Herbert Smith has secured a major court victory for BSkyB which could see the broadcaster receive more than £200m in damages from IT supplier Electronic Data Systems (EDS).

The long-awaited judgment, handed down by Mr Justice Ramsey in the Technology and Construction Court yesterday (26 January), found that EDS made false and negligent misrepresentations and was in breach of contract regarding a customer relationship management system it undertook to design and build.

Despite the original contract including a £30m cap on liabilities, it was not effective in limiting EDS's liability for fraud, with EDS now liable to pay BSkyB at least £200m.

EDS, which was acquired by Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2008, is set to appeal the decision.

The long-running case, which has led to estimated legal fees of more than £70m, saw Herbert Smith dispute partner Ted Greeno lead a team advising BSkyB, while Brick Court Chambers' Mark Howard QC and 4 Pump Court's Alex Charlton QC were instructed as counsel.

DLA Piper joint international arbitration head Matthew Saunders advised EDS with One Essex Court's Mark Barnes QC instructed as counsel.

Greeno (pictured) commented: "This has been large-scale litigation by any measure. However, Sky's determination to see the case through, coupled with Herbert Smith's expertise and experience of conducting large and complex litigation, has enabled Sky to recover an amount many times greater than the contractually agreed liability cap."

In a statement, HP said: "This is a legacy issue, dating back to the EDS business in 2000, which HP inherited when it acquired EDS in 2008. We are pleased the court dismissed the majority of the allegations made. While we accept that the contract was problematic, HP strongly maintains EDS did nothing to deceive BSkyB. HP will be seeking permission to appeal."