Intellectual Property: Getting the Best out of External IP Counsel

Sophie Braithwaite, In-house Legal Counsel, Airwave, United Kingdom

This session will focus on two areas. First, an update on recent developments in company law, including the relaxation of the capital maintenance rules in the Companies Act 2006. Second, consideration of the Companies (Cross-Border) Merger Regulations 2007 and its increasing use by groups seeking to consolidate their group structures.

Sophie Braithwaite works as In-house Legal Counsel at Airwave Solutions Limited (“Airwave”), a technology & telecommunications company which delivers critical communications solutions both within the UK and Internationally. Sophie trained as a solicitor at Wragge & Co in London. Prior to training she worked for several years in the Food & Drink/ Media sectors, as a Business Affairs Executive for Jamie Oliver Limited - supporting Jamie Oliver’s range of businesses in their commercial endeavours. Most notably Sophie was responsible for the management of the company’s Intellectual Property portfolio.

Airwave Solutions Limited designed, built and operates the largest public safety radio communications network in the world, delivering critical voice and data communications to organisations that provide vital public services. It was also an official supplier to London 2012, delivering a radio communications network and solutions to over 15,000 end users. Whilst Sophie supports the business across the full commercial spectrum in a general in-house role, she has an interest in and specialises in Intellectual Property and business innovation.