Harry Kirkwood

Harry advises on complex technology, outsourcing, commercial and intellectual property matters, with a focus on large, business‑critical arrangements. He has experience leading large‑scale outsourcing and transformation programmes, major technology procurements (including platforms and infrastructure), and commercial arrangements, including supply, distribution, licensing and strategic partnerships that support core business activities.

Harry also advises on the commercial, technology and intellectual property aspects of corporate transactions, including acquisitions, divestments and carve‑outs, for corporates, private equity sponsors and strategic investors, and regularly negotiates key operational, licensing and transitional arrangements.

In addition, Harry advises on the commercialisation and deployment of emerging technologies, particularly AI, including data licensing and acquisition for generative AI models, supporting product launches across jurisdictions, and advising on AI governance and regulation, including policies, risk assessments and related contract frameworks.

The Legal 500 UK recognises Harry Kirkwood as a key lawyer in Commercial Contracts, highlighting: “Harry Kirkwood is fully dedicated to his clients and is always dependable to be across every detail. He always goes the extra mile to deliver client needs without concerns. He is a pleasure to work with.”

Technology and outsourcing

• Advised BAT on its long-term global strategic partnership with Accenture to transform and outsource its Global Business Solutions and Supply Network Operations functions.
• Advised a leading artificial intelligence company on its contractual arrangements for the establishment of (at the time) the largest AI inferencing data centre in the world, located in Saudi Arabia.
• Advised a large European insurance company on a high-value technology and outsourcing agreement for the development and procurement of a new strategic customer platform.
• Advised a global professional services firm on a major outsourcing arrangement with IBM, focused on platform infrastructure and application maintenance services.
• Advised a leading UK telecommunications group on its partnership with a digital bank to launch a bank‑branded mobile proposition.
• Advised a global port investor and operator on its procurement of a large fleet of autonomous vehicles, automated battery stations, spare parts, and related software for deployment in one of Europe’s largest port operations.
• Advised a government agency on a high-value technology and outsourcing agreement for the development and procurement of an ERP system.
• Advised a global outsourcing, technology and professional services company on its contractual arrangements with the DCC in connection with the UK’s smart metering programme.
• Advised on the contractual arrangements between a US space and satellite communications company and a leading Malaysian telecommunications provider, to enable the rollout of satellite internet services in Malaysia.
• Advised a Japanese multinational on a long-term exclusive global licence of technology for use in green hydrogen production.

Commercial

• Advised Mondelēz International on the commercial agreements and intellectual property licensing arrangements relating to its partnership with Merlin Entertainments in respect of Cadbury World.
• Advised a multinational pharmaceutical company, on its commercial agreements in connection with the launch of a high-profile obesity drug in the UK.
• Advised a leading global snack and confectionery company on the structuring and negotiation of commercial and intellectual property arrangements with a leading bakery and biscuit brand and an international ice cream manufacturer.
• Advised on and negotiated Ted Baker’s key exclusive commercial supply arrangements relating to its global design, development, manufacturing, distribution, sourcing and wholesale operations.
• Advised a leading global consumer healthcare business on distribution and licensing arrangements in connection with its spin-off, including establishing new distribution networks in parts of Africa.

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