Joel Vertes & Matt Pollins—Olswang

International technology, media and telecoms (TMT) law firm Olswang has announced the promotion of two lawyers to the partnership: London IP and franchising specialist Joel Vertes and Singapore-based TMT and sourcing specialist Matt Pollins.

Joel, whose partnership is effective 1 May, will focus his London-based practice on further expanding the firm’s international franchising practice in the retail and leisure sectors and will continue his contentious and non-contentious IP work for Olswang’s tech, media and sports clients. With 13 years’ experience of advising on all aspects of IP, Joel now heads Olswang’s franchising and licensing team, acting for clients on a complex array of international transactions, such as overseas brand launches and licensing arrangements. He has acted for major high-street and luxury fashion brands, restaurant groups, hotels and sports brands, helping their brands expand in territories such as China and the Middle East. He is also an experienced IP litigator, having led major trade mark and copyright proceedings at every level of the courts.

Matt is a commercial lawyer with a particular focus on TMT and sourcing. He was appointed to the partnership in February. He advises clients from start-ups to global multinational corporations and governments on business and law in Asia. His practice spans commercial, transactional, regulatory and intellectual property advice across TMT, sourcing and supply chain, including e-commerce, cloud, data, cyber security, digital media, gaming and logistics. He chairs CASBAA 2020, an industry body for pay TV companies studying the future of media consumption.

Olswang CEO Paul Stevens comments: “I am delighted to welcome Joel and Matt into the partnership, and I’m particularly pleased that this year’s partner promotions are both lawyers who have trained, grown and excelled here at Olswang.”

“Both Joel and Matt have become hugely valued, successful and experienced members of their teams. Joel has become a leader in our industry-recognised IP practice, having established the firm’s franchising offering, leveraging his IP expertise to help brands build their businesses abroad. Matt has played an integral role in developing the firm’s TMT and sourcing practice in the Asia-Pacific region. Joel will no doubt thrive here in London, and Matt is poised to do great things in Singapore. I wish them both well as they take this next step in developing their careers.”

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