Dan Smith > Gowling WLG > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Led by Dan Smith, the team at Gowling WLG is skilled at handling international advertising and marketing matters for major global brands and advertisers across a number of key sectors, from automotive to fashion. The team is adept at advising on advertising issues related to major product launches, and has been active in ESG claims, copy clearance, and mandates involving the use of AI in advertising. Additionally, the group stands out for its strong regulatory capabilities and proficiency in sponsorship and sports marketing deals. Practice head Smith advises major brands, rights holder and agencies on the full scope of matters, from greenwashing, to promotions, sponsorships, ASA complaints, and ambush marketing. IP specialist Kate Swaine handles brands and advertising clearance and enforcement mandates. Other noteworthy practitioners include Kate Hawkins and Zoe Pearman, who assist retail, food and beverage, and automotive clients with a range of advertising and marketing matters.

Counting a litany of high-profile life sciences, technology, and retail clients in its client roster, the ‘fabulous’, ‘high-quality’ and ‘proactive’ team at Gowling WLG’s core streams of work incorporate elements of brand strategy, design litigation, advertising, and licensing. Practice leader Kate Swaine, who is based in Birmingham, supports several household name brands in their global protection and enforcement programmes. John Coldham is at the forefront of the firm’s brands and designs work, with notable strengths in design law. Matt Hervey is the firm’s resident AI law expert in the IP field, while Dan Smith leads the advertising law team with his extensive experience in the area. Mathilda Davidson, transactional IP specialist, is also recommended.