John Yates
Partner
Commercial
John is a Partner and Group Head of the Commercial team. He specialises in assisting clients with day-to-day business contracts, complex technology arrangements, and Intellectual Property and Media Law matters.
John has wide experience in a number of business sectors and has a strong track record in helping his clients achieve their business goals. He is known for his clear and concise communication and his ability to understand and demystify intricate legal concepts.
John strives to help businesses protect themselves from risk and grow their value. A strong background in diligence has given him the opportunity to better understand the chinks a business may have in its legal armour.
Before qualifying as a lawyer, John had a long and varied career in the music and media industry where he developed first hand commercial expertise.
John first graduated with a degree in Biochemistry from Imperial College, London.
John works primarily in our Brighton office but also collaborates closely with colleagues in our other locations.
Work highlights
SUPPLY AGREEMENT
Helped a technology /engineering client negotiate and conclude a long-term £250m manufacturing and supply agreement with a global electronics business.
COMMERCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
Regularly advises a globally-recognised arts organisation in relation to its commercial arrangements, including use of its venue for third party productions and filming location agreements.
BRAND LICENCE
Negotiated and concluded a brand licence agreement with a well-known retailer which will allow our client to roll out that retailer’s “own-brand” products throughout the world.
ACQUISITION AND IP ASSETS
Advised Kelsey Publishing Limited, a major magazine publisher whose portfolio includes periodicals such as Psychologies, Period Homes, Triathlon Plus, and Outdoor Fitness, on several deals, both acquisitions and sales including IP assets worth in the region of £4.5 million
Services
Sectors
Recent articles
Insights
Three changes that may simplify your day-to-day compliance and a new complaints’ regime arriving this summer.
07/04/2026
Insights
The Procurement Act will come into force in October 2024. Transforming public procurement, it aims to promote transparency, efficiency and accountability.
23/08/2024
Insights
Many have put in place the right measures to meet the Consumer Duty’s requirements, but a substantial number have yet to do so.
09/08/2024
Podcasts
In this episode, we delve into the risks and opportunities confronting businesses involved in global trade or aspiring to expand their international footprint amidst the current economic climate.
12/04/2024