David Copping > Farrer & Co > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Farrer & Co acts for a client roster that encompasses some of the UK’s largest universities, as well as sector associations such as the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The team is respected for its ability to handle crisis management work of a reputationally sensitive nature and is regularly instructed to handle employment matters, commercial issues, and research/IP disputes, with a record of acting in contentious mandates spanning from discrimination and unfair dismissal claims to research misconduct allegations. Under the leadership of IP and commercial specialist David Copping, the London-based team also regularly assists with high-profile projects and partnerships, including campus openings, research collaboration agreements, and acquisitions. The team benefits from the expertise of Kathleen Heycock, whose expertise in employment and safeguarding issues make her a key contact for student complaints, industrial relations, and misconduct allegations. Sam Macdonald, an experienced charity and tax lawyer who is regarded as a key contact for matters related to governance and fundraising, Jeremy Isaacson, who advises on high-profile research and IP issues, and safeguarding specialist David Smellie are also highly recommended.

Farrer & Co is noted for its ability to handle IP licensing, trade mark portfolio management and copyright pre-publication advice, among others. On the litigation side, the department is particularly active in the technology, betting, sports, art and retail sectors. Co-lead Peter Wienand maintains a strong non-contentious practice, routinely operating strategic or organisational change projects for IP-centred businesses, while Ian De Freitas heads the IP disputes team, with notable experience in branding and copyright cases. Owen O’Rorke assists clients with IP work and brand issues, and David Copping focuses has experience in the media, technology, culture and higher education arenas.

Farrer & Co is an established advisor to high-profile UK bodies and businesses, with notable matters such as constructing the sustainability partnership agreements between National Parks Partnership and BMW, with the aim of developing electric charging infrastructure. Beyond its reputable sport related work, the firm also acts on a number of mandates relating to art and culture, media and publishing, education and technology, with team head Paul Jones overseeing joint ventures, supply and distribution arrangements in all these areas. Whilst possessing broad expertise, David Copping has primarily been active in pharmaceutical, care and hospitality matters. Associates Antonia Lyne and David Morgan also come recommended, supporting a range of practice mandates.