Mark Watts

Partner
mark.watts@bristows.com
+44 (0)20 7400 8000



BSc (Hons.) Physics, University of Wales
D.Phil Semiconductor Physics, University of Oxford 
Qualified 1995
Partner 2003

Mark is an IT specialist with over 18 years experience. He advises companies on IT legal issues such as software development, system deployment, outsourcing, E-Commerce and data protection.  Much of Mark's experience was gained in-house at IBM where he held various roles. 

Mark has advised on many high-profile private and public sector outsourcing transactions.  He advises companies deploying business critical IT platforms and applications, as well as advising on the creation of social networking websites, cloud computing, mobile apps and online trading websites.  Mark has particular expertise in data protection; he was Global Privacy Counsel at IBM for many years.  He advises many multinationals companies on general international data protection compliance issues, particularly on international data transfers matters, such as Binding Corporate Rules.

Mark has particular expertise in advising companies how to respond to data protection enforcement actions, including Monetary Penalty Notices.

Mark is on the correspondent panel of Computer Law & Security and is a member of the editorial board of Privacy & Data Protection. 
 

Directory Credentials

Recommended for

• Internet & e-Commerce - Who's Who Legal (2013)
• Computers and IT Law - Super Lawyers UK (2013)
• Data Protection and Information Technology (Key Individual) - Chambers and Partners (2013/2012/2011)
• IT and Telecoms - Legal Experts (2013/2012/2011)
• Outsourcing (Key Individual) - Chambers and Partners (2013)
• IT and telecoms (Leading Individual) - The Legal 500 (2012/2011)
• Data Protection (Leading Individual) - The Legal 500 (2012)
• Information Technology: Data Protection - Best Lawyers UK (2012)

"Mark Watts continues to attract praise for his top-quality advice. Sources say: 'He is not only a subject matter expert, but pragmatic in his approach. His deep knowledge of how companies work makes him a business-oriented lawyer.' He has recently advised Sony on its development of a binding corporate rules (BCR) strategy." - Chambers and Partners 2013  

"Department head Mark Watts has represented Google in complex regulatory work arising from its collection of data via WiFi networks during the expansion of its StreetView service. One clients praises him as follows: 'I like the way he'll always give me a steer on something - he doesn't sit on the fence. He's helped us get some very good results in difficult situations'." - Chambers and Partners 2013

"Practice head Mark Watts advised household name clients regarding online and IT product launches. Other clients include Yell, Everything Everywhere and Hutchison 3G UK." - The Legal 500 2012

"Practice head Mark Watts gives ‘superb, practical guidance’. - The Legal 500 2012

"Mark Watts is particularly valued by clients for his advisory work in the IT sphere. He is a former in-house counsel for IBM and sources note that 'his ability to understand risks from a client's business perspective truly sets him apart'." - Chambers and Partners 2012

"...he's 'expertise is consistently excellent and relevant to a client's business interests'. His experience as former IBM global privacy officer is also considered to add value to his data protection advice." - Chambers and Partners 2012

"At Bristows, practice head Dr Mark Watts ('an excellent advisor on data protection') is overall European co-ordinator and advisor to new client Google on high-profile data collection matters" - The Legal 500 2011

"Mark Watts is a highly regarded specialist commended by sources for his calm and commercial approach. One client said: 'He has extensive knowledge and experience across the legal data protection spectrum. He always gives in-depth legal analysis and has an extremely good understanding of our industry'." - Chambers and Partners 2011

"Mark Watts focuses on non-contentious work; he is managing Business Software Alliance's entire UK software licence enforcement programme" - Chambers and Partners 2011

"Mark Watts made us feel very comfortable in our approach and was very responsive" - Chambers and Partners 2011