Charles Russell Speechlys has advised the founders of legal technology business, Obviously, on its sale to AIM listed RWS, a global AI solutions company

Charles Russell Speechlys has advised the founders of Obviously Group Limited, a next generation integrated platform that enables enterprise clients to seamlessly manage, protect and enforce their Intellectual Property (“IP”) and brand integrity, on its sale to RWS.

The transaction brings together Obviously’s technology and RWS’s expertise in patents and localization to create a unified ‘Global Brand Guardianship’ platform. The combination will allow businesses to create, localize, register, monitor, and protect their brands and intellectual property in every market in which they operate, all from one location. It is the first complete solution to integrate the entire brand lifecycle—from development to enforcement—into a single, streamlined platform. Obviously serves enterprise clients across industries such as media, entertainment, technology, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and sports.

Obviously will become part of RWS's Protect division – which helps clients safeguard their ideas globally with confidence by blending the latest technologies with the best of human expertise to optimize every stage of the IP lifecycle, from concept through to commercialization.

Megan Paul, Client Relationship Partner for Obviously Group, reflected on the significance of the transaction:

“It was a privilege to advise Julius and Lewis on what was a milestone transaction for them as founders, and Obviously as a business. We wish them every success for the next chapter.”

Julius Stobbs and Lewis Whiting, Co-founders of Obviously commented:

“We are very grateful for the ingenuity and support of the Charles Russell Speechlys’ team on this milestone transaction. Their impressive tech sector knowledge and extensive Corporate, IP and Tax expertise ensured a successful transaction which is transformational for Obviously and our clients.”

Mark Howard, Corporate Technology Partner who led on the matter, commented:

“We are delighted to have been able to advise Julius and Lewis on such an exciting and cutting-edge legal technology transaction. We look forward to seeing Obviously grow and expand its service offering as part of the RWS group.”

The team was led by Corporate Partner Mark Howard, Senior Associate Jeff Carvell, Associate Eleanor Pooley and Senior Legal Project Manager Pooja Mehta. The wider team included Caroline Young (Commercial/IP), Robert Birchall, Jordan Burnard and Charlotte Inglis (Corporate Tax).

The team co-counselled with Legal Edge (Kate Anavitate). Rockworth Management Partners (Lawrence Price and Zuzana Valkovic) provided corporate finance advice.