Jonathan heads the firm's Litigation Group.  He is also director and co-founder of the International Format Lawyers Association, which is based at the offices of Swan Turton. He conducts all forms of media litigation, specialising in copyright, passing off, defamation and privacy.  He has also conducted high profile litigation in the European Court of Justice.

Jonathan acts for a wide range of media corporations, broadcasters and publishers. He also advises many well known high profile personalities and organisations on media issues. Jonathan regularly delivers seminars in the UK and Europe on the protection of format rights and on media management. Jonathan is the author of numerous media law articles and is an expert commentator on television, radio and in the press on media issues.  He has also served as an expert witness in International Format Rights litigation.

Jonathan led Swan Turton's winning litigation team in A&E Television Networks v Channel 4 (successful defence of passing off claim relating to programme title) and in Paul McKenna v MGN Ltd (successful libel claim concerning allegations published in the Daily Mirror).

Jonathan graduated from Cambridge University and then pursued a career as a musician.  He returned to the law and trained in the media department at DJ Freeman, after which he joined Schillings in 1991, where he became a partner in 1994.  Jonathan joined the Simkins Partnership as a partner in 2001 and became a founding partner of Swan Turton in 2005.

What the Legal Directories say:

Chambers and Partners

"Tenacious litigator"  Jonathan Coad is an "outstanding, thoughtful and intelligent individual who works tirelessly for his clients."

"A good all rounder" who performs a "splendid job in providing all the right answers"

Legal 500

‘’ …. has an outstanding reputation’’

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