Clare Sellars

Counsel

Overview

A member of Crowell’s Privacy and Cybersecurity, Intellectual Property, and Advertising and Brand Protection practices, Clare counsels clients on data protection, privacy, electronic communications, digital, IT, AI, intellectual property (IP), advertising, and commercial matters. Clare frequently advises a wide range of clients across various industries and business sectors, including private equity firms and their portfolio companies, IT and digital services providers, manufacturers, financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and charities, among others.

Clare advises on UK and EU data protection matters, including general data protection compliance, data protection audits and gap analyses, data policies and procedures, data security issues, international data transfers and electronic advertising, marketing, and cookies. She also advises on the data protection, IT, and IP aspects of corporate transactions, as well as stand-alone IP and IT matters and commercial agreements.

Clare has over 20 years of experience as an attorney at several Magic Circle, U.S., and UK national law firms.

Clare also has in-house experience as the interim head of privacy for an international group of hospitality companies.

Career & Education

  • Interim Head of Privacy, Whitbread Group PLC, 2015–2016

    Interim Head of Privacy, Whitbread Group PLC, 2015–2016

    • University of Exeter (UK), B.A., combined honors
    • College of Law, London
    • University of Exeter (UK), B.A., combined honors
    • College of Law, London
    • England and Wales
    • England and Wales

Clare's Insights

Client Alert | 3 min read | 08.14.25

DSIT's latest findings on AI, other emerging technologies and cyber security

On 8 August, the UK Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (“DSIT”) published a report titled “Emerging technologies and their effect on cyber security” (the “Report”). It examines how the convergence of AI, IoT, Quantum, Edge Computing, Blockchain and other emerging technologies is transforming the cyber threat landscape. We’ve summarised below some of their key findings and takeaways. In the pursuit of growth and efficiencies many companies are considering how to adopt emerging technology into their operational processes, and the Report provides a useful guide as to emerging cyber risks and where the UK Government’s attention is focused as it launches the Cyber Resilience Bill later this year....

Representative Matters

Data Protection

  • Advised an international travel company on implementing a GDPR compliance program.
  • Advised a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company on personal data processing and international personal data transfers.
  • Advised a national charity on refreshing consents from existing supporters for electronic marketing purposes.

IP, IT, and Data Protection in Corporate Transactions

  • Advised a special purpose acquisition company on the data protection aspects of a business combination agreement with a company building connected nursery systems and providing technology and data to parents.
  • Advised a portfolio company of a private equity firm on the IP and data protection aspects of its acquisition of a leading designer and manufacturer of luxury speakers, headphones, and audio systems in the automotive and television markets.
  • Advised a platform of a U.S.-based private equity firm on the IP, IT, and data protection aspects of the acquisition of a significant stake in a soccer news website.

Stand Alone IP, IT, Marketing, and Commercial Matters

  • Advised a provider of certain electronically provided regulatory services on a software development and IT services agreement.
  • Advised a national cosmetics manufacturer on various exclusive distribution and licensing arrangements.
  • Advised an international charitable organization on a photography agreement and related IP rights issues.
  • Advised on various cookies, marketing, and digital advertising issues.

Clare's Insights

Client Alert | 3 min read | 08.14.25

DSIT's latest findings on AI, other emerging technologies and cyber security

On 8 August, the UK Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (“DSIT”) published a report titled “Emerging technologies and their effect on cyber security” (the “Report”). It examines how the convergence of AI, IoT, Quantum, Edge Computing, Blockchain and other emerging technologies is transforming the cyber threat landscape. We’ve summarised below some of their key findings and takeaways. In the pursuit of growth and efficiencies many companies are considering how to adopt emerging technology into their operational processes, and the Report provides a useful guide as to emerging cyber risks and where the UK Government’s attention is focused as it launches the Cyber Resilience Bill later this year....

Clare's Insights

Client Alert | 3 min read | 08.14.25

DSIT's latest findings on AI, other emerging technologies and cyber security

On 8 August, the UK Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (“DSIT”) published a report titled “Emerging technologies and their effect on cyber security” (the “Report”). It examines how the convergence of AI, IoT, Quantum, Edge Computing, Blockchain and other emerging technologies is transforming the cyber threat landscape. We’ve summarised below some of their key findings and takeaways. In the pursuit of growth and efficiencies many companies are considering how to adopt emerging technology into their operational processes, and the Report provides a useful guide as to emerging cyber risks and where the UK Government’s attention is focused as it launches the Cyber Resilience Bill later this year....