Intellectual property in South East

Boyes Turner

Well-regarded for its expertise in media, publishing, and technology matters, the team at Boyes Turner regularly works with foreign law firms on IP issues. Sarah Williamson leads the department and is thoroughly experienced in advising clients on both the commercialisation and protection of their IP rights. Helen Dobson previously acted as an in-house legal counsel for a telecoms operator, and her workload features activity in brand management and licensing. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Reading.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Williamson


Other key lawyers:

Helen Dobson


Testimonials

‘The team has excellent knowledge on open source licensing, source code software licensing and complex OEM arrangements.’

‘Helen Dobson has good business acumen on licensing and understanding what topics can be struck out as irrelevant for the business.’

Key clients

Guardian News & Media Limited


Auto Trader Limited


Harvey Water Softeners Limited


Wind River System Inc


First Hydrogen Limited


Pivot Digital Health Limited


Virtualstock Limited


Culligan / Waterlogic Group of companies


Zok International Group Limited


Tryzens Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Harvey Water Softeners in relation to the protection of its latest salt monitoring, wifi-enabled product.
  • Assisted and negotiated First Hydrogen’s contracts for the market-testing of their prototype zero-emission, long range hydrogen powered utility vehicles.
  • Advised Auto Trader in relation to the protection of its portfolio of 85 trade marks.

DMH Stallard LLP

With activity across the entertainment and media, retail, and technology sectors, DMH Stallard LLP handles post-Brexit IP protection, co-existence agreements as well as detailed pre-product launch risk analysis. Co-lead of the team Tim Ashdown splits his time between Brighton and London and is reputed for his expertise in contentious IT matters and software copyright. Also a co-lead of the team, John Yates in Gatwick helms data protection issues, while Debbie Venn and Rebecca Leeves are based in Brighton, the former is often engaged in business policies, whereas the latter assists clients with IP licensing arrangements and strategy.

Practice head(s):

Tim Ashdown; John Yates


Other key lawyers:

Debbie Venn; Rebecca Leeves


Testimonials

‘A great multidisciplinary approach to intellectual property, company law and contracts for protection.’

‘A measured and considered approach to advice given.’

‘I have worked with Debbie Venn in relation to intellectual property matters. Debbie is thorough and responsive. Her advice is concise and commercial. She is an absolute pleasure to work with.’

‘The team is responsive with a good grasp of practical options for litigants and solutions that generate value without unneccesary complications or side-tracking issues.’

Key clients

Raymond Briggs Trust


Page White Farrer


Gravitas Method Limited


Optiva Securities Limited


FBFX Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the Raymond Briggs Estate on all of the royalty contracts, publishing agreements and commercial arrangements in place between the author/artist and various publishing or other commercialising entities.
  • Advising Gravitas Method on its innovative training programme and protection of its intellectual property rights.
  • Advised Optiva Securities Ltd on its portfolio licence and know-how licence terms as part of its investment framework.

Palmer Biggs IP, Solicitors

Palmer Biggs IP, Solicitors is geared to handle copyright, design, domain name, and trademark matters. Head of the team Steve Palmer is a reputed practitioner who is knowledgeable of brand clearance, as well as online web content issues, and he is supported by Charles Lawless. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Gatwick.

Practice head(s):

Steve Palmer


Other key lawyers:

Charles Lawless


Testimonials

‘The team’s spirit is great, and you have the impression that client’s needs are at the centre of their working lives.’

‘The team has perfect legal knowledge and a business oriented and pragmatic approach.’

‘All individuals at Palmer Biggs IP Solicitors are amazing legal experts and it’s a pleasure working with them all.’

Key clients

The Absolut Company AB


ARC’TERYX Equipment


Bauer Hockey


BMW


Calysta NV


Cluse Watches


Converse


Daniel Wellington


Environ Skincare Limited


ELFBAR


Envision Pharma, Inc.


Europe Watch Group B.V.


Fossil Group Europe GmbH


Gevers Legal – Benelux and Paris


Hugo Boss


Ice Watch


Investpro & Associates


IWLEX Limited


Kyocera Document Solutions Europe B.V.


LPG Systems S.A.


lululemon athletica Canada Inc


Luxscents UK Ltd


Merck & Co., Inc.


Minotti Spa


Morellato S.p.A


New Era Cap Company Inc


Nike


Nordemann


Olaplex


Ralph Lauren


Sandisk LLC


SSH Rechtsanwälte PartGmbB


SuperDry PLC


Tiffany and Company


Vuori Inc


Work highlights


  • Advised on a matter involving infringing use of BMW AG’s registered designs and trade marks on digital assets.
  • Advised on a large-scale UK registered design infringement matter in the High Court for BMW AG.
  • Advised on a matter involving the importation and eventual seizure by UK Customs of illegal parallel goods bearing SanDisk’s trade marks.

Stevens & Bolton LLP

Stevens & Bolton LLP is well-equipped to handle contentious brand protection and enforcement matters, and on the non-contentious side, supports clients with franchising, licensing, and transactions. Head of the team Tom Lingard is routinely sought out by high-profile clients including Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Kia Motors, and Samsung, while Charlotte Tillett often handles pharmaceutical patent litigation. Elaine O’Hare has expertise in breach of confidence and trade secrets, whereas Tom Collins has recently been advising a digital gaming franchise on brand protection. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Guilford.

Practice head(s):

Tom Lingard


Other key lawyers:

Charlotte Tillett; Elaine O’Hare; Tom Collins


Testimonials

‘They worked effectively and closely with us, offering good client service – they were very responsive and had good knowledge.’

‘The team feel like old friends. Always happy to work with them. Professional, responsive and they understand us.

‘They are unusual in that they have particular expertise in relation to not only trade mark infringement but also patent infringement.’

‘Stevens & Bolton provide a high quality, professional and personal service. They listen to their brief and build a professional project plan to achieve their client’s aim. ‘

‘Tom Lingard stood out with understanding the needs of our start-up business to be agile and efficient with funds.  He worked directly with us on most client facing matters and involved juniors where cost efficient.  Would highly recommend.

‘Elaine O’Hare has exceptional knowledge, a brilliant professional approach to problem solving and negotiations.’

‘Tom Lingard – brilliant knowledge and the ability to process information and build a plan to solve very technical problems.’

Key clients

Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club


PA Media Group Limited


FGX Europe Limited


Penhaligon’s


Papa John’s (GB) Limited


Belu Water


Asmodee Group


Momofuku


Bunzl plc


Rick Owens


Condor Group Limited


Golden Wolfe Limited and Cutting Edge Ventures Limited


Alamy Limited


BRP Renaud & Partner mbB


CV Charging Europe B.V.


Dash Games Ltd


Godin Associes


LifeBit


Nanolike SAS


NEP UK Limited


Slater and Gordon UK Limited


Unum Aircraft Seating Limited


We Are Intrepid Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised fashion brand Naked Wolfe in two design right infringement proceedings before the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court.
  • Advised Premier League football team Brighton & Hove Albion FC, on trade mark and brand protection matters.
  • Advised the shareholders of Synchrony Pharma Limited on the IP elements of the sale of a pharmaceutical products company.

Cripps

Cripps often undertakes due diligence of IP on corporate transactions, in addition to IP audits, disputes, and ownership and protection issues. Head of the team Irfan Baluch assists clients with blockchain, cryptocurrency and NFT portfolios, while Pete Kenyon has over two decades of experience in this sector. Phil Bilney is also noted and is based in Tunbridge Wells alongside Kenyon and Baluch.

Practice head(s):

Irfan Baluch


Other key lawyers:

Pete Kenyon; Phil Bilney


Testimonials

‘Cripps always ensure that our intellectual property and related rights are adequately protected in contractual documentation when engaging/negotiating with customers and suppliers.’

‘It is very reassuring that Cripps have so much knowledge about us, what we do, why and how we engage and deliver our service. They just seem to ‘get us’ and it is brilliant for us to have access to them when needed.’

‘A string team of high-flying associates. They are client focused and very responsive.’

‘The practice was willing to adapt an existing foreign agreement and showed a flexible approach.’

‘Phil Bilney is very easy to get on with, friendly and always has a smile on his face. It’s always a pleasant experience when working with him.’

‘Phil Bilney has excellent client skills and is also very able.’

‘Phil Bilney and Irfan Baluch gave me confidence that the company was stable and the personal were settled and competent.’

Key clients

Studio Wayne McGregor


Thortful


Berry Gardens Growers Limited


Harrow International Schools Ltd


Remy Cointreau UK Ltd


Alpha 311 Ltd


Spink and Son Ltd


Electronuem Ltd


Risk Solved Ltd


Kit & Caboodle


Work highlights


  • Advised Studio Wayne McGregor on the creation of a new augmented reality technology built within Niantic’s development platform.
  • Advised Spink on their construction of a world-leading and innovative auction lot package comprising original photos, NFT’s and associated intellectual property licensing rights.
  • Advised Electroneum on the evolution of the innovative AnyTask platform which enables buyers and sellers to purchase and sell digital tasks in fiat currency.

Foot Anstey

The ‘remarkable’ practice Foot Anstey is geared for trademark clearance and disputes in addition to portfolio management and registration. Head of the team Paul Cox splits his time between Exeter and Southampton and is seasoned in filing and prosecuting domestic and international trademarks and designs. Charlene Nelson also splits her time between Exeter/Southampton and has been desribed as ‘a fountain of all knowledge concerning procedures and laws.’ Chandni Jobanputra in Southampton is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Paul Cox


Other key lawyers:

Chandni Jobanputra; Charlene Nelson; Hannah Batten


Testimonials

‘This firm is quite remarkable amongst many UK based firms. They are led by a very experienced lawyer Paul Cox.’

‘Charlene Nelson and Chandni Jobanputra are excellent and very responsive. They deal with matters efficiently.’

‘Paul Cox is very strong on litigation strategy and we are pleased with his proactive and comprehensive approach. He is a technical lawyer who delivers on the client’s commercial objectives.’

‘Charlene Nelson has a lot of trademark prosecution experience and is a fountain of all knowledge concerning procedures and laws.’

‘Paul Cox provides advice and support that is exceptional in its scope and quality, with an excellent grasp of the commercial realities that clients are confronting.’

‘The approachability, expertise, and transparency in all work we conduct is highly regarded.’

‘The company is very easy to work with and acts as a trusted advisor for us in all our trademark matters. The longstanding engagement we have had with the firm is testament to their approach.’

‘Charlene Nelson is proactive and super-efficient on all trade mark matters.’

Key clients

Wise Payments Limited


Pay.UK Limited


Dayes Limited


Novolex Holdings LLC


Helly Hansen AS


Franchise Focus Limited


Belgravia Events Limited


Wedo Technology Limited


Avonhurst Legal Services LLP


Seafood Trading Limited


Work highlights


Howes Percival LLP

Howes Percival LLP, which gained the practice from Maier Blackburn LLP in early 2024, is principally focused on the creative industries and possesses thorough expertise in media law in addition to film, TV, videogames as well as merchandising. Steven Maier and Cathleen Blackburn are both based in Oxford, the former is knowledgeable of domain names and trade marks, while the latter is strong in cross-border copyright and in trade and academic publishing. James Howarth in Milton Keynes frequently acts for high-tech manufacturers and co-leads the team alongside Matthew Talbot in Leicester. Kavita Raikundalia is also based in Milton Keynes and is adept in design filings and trade mark strategy.


Practice head(s):

Steven Maier; Cathleen Blackburn; Matthew Talbot; James Howarth


Other key lawyers:

Kavita Raikundalia


Key clients

The Tolkien Estate


Agatha Christie Limited


Magda Archer


Cochrane Collaboration


European Association of Archaeologists


M C Beaton Literary Estate


David Shrigley


Estate of Peter Mayle


Work highlights


  • Advised the Tolkien Estate in connection with the repeated infringement of its intellectual property rights concerning The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings on the merchandising platform Etsy.com
  • Advised Escargot Copyright Limited, the Estate of Peter Mayle on a dispute over the use of the well-known book title “A Year in Provence” in connection with an unrelated television programme.
  • Advised a well-known British “pop” artist, Magda Archer on a dispute with the fashion house Gucci over the use of certain images in their clothing range.

Moorcrofts LLP

With knowledge of cloud access rights, Moorcrofts LLP assists clients with the IP side of IT outsourcing projects, licensing arrangements and protective strategies. Andrew Katz heads up the team and has over three decades of experience in technology law, while Tim Astley advises a breadth of clients including start-ups, SME, and international IT and telecoms providers. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Marlow.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Katz


Other key lawyers:

Tim Astley


Testimonials

‘A very good mix of commercial awareness and legal implementation.’

‘Responsive and easy to work with.’

Key clients

Graphaware


BenevolentAI


Payara Services Limited


Camunda Services AG


Linked Data Benchmark Council


Biz2Mobile Limited


Open Forum Europe, Fraunhofer Institute


CERN


GÉANT Vereniging


Work highlights


  • Advised BenevolentAI on intellectual property matters including open source software and data licensing.
  • Assisted CERN in drafting the latest release of the CERN Open Hardware Licence.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is thoroughly experienced in transactional IP matters, including collaboration agreements, copyright licenses, patents, R&D agreements, as well as trademarks. Christopher Shelley in Oxford heads up the firm’s life sciences sector practice and is the national joint head of team alongside the London-based Anna Frankum. Joanne Vengadesan in Reading co-leads the IP & technology department, with Daniel Berry, who is also based in Reading, helming the IP litigation offering.

Practice head(s):

Chris Shelley; Joanne Vengadesan; Daniel Berry; Anna Frankum


Other key lawyers:

Gavin Stenton, Dan Lovett; Thomas Kirby


Testimonials

‘Their services were professional and efficient. I could rely on their services.’

‘Excellent legal knowledge, very commercially aware, and a good understanding of the issues.’

‘Expertise in depth and easy to deal with at all levels of customer knowledge.’

‘Penningtons Manches Cooper’s team is very responsive and experienced. The firm has a holistic approach and can provide a good perspective on the dispute as well as recommended actions.’

‘Daniel Berry is very responsive and a good negotiator, we trust his knowledge.’

‘Chris Shelley is extremely reliable.’

‘Chris Shelley is consistently excellent with his advice and always brings a commercial perspective.’

‘Joanne Vengadesan is my main contact and is exceptional in the support she gives our business and to me in my position as CFO. Joanne is intuitive, responsive, practical as well as being easy to deal with, positive in approach and totally professional’.

Key clients

Lumenisity


Andreas Stihl Limited


Association of Chartered Certified Accountants


IS Research Limited, trading as Megabuyte


Organix Brands Limited


Data analytics provider in education sector


Rezatec Limited


Roka London Limited


OneAston UK Limited


Skyloop Digital Limited


King’s College London


Oxford University Press


Pirbright Institute


CAB International


bioMérieux SA


Veryan Medical Limited


Astro Lighting Holdings Limited


Celleron Therapeutics Limited


Grey Wolf Therapeutics Limited


Ethypharm Holdings SA


Norbar Torque Tools Limited


Oxford Gene Technology Group


Oxford VacMedix Limited


Oxular Limited


Oxford Endovascular Limited


BreatheOx Limited t/a Albus Health


Orthoson Limited


Orthox Limited


MitoRX Therapeutics Limited


First Light Fusion Limited


Myricx Pharma Limited


Pathios Therapeutics Limited


Oxford Flow Limited


Opsydia Limited


OxVax Limited


Charterhouse Turf Machinery Limited


First Law P.C. (Bighit Entertainment Co Ltd)


Compass Box Delicious Whisky Limited


Zihipp Limited


ProtonDX Limited


Cogitat Limited


Solena Materials Limited


About: Energy Limited


Thirtyfive Bio Limited


Emma Raducanu


Quadram Institute Bioscience


Sanderson Design Group (previously Walker Greenbank)


4D Medicine Limited


Owen Mumford Limited


National Oceanography Centre


Evox Therapeutics Limited


Mint Neurotechnologies Ltd


SPARTA Biodiscovery Limited


Orfonyx Limited


Seloxium Limited


ISOgenix Limited


Credo Therapies Limited


Ground Truth Labs Limited


Bioataraxis Limited


aVaxziPen Limited


Work highlights


  • Supported Lumenisity and its shareholders through bids from multiple global technology giants and thereafter on its acquisition by Microsoft, which completed in December 2022.
  • Instructed by the National Oceanography Centre in respect of a wide range of commercial and intellectual property matters.
  • Managed the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants UK, EU and International trade mark portfolio.

White & Black Limited

White & Black Limited advises life science, retail and technology businesses on the development, exploitation, and protection of their IP. Tom Carver co-leads the team and is seasoned in multi-jurisdictional patent and design right litigation. Also a co-lead of the team, Phil Thompson has ‘excellent knowledge of contractual issues and drafting’, while Victoria Wight has a wealth of experience in High Court litigation. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Oxford.

Practice head(s):

Phil Thompson; Tom Carver


Other key lawyers:

Victoria Wright


Testimonials

‘They provide excellent advice with a very service minded approach.’

‘Excellent IP specialists.’

‘They are experts in their areas of law, have a commercial approach to problems, are responsive, and are good to work with.’

Key clients

Roftek Limited and Simon Rothwell


Crafts Group LLC


Numerical Algorithms Group


Parma Patent Sinai Mülkiyet Hizmetleri Limited Sirketi


Blenheim Visitors Limited


Shantell Martin & Found the Found LLC


Matchesfashion Limited


Leigh Remfry and PGRC Design Systems Limited


Work highlights


  • Assisted Roftek Limited and Simon Rothwell with an allegation of patent infringement involving the doctrine of equivalence.
  • Advised Crafts Group LLC in relation to the sale of knitting needles on Amazon which violated trade mark law.
  • Advised Leigh Remfry and PGRC Design Systems Limited on patent validity, licensing questions and pre-action disclosure.

Moore Barlow

Moore Barlow works in conjunction with the firm’s corporate attorneys to support clients with IP matters concerning M&A transactions. John Warchus leads the team from Guildford and is noted for his expertise in IP exploitation and protection, while Dorothy Agnew in Southampton assists clients with IT outsourcing agreements. Belinda Walters in Southampton joined the team from Gardner Leader LLP in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

John Warchus


Other key lawyers:

Dorothy Agnew; Belinda Walters


Testimonials

‘The team at Moore Barlow LLP are a diverse group, providing a comprehensive package of talent across all facets of business-related needs from a legal perspective.’

‘Moore Barlow LLP constructed an excellent strategy with regards to licensing the technology and all necessary legal framework documentation.’

‘Quick to pinpoint and solve the problems.’

‘Dorothy Agnew receives our highest praise. Her quick understanding of commercial technology and its potential allowed a great licensing deal to be generated.’

‘Dorothy Agnew is a fantastic person to work with, and only has the best interests for the client at heart. We felt completely confident with her at our side.’

‘John Warchus has guided us for many years and is a solid person to rely on.’

‘John Warchus is our main contact; his expertise and knowledge prove invaluable.’

‘Responsive, prompt, professional, and efficient in terms of problem solving. John Warchus has been helpful and communicative throughout the process.’

Key clients

Symetrica Security Limited


IPO/WebTMS


Inner Eye Productions Limited


Kyocera SGS Precision Tools Limited


The Binney Group


Gill Group Companies


4Com Group Limited


Minesoft Limited


SNX Studio Ltd


Phoenix Software Limited


Cobweb Solutions Limited


Eliga Services Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised The Binney Group in relation to underlying IP issues pertaining to a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) relating to a luxury property development.
  • Advised Symetrica Security Limited on an Innovate funded collaborative research and development project with an academic institution.
  • Acted in trade mark opposition against our client NetPay.

Moore Law

Brighton firm Moore Law is a boutique focusing on tech, media and sports; its capabilities in the intellectual property sphere extend to advising a vibrant roster of clients on matters ranging from trade mark registration and enforcement to copyright, branding and media clearance issues. The firm's clients include fashion brands, podcasters, influencers and other digital creators, with YouTubers a notable area of expertise. The key names are Scott Appleton, head of technology/media, and managing partner Tris Moore.

Practice head(s):

Tris Moore; Scott Appleton


Work highlights


  • Retained adviser to the Sidemen’s commercial arm, Sidemen Clothing, encompassing all commercial contract, intellectual property protection and enforcement issues, as well as advising the Sidemen on intellectual property issues relating to their YouTube channel; and now the Sidemen’s management company Arcade Media.
  • Retained adviser to Lucy & Yak including all brand registration and protection issues – including trade mark, copyright and enforcement of other IP in the UK/ EU and worldwide – as well as licensing matters, including this past year a collaboration with musician Ed Sheeran.
  • Adviser to Upload Agency on all commercial contract and IP issues, including in relation to Influencer / YouTube clients Chunkz, Niko and Beta Squad, among others.

Paris Smith LLP

Recently engaged in software licensing, Paris Smith LLP is geared to handle an array of copyright infringement, design rights and registered design disputes.  The ‘very experienced’  Laura Trapnell leads the team and she is particuarly knowledgeable of the food and drinks sector, while Emily Sadler is adept in commercial contracts. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Southampton.

Practice head(s):

Laura Trapnell


Other key lawyers:

Emily Sadler


Testimonials

‘Laura Trapnell is responsive, well-informed, very experienced, and easy to deal with. I would happily recommend her on any IP or commercial issues.’

‘Helen Brown is a ‘hands on’ partner who is very dedicated to the client’s case.’

‘The advice is extremely clear and the team is well placed to give legal advice in a broader commercial context.’

‘IP knowledge combined with business insight.’

‘They effectively dealt with a complex IP dispute concerning copyright in computer software intertwined with allegations of breach of directors’ duties.’

‘A very capable team which is able to take on complex work and provide clients with sound, realistic and commercially astute advice.’

‘Impressive attention to detail and excellent case management. I would highly recommend them for any complex IP / company law / commercial dispute.’

Key clients

Hildon Limited


2iC-Care Limited


Custom Furniture Limited


Langham Wine Limited


Cansr Clinic.com Limited


Barfoots of Botley Limited


Millbrook Beds Limited


Miista Limited


Opa Bakery Franchise Limited


Treadwell & Treadwell Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Hobbycraft Trading Limited in several disputes involving their brand, unauthorised sale of products and cyber-related misuse of the brand.
  • Advised Focal Point Fires Ltd on design right infringments, patent and copyright in their range of New Forest Fires.
  • Assisted Hildon Limited with the management and administration of their international trade mark portfolio.

Birkett Long LLP

Birkett Long LLP‘s caseload features activity in contentious IP issues in addition to contractual and transactional matters. Head of the team Jonathan Perlmutter has thorough expertise in multi-jurisdictional intellectual property filings, while Christopher Burnett handles an array of design and trademark issues. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Colchester.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Perlmutter


Other key lawyers:

Christopher Burnett


Testimonials

‘The individuals had specific knowledge of technology.’

 

Key clients

Harwich Haven Authority


Korda Developments Ltd


Coryton Advanced Fuels Ltd


SC IP Limited


Softconstruct Limited


Engineer.ai Global Limited


Tamworth Corporation Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted in the global filing and prosecution of a heavy industrial patent relating to harbour dredging for Harwich haven authority.
  • Represented Engineer.ai Global Limited in multi-jurisdictional intellectual property litigation.
  • Assisted in multiple international trade mark filings.

Field Seymour Parkes LLP

The ‘knowledgeable teamField Seymour Parkes LLP has a wealth of experience across the advertising, construction, fashion, healthcare, and software sectors. The department’s key strengths also include copyright, licensing, and registered designs patents and trademarks. Cathrine Ripley heads the team, while Susan Wells and Charlotte Burroughs are proficient in data protection. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Reading.

Practice head(s):

Cathrine Ripley


Other key lawyers:

Susan Wells; Charlotte Burroughs


Testimonials

‘Wonderful, helpful and a knowledgeable team. They deliver across multiple practices.’

‘They are knowledgable, pleasant to work with, reliable and efficient.’

Key clients

Grant & Stone


Work highlights