DLA Piper bolsters IP and Technology ranks with seasoned patent litigator Calum Smyth

Global law firm DLA Piper today announces the hire of Calum Smyth as a partner, expanding its IP and Technology practice. Calum, a seasoned patent litigator and strategic IP advisor with 25 years’ experience across private practice and in-house settings, departs Wiggin LLP where he was a partner for over five years following his role as Global Head of IP for Barclays. Calum will be based in the firm’s London office, reinforcing its cross-border IP advisory and international dispute capabilities, collaborating closely across the global platform.

Calum’s background spans industries, with notable experience in financial services, technology and FMCG. He has established a reputation for managing technically complex, multi-jurisdictional patent and copyright litigation and mediation, including in relation to AI, software, biotech and telecoms. Beyond contentious matters, Calum regularly provides strategic advice to clients on how to build and enforce strong intellectual property rights, and how to navigate third party IP risks, as well as advising on complex IP transactions. He is recognised by IAM among the world’s leading IP strategists, and currently sits on the UK Council of AIPPI.

Paul Allen, partner and Global Co-Chair of DLA Piper’s IP and Technology group, comments: “Our global IP platform continues to grow, delivering complex work for our clients by leveraging our broad footprint and its regional lenses to safeguard their innovations and protect their brands seamlessly across their key markets. Calum’s joining marks a fantastic addition to this bench. His significant experience at the intersection of IP and technology, and in financial services leadership, is closely aligned to our strategic vision and will add significant value for our clients.”

Calum Smyth, partner at DLA Piper, comments: “DLA Piper’s significant IP capabilities across its global platform, and presence in the sectors I focus on, make it an exciting time to join the team and help to drive the growth of this significant practice. The rapid evolution of emerging technologies, such as AI, along with an increasingly competitive market, has seen IP challenges and patent disputes grow in both volume and complexity, and I look forward to collaborating closely with my new colleagues to support our clients’ successes.”