Nick Johnson

Nick Johnson is a Partner and International Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications. Nick has long been recognised as a leading advertising and marketing lawyer. He also regularly advises on data protection, online regulatory and gambling issues.

His advertising law practice covers a wide range of issues, including handling ASA cases, advice on AI deployment in a marketing/advertising context, advising on agency/client agreements, copy advice, prize promotions, pricing claims, sponsorship arrangements, talent agreements, comparative advertising, influencer marketing, branded content, media/agency deals, ambush marketing, regulatory lobbying, advertiser compliance review processes, data protection law compliance, social media, behavioural advertising and adtech/programmatic buying issues.

Through his work advising major online platforms on their advertising operations, Nick has also developed extensive experience advising on data protection and online regulatory issues arising in that context. For instance, he has advised on GDPR, Online Safety Act and age verification issues, and on VLOP obligations under the DSA. He has helped numerous clients on engagement with Ofcom, ICO and other regulatory investigations into platform conduct.  

Much of his work is for digital and media clients, but he also regularly advises brands in other sectors, including food and drink, automotive, financial services, retail, leisure, consumer goods and luxury brands.

Directories Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners consistently identify Nick as a leading individual for advertising law.

Nick joined Osborne Clarke as a trainee in 1994 and became a partner at the firm in 2001. Alongside his day job, Nick also sits on the Governance Committee of the Data & Marketing Association. Nick is a regular contributor to Osborne Clarke’s specialist Marketinglaw blog, which he co-founded.