The members of 11 South Square are sought after by high-profile clients to represent them in intellectual property litigation before all levels of the UK court system, in addition to European fora. The set boasts a large volume of silks in its ranks, including Iain Purvis KC, who handles cases surrounding both patents and trade marks. Of recent note, Purvis KC acted for Tesco in a trade mark infringement case brought by Lidl surrounding the introduction of a new advertising campaign to promote Tesco Clubcard, at issue was the use of a yellow circle on a blue background. Michael Silverleaf KC is strong in cases that require knowledge of technical areas, including monoclonal antibodies, medical devices, and drug delivery systems, as well as wind power generation, automotive catalysts, and shipbuilding. With a scientific background, Mark Vanhegan KC has appeared before the Supreme Court in cases concerning intricate technology, and Piers Acland KC is well known for his pharmaceutical patent work, which is exemplified by his representation of Moderna in a patent trial against Biontech and Pfizer surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine. Anna Edwards-Stuart KC made silk in the 2024 round, and Edward Cronan joined the set from Hogarth Chambers, bringing particular expertise in the patent litigation space.
Intellectual property in
London Bar
11 South Square
Testimonials
‘Sam Fullilove is an excellent clerk.’
‘Ashley Carr is very strong; you definitely want him on your side!’
‘The clerks are very helpful, in particular Ashley Carr, who will always be most accommodating and helpful when needed.’
‘Ashley Carr, Sam Fullilove and Harry Eades are responsive and helpful. Ashley in particular provides strategic advice on listing issues.’
‘Harry Eades is particularly responsive and pleased to assist whatever the query, whether its obtaining costs estimates from counsel or arranging lunch for the team during trial.’
‘The clerks’ room is excellent, Ashley Carr is particularly highly rated.’
‘The clerks are friendly and always willing to help. They answer the phone promptly and always seem to know what’s going on. Sam Fullilove and Boudi Iffland are both brilliant.’
Work highlights
8 New Square
The members at 8 New Square are highly experienced in representing clients in all levels of court across the entire remit of IP-related cases, including those surrounding patents, copyrights, and trade marks. Among its strong bench of silks sits Michael Tappin KC, who has appeared before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, and he is representing one of the claimants in BioNTech and Pfizer v Moderna and CureVac, which concerns a claim for the revocation of patents and counterclaims regarding the alleged infringement of patents regarding Covid-19 vaccinations. Andrew Lykiardopoulos KC is a notable name in the patents and copyright space, while Charlotte May KC acted for the claimant in a telecommunications patent infringement case which also questioned the validity of the patent involved (Phillips v OPPO). The set is also home to Martin Howe KC, who is especially skilled in cases regarding complex technology, including broadcasting and telecommunications-related technology, as well as biotech and pharmaceuticals, and James Abrahams KC, who is sought after for his expertise in high-tech patent litigation, often surrounding engineering and medical devices. Lindsay Lane KC is another key name at the set with significant experience in the entire range of IP matters, including patents, trade marks, copyrights, and database and design rights, as well as the tort of passing off.
Testimonials
‘Ben Newham is excellent and practicable.’
‘Nicholas Wise is friendly and helpful, as is Philip Taylor.’
‘Excellent team of clerks who are attentive and sympathetic.’
‘Best IP set with a great range of IP seniors, juniors and KCs.’
‘Top set with a great variety of talented barristers.’
Work highlights
Hogarth Chambers
Hogarth Chambers is praised as a ‘go-to set for IP advocacy‘, and its members are especially skilled in the area of trade marks. The set also handles cases surrounding copyright, designs, and confidential information, and it is increasingly active in patent-related mandates. Among the set’s notable bench of silks is Nicholas Caddick KC, who boasts particular expertise in cases involving contractual disputes over intellectual property rights. Simon Malynicz KC has appeared before all levels of court, including the UKIPO and the EUIPO, the Supreme Court, and the CJEU. Of recent note, Malynicz KC represented the claimants in Swatch and others v Samsung, a case concerning allegations of trade mark infringement arising from the defendant’s sale of smartwatches capable of displaying faces similar to the claimant's watches. Another key silk is Andrew Norris KC, and he regularly acts for individual rights holders and multinational brands, as well as patent owners. Specialist intellectual property silk Jeremy Reed KC and patent law expert Richard Davis KC are also key members of the team. Among the juniors, Michael Hicks stands out for his broad-ranging experience across copyright, patents, trade marks, passing off, designs, and confidential information cases. Hicks is acting for the claimant, who claims to be the creator of the Bitcoin electronic cash system, in Wright v BTC Core and others, a case addressing whether copyright can exist within the Bitcoin system. Amanda Michaels is an Appointed Person and frequently hears appeals from the UKIPO in trade mark mandates.
Testimonials
‘Adam Homes is great; efficient, affable and he gets things done.’
‘The clerks are very good, efficient, and sensible, especially Clive Nicholls.’
‘Clive Nicholls and John Davies are good and pragmatic.’
‘Superb. Adam Homes is a standout. Very friendly, very can-do, and very responsive.’
‘David Court is very dynamic and like a man on a mission.’
‘The clerks are extremely helpful and ensure that queries are addressed very quickly, in particular Clive Nicholls and John Davies, who are always available and prepared to go the extra mile.’
‘They are all kind, witty and responsive, especially John Davies, Clive Nicholls and Adam Homes.’
Work highlights
Three New Square
‘IP powerhouse’ Three New Square is home to a number of active barristers including Guy Burkill KC, who boasts particular expertise in the patent litigation arena, especially in cases surrounding the telecoms and technology industries. Douglas Campbell KC is another notable silk, and he practices in patent, trade mark, and confidential information cases. Thomas Hinchliffe KC also specialises in patent-related work, specifically in cases involving the pharmaceutical, biotechnological and computing sectors. Tom Mitcheson KC is another active team member who has been instructed on a large volume of leading and high-profile cases. Turning to the juniors, Denise McFarland has a thriving trade marks practice, and Tim Austen regularly appears before a range of courts for his clients, including the Patents Court, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Commercial Court, as well as the EPO.
Testimonials
‘The chambers is an IP powerhouse with an excellent clerking team. Nick Hill is first rate, junior clerk Georgia Onyett is learning the ropes well and Zena Robbins on reception is a warm and welcoming presence for all clients.’
‘The clerks are generally just a pleasure to deal with. We get fantastic service from all of the clerks but I have been very impressed with Owen Beedle this year. He has handled a complex matter for me with great professionalism and skill and always with good humour. Nick Hill is always fantastic to deal with and I appreciate his input and guidance on advocate options and listings.’
‘The clerks are fantastic, in particular Nick Hill, who is the best clerk in town. He is incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and available. He will go out of his way to ensure that you are looked after, will push for the best position in listing and other court matters whilst always being extremely professional and friendly. I cannot think of a better clerks’ room in IP specialist chambers.’
‘Nick Hill was always very easy to interact with and friendly. Interactions with Nick were always friendlier and smoother than other interactions with the clerks.’
‘Very good service from the clerks, especially Nick Hill, who is a very experienced clerk and ensures his barristers have sufficient time in their diaries for patent dispute work.’
‘Nick Hill is a standout clerk.’
‘Nick Hill and Tim Fairburn are both great to work with.’
‘Very responsive clerks who are polite and professional. We were dealing with Tim Fairburn for the majority of the big trademark opposition, and he was always helpful and gave accurate fee estimates.’
Work highlights
Blackstone Chambers
Blackstone Chambers is home to numerous experts who possess strengths across the full spectrum of intellectual property disputes. Michael Bloch KC is active in registered design right cases, while Robert Howe KC boasts substantial experience in representing clients from the media and entertainment sector. James Segan KC regularly appears before the Patents Court with a strong patent licensing disputes practice, in addition to representing clients before the Copyright Tribunal.
Testimonials
‘Excellent and very responsive clerks. Derek Sutton is a star.’
‘We get good service from the clerks.’
‘Excellent set with top barristers who are consistently good across a broad range of disciplines.’
‘In copyright and media matters, they have many expert barristers.’
Work highlights
One Essex Court
Praised as a ‘go-to‘ chambers, One Essex Court has been increasingly active in patent-related disputes. Its members are also well versed in cases involving trademarks, copyright, and designs, as well as passing off and licensing disputes. The set is home to Geoffrey Hobbs KC, who is the current senior appointed person that hears appeals from the UK Registrar of Trade Marks. Of recent note, Hobbs represented one of the defendants in the case of Koninklijke Philips NV v Tinno Mobile Tech Corpn and others, in which the jurisdiction of the English court under Articles 29 and 30 of the Brussels I Regualtion was disputed, and French proceedings were preferred. Trademark and passing off expert Emma Himsworth KC is acting for the claimant in Virgin Enterprises Ltd v Brightline Holdings LLC, a case concerning a trade mark licence agreement which the defendants wish to terminate.
Testimonials
‘Excellent services from the clerks, in particular Jackie Ginty, Adam Wheeler, and Jade Cassell.’
‘The clerks’ room is extremely efficient. Jackie Ginty is very good, very responsive, and very efficient.’
‘Always satisfied. Jackie Ginty and Jack Leppington are always particularly helpful.’
‘Rob Smith and Jackie Ginty in particular are excellent clerks.’
‘All of the clerks are fantastic; very responsive, willing to assist and honest about a barrister’s prior commitments. The latter point is key from a solicitor’s perspective.’
Work highlights
11 South Square
Testimonials
‘Sam Fullilove is an excellent clerk.’
‘Ashley Carr is very strong; you definitely want him on your side!’
‘The clerks are very helpful, in particular Ashley Carr, who will always be most accommodating and helpful when needed.’
‘Ashley Carr, Sam Fullilove and Harry Eades are responsive and helpful. Ashley in particular provides strategic advice on listing issues.’
‘Harry Eades is particularly responsive and pleased to assist whatever the query, whether its obtaining costs estimates from counsel or arranging lunch for the team during trial.’
‘The clerks’ room is excellent, Ashley Carr is particularly highly rated.’
‘The clerks are friendly and always willing to help. They answer the phone promptly and always seem to know what’s going on. Sam Fullilove and Boudi Iffland are both brilliant.’
Work highlights
8 New Square
The members at 8 New Square are highly experienced in representing clients in all levels of court across the entire remit of IP-related cases, including those surrounding patents, copyrights, and trade marks. Among its strong bench of silks sits Michael Tappin KC, who has appeared before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, and he is representing one of the claimants in BioNTech and Pfizer v Moderna and CureVac, which concerns a claim for the revocation of patents and counterclaims regarding the alleged infringement of patents regarding Covid-19 vaccinations. Andrew Lykiardopoulos KC is a notable name in the patents and copyright space, while Charlotte May KC acted for the claimant in a telecommunications patent infringement case which also questioned the validity of the patent involved (Phillips v OPPO). The set is also home to Martin Howe KC, who is especially skilled in cases regarding complex technology, including broadcasting and telecommunications-related technology, as well as biotech and pharmaceuticals, and James Abrahams KC, who is sought after for his expertise in high-tech patent litigation, often surrounding engineering and medical devices. Lindsay Lane KC is another key name at the set with significant experience in the entire range of IP matters, including patents, trade marks, copyrights, and database and design rights, as well as the tort of passing off.
Testimonials
‘Ben Newham is excellent and practicable.’
‘Nicholas Wise is friendly and helpful, as is Philip Taylor.’
‘Excellent team of clerks who are attentive and sympathetic.’
‘Best IP set with a great range of IP seniors, juniors and KCs.’
‘Top set with a great variety of talented barristers.’
Work highlights
Hogarth Chambers
Hogarth Chambers is praised as a ‘go-to set for IP advocacy‘, and its members are especially skilled in the area of trade marks. The set also handles cases surrounding copyright, designs, and confidential information, and it is increasingly active in patent-related mandates. Among the set’s notable bench of silks is Nicholas Caddick KC, who boasts particular expertise in cases involving contractual disputes over intellectual property rights. Simon Malynicz KC has appeared before all levels of court, including the UKIPO and the EUIPO, the Supreme Court, and the CJEU. Of recent note, Malynicz KC represented the claimants in Swatch and others v Samsung, a case concerning allegations of trade mark infringement arising from the defendant’s sale of smartwatches capable of displaying faces similar to the claimant's watches. Another key silk is Andrew Norris KC, and he regularly acts for individual rights holders and multinational brands, as well as patent owners. Specialist intellectual property silk Jeremy Reed KC and patent law expert Richard Davis KC are also key members of the team. Among the juniors, Michael Hicks stands out for his broad-ranging experience across copyright, patents, trade marks, passing off, designs, and confidential information cases. Hicks is acting for the claimant, who claims to be the creator of the Bitcoin electronic cash system, in Wright v BTC Core and others, a case addressing whether copyright can exist within the Bitcoin system. Amanda Michaels is an Appointed Person and frequently hears appeals from the UKIPO in trade mark mandates.
Testimonials
‘Adam Homes is great; efficient, affable and he gets things done.’
‘The clerks are very good, efficient, and sensible, especially Clive Nicholls.’
‘Clive Nicholls and John Davies are good and pragmatic.’
‘Superb. Adam Homes is a standout. Very friendly, very can-do, and very responsive.’
‘David Court is very dynamic and like a man on a mission.’
‘The clerks are extremely helpful and ensure that queries are addressed very quickly, in particular Clive Nicholls and John Davies, who are always available and prepared to go the extra mile.’
‘They are all kind, witty and responsive, especially John Davies, Clive Nicholls and Adam Homes.’
Work highlights
Three New Square
‘IP powerhouse’ Three New Square is home to a number of active barristers including Guy Burkill KC, who boasts particular expertise in the patent litigation arena, especially in cases surrounding the telecoms and technology industries. Douglas Campbell KC is another notable silk, and he practices in patent, trade mark, and confidential information cases. Thomas Hinchliffe KC also specialises in patent-related work, specifically in cases involving the pharmaceutical, biotechnological and computing sectors. Tom Mitcheson KC is another active team member who has been instructed on a large volume of leading and high-profile cases. Turning to the juniors, Denise McFarland has a thriving trade marks practice, and Tim Austen regularly appears before a range of courts for his clients, including the Patents Court, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Commercial Court, as well as the EPO.
Testimonials
‘The chambers is an IP powerhouse with an excellent clerking team. Nick Hill is first rate, junior clerk Georgia Onyett is learning the ropes well and Zena Robbins on reception is a warm and welcoming presence for all clients.’
‘The clerks are generally just a pleasure to deal with. We get fantastic service from all of the clerks but I have been very impressed with Owen Beedle this year. He has handled a complex matter for me with great professionalism and skill and always with good humour. Nick Hill is always fantastic to deal with and I appreciate his input and guidance on advocate options and listings.’
‘The clerks are fantastic, in particular Nick Hill, who is the best clerk in town. He is incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and available. He will go out of his way to ensure that you are looked after, will push for the best position in listing and other court matters whilst always being extremely professional and friendly. I cannot think of a better clerks’ room in IP specialist chambers.’
‘Nick Hill was always very easy to interact with and friendly. Interactions with Nick were always friendlier and smoother than other interactions with the clerks.’
‘Very good service from the clerks, especially Nick Hill, who is a very experienced clerk and ensures his barristers have sufficient time in their diaries for patent dispute work.’
‘Nick Hill is a standout clerk.’
‘Nick Hill and Tim Fairburn are both great to work with.’
‘Very responsive clerks who are polite and professional. We were dealing with Tim Fairburn for the majority of the big trademark opposition, and he was always helpful and gave accurate fee estimates.’
Work highlights
Blackstone Chambers
Blackstone Chambers is home to numerous experts who possess strengths across the full spectrum of intellectual property disputes. Michael Bloch KC is active in registered design right cases, while Robert Howe KC boasts substantial experience in representing clients from the media and entertainment sector. James Segan KC regularly appears before the Patents Court with a strong patent licensing disputes practice, in addition to representing clients before the Copyright Tribunal.
Testimonials
‘Excellent and very responsive clerks. Derek Sutton is a star.’
‘We get good service from the clerks.’
‘Excellent set with top barristers who are consistently good across a broad range of disciplines.’
‘In copyright and media matters, they have many expert barristers.’
Work highlights
One Essex Court
Praised as a ‘go-to‘ chambers, One Essex Court has been increasingly active in patent-related disputes. Its members are also well versed in cases involving trademarks, copyright, and designs, as well as passing off and licensing disputes. The set is home to Geoffrey Hobbs KC, who is the current senior appointed person that hears appeals from the UK Registrar of Trade Marks. Of recent note, Hobbs represented one of the defendants in the case of Koninklijke Philips NV v Tinno Mobile Tech Corpn and others, in which the jurisdiction of the English court under Articles 29 and 30 of the Brussels I Regualtion was disputed, and French proceedings were preferred. Trademark and passing off expert Emma Himsworth KC is acting for the claimant in Virgin Enterprises Ltd v Brightline Holdings LLC, a case concerning a trade mark licence agreement which the defendants wish to terminate.
Testimonials
‘Excellent services from the clerks, in particular Jackie Ginty, Adam Wheeler, and Jade Cassell.’
‘The clerks’ room is extremely efficient. Jackie Ginty is very good, very responsive, and very efficient.’
‘Always satisfied. Jackie Ginty and Jack Leppington are always particularly helpful.’
‘Rob Smith and Jackie Ginty in particular are excellent clerks.’
‘All of the clerks are fantastic; very responsive, willing to assist and honest about a barrister’s prior commitments. The latter point is key from a solicitor’s perspective.’