Oliver Bray > RPC > London, England > Lawyer Profile

RPC counts major tech, social media, and newspaper companies among its impressive roster of clients, handling the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters for clients including Meta, Google, TikTok, and the BBC. Jon Bartley leads on data advisory matters, with a sector focus on retail and technology. Richard Breavington takes point on cyber matters, while Rupert Cowper-Coles and David Cran are the key names for data and tech disputes. Also in the core team is Oliver Bray, whose practice has a particular focus on data issues relating to digital media and online retail. The ‘oustanding’ Joe Lippitt was elevated to the partnership in May 2023 and is also recommended.

RPC‘s comprehensive client roster – including major social media platforms and digital content publishers – benefits from the firm’s broader expertise in media, data protection, commercial, advertising, IP and litigation. Practice head Oliver Bray specialises in advertising and is a regular advisor to platform-based tech giants such as Meta (including all of its platforms) and Google; his workload further spans ecommerce, AdTech and regulatory investigations. Other recommended individuals include renowned media litigator Rupert Cowper-Coles, who represents a number of leading tech organisations and digital publishers, and data protection expert Jon Bartley.

RPC offers pragmatic advice rooted in strong sector experience, with notable expertise in matters pertaining to tech and media, sport, and insurance. The firm has been engaged with substantial commercial projects over the past twelve months, including reviewing and updating company policies, counselling on master services agreements, and acting on sector-first partnerships, such as their advisory role for Saracens Rugby Club partnership with Socios that looks to bring tailored crypto-assets to fans. Furthermore, the team continues to establish itself as a leading player in the hospitality retail industry, adding the landmark brewing and distribution deal between Shepherd Neame and Boon Rawd to its matter portfolio. Department head Tom Purton‘s expertise ensures the group are sought out by established logistic corporates, and is known as a go-to for outsourcing arrangements. Paul Joukador is chiefly recognised for his supply chain arrangements, particularly in the retail sector, whilst Oliver Bray‘s broad practice attracts the interest of global tech giants – with regular support from Ciara Cullen. Charles Buckworth is highlighted for his excellence on financial services-related mandates, including finalising master services and framework agreements. Senior associate Eleanor Harley has also been active on a wide range of matters.

RPC acts for leading digital platforms, insurance providers and retail businesses on matters relating to media, tech and outsourcing. On the contentious side the team handles disputes while non-contentious work involves providing regulatory advice, commercial agreements and acquisitions. Jeremy Drew is experienced in representing large tech platforms and leads the team while Oliver Bray has market-leading expertise in digital, consumer and advertising. Disputes lawyer David Cran  is experienced in arbitration with support from Keith Mathieson who is involved in media defence. Mark Crichard advises on complex tech and outsourcing contracts. SSSpecialist tech litigator Helen Armstrong has added strength on the contentious side since her arrival from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in 2022.

RPC‘s sports group and commercial division chief Jeremy Drew is a key contact for a range of clients – including rugby teams, sports data companies, sports investors, sports consultancy companies and football clubs – on a diverse array of matters that includes litigations and commercial agreements. Oliver Bray works with social media clients on issues that intersect social media with sport. Tax specialists Adam Craggs and Michelle Sloane support Drew in advising clients, such as football clubs, on contentious tax matters concerning player transfers and agent fees. Josh Charalambous is a key name to note at the junior end, while Samuel Coppard focuses on soft IP infringement issues in the sports sector.

RPC houses a ‘brilliant, yet friendly and personable‘ team, which assists a number of notable clients, namely Shiseido, New Look,and Dreams. The ‘impeccably pragmatic‘ group frequently acts in campaigns, handling endorsement and giveaway related issues, and green claims. Practice head Oliver Bray is a recognised advertising specialist who has ‘always goes above and beyond‘ when assisting clients with copy approval matters, and regulatory investigations. Senior associate Hettie Homewood has a great deal of expertise, having spent time in-house within the e-commerce and luxury retail sectors. Homewood primarily focuses on advising retailers, tech businesses, and media agencies.