
Dan Breen
Associate
Areas of Focus
- Intellectual Property
- IP Transactions
- Technology
- Telecom, Media & Technology
- Emerging Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence
- Private Equity Transactions
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Represents clients on technology transactions, intellectual property and commercial contracts.
Dan is an associate in the firm’s technology transactions team, focusing on non-contentious intellectual property (IP) matters within the corporate practice. He is based in the London office.
He advises clients on a broad range of intellectual property and technology‑related transactions, with experience supporting financial sponsors, technology companies, media organizations and innovative businesses on complex non‑contentious IP matters.
Dan’s practice includes advising on the IP and technology aspects of private equity transactions, growth investments, debt financings, restructurings, licensing arrangements and collaboration agreements. He regularly helps clients identify, structure, exploit and protect critical IP and data assets, particularly in sectors undergoing rapid technological change, such as artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, life sciences and digital media.
Prior to joining the firm, Dan trained, qualified and worked in the London office of another major international law firm, where he developed experience across multi‑jurisdictional IP transactions, corporate support matters and strategic commercial projects.
- Advised an alternative investment firm on the IP aspects of its proposed $1 billion acquisition of an affiliate global media measurement and analytics business.
- Advised an ad hoc lender group on the IP elements of a €587 million refinancing of a Norwegian cruise ship operator.
- Advised a listed U.K. chemical and sustainable technologies company on its research and development collaboration with two listed South African mining companies.
- Advised a global sports governing body on the ownership of IP rights in specified assets from a previous competition.
- Advised a private equity firm on the ownership of IP rights in literary works.
- Advised a global audio streaming service on a settlement agreement with two global music and entertainment conglomerates, arising out of a copyright infringement claim.
- Advised an investment management firm on the IP elements of a $100 million financing of a semiconductor and software design company.
- Performed IP due diligence for a global fashion brand agency ahead of a £200 million auction sale.
List may include matters worked on prior to joining Akin.
EducationLL.M., BPP University Law School, England, 2021
GDL, BPP University Law School, England, 2020
Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law, University of Oxford, 2025
B.A., King's College London, 2018
LL.M., BPP University Law School, England, 2021
GDL, BPP University Law School, England, 2020
Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law, University of Oxford, 2025
B.A., King's College London, 2018
Bar AdmissionsSolicitor, England and Wales
Solicitor, England and Wales
- Co-author, “What Lies Ahead? The End of EU Law Supremacy and its Impact on UK Trade Mark Law” expert analysis chapter, International Comparative Legal Guide - Trade Marks 2024 – 13th Edition, 2024.