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The ‘top-notch’ IP group at Boyes Turner delivers ‘a world-class service at good commercial rates’. In 2011, the firm handled trade mark matters for Microsoft and United Airlines, and defended design right and copyright infringement claims for a well-known fashion retailer. Sarah Hadland and Isabel Davies are ‘excellent lawyers who have the ability to strategise and think creatively’. Mark Blunden does ‘a good job in everything he touches’.

DMH Stallard LLP has a ‘top-level IP practice’, and delivers a ‘consistently high-quality service’. It recently handled copyright litigation for BSkyB and general IP work for new client Asian Media Group. London-based practice head Tim Ashdown is ‘proactive and approachable’, and Nick Kounoupias is ‘a tireless champion of the client’s cause’.

Manches LLP is highlighted for its ‘very good knowledge’, with Chris Shelley leading a team that specialises in the life sciences sector and acts for Oxford Gene Technology and Oxford University spin-out Sibelius. Rachael Parman was promoted to partner, while Steven Maier and Cathleen Blackburn left to form Maier Blackburn in 2012, and Catherine Rohll also left the firm.

‘Very knowledgeable and responsive to its clients’ needs’, Shoosmiths’ national IP department is led by Gary Assim, who has expertise in retail matters for fast-moving consumer goods brands. Also recommended is Anastasia Fowle, who is experienced in the automotive industry. Clients include McDonald’s, IKEA, Amazon and Samsung.

Sipara’s ‘tight-knit team provides tailored advice relevant to business-specific issues’. The firm has gone from strength to strength since its establishment in 2010, attracting new clients such as Oxford University, New Look and Arcadia Group. Hugh Tebay and Rebecca Kaye are ‘approachable, proactive and highly knowledgeable’.

Blake Lapthorn’s IP department is led by Jill Bainbridge, who is experienced in contentious IP matters, particularly cross-border enforcement issues and domain name disputes. The firm has a specialist trade mark team that handles protection, registration and infringement matters in the UK and worldwide.

‘The industry knowledge is exceptional’ at Clarke Willmott LLP, which continues to advise easyGroup and Organix Brands, and was also recently appointed to act for Silverstone Circuits and UK Payments. Practice head Paul Cox is ‘very proactive and goes the extra mile to provide the best service he can’.

Morgan Cole is a strong choice for healthcare-sector IP issues, continuing to act for NHS clients and the National Institute for Health Research. Alison Patten-Hall and Gayle Curry are noteworthy practitioners.

Olswang’s ‘very commercial, practical and creative’ IP team acts for H&M, Yell and Microsoft, among other names. ‘Great wing man’ Iain Stansfield ‘really understands his clients’ businesses’. Legal director Gillian Austin is also recommended.

Osborne Clarke’s sector strengths include digital business, retail, energy and defence, and it increasingly handles life sciences matters, through the expertise of Janita Good. Russell Bowyer heads the department, which handles both contentious and non-contentious IP.

Demonstrating a ‘thorough understanding of the law’, Stevens & Bolton LLP’s IP offering is ‘exceptional’. David Wilkinson leads the team and is hailed as a ‘shining light’. Tom Lingard was promoted to partner in May 2011.

asb law LLP delivers an ‘outstanding service and superb advice’. Lyndsey Ratcliffe is ‘100% business focused, and determined to achieve the best result for the client’.

EMW’s Mark Finn has over 25 years of IP experience, particularly in contentious matters, while Liz Appleyard handles non-contentious mandates at both national and international level.

palmer biggs legal acts for the likes of Nike, Converse, BMW and Cath Kidston. Steve Palmer leads the team, and specialises in contentious IP matters. Dawn Osborne and senior solicitor David Cole are also recommended.

Pitmans LLP is noted for its ‘rapid response times and creative commercial solutions’, and recently acted for Live Nation in a European Court of Justice trade mark appeal. Practice head Jeremy Summers is recommended, as is Sally Britton; both divide their time between London and Reading.

Thomas Eggar LLP’s ‘excellent’ IP practice has gone from strength to strength since the arrival of the ‘approachable and communicative’ Kim Walker from Paris Smith LLP in 2011. Clients include Toximet, Evans Cycles and All Leisure Holidays.

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