Partner and Head of Intellectual Property
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Deborah Niven is a Partner and Head of Intellectual Property at Flint Bishop, based in our Sheffield office.
She joined the firm in February 2026 from national firm gunnercooke LLP, bringing more than 25 years’ experience advising clients on the protection, commercialisation and management of intellectual property and technology assets.
Deborah is widely regarded as a highly experienced intellectual property and information technology lawyer. She is known for delivering commercially pragmatic, solutions-focused advice that helps clients maximise the value of their intellectual property and IT assets while effectively managing risk.
Clients value Deborah’s technical expertise, strategic insight and proactive, can-do approach. Whether supporting a fast-growth start-up or advising an established organisation, she focuses on achieving practical outcomes that align with her clients’ commercial objectives.
People
Deborah advises clients across the full lifecycle of intellectual property and technology matters.
Her work includes auditing and identifying IP assets; advising on protection and registration strategies; commercialising new ideas and inventions; and drafting and negotiating contracts, assignments and licence agreements. She also supports clients in enforcing and defending IP and IT rights, as well as advising on confidentiality, data protection and regulatory considerations.
Her client base spans a broad range of sectors and business stages, including PLCs, owner-managed businesses, university enterprise centres and spin-out companies. She regularly advises technology businesses, software developers, manufacturers, creative and design agencies, as well as entrepreneurs and inventors.
Notable work highlights include:
Deborah works closely with colleagues across corporate, commercial and dispute resolution teams to ensure intellectual property considerations are fully integrated into transactions, growth strategies and risk management planning.
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On Monday 29 September, Flint Bishop successfully completed the acquisition of the entire business of Lupton Fawcett LLP. You have been forwarded to the page most relevant to your visit.
Please feel free to explore our website and learn more about our legal services and professionals, including those who have recently joined us from Lupton Fawcett.