Scott Kerr > Harper Macleod LLP > Edinburgh, United Kingdom > Lawyer Profile

Consistently handling multi-jurisdictional brand protection matters, new trade mark applications, and copyright infringement claims, the Harper Macleod LLP practice is renowned for its ‘excellent knowledge’. Splitting his time between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Jamie Watt leads the group, primarily focusing on cybersecurity and copyright law issues. Glasgow-based E-Ming Fong helps companies in safeguarding their IP rights, while Scott Kerr – who works in Edinburgh – is a data protection expert. Anne Cornelius is a further key contact in Glasgow.

Bringing ‘great knowledge and expertise’, Tom Thomas leads the Harper Macleod LLP team, which specialises in framework services agreements, digital infrastructure projects, and licensing software solutions. Based out of Glasgow, Thomas is an expert in high-value tech contract work and cybersecurity matters, while from Edinburgh, Scott Kerr routinely collaborates with internet-based service providers and Jamie Watt concentrates on data protection issues. In Glasgow, E-Ming Fong primarily focuses on IT disputes. Laura McCorquodale is also recommended.

Harper Macleod LLP ‘has a tight knit team that works closely together to give a first-rate service’ to a broad range of large and listed businesses seeking counsel on domestic and cross-border M&A and other corporate transactions. The firm receives a steady stream of instructions from the public sector and has also seen an uptick of work in the tech, health, life sciences and finance sectors. Team lead Donnie Munro advises across M&A, PE, joint ventures and group reorganisations, while Paula Skinner is a leading figure in the firm’s early stage growth offering. Chris Kerr has wide sector breadth and is reputed for his family office work, while James MacGregor has recently been active on M&A, exits and reorganisations. Jo Nisbet provides corporate and commercial capabilities to high-growth companies, and Stephen Chan handles corporate and corporate finance instructions, while Scott Kerr acts on both M&A and IP mandates. Ross Hampsey, Rachel Miele and Paul MacDonald are also recommended.

Scottish-based firm Harper Macleod LLP is active in corporate franchising transactions for global brands in the technology and food and drinks industries. Scott Kerr now leads the practice following the retirement of former practice head David Kaye, who joined Spencer West in July 2023. Kerr is well placed to advise both franchisees and franchisors.