Douglas is a highly experienced partner in our corporate department. Douglas heads up our Data & Technology team and works on all aspects of Intellectual Property /Information Technology law, including the protection and exploitation of trade marks, copyright, branding, patents, know-how, database and design rights. He also has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts such as software as a service (SaaS) agreements, software licences, research and development agreements, agency, distribution and franchise agreements.
He also advises clients in relation to data protection and freedom of information issues, including advising on the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. He is certified by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Cyber Security and advises on digital and cyber issues including the use, regulation and governance of Artificial Intelligence.
Douglas also advises on consumer protection, advertising and marketing and “passing off” issues.
Accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Public Procurement Law, Douglas helps public bodies design and run successful procurement exercises. He also supports private sector tenderers who bid for these contracts. His expert advice is particularly valued on contentious procurement matters, where he helps both aggrieved bidders and defending contracting authorities.
Douglas has acted in numerous cases in both the Court of Session and the sheriff court. He has also gained experience advising on competition law and has advised a number of clients subject to cartel investigation by the Competition & Markets Authority. His expertise has also enhanced mergers and acquisitions that require clearance from UK competition authorities.
Douglas is named as a Leading Partner in Intellectual Property law in Scotland by the Legal 500 (2025).
