Bret Gower

Bret is a key member of the commercial team at Smith and Partners, having joined the firm after a successful career as a design agency owner. Bret’s clients have confidence in him because of his unique combination of down-to-earth communication skills, strategic thinking and discipline honed from working with business owners and company directors for more than 30 years.

Bret advises clients on their legal position in the negotiating and structuring of, and agreements for, all kinds of commercial transactions. This includes the sale and purchase of businesses and other capital assets, as well as leasing, supply and licensing or distribution arrangements.

He helps clients with all forms of contracting between parties, including drafting of new contracts and interpretation of existing contracts. Whether it’s a franchise agreement, a contract for service or your business terms of trade, Bret provides a pragmatic, commercial view — all the while aiming to mitigate your risk.

Bret has a particular interest in the tax and intellectual property implications of commercial transactions. The nature of modern business means intellectual property forms a large component of the value being exchanged and it is important to understand how it is created and how to protect it. He is also regularly engaged by clients with trade mark or copyright issues, including resolving questions around ownership and infringement.

His background in the creative industries gives Bret insight into the marketing and commercial priorities intellectual property owners have regarding protecting and enforcing their IP rights. His unique hybrid law/design expertise combined with Smith and Partners’ commercial legal approach means clients receive top level, insightful advice and implementation.