Katherine is a highly experienced competition lawyer, with a strong focus on digitalisation and competition in tech markets. She also leads Osborne Clarke's Publishing group, building on her extensive work in this sector. She is Osborne Clarke's Global Head of Tech, working with key clients across a wide range of tech businesses.
Katherine's transformation and sector focus flows through into her work, with recent experience including advising on the UK Competition and Markets Authority market study into digital advertising; the European Commission's Internet of Things sector inquiry and the Payment Systems Regulator's first competition investigation in the payments sector. She has also advised on leading tech mergers in the UK, EU and beyond.
Katherine has a strong focus on 'future proofing' clients' business models in an environment of rapidly evolving competition law and she frequently helps clients from a range of industries engage in consultations, Government engagement and lobbying work, underpinned by her deep technical knowledge and strategic approach.
The CMA is “setting out its stall as a world leader in competition post-Brexit”, says Katherine Kirrage, a digital competition and regulatory lawyer at Osborne Clarke, a law firm. - The Economist
Katherine Kirrage is a cut above the rest. She has in-depth detailed knowledge of competition law issues and how those impact digital streaming services. Not only is she technically excellent but she provides helpful practical guidance as to how to navigate the complexities of the competition law landscape."
- The Legal 500
Hear more from Katherine about digital inclusion in this podcast:
Helping you succeed in tomorrow's world
As Global Head of Tech, I work not only with established tech businesses but also those going through rapid digitalisation, including in the publishing sector.
I am also passionate about diversity and inclusion and am a Diversity Champion for social diversity, helping launch our new Social Diversity committee and working on a range of initiatives to promote and support social diversity within OC, our clients and the legal profession more broadly.
Ebiquity
Advised this leading advertising intelligence business on the CMA's Phase II review of its acquisition by Nielsen.
The UK Publishers Association
Trusted advisor on a range of strategic competition law matters.
Leading UK payments provider
Acting on the first Competition Act investigation by the UK Payments Systems Regulator.
Social media company
Advised on global competition investigations.
Leading computer games publisher
Representing a leading computer games publisher on a European Commission investigation.
Optimax/Ultralase
Advised on Phase II UK clearance of the Optimax/Ultralase transaction.
Dixons Carphone
Advised on European Commission clearance of the Dixons Carphone merger.
Insights
Digital regulation 2.0: UK to set up new competition regime for digital markets
The Digital Markets Taskforce sets out its vision of a new regulatory regime for digital markets, with focus on organisations...
Digital Regulation 2.0: UK and EU announce details of major reforms
New UK and EU laws reboot the eCommerce Directive, update rules relating to online illegal and harmful content and boost...
UK Digital Markets Taskforce calls for information to shape new competition law framework for digital markets
New taskforce looks to build on work of the Furman review and adopt a radical approach with preventative controls rather...
Data: making best use of a valuable asset
Businesses in all sectors are focusing more than ever on how they can digitise and enhance their interactions with customers...
Consumer Update | October 2019
Welcome to the latest edition of Osborne Clarke's Consumer Update. This Update takes a bite-sized and practical look at recent...
Regulating unreality | The legal implications of "deepfakes"
Deepfakes represent a major challenge in tackling fake news and upholding trust in the truth. But they also present unique...
Increased consumer protection in the UK: CMA proposed reforms to existing competition and consumer protection regimes
In February, the CMA published a series of proposed reforms designed to address its concerns with its abilities under the...