John Runeckles works as Counsel at the London office of White & Case. He advises clients on all aspects of protection and exploitation of inventions, designs, industrial copyright, know-how and confidential information, including patent infringement and validity matters, IP licences and technology transfer agreements, teaming and collaboration agreements, joint ventures, taking security over IP and IP aspects of mergers and acquisitions.

John has special and extensive experience of the defence industry and government contracts (UK, US and major European NATO nations) and advises clients on all aspects of defence contracts, especially intellectual property issues. John joined White & Case in 1999 prior to which he worked in a number of areas involving the UK and international defence sectors.

John worked for the UK Ministry of Defence from 1975 until 1984 where he was responsible for IP aspects of inter-governmental research and development collaboration agreements and for contracts in the field of aerospace and guided weapons. Between 1981 and 1984 John’s responsibilities were expanded to include the commercial and financial aspects of the UK Ministry of Defence rocket motor design, development and manufacturing facilities

From 1984 to 1997 John was employed by Royal Ordnance plc (part of BAE Systems) as Head of the IPR and Corporate Commercial Department with responsibility for both the company’s intellectual property, licensing, collaboration and teaming agreements and its policy in connection with all aspects of UK and other government contracting.

John has lectured extensively on defence contracting and is presently the IP Advisor to the Defence Manufacturers’ Association, a role he has held since 1995. Since joining private practice in 1997 John has been involved in numerous activities relating to defence and aerospace contracts on behalf of UK, European and US clients.

John’s recent experience of defence and aerospace transactions and disputes include:

• Representing Swedish defence company in a contractual dispute with the UK MOD
• Representing a US manufacturer of military aircrew training centrifuges and avionics maintenance trainers in arbitrations with the UK Ministry of Defence;
• Advising a major US defence contractor on UK MOD contracts;
• Advising an aero-engine manufacturer in a potential dispute with its subcontractor in relation to subsystems of engines supplied to a civil aircraft manufacturer;
• Advising a European defence contractor on its bid/proposal documentation in respect of the UK Ministry of Defence procurement of a next-generation weapon system and subsequently a potential dispute under the contract; and
• Advising a UK defence contractor on post-costing of a UK MOD contract.

In addition John’s recent non-defence activities at White & Case have included:

• Advising Indian television company on the IP aspects of a JV deal with a US TV and media company;
• Advising US polymer manufacturer on technology licensing deal in the Middle East;
• Freedom to Operate opinion for US medical devices manufacturer;
• Patent infringement litigation for a Taiwanese electronics company;
• Patent licensing for Nokia;
• Noncontentious IP and commercial work for Agfa, Toyota and BT Industries; and
• Patent infringement advice to Intergum, John Lewis, Orbus Medical.

Education
Registered Trade Mark Attorney, 1991
Fellow of Chartered Institute of Patent Agents, 1979
Bachelor of Science with Honours, Chemistry (BSc), Class 2.1, Manchester University, 1967

Languages
English

Citizenship
British