 500 survey
Twenty barristers recommended across core practice areas
28 Jul 2006
Paul McKenna wins ‘bogus’ PhD case
Daily Mirror's justification defence in libel trial fails
23 Jun 2006
Sir Elton fails in injunction bid
Court declines to bar photos of star in street
26 May 2006
Boris Berezovsky wins £50,000
Libel jury awards damages against Mikhail Fridman for false threats allegation
24 Feb 2006
Court of Appeal hears Turner appeal
Turner argues for a higher award of compensation
10 Feb 2006
Prince of Wales case in Court again
Media challenge confidentiality in Mail on Sunday litigation
2 Dec 2005
Law for Journalists Conference 2005
5RB's Desmond Browne QC addresses annual Press Gazette event
24 Oct 2005
Chambers’ Review: 5RB top again
20 barristers recommended for Media, Entertainment, Defamation, Privacy, Intellectual Property & Sports Law
23 Sep 2005
‘Chambers of the Year’ goes to 5RB
5RB wins Chambers & Partners Defamation Set of the Year award
21 Sep 2005
5RB tops annual Legal 500 Review
17 barristers named as leaders in their field
16 Sep 2005
5RB nominated for three top awards
Chambers & Partners Annual awards - 22nd September 2005
15 Sep 2005
London hosts MLRC Conference
5RB's Desmond Browne QC to participate in worldwide media law event
16 Jun 2005
PETA resists video footage injunction
US company fails to stop transmission of undercover filming of alleged animal cruelty
24 Jan 2005
Al Rajhi 9/11 claim dismissed
Federal judge clears Saudi bank and criticises 'Golden Chain' document
13 Dec 2004
Douglas v Hello! in the CA
Appeals being heard this week
18 Nov 2004
5RB @ Media Law Conference
Annual Management Forum Conference - 26 January 2005
5 Nov 2004
5RB top in Chambers & Partners Review
Seventeen 5RB members ranked
20 Oct 2004
Collins Stewart damages claim trimmed
High Court strikes out part of special damages claim against FT
19 Oct 2004
Don King libel case continues
CA rules England correct forum for Internet libel claim
11 Oct 2004
The new term ahead…
Autumn/Winter 2004 at 5RB
24 Sep 2004
5RB top in Legal 500 Review
15 barristers named as leaders in their field
15 Jul 2004
Farewell to Morland J
Valediction for retiring Judge of the Jury List
1 Jul 2004
Care Home Libel Case Settled
Newspaper and owners agree resolution of claim
3 Nov 2003
Royal Controversy
5RB Instructed
Contact
Email: clerks@5rb.com
vCard