I specialise in all aspects of Intellectual Property Law. I have extensive experience in a number of Intellectual Property and Commercial matters in the County Court, Trademark and Design Registry, the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
I bring a rare combination of legal, engineering skills and commercial acumen to bear on my client’s cases which proves particularly useful in matters where there are mixed commercial and IP issues and where the case requires Expert Evidence from multiple disciplines.
I have an extensive background in trademark matters and in copyright and license work in software and web development projects. I can also assist in Domain Name Dispute matters.
My broadbased engineering background is particularly useful in enabling me to get to grips with my clients patent and design right matters.
My approach
I appreciate that win or lose the case more often than not presents a serious threat to my clients livelyhood and or reputation and I aim to help my clients avoid any negative consequences of litigation (or Abritration and Adjudication) whenever possible.
I take a collaborative approach with my clients and any of their other advisors and adopt a can do attitude when engaging with a case.
I always aim to be thorough in every way, especially in drafting court documents and preparing a case for trial. I keep a close eye on my clients budget and seek appropriate instructions before incurring costs outside of the agreed budget for my own work.
I see it as an issue of great importance that I understand as far as reasonably possible the case and the client (and the others side) in order to effectively assist my client in balancing all the risks and cost burdens the case presents before taking the agreed cost effective steps to resolve the matter.
If I think your case or any issue is not worth pursuing or has come to a point where you should seek a settlement I will advise you of this as soon as possible.
About me
My legal and ADR practice is supported by over 30 years of pre-bar experience in industry and commerce including 17 years as a consultant Chartered Engineer, Company Director of a Consultancy Practice and 9 years as a Commercial Claims Consultant across a broad range of industries (oil & gas, nuclear, manufacturing, food & beverage, space, rail and the public sector commerce). My consultancy work covered the design and delivery of engineering and technology projects including R&D, design, build, commissioning and support activities as well as commercial contracting and complex contract dispute resolution on large scale government projects in the IT and Technology sectors and on civils infrastructure projects.
Prior to commencing practice at the Bar following a pupillage in Intellectual Property my considerable experience and technical skill was recognised when awarded Chartered Engineer status by the Institute of Electrical Engineers in 1992 and Chartered Physicist status by the Institute of Physics in 1993. I went on to study for the Bar applying my commercial and technical background and achieved an outstanding grade in Intellectual Property at the BVC.
I have specialist experience in software development contracts and related services and has spent many years dealing with very high value complex IT disputes in government department IT outsourcing projects involving safety & business critical software developments and data protection issues. My experience in commercial matters includes outsourcing contracts, confidentiality agreements, guarantees, R&D collaboration agreements and complex contracts for technical projects. I have previously held security clearance whilst working on nuclear and government projects.
Professional & academic
Qualifications:
BEng Hons in Electronic Engineering
Chartered Engineer [1993]
Diploma in Law [Called to the Bar of England And Wales by the Inner Temple 2005]
Certificate in Arbitration (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators)
Accredited Mediator: ADR Group and Regents College London, School of Psychotherapy & Counselling Psychology
Professional Associations:
Member of Intellectual Property Bar Association
Member of TECBAR
Member of COMBAR
Member of the International Nuclear Law Association
Member of the Society for Computers and Law
Member of the Dispute Board Federation (Expert Panel Member)
Member of LCIA (London Court of International Arbitration)
FCIArb - Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
MIET - Member of Institute of Engineering Technology
MIOP - Member of Institute of Physics
- All Locations
- London