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Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s team saw an increase in non-contentious work related to the development of new technology in the medical sector. Oxford Medical Diagnostics is a client. Ian Sampson leads the team.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s clients include Puma, Mothercare and Swan Vesta. It also recently advised the Catholic Church, on trade mark issues relating to the Pope’s visit to the UK in 2010. Richard Taylor, who leads the team in Sheffield, is noted for his ‘excellent knowledge’, and Chris Tulley leads the team in Leeds.

Led by Antony Gold in Manchester, the team at Eversheds LLP has a significant contentious IP infringement practice, and in 2010 advised Poundstretcher, Tombola and Volvox Group.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s team has recently advised Christys’ & Company on the disposal of a division of the brand involving complex cross-licences. It also counts Laura Ashley and Dixons retails as clients.

Highlights for Walker Morris’ team included representing Cartridge World in a patent dispute, and advising AstraZeneca on parallel imports issues. It has also recently advised Medea International and boot manufacturer UGG.

The team at Clarion, led by Leigh Martin, is instructed by major national companies including Hermes, Pace, LNT Group, and Music Sales Limited.

Specialist IP firm HGF Law has experience in areas such as royalty negotiations and trade mark infringement cases. Clients in 2010 included Chrome Dreams. Managing partner Paul Sanderson is recommended for his patent expertise, and Martyn Fish is ‘very good’.

Irwin Mitchell LLP handles complex, high-value matters for a wide range of international clients. Joanne Bone advised Amefa UK on its trade mark portfolio in 2010, and HD Sports is another client.

Specialist firm James Love Legal is known for its expertise in patent litigation, and regularly represents clients in the High Court. Clients include the Guinness World Records, Bestival and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Set up in 2009, the team at Kempner & Partners LLP advises on trade mark and patent disputes, and is ‘timely, concise and attentive’. Richard Kempner, who heads the department, is appreciated for his ‘deep knowledge, legal acumen and clarity of advice’.

Lupton Fawcett LLP’s ‘excellent’ team recently advised clients on patent registration and non-disclosure matters. John Sykes’ team provides ‘sound, in-depth’ advice.

The team at Squire Sanders Hammonds is led by the ‘enthusiastic, informative and creative’ Alex Newman, and provides an ‘excellent’ level of service. Recent work includes IP infringement/anti-counterfeiting cases.

Elizabeth Ward’s team at Virtuoso Legal advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters. It is ‘prompt’, with ‘good knowledge’.

3volution LLP is a new firm set up by Louise Handley and two other partners from Lee & Priestley LLP. Handley is an IP specialist, and deals with both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Andrew Jackson’s team works closely with the firm’s dispute resolution practice. In 2010 it acted for a number of plcs, and Arco and Nuffield Wellbeing are other clients.

The ‘excellent’ team at Berwins Solicitors advises on IP contracts and rights. Group head Paul Berwin is ‘exceptionally good’.

Dai Davis at Brooke North LLP acts on major licensing projects for Kirkstall and Blue Sky Designs. He has also recently provided patent, copyright and design right advice to clinets including Primo Play, Mayfair Brassware and Virtual College.

Gordons LLP has a longstanding relationship with Wm Morrison Supermarkets, and also advises Morphy Richards on contentious and non-contentious issues. Matthew Howarth heads the department.

Keeble Hawson’s team advises on IP licensing agreements, notarisations and contentious matters. Rosemary Downs leads the team, which provides a ‘high-quality service’.

The ‘very good’ team at Rollits LLP advises major UK companies including Fenner plc and Cranswick plc, and charities including the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. In 2010 it advised Green Planet Solutions on rights assignment and licence negotiations. The ‘knowledgeable’ Keith Benton leads the team.

Wake Smith & Tofields advises clients in the games development and digital media sector.

The team at Dickinson Dees LLP has experience in areas such as licence negotiations and patent litigation. Newcastle-based practice head Mark Pearce is recommended for his ‘responsiveness, flexibility and common sense’.

Cobbetts LLP’s team works closely with the firm’s competition practice. Clients in 2010 included EMIS Group and Airplus International.

Front Row Legal has a soft IP practice, and specialises in brand development and copyright matters.

Gosschalks’ practice includes data protection and software licensing matters.

Last Cawthra Feather LLP is recommended following the arrival of commercial and IP partner James Sarjantson from Levi Solicitors LLP.

The ‘excellent’ team at McCormicks advises a number of sports clients, including the Isthmian Football League. It was also instructed by DFS Furniture Group in 2010, in a number of trade mark disputes.

Watson Burton LLP has experience across a range of IP issues.

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