David specialises in non-contentious intellectual property and commercial law, predominantly advising clients operating in IP rich sectors such as media, culture and higher education.
David regularly advises clients on a range of issues relating to the acquisition, protection and exploitation of intellectual property rights, including in relation to trade marks, copyright, and other forms of registered and unregistered rights. David’s principal areas of focus are complex collaborative projects involving the creation and/or exploitation of intellectual property, and IP considerations arising in corporate transactions, research collaborations and joint ventures.
In terms of more general commercial work, David has expertise in relation to technology contracts, IT and business process outsourcing, supply and distribution agreements and a range of other contractual matters.
Recent experience includes:
- advising on the restructuring of Association Climate KIC: a pan-European collaboration between leading European universities, industry partners, SMEs and entrepreneurs; established to drive innovation in the field of climate change;
- advising Imperial College London on its collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to launch a joint undergraduate medical degree programme at a new medical school in Singapore;
- advising clients on UK and global brand and product licensing deals with various major retailers including Waitrose, and Boots;
- advising two leading UK media companies on the outsourcing of their HR and payroll functions; and
- advising a number of tech start-ups in relation to securing copyright in commissioned software and protecting intellectual property and trade mark portfolios, in anticipation of a future business sale.
Who we help
David advises both start-ups and more established owner-managed businesses on all aspects of IP law including securing IP rights in new intangible content and technologies, protecting confidential aspects of new business models, and reviewing IP portfolios prior to exit.
Go to Entrepreneurial businesses David advises a number of leading UK universities and HE institutions in relation to their collaborative ventures, technology transfer arrangements and IT procurement projects.
Go to Higher education institutions David regularly advises charity clients and their trading companies on a broad range of intellectual property and commercial issues, including in relation to brand licensing, outsourcing and IP considerations arising in mergers and reorganisations.
Go to Charities & social enterprises