Des specialises in intellectual property, covering all aspects of the product innovation cycle, from creation, protection, commercialisation, infringement and sale. Des also advises buyers and sellers of IT systems, software and on outsourcing projects - including assistance to those working under the rules on public procurement.
His clients include: ‘start-up’ software companies through to multi-national IT providers; providers of social media content; banks; charities; a television production company; an Australian software company setting up in the UK; universities; FE colleges; a ‘start-up’ mobile network operator; and an NHS Innovation Hub.
"I do a large amount of work supporting the firm’s education clients advising on IT contracts and the commercialisation of research and technology transfer. I have had 2 secondments to technology transfer offices of research-intensive universities. The work is broad and ranges from: intellectual property policy issues; digital repositories; social networking tools in the education environment; spin-out companies; virtual learning tools; research commercialisation and charitable purposes; licensing; collaboration agreements and intellectual property disputes.
"I strive to understand the commercial and operational environment my clients work within and how we can best support their aims. This is reflected in comments from clients: ‘affable nature and solid understanding of the sector’ Chambers 2010; ‘building a fantastic rapport which means your dealings with him never feel like a standard business transaction’. Legal 500 2009. After giving a talk at an open source software community conference I now have the (rare) distinction of being described as ‘a lawyer who is also a human being’!"
Des chairs the firm’s termly Universities IP Commercialisation Round Table. Please contact him if you would like an invitation.