Ian is a highly-skilled Brand Management and Intellectual Property lawyer with a keen focus on the legal aspects of marketing, advertising, sales promotions, sponsorship and endorsement agreements, lotteries and merchandising.
He is a trusted, and long-term, advisor to McDonald’s for all manner of marketing activities. During his career he has also acted for a range of household names including HMV, NCP, New Look, River Island, Luxottica and Swarovski.
Expertise
Ian advises on drafting and negotiating complex supply, distribution, licensing, franchising, and sponsorship agreements. He regularly supports global brands and corporates across sectors such as retail, hospitality, media, and gaming, ensuring commercial arrangements are compliant, strategic, and value-driven.
Experience
Advising McDonalds on promotional activity, advertising and digital activities and sports sponsorship in addition to brand, marketing and general commercial law.
Commercial supply and sale arrangements for a global supplier of private label and own-brand cosmetics to internationally renowned retailers including A.S. Watson of the Hutchison Whampoa group and Marks and Spencer.
Advising a USA-based global gambling group, on UK gambling market and general legislation, including the reverse takeover of Isle of Man Virtual Casino.
Ian advises on all aspects of privacy and data protection, including compliance, risk management, and marketing practices. He supports clients with regulatory guidance, ASA investigations, and promotional activities.
Experience
Advising internationally renowned luxury hotel chains on ASA investigations and advertising and marketing.
Prize promotional guidance for Luxottica and Swarovski.
Please note: The experience list above may include examples of work completed prior to joining Keystone Law.
Recognition
Recognised in The Legal 500 for Reputation Management 2018, 2024 – 2025
Recognised in The Legal 500 for Media and Entertainment 2020-2023
Recognised in the Legal 500 for Brand Management 2017-2018
Recognised in the Legal 500 for Commercial Contracts 2017
“Keystone Law's Ian Down acts for McDonald's in relation to IP, licensing and sponsorship matters. Other clients include HCT Europe and Biscuiterie Jules Destrooper.”
The Legal 500 2016
“Ian Down focuses on advertising, marketing and sponsorship matters and is regularly instructed by McDonald's UK.”
The Legal 500 2013
Ian qualified as a solicitor in 1988. Prior to joining Keystone Law in 2014, he worked at the following firms:
