“Ross Nicol is a highly regarded commercial partner whose expertise in intellectual property, technology and franchising has made him a trusted adviser to leading retail and hospitality brands. Combining sharp legal analysis with genuine commercial insight, he delivers pragmatic, forward-looking solutions that protect brand value and support sustainable business growth.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial, 2026

Ross Nicol is a partner in the Commercial Group at Addleshaw Goddard, advising clients across the UK on intellectual property, information technology and complex commercial arrangements. With over 20 years’ experience acting for both public and private sector organisations, Ross is widely recognised for his strong commercial judgement and practical, solutions-led advice.

As noted in Legal 500, “Ross Nicol is excellent. He takes time to understand our needs and the situation, before offering advice and solutions which not only solve problems, but offer ways forward.”

What He Actually Does

In plain English, Ross helps businesses protect their brand, structure commercial relationships properly, and manage risk in supply, IT and franchising arrangements.

His core areas of expertise include:

• Intellectual property transactions and licensing
• Patent, trade mark and software licensing
• Research and development agreements
• Supply and distribution arrangements
• Outsourced services agreements
• Franchise agreements and international franchising models
• IT procurement and software licensing
• Data protection, consumer law and advertising compliance

Ross regularly advises on the creation, protection and commercialisation of IP rights, ensuring that contracts reflect both legal requirements and commercial realities.

Sector Focus

Ross has particular strength in the retail, food and drink, and hospitality sectors.

He is the lead partner for The Restaurant Group, whose brands include Wagamama and Barburrito, advising on intellectual property, franchising, supply chain, IT and logistics arrangements. He has also advised on aspects of the group’s divestment of its leisure business to Big Table Group.

Ross has extensive experience in franchising, including advising TRG on UK airport concession arrangements involving international brands such as Shake Shack and Jones the Grocer. He has also advised major UK retail brands including Marks and Spencer and The Card Factory on international franchising models and agreements.

In addition, he has acted for leading UK drinks brands on brand acquisitions and associated supply and distribution arrangements, and for major UK retailers on managed legal service arrangements covering day-to-day commercial contracts, logistics and IT matters.

Why He is Different

Ross is known for combining detailed legal expertise with strong commercial awareness. He takes time to understand the operational and strategic context of his clients’ businesses before advising, ensuring that solutions are practical, proportionate and forward-looking.

His experience includes secondment to a global pharmaceutical company and several years on the Advisory Board of the Scottish Lifesciences Association, giving him valuable insight into regulated and innovation-led sectors.

Trust Markers

• Partner, Commercial Group, Addleshaw Goddard
• Over 20 years advising on IP, IT and commercial law
• Recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for Intellectual Property and IT
• Recognised by IAM Patent 1000, World Trade Mark Review and Managing IP: IP Stars
• Board Member, Tron Theatre, Glasgow

Chambers notes that “Ross demonstrates strong commercial and legal knowledge,” reflecting his reputation as a trusted adviser for complex commercial and IP matters.

Contact:
Telephone: +44 (0) 141 574 238