Charles Russell Speechlys appoints Robert Lundie Smith as Head of Intellectual Property

Charles Russell Speechlys is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Lundie Smith as Head of Intellectual Property.

Since joining the Firm in November from EIP, Robert has quickly established himself as an integral part of the Firm’s IP team.  He is a highly regarded IP litigator with a proven track record in practice building and leadership and attracting good quality clients. His appointment reflects the Firm’s strategic commitment to growing its IP offering, both in the UK and internationally, and adding patent and technology disputes expertise to its highly respected soft IP practice, and marks the next chapter in the significant development of the team.

This transition forms part of the Firm’s wider investment in the growth of IP, including welcoming Dewdney Drew to lead the brand protection practice, and more recently Valeria Tomasi, an Italian IP lawyer with both contentious and non-contentious IP rights experience, to its Milan office, strengthening Charles Russell Speechlys’ international capability. The Firm continues to explore further opportunities to expand the team in line with market demand.

Robert’s appointment succeeds Mary Bagnall, who after more than a decade leading the group will continue to support the Firm as a Consultant.

Commenting on his appointment, Robert Lundie Smith, Partner and Head of Intellectual Property, said:

I am honoured to take on the leadership of the IP practice at a time of real momentum for the Firm. Mary’s exceptional work has been central to the group’s success, and I look forward to building on that as we continue to expand our capabilities

"With established strength and reputation in brand protection and soft IP and a rapidly developing hard IP practice, the Firm now has a truly full‑service IP team able to assist clients on a full range of multi-jurisdictional IP matters. The extra assistance provided by the Firm’s significant strength in dispute resolution generally, both in terms of commercial litigation and arbitration, along with the depth and experience of the Firm’s highly regarded commercial practice including its extensive high tech experience, provides the necessary support and know-how I consider is needed to handle the fast pace and depth of issues that are now facing parties in the most complex of high tech and FRAND/RAND IP disputes and negotiations.

"I remain focused on strengthening our cross‑border contentious capability, deepening collaboration across our international offices, continuing to work closely with the network of international firms the Firm and clients have connections to, and investing in outstanding talent to deliver success alongside innovative, commercially focused solutions for clients.

Mary Bagnall, adds:

I am delighted to see Rob take on the leadership of the IP team. He is extremely highly regarded throughout the IP profession and since joining us, he has quickly demonstrated his strengths in hard IP and patent and technology disputes along-side his know-how in softer IP matters and associated disputes. His technical depth, commercial mindset and natural leadership abilities make him exceptionally well-suited to guide the group into its next chapter. It has been a privilege to lead such a talented and committed team over the last decade, and I am confident that under Rob’s leadership the practice will continue to grow from strength to strength, broadening our global IP offering and full service offering for clients.