David Gourlay
PartnerDavid specialises in advising on outsourcing arrangements, IT procurement, commercial contracts, intellectual property (including brand management and protection), data protection and freedom of information compliance, cyber security and anti-bribery and corruption.
David is a member of the International Trade Marks Association and the INTA Emerging Issues Committee. He is listed in the 'WWL Thought Leaders: Data' 2023 report for Data Privacy & Protection, Data Information Technology and Data Security. He is also listed as a Global Leader in Who’s Who Legal 2023 for Data Privacy & Protection, Data Security and Information Security and in Who’s Who Legal 2022 as an expert in Trademarks.
David is ranked as a Leader in the Field for Data Protection & Information Law and Information Technology in the 2024 edition of Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession. He is also recommended in the 2023 WTR (World Trademark Review) 1000.
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Why strong SAR systems matter: Lessons from the ICO’s action against Bristol City Council
The ICO has issued an enforcement notice to Bristol City Council after repeated failures to respond to subject access requests, highlighting the importance of robust systems and processes for handling personal data.
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The new offence of failure to prevent fraud: are you prepared?
From 1 September 2025, large organisations could face a new criminal offence if they fail to prevent fraud committed by individuals connected to them. The failure to prevent fraud offence has been introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and represents a significant change for organisations.
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Wasted Potential? What AI Could Do for Public Sector Waste
From tracking down fly-tippers to clearing overflowing bins, waste management is one of the most visible, and often scrutinised, functions of our public services. It’s also a frequent ‘headache headline’ for councils across the UK. As local authorities in Scotland grapple with budget constraints and rising demand, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way waste services are delivered. The technology holds real promise, but its implementation in the public sector is far from straightforward.