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Addleshaw Goddard LLP houses a prominent IP team, recently defending a European group in a landmark trade mark case. The IT practice represents a mix of Northern and national retail and financial groups, including Shearings and Sainsbury’s. Ian Sampson advises on high-value technology work in the retail sector, acting for clients such as Asda.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s respected IT department advised the Department for Work and Pensions on IT contracting strategies, as well as attracting private sector clients. IP matters included brand strategy and patent litigation instructions. ‘Problem solver’ Mark Vipan heads a team that includes ‘knowledgeable’ IP lawyer Chris Tulley.

Eversheds LLP recruited Brian Clayton from Addleshaw Goddard LLP to head its trade mark and design filing practice, augmenting an offering that includes health sector and pharmaceutical clients such as Pfizer. IT instructions have included major private sector outsourcing initiatives, under partner Paula Barrett.

Pinsent Masons LLP continues to supplement its team, with IT disputes specialist Damian Crosse recently recruited from DLA Piper UK LLP. The firm advised the Office of National Statistics on the procurement of a new IT system, while high-value IP litigator Deborah Bould represented Intercontinental Brands in relation to its Vodkat product, in a test case brought by Diageo.

Three recent High Court victories for Walker Morris’ IP team have added to the record of its trade mark and design practice, including successfully representing the famous Venetian Hotel Cipriani in the widely publicised defence of its trade mark. The firm’s IT practice includes high street retailers and multinationals, and is headed by Michael Stevens, who is able to ‘distil complexity into simple facts and decisions’.

Clarion Solicitors LLP has acted for clients including the FA Premier League in precedent-setting IP disputes, and maintains strong cross-disciplinary IP/IT expertise in the form of ‘experienced’ practitioner Clive Lawrence.

Paul Sanderson heads HGF Law’s respected two-partner niche IP practice, which advises on various IP protection matters and has a close working relationship with patent and trade mark firm HGF Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys.

Disputes-focused Alex Newman heads Hammonds LLP’s IP team in Leeds, which added Tetra Pak, Bimedia and Pirtek Europe to its client roster in 2008. Combined with IT client wins such as Cattles, MCashback and PA Consulting Group, under Mike Henley, the firm’s profile is increasingly strong.

Irwin Mitchell LLP advises on a variety of IP and IT matters, including recent work for Seven Seas, a subsidiary of Merck, on the IP aspects of the sale of one of its businesses to Bob Martin. Joanne Bone manages the practice.

James Love Legal’s James Love is described as ‘unusually experienced in patent litigation’. Recommended predominantly for contentious work, this IP boutique has strong credentials in international IP work.

Lee & Priestley LLP’s Louise Handley is ‘efficient, accurate and prompt’, and heads a practice growing in reputation. The firm acted for fashion retailer Republic Retail in relation to various IP disputes and IT matters.

Headed by Leigh Martin, Lupton Fawcett LLP has particular strength in patent and design work, although it also caters for all the IP concerns of clients that include Jacuzzi UK Group.

Keith Benton at Rollits is a strong generalist, who is experienced in both IP and IT matters. Clients include Leeds Bradford International Airport.

Virtuoso Legal’s Elizabeth Ward and her team are described as ‘excellent on all counts’, having built a strong client following since the firm’s launch in 2007.

Watson Burton LLP’s Ed Meikle heads a Northern IP/IT practice with growing traction in Yorkshire.

Andrew Jackson is recommended for its IP expertise and receives regular instructions from PLC clients.

Berwins LLP provides ‘sound and appropriate’ advice and has a growing strength in contentious matters.

Brooke North LLP is recommended for its non-IT-focused portfolio under Dai Davis, including Allianz SE.

Gordons LLP is regularly involved in IP, IT and media litigation.

Gosschalks has a diverse IP and IT practice.

At Keeble Hawson, Rosemary Downs advises clients across a broad range of IP and IT matters.

Wake Smith & Tofields boasts a growing South Yorkshire presence in games development, music business contracts and digital media.

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