Eversheds has been hit with a £2.7m legal claim for breach of contract and professional negligence by camera maker Canon Europe.

Canon's claim, which is to be heard in the Chancery Division of the High Court, alleges that Eversheds negligence led to it losing a year's free rent.

Nabarro is acting for Canon with a team led by real estate dispute resolution head, partner Jennifer Rickard. Nabarro has also instructed Jonathan Seitler QC of Wilberforce Chambers to handle the court aspects of the claim.

Clyde & Co is representing Eversheds, with professional liability partner Neil Jamieson taking the lead. Clydes has instructed Hailsham Chambers silk William Flenley.

Canon claims that Eversheds acted negligently in connection with a lease variation.

Canon is a tenant of 3 The Square in Uxbridge, Middlesex. It had a lease with an option to use a break clause, which would come into effect on 23 May 2014 if the option was exercised by 22 November 2013.

Canon negotiated an agreement with its landlord, which was also advised by Eversheds, to vary the lease by removing the break clause in exchange for a year's free rent.

However, the agreement – which was passed to Eversheds to settle the fine details – was not finalised before the date the break clause needed to be exercised, meaning that Canon missed out on its year's free rent.

The camera and printer manufacturer claims the firm caused this to happen by negligently breaching its duty of care to Canon.

Canon is claiming £2,698,595, plus VAT, interest and costs.

Eversheds in turn has denied that it acted negligently and denied that its actions caused Canon to suffer a loss.

It also claimed that Canon's loss was, at least in part, caused by its own negligence.

An Eversheds spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that proceedings have been issued and will respond appropriately. We are not going to make any further comment at this time."

Canon declined to comment.