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IT and telecoms

Addleshaw Goddard LLP provides ‘very high-standard’ advice that is ‘always delivered in a professional manner’. It acts for IT purchasers, and is increasingly advising private sector clients on outsourcing instructions. The firm’s reputation in the financial sector is well established, and it recently advised an international bank on the development of a mobile trading platform. SAP implementations, contract disputes and data warehousing are all areas of strength, and key clients include Reckitt Benckiser and AA/Saga. Ian Sampson heads the team.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s ‘excellent’ team has ‘a good understanding of business’; it is noted for its ‘quick response times’, and provides ‘excellent, commercially driven advice’ to private and public sector clients, in relation to data centre migration projects, procurement and network outsourcing. The group has assisted several US e-commerce businesses launching in the UK. Mark Vipan heads the Leeds team, while Sheffield- based Cameron Craig and Richard Norman are also recommended.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s strength is rooted in the public sector, but it is also active within healthcare, financial services and technology, where key clients include Cable & Wireless. The group regularly advises on outsourcing issues and tendering for IT contacts; recent examples include advising the Department for Education on procurement, and acting for ICT suppliers on contentious matters. Richard Watkinson, and Damian Crosse are key players, although Michael Peeters LLP left for DAC Beachcroft LLP in 2011.

Active in energy and retail, the five-partner team at Walker Morris provides ‘good, honest advice’ on outsourcing projects, procurement and software implementation. Michael Stevens leads the ‘excellent’ group, which represents clients including Drax and GDF Suez.

Clarion handles second generation outsourcing, software disputes, and other commercial IT matters. New client Communisis sought the group’s advice on procurement, while Callcredit instructed it in relation to a co-location agreement. ‘Pragmatic’ practice head Matthew Hattersley is the ‘star player’.

DAC Beachcroft LLP boosted its IT capability with the arrival of Michael Peeters from Pinsent Masons LLP. Benefiting from the firm’s NHS contacts, it now regularly advises outsourcing suppliers and systems integrators on large IT projects in conjunction with the Manchester practice.

Irwin Mitchell’s team is ‘very professional’, and regularly acts for IT suppliers on contractual issues, including procurement and master service agreements. Joanne Bone advises software companies on data licensing and their relationships with distributors. Helen Goldthorpe is ‘very pleasant’ and ‘efficient’.

Berwins Solicitors is a ‘broad-based regional practice with a wide range of skills’; it provides software licensing and e-business advice at a ‘consistently high level’. Paul Berwin ‘really understands the commercial realities behind contracts’, and his team’s guidance is ‘succinct and pragmatic’.

Wake Smith LLP’s three-strong group represents IT providers on systems integration contracts, global service agreements and e-commerce rules. Led by Peter Rawlinson, it advises key client Dialogue on regulatory issues.

Intellectual property

DLA Piper UK LLP’s ‘excellent’ nine-partner team provides ‘well-tailored advice’ on IP agreements, patent licences and transfers of IP. Leeds-based Richard Bonnar leads the group, which includes the ‘refreshingly pragmatic’ Chris Tulley, who provides ‘valuable advice’. Richard Taylor in Sheffield is ‘excellent’. CAE Datamine is a key client.

Kempner & Partners LLP provides ‘high-quality’ advice on trade mark portfolio management and infringement claims. Richard Kempner and Jason Dainty are both ‘hardworking’ and ‘dedicated’, while Stuart Jackson’s scientific expertise and ‘good network of contacts’ are an asset to the team. Notable clients include Centrica.

Walker Morris’ ‘very responsive’ team has seen an increase in contentious IP work and brand protection mandates. The ‘technically proficient’ and ‘strategic’ practice has significant ‘depth of knowledge’ in trade mark infringement and patent litigation, and is led by Patrick Cantrill. Clients include Lisle Licensing International and Hague Plant.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP acts for FTSE 100 companies and retailers in relation to licence agreements, IP exploitation, and trade mark infringement. Ian Sampson heads the Leeds group, which works closely with its Manchester counterparts on IP litigation and brand management issues.

Clarion’s key strengths are in trade mark portfolio management and international brand development. Team head Leigh Martin recently defended a software client in a copyright infringement claim. The group was appointed to Communisis’ panel.

Paul Sanderson’s team at HGF Law is ‘well versed’ in handling patent infringement actions, and is ‘cost effective’. Recent mandates include advising an international automotive firm in relation to anti-counterfeiting and trade mark infringement issues. Unipart Group is also a key client. Martyn Fish is ‘unflappable’ and ‘very bright’.

Boutique firm James Love Legal is ‘particularly impressive’, and ‘simply excellent’ when it comes to infringement disputes and trade mark registration. Team head James Love has a ‘painstaking and methodical approach’ which ‘delivers great value’ for clients. Lindsey Wrenn has ‘extensive and high-level experience in the field’.

Lupton Fawcett LLP handles copyright and patent infringement disputes, and recently defended Comet in one such case instigated by Microsoft. John Sykes leads the team.

Noted for its ‘in-depth knowledge’, Pinsent Masons LLP advises public sector clients and multinationals, and has a ‘strong team’ that builds ‘excellent relationships’ with clients. Louise Fullwood has ‘extensive expertise in the field of IP’. The team continues to advise Interflora and Specsavers in trade mark disputes.

Squire Sanders LLP handles contentious matters including trade mark disputes and database right infringement claims, and has seen a rise in anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy mandates. Practice head Alex Newman shows ‘good commercial acumen combined with analytical skills’.

3volution LLP advises listed companies, universities and SMEs on patent licensing and trade mark portfolio management. Praised for its ‘excellent advice’, the group ‘strikes a balance between technical knowledge and business pragmatism’. The ‘commercially savvy’ Louise Handley heads the team.

Overseen by Marie Kell, Andrew Jackson advises on branding, IP exploitation and trade marks. Clients include Nisa Today’s.

Berwins Solicitors is ‘excellent’ in the areas of IP protection and franchise agreements. Paul Berwin is commended as having ‘great specialist knowledge’, and the team as a whole is ‘very responsive to client needs’.

Commercial litigator Matthew Howarth leads Gordons LLP’s practice, which has acted in disputes concerning confidential information and design right infringement.

HLW Keeble Hawson’s IP practice is led by Rosemary Downs, and handles collaboration agreements and IP exploitation matters. Associate Roisin McCrory acts in patent infringement claims.

Irwin Mitchell represents a number of book publishers and game developers. Joanne Bone is the key contact for advice on branding, data protection and soft IP rights.

Rollits LLP advises corporate clients on international trade marks and licensing agreements. The team is noted for its ‘commercial understanding’, and Keith Benton has ‘sound technical knowledge’.

Elizabeth Ward leads the team at Virtuoso Legal, which advises on the exploitation and sale of IP, as well as on data protection issues.

Dickinson Dees LLP’s practice is headed by associate Sue Streatfield, and is particularly strong in patent litigation within the life sciences arena.

Eversheds LLP has an active IP disputes practice, and represents retailers, automotive firms and online gaming sites.

Front Row Legal handles IP protection, registration and exploitation issues. Consultant Clive Lawrence is the key contact.

James Phinn oversees Gosschalks’ ‘flexible’ team, which handles licensing agreements, IP acquisitions and contentious matters. It is ‘particularly strong on assessing risk and developing appropriate commercial solutions’.

Last Cawthra Feather LLP advises on the acquisition and enforcement of IP. Commercial lawyer James Sarjantson is the name to note.

McCormicks advises sports and entertainment clients on brand protection, data rights and trademark portfolio management.

Wake Smith LLP is active in e-business matters, and regularly handles licensing and branding issues. Peter Rawlinson is the key contact.

Media and entertainment

Leigh Martin heads the team at Clarion, which represents commercial media bodies, famous personalities and music publishers on reputation management, defamation, and database infringement claims. Music Sales Limited and GMG Radio are key clients.

Front Row Legal represents media clients ranging from record labels to arts organisations. Areas of expertise include brand management, contractual arrangements and privacy. Consultant Clive Lawrence provides guidance on broadcasting rights and new media. Alastair Redfern left for Ison Harrison in early 2012.

McCormicks’ name partner Peter McCormick handles commercial and IP matters for musicians, festival organisers and non-profit organisations; areas of expertise include defamation, sponsorship and contractual advice.

Rollits LLP advises on matters such as sponsorship, reputation management and venue hire, and acts for food producers, local corporates and celebrity-endorsed charities. Keith Benton is the name to note.

Walker Morris advises digital advertising groups, gaming companies and regional corporates on marketing, image rights and brand licensing. Eurostar and Amscreen are key clients. Commercial lawyer Patrick Cantrill oversees the group.

Sport

Addleshaw Goddard LLP has a ‘respected pedigree in the sports industry’. The ‘excellent’ and ‘efficient’ team is highly regarded for its ‘commercial’ approach and ‘breadth of experience’. Adidas UK is a key client, and it recently advised FL Interactive on a digital platform, as well as acting for Canterbury of New Zealand on the replication of Leicester Tigers sports kits.

McCormicks’ ‘excellent’ team has ‘unrivalled knowledge of football’. It advises the FA Premier League on UEFA licensing, club administration, and insolvency matters. The ‘very commercial’ Peter McCormick is highlighted for his ‘expertise’ and ‘sound advice’.

Walker Morris’ three-partner team advises sports clubs on player contracts and stadium purchases, and is also noted for its experience in football insolvency matters. David Hinchliffe is ‘very experienced’, and ‘a great team leader’. Leeds United FC and Portsmouth FC are key clients.

Blacks Solicitors LLP advises sports bodies on commercial contracts, litigation and IP, and is praised for its ‘attention to detail’ and ‘cost effectiveness’. The ‘vastly experienced’ Stephen Lownsbrough heads the team, which draws on the experience of a number of former sports professionals.

IP specialist Leigh Martin is the key contact at Clarion, which provides ‘outstanding’ levels of service, and ‘great value for money’. It acts for national sports associations on copyright infringement matters, and for regional clubs on stadium moves. The ‘extremely pragmatic’ team ‘delivers results efficiently’.

Richard Cramer heads Front Row Legal’s practice. He handles contentious matters, and has expertise in governance disputes and matters involving the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Consultant Clive Lawrence is also recommended.

Ford & Warren provides ‘sensible advice’ to sports personalities and agents, in relation to player contracts and FIFA regulations. Nicholas Collins is ‘well respected’; he is an ‘expert in his field’ who ‘delivers without compromise’.

The team at Irwin Mitchell handles financing, property acquisition and procurement for national sports associations and regional clubs, and is led by Laurence Gavin. Clients include Sheffield Wednesday FC.

Equine specialist Langleys Solicitors LLP advises jockeys, horse trainers and racecourses on contracts and other commercial matters, and disciplinary proceedings. Serena Brotherton leads the ‘professional’ group.

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