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IT and telecoms

Andrew Scott at Dickinson Dees LLP is praised for his ‘candour and open communication style, which allows for stimulating debate and swift decision making’. The team recently advised clients in the healthcare and banking sectors on outsourcing systems and services, and on the development and implementation of new systems. Key clients include Danske Bank A/S, AIB Capital Markets, and the NHS Business Services Authority.

Muckle LLP’s IT practice is a ‘very slick operation that provides clients with complete confidence’. Team head Gill Hunter, who is singled out for her forward-thinking approach, recently advised Arriva on its procurement of a multimillion-pound Software as a Service solution for its business.

Judy Baker handles non-contentious matters at Ward Hadaway, while Tim Toomey handles contentious matters. Recent highlights include advising Nexus on the back-office IT system for its regional travel smart card. Other clients include Sage (UK) and Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Watson Burton LLP advises purchasers and suppliers of IT systems and services. Mark Whitehead recently advised a longstanding client of the firm on the preparation of enterprise licence terms for core products.

At Crutes Law Firm, Bob Elliot drafts a wide range of software agreements, acts as a domain name expert on the dispute resolution panels maintained by Nominet and the Czech Arbitration Court, and actively assists on local initiatives such as Sunderland Software City.

Eversheds LLP’s Leeds-based team provides IT services to Co-operative Financial Services, NHS Direct and the Highways Agency on a national basis.

Hay & Kilner provides non-contentious and contentious advice to e-businesses, and specialist advice on the procurement of major bespoke IT systems. Martin Soloman is the key contact.

Mincoff Solicitors LLP’s IT team is ‘absolutely top notch’, with John Nicholson singled out for his ‘visionary’ approach and Antony Hall for his dedication and support. The team provides day-to-day advice to Emailvision, an international provider of email-based marketing services, and recently advised Komodo Design on a range of complex agreements.

Intellectual property

The ‘remarkable’ Mark Pearce heads up the team at Dickinson Dees LLP, which drafts IP licences and collaboration agreements, and undertakes trade mark filing and prosecutions. It is currently acting for Technical Fibre Products and Cropper plc in a complex action for misuse of confidential information, patent entitlement, database right infringement and passing off.

McDaniel & Co. is a full-service, ACID-accredited IP firm, which handles the complete range of trade mark, patent, copyright and design matters. Niall Head-Rapson, who has ‘plenty of experience that he uses to the advantage of his clients’, heads up the team.

The IP team at Muckle LLP is considered ‘an asset to clients’ businesses’. New arrival Jim Pearson and Alex Craig are currently managing Kilfrost Group’s large international trade mark portfolio.

Ward Hadaway’s practice head Alex Shiel is ‘very good at understanding a problem and suggesting alternative courses of action’, and recently acted for Sunrich Clothing in opposition proceedings against a trade mark application by Armani. Manchester-based Laura Harper provides specialist support.

Watson Burton LLP’s ‘superb’ Ed Meikle acted for Panasonic and Mamas & Papas in various IP issues and disputes.

IP specialist Matthew Rippon at BHP Law assists clients on mainstream and more complex matters. Dual-qualified solicitor and barrister Deborah McGargle recently joined the team as a consultant from the legal department of PD Ports Ltd.

Mincoff Solicitors LLP’s IP practice went from strength to strength in 2010. It advised on an application to register a European trade mark, and successfully defended Nichol & Laidlow in trade mark opposition proceedings by Nestlé SA.

Bob Elliot at Crutes Law Firm advises established businesses on design rights, trade mark infringement and IP ownership, as well as start-up businesses on a wide range of issues.

In 2010, Hay & Kilner’s team acted for the lead party in negotiating a seven-party collaboration agreement, and also acted in trade mark infringement and domain name disputes.

Pippa Aitken at Sintons LLP advised Technology Services Group on the purchase of IP from a developer, and various other clients on registered design disputes, trade mark applications and a copyright infringement claim.

Amanda Mitten handles IP matters at TBI.

Media

Dickinson Dees LLP advises clients in the television and radio broadcasting sectors, and in the provision of media content via mobile networks. Key clients include CN Group, Zed Worldwide SA and Nova International, and recent highlights include advising new client Coolmore Productions on a £2m EIS fundraising matter. Jeremy Swift leads the team.

2010 saw Mincoff Solicitors LLP act for a publisher on the production of a digital version of its magazine for the iPad and iPod, and for another client on an agreement to produce a television show for Virgin 1. It also advised Fighters Only on the production of magazines in various countries.

Ward Hadaway’s Alex Shiel advised Game-a-day in its joint venture with various companies to deliver a new game each day to mobile phone users, and Beat Suite on copyright matters. Charities lawyer Fiona Wharton also advises media clients.

Sport

BHP Law’s Robin Winskell represented Newcastle United FC in several high-profile cases, and also advised Daniel Gosling on his application to leave Everton FC on a free transfer. The arrival of three additional consultants enhanced the team’s offering.

John Devine’s arrival at Muckle LLP increased the capabilities of the team, which advised Durham County Cricket Club on the renewal of player contracts.

Peter Clark’s team at Dickinson Dees LLP advises Newcastle United FC, Nike UK and Umbro, together with international sportsmen and local sport and leisure clubs.

Watson Burton LLP’s Ed Meikle continues to advise Newcastle City Council on England’s FIFA World Cup 2018 bid.

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