Simon Keevey-Kothari

As a Senior Associate in the Transactions team, Simon assists clients in obtaining good, valid title to IP. He has extensive experience of the IP aspects of research and development, which means he is particularly well placed to assist clients in relation to contracts surrounding research projects and technology-related legal issues. In addition, Simon has considerable experience of restoring rights for our clients in the UKIPO and EPO, as well as in other jurisdictions using our network of trusted attorneys, whether necessitated by a client’s unintentional failure to pay a renewal fee or for other reasons.

Simon has authored a number of articles and given webinars on topics such as the restoration of inadvertently-lapsed IP rights, and inventor compensation, and has given talks on technology transfer and the commercialisation and protection of intellectual property. He has also contributed to, or co-authored, a number of IP-related publications, including “Intellectual Property Management in Health and Agricultural Innovation: a handbook of best practices” (2007; Centre for Management of Intellectual Property in Health Research and Development, Oxford, and University of California, Davis); “Drafting Confidentiality Agreements” (2004; Law Society Publishing); and Butterworths’ “Technology Transfer: Law, Practice and Precedents” (2003).

Prior to commencing his career in law, he worked for several years in scientific publishing in London, in the area of medical and biological science peer-review journals. After a number of years as a barrister in independent practice, Simon joined a firm of IP solicitors, during which time he worked closely with various universities and research institutes. During this period he dealt with all manner of technology transfer contracts surrounding research collaborations and the formation of spin-out companies, as well drafting and negotiating research-based IP contracts including material transfer agreements (MTAs), confidentiality agreements (NDAs), patent and know-how licences, and assignments, as well as the IP terms of larger corporate transaction documents.

Simon’s academic background comprises an undergraduate degree in biological sciences, after which he pursued legal studies, and was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1996.

Over the years Simon’s interests have included travel, walking in Spain – including the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail, attending jazz concerts, racing motorcycles and selling 16th century Mughal miniature paintings, to name a few.