Douglas is a commercial and intellectual property (IP) lawyer with a focus on technology issues and disputes.  He has over 20 years' experience helping clients resolve contract and IP disputes and dealing with complex IP negotiations.  He leads Osborne Clarke's Defence, Security and Aerospace group.

Douglas uses his expertise to resolve disputes and manage commercial risk arising out of contracts and the use of IP.  He ensures he understands his client's objective and then plans and executes an efficient, cost-effective strategy to achieve it. Where a contentious issue is not settled at an early stage, he has experience in depth of litigation, arbitration and mediation.

With digital transformation being a key focus, he acts for the full range of businesses, from global household names to established growth companies to innovative disruptors.

As head of Osborne Clarke's Defence, Security & Aerospace group, he helps industry clients manage complex and contentious supply chain issues and assists them in high value negotiations with the UK Ministry of Defence.

Clients say he gives clear advice, doesn't sit on the fence, is pragmatic and is easy to work with.

Helping you succeed in tomorrow's world

I am part of Osborne Clarke's Social Diversity group, which supports and encourages social diversity within the business. Crucially, we are also active in our wider community, encouraging young people to consider education and career routes they might have otherwise rejected. I find this massively rewarding. I take a future looking approach to help clients drive maximum value from their people's ideas and innovations.  Working with clients I develop workable IP strategies and equip their teams with the tools and knowledge to protect assets and build long term value, beyond the specific contract or deal in question.

Douglas leads on IP rights issues arising in the defence and technology sectors (Legal 500)

Cable & Wireless

Acted on a complicated dispute regarding the provision of international data circuits between London and Lagos, Nigeria

A defence client

Successfully resolved a multi-million pound technology implementation dispute between a defence sector client and a UK government agency

Supplier to UK Ministry of Defence

Advising on £multi-million disputes arising out of pandemic interruptions.

Global Telecoms Company

Acting for household name supplier in High Court litigation regarding improper activations by third parties of sim cards.

Major Defence Contractor

Negotiating intellectual property provisions of £1.3bn contract with UK Ministry of Defence.

Global Technology Provider

Working with household name Tech Co to negotiate bespoke intellectual property terms for delivery of hyper-cloud computing services to a UK government agency (value of contract ca. £1bn).