Andrews Kurth Unveils ‘Intelligent Energy Law’ Initiative at Aberdeen’s Subsea Expo 2014

Andrews Kurth LLP marked its presence at the 2014 Subsea Expo conference and exhibition held in Aberdeen, United Kingdom, by launching a specialist initiative titled “Intelligent Energy Law in the Middle East.” The event took place in February and attracted over 5,300 delegates over three days, showcasing global subsea oil and gas technology advancements and opportunities.

The initiative was presented through a seminar jointly hosted by Andrews Kurth partners Jeff Dodd, Greg Porter, and Hugh Fraser, alongside James Brown of Murgitroyd European Patent Attorneys’ Aberdeen office. Their collaboration focused on the increasing demand for advanced technology and know-how within the Middle East energy sector and the accompanying legal and commercial challenges related to intellectual property (IP) protection and exploitation.

The seminar addressed critical IP assets such as advanced well intervention equipment, engineering drawings, specialist software, and the retention of expert personnel. These elements are pivotal in the Middle East’s evolving energy landscape, which is driven by developments in enhanced oil recovery, sour gas, heavy oil, and unconventional gas.

Hugh Fraser, a partner at Andrews Kurth, emphasized the firm’s commitment to supporting clients on key IP legal matters in international energy markets, particularly the Middle East. He outlined the firm’s focus areas: establishing IP ownership, financing IP development, defending against third-party infringement, and facilitating commercialization through licensing or sales.

Fraser noted, “The Aberdeen event with Murgitroyd was an excellent opportunity to discuss the Middle East aspects of energy-related IP, drawing upon our collective experience of technology and know-how emanating from the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and from within the region itself.”

The Subsea Expo is the flagship annual event of Subsea UK, an organization representing the UK subsea industry. This sector comprises over 750 companies, employs more than 53,000 people, and generates approximately GBP£8.9 billion in annual product and service sales. The Expo serves as a vital platform for industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge and explore technological innovations.

During the seminar, Andrews Kurth’s Jeff Dodd and Greg Porter, alongside James Brown, delivered specialist presentations that further explored the intersection of technology development and IP law within the Middle East energy context.

This initiative reflects Andrews Kurth’s strategic approach to addressing the complex IP landscape in key energy regions, leveraging cross-jurisdictional expertise to assist clients in protecting and maximizing the value of their technological innovations.