Partner, IP/IT Dispute Resolution 

David Knight graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering and practiced as an engineer for a number of years before being recruited into the Intellectual Property group of a leading IP practice to provide technical support in patent infringement actions. David re-qualified as a solicitor and later joined a firm of patent agents where, in addition to acting in patent litigation matters, he gained experience of the filing of patent applications and proceedings before the European Patent Office. David returned to solicitors’ practice and after spending some years with a niche IP practice David joined Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP as a partner in May 2004.

Since qualifying as a solicitor in 1992, David has practiced exclusively IP law;  his practice has expanded from patents to cover the full range of IP rights including trade marks, designs and copyright.   David has conducted some leading cases in the IP field with notable success including:  United Wire v Screen Repair Services - a House of Lords case that established new law on whether a ‘repair’ can constitute patent infringement; and Menashe v William Hill – infringement of a UK patent by an internet system that crossed national boundaries (Court of Appeal).

In addition to conducting contentious matters, David advises on non-contentious matters in particular IP licensing agreements, a subject on which he regularly lectures at Cranfield University. David also often speaks on other IP subjects.

Professional Memberships: Associate of the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents, Licensing Executives Society (LES), The International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property (AIPPI), and Fellow of the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE).

Email: david.knight@ffw.com