David joins from Clyde & Co, where he headed up the firm's intellectual property team in the UK. He has over twenty years' experience of handling disputes and transactions involving patents, trademarks, copyright, designs and confidential information. He has handled a wide variety of major intellectual property disputes and commercial matters in various sectors including IT, media, telecommunications, life sciences and consumer goods. David was also previously a partner at Bristows in London.
Simon Bromwich, head of Ashurst's disputes division, commented:
"The appointment of David is a key part of our strategy to develop the firm's IP practice, with a particular immediate focus in London. David's expertise in covering both contentious and non-contentious work in a broad range of areas is also a perfect complement to our existing international IP capabilities. We are confident that David will make a significant contribution to the team and to our clients and I am very much looking forward to his arrival."
Lisa Ritson, global head of Ashurst's IP team, said:
"David is a fantastic addition to our internationally recognised IP team. His arrival will enable us to continue to build our pre-eminent reputation for acting for many of the world's leading IP proprietors across a range of sectors. David's broad IP expertise across both commercial and dispute matters will be a very valuable addition to our client offering."
Digital economy partner Nick Elverston said:
"Our clients across all sectors are digitalising. This will only increase the importance of IP across the board. Adding David to the team will be a big boost to our capabilities for servicing the digital economy."
David Wilkinson added:
"Ashurst's strong brand combined with its leading position in IP in Australia and notable client base, makes joining the firm a compelling proposition. I am excited to be joining an impressive team which already acts for many leading clients in the IP world. I look forward to developing Ashurst's IP business in the UK and contributing to the further growth of the firm's international IP practice."
