Gowling WLG has bolstered its Dubai operations with two key hires in the fields of media, sports, and intellectual property (IP).
The firm welcomes Fiona Robertson as counsel, tasked with heading the Middle East media and sports division. With over three decades in media and entertainment, including 18 years in the Middle East and North Africa, Robertson previously held the position of general counsel at OSN.
Her professional background encompasses media, broadcasting, streaming services, music, live events, entertainment, and sports rights. Additionally, she provides guidance on content financing, creation, distribution, and licensing, as well as advertising, marketing regulations, digital platforms, IP, and compliance. Robertson’s clientele includes broadcasters, streaming platforms, rights holders, sports organizations, brands, and tech firms.
Tim Casben, Gowling WLG’s Middle East head, noted that Robertson’s addition will enhance the firm’s capabilities in IP and technology. He stated, “The media, entertainment, and sports sectors in the Middle East are growing at a remarkable pace, driven by investment in streaming, live events, and major sporting properties.” Casben added, “Fiona understands the legal issues and the commercial pressures our clients face in these high-growth sectors.”
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James Dunne has also joined the firm as the Middle East head of brands, based in Dubai. Previously, he led the IP practice at Hadef & Partners in the UAE.
Dunne specializes in both contentious and non-contentious IP issues, such as trademarks, copyright, designs, brand protection, enforcement, advertising clearance, IP litigation, and IP rights commercialization. His clients span regional businesses and multinational corporations across various sectors.
Jon Parker, head of Gowling WLG’s Middle East IP practice, highlighted that Dunne’s expertise will help meet the rising demand for specialized IP advice in the region. He commented, “As demand for sophisticated IP advice continues to grow across the Middle East, James’s appointment reflects our ambition to offer clients the very best specialist expertise, both regionally and as part of our global platform.”
Dunne’s appointment follows the recent addition of Christine Khoury as a partner in the firm’s technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) group.