Rising Stars

Jo Eales - Stratagem IPM Ltd

Firms To Watch: Intellectual property

Evolve Intellectual Property's practice in Cambridge specialises in assisting clients in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors with IP strategy, licensing agreements, portfolio management and contentious matters.

Intellectual property in East Anglia

Goodwin

The Cambridge based team at Goodwin specialises in assisting clients with IPOs, financings, and patent strategies. The team recently assisted Engitix Therapeutics on a licence and collaboration agreement with Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. Practice co-head Malcolm Bates specialises in the commercialisation of intellectual property rights, and co-head Tim Worden regularly advises life sciences companies on licensing and partnering deals, R&D and clinical trials agreements, and a broad spectrum of regulatory matters. Counsel Talitha Shkopiak focuses on commercial agreements, and associate Georgia Powell whose work encompasses early stage contractual disputes, are also pivotal to the practice.

Practice head(s):

Malcolm Bates; Tim Worden


Other key lawyers:

Georgia Powell; Talitha Shkopiak


Key clients

Engitix Limited


SynAffix B.V.


Stalicla SA


CMR Surgical


Gadeta


Pheon Therapeutics


MiNA Therapeutics


Avacta


SpyBiotech


Tenpoint Therapeutics


Work highlights


  • Advised Synaffix B.V. on a license agreement with Amgen Inc.
  • Advised Engitix Limited on entering into an expanded licence and collaboration agreement with Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
  • Advised Stalicla SA on its exclusive in-licensing agreement with Novartis.

Mills & Reeve LLP

Praised by clients for its 'keen business sense ', the Cambridge based group at Mills & Reeve LLP handles a broad range of issues for clients in the life sciences, automotive, and agriculture industries. Practice head Mark Pearce works from both the Leeds and Cambridge offices, regularly advising chemical and higher education clients on licensing issues. Head of life sciences James Fry and consultant Alasdair Poore, who specialises in the protection, exploitation, and enforcement of IP rights, are key contacts. Principal associates Richard Plaistowe and Nicola Hanglin ‘provide nuanced, commercially pragmatic advice‘ to both public and private sector clients on trademark filings and data protection.

Practice head(s):

Mark Pearce


Other key lawyers:

James Fry; Alastair Poore; Richard Plaistowe; Nicola Hanglin


Testimonials

‘It is an extremely collaborative environment. The team has a keen business sense and is always looking for the best options and path forward while keeping in mind the type and resources of that business. We are always kept up to date and informed on the latest developments.’

‘Richard Plaistowe is an exceptional attorney with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is also a great communicator. Nicola Hanglin is likewise an excellent communicator and attorney. I always feel in the loop and up to speed on what is going on with my cases.’

‘M&R offers commercially pragmatic and cost effective advice. The communication is excellent and their responsiveness is beyond expectations.’

‘Richard Plaistowe and Nicola Hanglin are extremely knowledgeable and very willing to share their experience and knowledge with you. They provide nuanced, commercially pragmatic advice appropriate to the matter in issue, rather than taking a one-size fits all approach Richard, particularly impresses with his responsiveness.’

Key clients

AVEVA Group PLC


Breedon Holdings Limited and group companies


The British Council


The University of Cambridge


IELTS Australia Pty Limited


IELTS UK Services Limited


Casella Family Brands (Europe) Limited


Diurnal Group


Domino Printing Sciences Plc


F-star Therapeutics


First Light Lamps Limited


GlaxoSmithKline


MD Orthopaedics


Orderly Mind Limited


Parkdean Resorts UK


Peachaus Limited


PhoreMost


Smart Skincare Limited


The Binding Site


Work highlights


  • Assisting The British Council, the University of Cambridge and IELTS Australia Pty Limited with portfolio management issues, acting in trade mark oppositions against applications for IELTS MEDICAL, and handling domain name complaints against domain names in the name of IELTS Medical Ltd.
  • Advising F-star Therapeutics on its licence and collaboration agreement with Takeda, which grants licences to Takeda of F-star’s proprietary platform IP relating to the generation of bi-specific antibodies will facilitate research towards the development of a next generation immuno-oncology bispecific antibodies.
  • Acting for MD Orthopaedics Inc in resolving a trade mark dispute, achieving withdrawal of a conflicting trade mark application, securing MDO’s valuable UK registration of Ponseti, and providing it with contractual rights against any future unauthorised use of this mark by the other party.

Mishcon de Reya LLP

Mishcon de Reya LLP in Cambridge advises a stellar roster of IP clients, including Fox News Network, Bridgestone Tyres and The Estate of Professor Stephen Hawking. Patrick Farrant leads the firm’s international technology group, and frequently assists clients with biotechnology and IP deals. Trade marks and brands expert Louisa Dixon, who leads the firm’s brand protection practice, and IP litigator Gareth Dickson ‘work meticulously and efficiently’. Managing associate Laura Aldridge ‘delivers wonderful service and work as a close-knit team’. Jo Eales departed for Stratagem IPM Ltd in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Farrant


Other key lawyers:

Gareth Dickson; Louisa Dixon; Laura Aldridge


Testimonials

‘Taylor Vinters IP department is very reactive, efficient and easy working.’

‘Laura Aldridge, and Louisa Dixon, partner deliver wonderful IP services. They work as a close-knit team, the relation is very fluid. This is what distinguishes them from other firms.’

‘Louisa Dixon and Gareth Dickson and their teams work meticulously and efficiently, and at the same time are strategically focused and pragmatic.’

Key clients

The Estate of Professor Stephen Hawking


Fox News Network, LLC


Meridian Audio Limited


Go Ape!


Meaco Limited


Endomagnetics Limited


Secondmind Limited


Bridgestone Tyres


Maisons du Monde


Featurespace Limited


Paravir Limited


Sensorflow Limited


Vesynta Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Featurespace on a multi-jurisdictional patent filing program.
  • Acted for Meaco on an international design registration project.

Stobbs IP

Stobbs IP is a specialist brand management firm located in Cambridge, that services a stellar roster of clients, notably including Dr. Martens, Meta, Jack Daniels and Nike. The ‘innovative and dynamic’ team is noted for its expertise in bran valuation and anti-counterfeiting. Key practitioners include ‘fearless and innovative‘ principal Julius Stobbs; and Geoff Steward, whose ‘analysis, intellect, and client-handling skills are unmatched’, having vast experience in disputes concerning passing off, database rights, and trade marks. The ‘pragmatic, informed and authoritative’ Chris Sleep is noted for his expertise in enforcement strategies.

Practice head(s):

Julius Stobbs; Chris Sleep; Geoff Steward


Other key lawyers:

Charlotte Peach; Emma Dixon; Harriet Berridge; Claire Breheny


Testimonials

‘Stobbs are an innovative and dynamic firm at the forefront of branding disputes. They offer clients a bespoke service, without compromising on quality, which is first-rate.’

‘Chris Sleep is a fantastic solicitor, knows the law extremely well, has real commercial acumen and is also a fun and down to earth person to work with. Charlotte Peach is extremely bright and thinks comprehensively around issues. It is very reassuring to have her in your team.’

‘They are a young team of tip top litigators, led by Geoff Steward, whose analysis, intellect and client-handling skills are unmatched in the market. He is one of the IP world’s great team builders.’

Key clients

7-Eleven


AB InBev


AG Barr


Air Partner


All England Netball Association


All Saints


AOL


ASOS


Automobil Lamborghini SPA


Automobile Club de l’Ouest


Balfour Beatty


Barclays


Beiersdorf


Berry Bros


Big Potato Ltd


Big Wave Brands


British Toy & Hobby Association


Britvic


Brown Forman


Bullgard


BUPA


Camelphat


Cambridge University Press & Assessment


Cancer Research UK


Capri Sun GmbH


Channel 4


Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development


Chiaro Technology


Citco Converse


Clear Score Technology Limited


Combe International (Vagisil)


Conde Nast


Cumberland Corporate Services Limited (Tower Records)


Danone


District Financial Limited


DKNY


Dr. Martens


Dryrobe


Duke University


Ecolab


Energizer Holdings Inc.


England and Wales Cricket Board


Entain plc


Eton College


Faber & Faber


Facebook (Meta)


Federal Mogul


FIFA


Fine and Country


Five Mile Films


Foo Fighters / Dave Grohl


Ford Models


Ford Motor Co.


Fred Astaire (estate of)


Garrard & Company (jewellers)


Gene Simmons (KISS)


General Mill


Giesswein


GLD Group (Umbro)


Glencore


GoPro


Grandmaster Flash


Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH)


GVC Services Ltd


Harley Davidson USA Inc.


HK28 Ltd


Iglo Foods (Birdseye, Findus, etc)


Immersive Labs


Independent Talent


Informa Plc


Instagram


Instant Brands LLC


Interface Inc


Jack Daniels


Jagex Limited


John Varvatos


Jude Bellingham


Jurgen Klopp


Just Eat


Kendall & Kylie Jenner


Leeds Bradford International Airport


Liverpool Football Club


Macmillan Publishers


Macmillan Publishers


Marks and Spencer


Mars Wrigley


Marshall


Marshall Amplification


MBG International


McDonalds


Meta (Facebook)


Meyer Bergman


Milton Lloyd Ltd


Monster Inc.


Moonbug Entertainment


Mothercare


Neuehouse & Fotografiska


Nike


Nirvana


O2


OBD Diagnostics


Off White (Virgil Abloh)


Olive and Orange Ltd


Orla Kiely


Ovo


Paramount Pictures


PepsiCo


Pharrell Williams


Philip Warren & Son


Pip & Nut


Popsockets


Prada


Premier Foods


Purple Bricks


PZ Cussons


Quintessentially Group


Raffles Hotels


Raspberry Pi Foundation


Reckitt


RLTV Media


Siemens AG


Skip the Dishes Restaurant


Slater & Gordon


Slater and Gordon (UK)


Snap Inc


Springer Nature


Stanley Black and Decker Inc.


StockX


Ted Baker


The Ridge (The Ridge Wallet)


The Ritz Hotel London


Tik Tok


Tommy Hilfiger Europe BV


Tottenham Hotspur FC


Treasury Wines Estates


Trek Bicycles


Tumblr


UEFA


University of Cambridge


Upfield


Visa


Webstorm Information Technology Private Limited (an Indian entity)


Wendy’s


WhatsApp


Wickes


Wilmington Plc


Xaar


Yahoo


Yours Clothing


YouView


Work highlights


  • Represented Marks and Spencer plc in its successful design infringement claim (IPEC) against Aldi Stores Limited. Aldi was held to have infringed M&S’ registered designs as the Aldi Gin Globes produced the same overall impression as the prior registered designs.
  • Represented Combe International LLC and Combe International Limited (owners of VAGISIL brand) in an appeal to Court of Appeal brought by Dr August Wolff Gmbh & Co and Acdoco Limited in relation to High Court trade mark infringement claim relating to use of VAGISAN.
  • Represented the Australian Council for Educational Research in its IPEC trade mark infringement and passing off claim against the operators of the AcerGAMSAT website, which sold unauthorised exam preparation materials for the GAMSAT medical entry test.

Birketts LLP

Predominantly based in Cambridge, Birketts LLP assists clients with all aspects of the life cycle of IP, regularly advising start-ups and large enterprises on commercialisation and infringement matters. Legal director Melanie Harvey in Ipswich leads the trade marks and branding side of the practice. Leading the contentious side of the practice, Maria Peyman focuses on disputes within the IPEC and the High Court, and Quentin Golder handles development agreements and IP joint ventures. Andrew Priest frequently advises software companies on both copyright and brand protection issues. Trade mark attorney Anousha Vasantha joined the team in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Melanie Harvey; Maria Peyman; Quentin Golder


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Priest; Anousha Vasantha


Key clients

Greene King


Sophie Allport Limited


Nestbedz


Omega Ingredients Limited


The English Whisky Co. Ltd


Marks & Clerk

Praised by clients for its 'international experience and knowledge', the team at Marks & Clerk calls upon a wealth of expertise to advise clients in the technology and life sciences sectors. The group frequently assists clients with the filing and registration of rights, in addition to portfolio management and risk limitation issues. The ‘commercially very astute' Simon Portman leads the Cambridge based team, often advising SMEs and large international corporates.

Practice head(s):

Simon Portman


Testimonials

‘They are very professional and communication between each other and the client is excellent. International experience and knowledge in all aspects of intellectual property is available from one company. With full supporting commercial and company law. It provides a one stop practice.’

‘Simon Portman is extremely receptive from the start and is never phased by any requests. He provides very sound advice which changes my thinking in positive way. Commercially very astute. The advice given was very clear and uncomplicated.’

Key clients

Hockey 21


Kingston University


Swamp Motel


Addenbrooke’s Hospital


Babraham Research Institute


University of Cambridge


John Innes Centre


UCL


Mundipharma


Flexenable


Ultimovacs


Work highlights


  • Advising a former England hockey player who is setting up an online, interactive hockey game called Hockey 21.
  • Advised Kingston University, in conjunction with a corporate finance associate and a serial tech entrepreneur, in compiling a 130 page manual for use by the above personnel to supplement the firm’s patent filing and contract advice to the client, covering the following issues in depth.
  • Advising Swamp Motel, a client that writes and supplies immersive, interactive thrillers in which the user solves crimes or completes quests in an imaginary world.

Fosters

Fosters in Norwich operates an 'In House' subscription service, led by partner Jamie Arnall, which provides a range of corporate and commercial services. IP services are a key part of this offering for clients in the sports sector and associate Charlotte Darkins is the main contact. Darkins' current workload includes advice on on cutting-edge cryptocurrency and NFT projects in the sports sector, having handled the management of Nottingham Forest Football Club Limited's trade mark portfolio.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Arnall


Other key lawyers:

Charlotte Darkins


Testimonials

‘We are fortunate to be able to call upon an extremely knowledgeable team at Fosters, who handle every interaction in detail and expediently. They regularly go over and above in terms of what could reasonably be expected both in terms of their advice/guidance but also in achieving any urgent timescales as necessary – often working outside of normal hours to do so. We receive incredible value for money via their ‘In house retainer’ service.’

‘We are fortunate to work closely with Jamie Arnall and Charlotte Darkins, who look after us amazingly well but the entire team at Fosters treat every interaction as though you are their most important client. We have worked with various legal advisors over the years but consider the team at Fosters as an integral part of our future ambitious plans.’

Key clients

Nottingham Forest Football Club Limited


Bistrot Pierre 1994 Limited


The Basketball League Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Bistrot Pierre 1994 Limited on the cease and removal of offending branding by a competitor eatery in Warsaw, Poland, utilising our client’s intellectual property and registered trademarks as its own.
  • Advised Nottingham Forest Football Club Limited on the expansion of its current trademark portfolio within the UK together with advice on expanding such portfolio globally.

Greenwoods Legal

Greenwoods Legal handles both non-contentious and contentious IP matters, particularly within the context of magazine and online publishing, though the group increasingly assists clients in the manufacturing sector. In Peterborough, Jamie McConnell leads the  technology practice and handles IP rights claims alongside a broad portfolio of commercial disputes. McConnell's work includes disputes relating to UK and CTM trademarks, copyright, passing off and domain names.

Practice head(s):

Jamie McConnell


Tees Law

Tees Law in Cambridge has a niche IP practice focused on the sport, media, education, and cultural sectors. ‘I was very impressed with his knowledge and he was very clear and thorough at explaining how trade marks work‘, says a client of senior associate and practice head Alastair Cotton, whose previous experience at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) gives him extensive experience in IP matters. He  remains an adviser to the IPC on managing the Paralympic brand and combating ambush marketing.

Practice head(s):

Alastair Cotton


Testimonials

‘I used this practice for a commercial property lease – and mentioned I would be interested in trademarking my business – the solicitor I dealt with recommended someone to me who dealt with IP and they contacted me directly – I was very impressed with how well the two departments liaised the information with each other.’

‘ I was very impressed with Alastair Cotton’s knowledge, he was very clear and thorough at explaining how the trade mark worked and the different categories to register. He was very polite and friendly and always answered my questions in a timely fashion. The whole process was made very easy by him, and he’s been very helpful in the follow up too.’

‘Alastair and Beth are extremely knowledgeable.’

Key clients

International Paralympic Committee


Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Art Fund / Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire / Cambridgeshire Community Foundation


Real Like You (pop band)


George Collier Media Limited


Athletic Club (t/a Ultra Flex Gyms)


National Council for the Training of Journalists


Granite5


Cuttsy+Cuttsy


Wharton Business Consulting


Work highlights


  • Advising the International Paralympic Committee in relation to a number of intellectual property issues, including an image rights claim and a trade mark and copyright claim. The firm also advised the IPC on its brand protection strategy for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games and assisted in executing that strategy.
  • Advised the Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Fund (held by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation), a consortium led by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire on the commissioning of the first official joint portrait of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The firm advised on the IP rights arising from the commissioning of and loan arrangements for the portrait which now hangs (on loan) in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.
  • Advised The Athletic Club on the expansion of its business and the achievement of its aim to open more gyms and fitness centres across the UK. The firm assisted the client with identifying the key risks, how best to manage those, and the right model for fulfilling its expansion plans through protecting and exploitation of its IP rights.