Rob Penney

Senior Associate

Rob is a specialist intellectual property lawyer, with a focus on commercial IP.

He advises clients on the use and registration of trade marks, international and national branding issues, infringement, enforcement, and commercialising intellectual property, including licensing and commercial contracts. Rob’s clients come from both the private and public sectors. He advises local and international companies, individuals and start-ups operating in a variety of industries including banking, maritime, beverages, software, education, healthcare, retail, and fashion.

Rob’s work includes advising on infringement risks, in-depth intellectual property due diligence, brand searches, negotiating and preparing settlement and co-existence agreements, and national and international intellectual property assignment and licensing documents. Rob has advised on contentious intellectual property issues, including preparation of cease and desist letters and court proceedings documents.

He also advises on the commercial use of open source licensed software, creative commons licences, and other copyright licence issues. His start-up work includes advising several blockchain based businesses on structural and licensing arrangements. Rob is particularly interested in commercial intellectual property surrounding music and developing technologies, having a previous career in the music technology industry based in London and New York.

Rob’s approach is to provide efficient, client-focused advice. As an audio electronics engineer previously, he has a valuable insight into the music technology industry from the wider business perspective. He can put himself in his client’s shoes to understand their objectives.

Career highlights

Advising on international branding across a range of industries, including banking, maritime, beverages, software, education, healthcare, retail, and fashion.

Defending and asserting intellectual property rights against competitors.

Negotiating and drafting IP sale and purchase agreements around the world.

Advising on the commercial use of open source licensed software, creative commons licences and other copyright licence issues.

Advising on structural and licensing arrangements for blockchain start-up businesses.

Achievements and recognition
  • Recognised team, Leading IP Trademark firm, 2022, Asia IP