Gowling WLG houses a broad practice which assists clients with a diverse range of issues, including digital marketing relating to online choice architecture, fake reviews, and marketing to children. Advertising expert Dan Smith leads the team, regularly advising on a broad range of matters relating to greenwashing, affiliate marketing, and social media. Associate Kate Hawkins advises a number of global corporates in the automotive, retail, and food and drink sectors on influencer marketing, and is particularly adept at defending against complaints made to the ASA; while senior associate Zoe Pearman maintains an IP focused practice, and primarily handles copy clearance and promotional marketing issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Dan Smith is our main contact. He has a deep understanding of automotive markets and provides pragmatic, commercially relevant advice with a great level of responsiveness.'
- 'Dan Smith is very knowledgeable, offers practical advice, and is super experienced in advertising law.'
Key clients
- Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games
- Volkswagen Group
- Weetabix
- Carlsberg Marstons
- Commonwealth Games England
- Hasbro, Inc.
- Premier Foods
- Oxfam
- Volvo
- Wickes
Work highlights
- Advised Hovis and Volkswagen Group to ensure their marketing claims avoid falling foul of the Competition and Markets Authority's new Green Claims Code, including by providing training and copy clearance.
- Advising on digital marketing issues around influencer marketing, fake reviews, augmented reality and digital marketing to children, with clients including disruptive businesses and innovative digital advertisers.
- Assisted a leading European food manufacturer (which owns a number of key frozen food brands) and global automotive manufacturer in connection with the appointment of a new pan-European and/or global media agency for media booking and buying services.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Dan Smith