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Simon Chalkley

Partner

England & Wales

020 3319 3700

simon.chalkley@keystonelaw.co.uk

Simon is a commercial intellectual property law specialist with 35 years’ experience advising brand, creative, and technology-driven businesses on IP strategy, transactions, and law. He is a recognised expert in transactions relating to the commercial exploitation of all intellectual property rights with particular expertise in licensing, distribution (including selective distribution), technology transfer, and franchising agreements. He also has a particular interest and expertise in the insurance of intellectual property risk within transactions. Simon advises businesses both in the UK and internationally.

Simon’s experience spans a diverse range of business sectors, including fashion and luxury, interactive entertainment, consumer products, software and electronics, and engineering and construction technology.

Expertise

Simon advises on the full lifecycle of IP and technology, including licensing, protection, enforcement, commercialisation, audits, transactions, and strategy across trade marks, patents, designs, copyright, software, and confidential information.

Experience

  • Advised an international building materials company on the renegotiation of international patent cross-licensing arrangements related to one of its product technologies.
  • Advised a multi-award-winning textile/materials company on an international technology collaboration and patent licensing transaction with a major US player.
  • IP audit and strategy review for a leading international optical instruments business and updating template IP agreements.
  • Advised a global luxury fashion label on brand extension deals across a range of product categories (including fragrance, eyewear, and luggage) with leading specialist category partners.
  • Advised a leading construction company on the acquisition from a UK university of technology arising out of a collaboration and the licensing of associated patents.
  • Advised a pharmaceutical company on a complex global trade marks co-existence.
  • Advised a leading consumer electronics business in the audio space on IP licensing and services agreements in the automotive space.
  • Advised a leading pet food / products company on trade mark matters on several brand portfolio acquisitions.
  • Advised video game publishers on various contractual and IP matters including development and IP acquisition agreements and content clearance.
  • Advised an award-winning product designer on design collaboration contracts.

Simon advises on a wide range of commercial agreements, including franchising, merchandising, distribution, sponsorship, confidentiality, and manufacturing, as well as contract reviews, development agreements, and tailored supply chain arrangements.

Experience

  • Drafted new template agreements for a well-known luxury fashion company for use with suppliers and wholesale customers respectively.
  • Advised a leading international distributor of FMCGs on various international distribution contracts with third-party brands.
  • Advised a leading operator on public procurement services contracts and concessions related to cycle and scooter schemes.
  • Advised on sponsorship agreements for a fashion brand with an F1 racing team.
  • Developed franchise and area development templates for fashion retailers and restaurant brands and advised on international franchise expansions.

Simon advises fashion and retail brands on IP law, strategy, transactions, and IP contract disputes.

Experience

  • Advised a luxury fashion label on brand extension deals across a range of product categories (including fragrance, eyewear, and luggage) with leading specialist category partners.
  • Advised a leading UK fashion group on its international expansion through franchising/territory development agreements.
  • Advised a well-known luxury womenswear label on brand collaboration partnerships as well as other commercial arrangements including supply and manufacturing.
  • Advised a leading lingerie brand on a major product range co-branding and endorsement deal with an internationally-renowned film star and model.
  • Advised a fast-growing sports/apparel brand on international brand protection/enforcement strategies and co-existence issues.
  • Advised a veteran of the UK fashion industry on various brand licensing/extension deals and co-existence agreements.
  • Advised a leading fashion brand on various design infringement matters vs third-party retailers.
  • Advising an award-winning ‘independent’ UK beauty company on various brand licensing and product distribution agreements.
  • Advised a leading footwear business on various commercial matters including IT services contracts.

Simon advises brands and creative and technology-driven businesses on IP law, strategy, transactions, and IP contract disputes.

Experience

  • Advised a leading video games company on a myriad of computer game development, licensing, and other IP transactions related to its portfolio.
  • Advised video games developers and film production companies on brand and other IP issues related to ‘real world’ content featured in video games and other media.
  • Advised a fast-growth AI software company on the development of an IP strategy for the business.
  • Advised on a procurement contract for the development and supply of technology in relation to micro-mobility vehicles.
  • Advised a leading retail brand on IT services contracts with third-party suppliers.

Please note: The experience list above may include examples of work completed prior to joining Keystone Law.

Recognition

Recognised by Chambers Global for Intellectual Property 2026

Recognised by Chambers UK for Intellectual Property 2025 – 2026

Recognised by IAM (Intellectual Asset Management) Strategy 300 as a World Leading IP Strategist 2025

Recognised by IAM (Intellectual Asset Management) Strategy 300 as a Global Leader 2025

Recognised by IAM (Intellectual Asset Management) Strategy 300, IAM Patent 1000 2025

Recognised by The Legal 500 for Intellectual Property: Trade Marks, Copyright and Design 2025

Recognised by The Legal 500 for Intellectual Property: Patents 2025-2026

Recognised by Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) IP Stars as a Transactions star 2025

Recognised by Best Lawyers UK for Intellectual Property Law 2009–2025

Recognised by WTR1000 – Recommended – Individuals: transactions 2025

Recommended by WIPR Leaders for expertise in IP, including patent, trademark, and copyright issues 2024

“Simon is very well-regarded in franchising and for his games industry knowledge.”

Chambers UK 2025

Simon qualified as a solicitor in 1991. Prior to joining Keystone Law in 2020, he was a Partner at the following firms:

  • Wiggin
  • Redd
  • Jones Day