Rob is a Partner in Osborne Clarke’s Intellectual Property Disputes team. His practice covers IP litigation and other disputes, as well as trade mark prosecution and the management of global trade mark portfolios.
Many of Rob's clients operate in fast-moving technology-driven industries – including the interactive entertainment, digital content, fintech and life sciences sectors. This has led him to advise on cutting edge disputes where legal principles need to be applied to new digital environments and technologies, including proto-metaverses and artificial intelligence.
Rob has been described as "a brilliant litigator" by Chambers, as a “commercially minded, technical expert” by Legal 500 and as “a first choice adviser for any brand protection work” by World Trademark Review 1000.
Rob's UK litigation experience ranges from pharmaceutical patent litigation through to high profile trade mark disputes – such as the successful defence of Sky’s Now TV from a passing off claim brought by the operators of a Now TV in Hong Kong; a case which went all the way to the UK’s Supreme Court.
Rob is an active member of the Intellectual Property Lawyers’ Association and MARQUES, the leading European trademark association. He was Chair of MARQUES' European Trademark Law and Practice Team for over five years and a member of its Trade Mark Reform and Brexit Task Forces.
Robert has a degree in Jurisprudence from Oxford University and a Post Graduate Diploma in IP Law and Practice from Bristol University.
Helping you succeed in tomorrow's world
The digital transformation of our world is gathering even more pace. I am very lucky to work with clients who are leading the way with the use of transformative technologies, including AI. This is always throwing up interesting new challenges and issues, which means that the life of a lawyer at Osborne Clarke is never dull.
"a brilliant litigator."
"a first choice adviser for any brand protection work"
Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Peacocks and Jaeger
Acted for the administrators for the Edinburgh Woollen Mill group to obtain urgent interim injunction and high court proceedings to recover a portfolio of domain names that had been transferred out of the group.
Lola VFX
High court passing off claim for leading Hollywood special effects company against similarly named UK based special effects company.
Hyundai Motors
Advised on a number of disputes relating to parallel imports and advertising campaigns.
Dreams
Advised this major mattress and bed retailer on a series of comparative advertising disputes with competitors and retailers.
JP Morgan Chase
Clearence, protection and enforcement advice, including for their Nutmeg investment platform and WePay payments brands.
Yugo Students
Global clearence and protection project for the YUGO student accommodation brands owned by Global Student Accommodation.
