DLA Piper’s new partner

Katie Montazeri has been promoted to partne at DLA Piper Dubai. Montazeri focuses on commercial contracts. She is an English-qualified solicitor with extensive experience in high-value technology deals, particularly in the IP aspects of software and content licensing. She has particular experience with R&D contracts and IP licensing, having undertaken a key role at the University of Manchester's spin-out company whilst working as a secondee. Her role involved working with contract managers, academics and incubator companies to protect and exploit key intellectual property which was developed at the University. Montazeri relocated to the Middle East in April 2012, and since then has focused on growing DLA Piper's IP practice throughout the region in its commercial hub, Dubai. She has advised Du, Fuji, Averda, Etihad Airways, Watts Industries and Tawazun.

Peter Somekh, regional managing partner commented, “We're delighted to announce that Katie Montazeri from the Dubai office has been promoted to Partner effective 1 May 2015. She is one of 44 lawyers who have recently joined the DLA Piper partnership globally and her focus will remain on Intellectual Property and Franchising across the GCC.”