Mills & Reeve LLP handles IP matters in its core industry sectors - technology, life sciences, automotive, food and agriculture, education and sport. Whether for advisory work or litigation, the firm acts for a national and international client base. Practice head Mark Pearce works in both Leeds and Cambridge, but Cambridge-based head of life sciences James Fry has in-depth knowledge of research and technology collaborations, and intellectual property licensing. Alasdair Poore, principal associate Richard Plaistowe and trade mark attorney Nicola Hanglin are also recommended.

Stobbs IP launched in Cambridge in 2013 and has grown rapidly ever since. A niche intellectual property practice specialising in trade marks and brand management, it focuses on intangible asset management, which covers IP and commercial services, as well as technological solutions. Among its clients are world-leading brands in fashion, technology, publishing, telecoms, social media, food and beverage, finance and sports. The firm now has its own in-house valuation team focused on brand valuation. Founder Julius Stobbs and partners Chris Sleep, litigator Geoff Steward and Chris Hawkes are the key contacts.

Legal directors Nellie Jackson in Ipswich and litigator Maria Peyman in Cambridge are the lead practitioners at Birketts LLP. They, along with Ipswich-based trade mark attorney Annie Blake, 'provide a clear and comprehensive service with efficient and valued liaison within other jurisdictions'. Cambridge-based commercial and technology partner Quentin Golder is also heavily involved in the practice. The firm handles trade mark and brand portfolio management, as well as litigation, and it is steadily increasing its flow of international work.

The Cambridge office of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is a key hub in the firm's national IP practice. Simon Crossley is the key partner and he has more than 20 years' experience in areas such as open source software and open innovation, establishing licence models for app stores, and the use of technology in healthcare. Adrian Toutoungi joined Taylor Wessing LLP but the firm retains a strong associate team handling national and cross-border matters.

Goodwin joins the ranking having hired a team of experienced partners and associates from Taylor Wessing LLP. Partners Malcolm Bates andTim Worden, and associates Georgia Powell  and Talitha Shkopiak are well versed in the protection and commercialisation of IP rights. Focused on the technology and life sciences sectors, the firm acts for a growing roster of high-growth start-up companies, investors and global brands such as Oxford Biomedica. Clients remark that the firm is 'completely responsive to our business needs and works as a team'.

Marks & Clerk provides specialist IP and commercial contract services ranging from the initial filing and registration of rights through to litigation and commercial exploitation. The Cambridge office is central to its commercial IP practice, handling IP strategy, risk limitation, due diligence, brand protection, portfolio management, commercial contracts and industry-specific regulatory advice. Simon Portman in Cambridge and Michael Moore, who splits his time with the London office, are the key practitioners. Associate Rayyan Mughal is also recommended.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has a strong commercial IP and life sciences practice in Cambridge. Partner Rachel Bradley is co-head of the practice, which is also led from the firm's Oxford and London offices. Bradley has specific experience in the life sciences sector, though her broad experience includes the technology sectors and publishing sectors, and she is frequently seconded to a not-for-profit scientific publishing organisation. Associate Natasha Bowyer Irvine joined from Taylor Vinters.

The practice at Taylor Wessing LLP underwent many changes in late 2019 and early 2020, with key partners moving to Goodwin, but promotions and recruitment have helped it to maintain a strong position in the Cambridge market. The firm's life sciences and technology focus gives it a deep understanding of complex global licensing, collaboration deals and IP disputes. Newly promoted partner Tasmina Goraya leads the practice, which hired key partner Adrian Toutoungi from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP. Cambridge Innovation Capital and Oxford BioMedica are among their key clients.

Greenwoods GRM in Peterborough handles IP matters, notably disputes, for its clients in the media sector. It acts mainly for large magazine and online publishers, though it has a growing client base in the technology sector. Senior associate Jamie McConnell handles contentious matters, including design and trading name infringement claims. Head of corporate David Woods deals with IP commercialisation. 'They are quick, responsive and thorough in all their dealings and they offer straightforward, honest advice,' remarks a client.