Partner; Rob is a partner in our IP/Tech group and Head of our Technology and Strategic Sourcing practices. He is global co-head of the Data Privacy Hub and co-leads both our cross stream Cyber Advisory unit and our Emerging Technology team. He advises on all areas of technology, digital and data, including around emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI/ML and IoT, as well as privacy, cyber and the regulation of data across a broad range of sectors. He regularly helps clients understand and mitigate risk, whether linked to a changing regulatory compliance framework, adapting to evolving technological advancement, implementation of material transformation programmes or the increasing complexity around the management of data. His IP practice involves advising on the creation, protection and exploitation of IP rights in a diverse range of sectors, including media, financial services, technology and sport. Rob also has significant experience in handling the IP, technology and data protection aspects of mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other major corporate transactions. As head of the Strategic Sourcing practice, Rob is often called on by clients to advise on risks, structuring options and commercial impacts of sourcing and procurement arrangements. In this role, Rob was part of our 4-partner team leading our independent review of the problems faced by TSB with its major IT platform transformation, the report on which was published in 2019.
England - London • TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Slaughter and May
Counting major technology companies among its key roster of clients, Slaughter and May stands out for its expertise in high-end transactions, strategic sourcings and procurements, regulatory issues, licensing strategies, infrastructure projects and product launches, in addition to IT-related disputes. Rob Sumroy leads the team and assists clients with their response to emerging disruptive technologies, fintech, cyber and e-commerce, while David Ives works across both the public and private sectors on matters concerning business process sourcing. Duncan Blaikie advises on commercial contracts, while Laura Houston focuses on the acquisition and divestment of technology assets. Victoria MacDuff, who is well-versed in cybersecurity and telecoms matters, is another key contact in the group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Laura Houston is outstanding - commercial, responsive and approachable.’
‘Slaughter and May have a well-established team of associates and partners. They offer a no nonsense, pragmatic service.’
Key clients
- Vodafone
- Micro Focus International plc
- Booking Holdings
- Burberry
- PCCW Limited
- Orient Overseas (International) Limited
- Richemont
- SideQuest Ltd
- AVA
- SoftBank
- Ericsson
Work highlights
- Acted for Vodafone Plc in connection with the proposed merger of Vodafone Limited and Hutchison 3G UK Limited
- Advised Micro Focus on the recommended cash acquisition by Open Text Corporation of Micro Focus’ entire issued and to be issued share capital.
- Advised Burberry on the renewal of its global information technology contract with Verizon UK Limited.
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Leading individuals: IT
Partner; David’s practice covers Intellectual Property, Technology, Outsourcing, and Sport. He is the firm’s Head of Intellectual Property and advises on IP protection, exploitation and enforcement, including a particular focus on franchising and sponsorship agreements. He also advises on strategic technology, telecoms and business process sourcing and on software licensing and development agreements, and is an active member of the firm’s Commercial Contracts advisory team.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rob Sumroy