Thomson Reuters names eight Keystone Law partners in its Stand-out Lawyers Guide 2026
Andrea James, Andrew Darwin & Anna McKibbin
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.
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
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
Simon advises fashion and retail brands on IP law, strategy, transactions, and IP contract disputes.
Experience
Simon advises brands and creative and technology-driven businesses on IP law, strategy, transactions, and IP contract disputes.
Experience
Please note: The experience list above may include examples of work completed prior to joining Keystone Law.
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 Chalkley is a sensible and experienced practitioner.”
Chambers UK 2024
“Transactional lawyer Simon Chalkley has a wealth of experience in executing commercial deals. Chalkley is a pragmatic operator and a well-known figure on the scene.”
WTR1000 2023
“Simon Chalkley is a capable licensing lawyer.”
Chambers UK 2023
“A true commercial IP lawyer … when it comes to brands there is no question that he is genuinely superb. He is immensely likeable and has a light touch, but his strongest point is his understanding of business.”
WTR1000, 2017
“Sources describe him as a ‘wise, clear-thinking negotiator with a huge range of skills.”
Chambers 2017
“A transactions titan.”
IAM 1000, 2016
“Very practical advisor who gives good advice on possible options and the best ways of managing negotiations.”
Chambers 2016
“A go-to lawyer for commercial transactions … his service and knowledge are impeccable.”
Chambers 2015
“His reports are crystal clear and his commercial advice is bang on. He always knows the best strategy for moving forward.”
Chambers 2014
“True licensing specialist – his advice on trademark policy should be prized because he can really make a mark for a business.”
WTR1000 2014
“… is a leading expert; one patent attorney confided: ‘I referred some of my most demanding clients to Chalkley and they agree that he’s terrific.”
IAM Patent 1000, 2012
“Has an enviable ability to understand clients’ complex business needs and move his service accordingly.”
WTR1000, 2012
Simon qualified as a solicitor in 1991. Prior to joining Keystone Law in 2020, he was a Partner at the following firms: