As a ‘class act’, the team of 'world experts' at Allen & Overy LLP has a commercial and technical global IP practice advising household name companies. David Stone leads the practice and is well known for his brand and trade mark expertise and litigation skills, while Jim Ford specialises in non-contentious and commercial IP mandates, regularly advising on complex IP joint ventures, compliance issues and advertising and licensing deals. Neville Cordell is also a patent litigator and is consistently involved in high-profile trade mark, copyright, and breach of confidence cases, and ‘skilled negotiator’ Nigel Parker is a technology and data expert and handles the IP elements of corporate and commercial transactions. At the non-partner level, senior associates Alexandra Wyles, Adrian Dykes and trade mark and design prosecution team lead Karla Hughes are also noted.
Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design in London
Allen & Overy LLP
Practice head(s):
David Stone
Other key lawyers:
Adrian Dykes; Nigel Parker; Jim Ford; Karla Hughes; Neville Cordell; Alexandra Wyles; Benedict Kay
Testimonials
‘The A&O IP team headed by David Stone are a class act. It is a given that they know their practice area as world experts, but they are also very commercial and practical in their advice, and will share their views as to what’s worth doing/not doing for the costs involved/return on investment.’
‘The A&O IP team feels like an extension of our in-house team, they understand our business deeply, our culture and ethos, and give us as much care, insight and attention as if they were working for us full time. Although we are a small client compared to FTSE 100 companies, we feel they are very responsive and understanding of our needs.’
‘Their insight into market practice was invaluable.’
Key clients
Coca-Cola
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Knitpro
Manchester United
NBCUniversal
Outerstuff
Samsung
News UK (The Times, The Sun)
Virgin Media O2
Warner Bros
Work highlights
- Managing the global trade mark portfolio for Acamar Films, the creator and distributor of the Emmy Award-winning children’s televisions series Bing Bunny.
- Representing Samsung in a trade mark infringement and passing off claim filed by ten claimants which are members of the Swatch Group of companies, alleging that Samsung has infringed various watch brand trade marks.
- Advised Etsy on the trade mark and IP aspects of its acquisition of the entire issued share capital Depop, the UK-based global fashion resale marketplace, from various institutional, angel and management sellers.
Bird & Bird LLP
Bird & Bird LLP maintains of the largest pan-European IP practices, giving the group a strong international reach. The practice continues to advise on a number of high-value cross-border disputes and transactional matters, with an increasing amount of matters involving digital assets, rights, and artificial intelligence. The contentious arm of the practice is led by Peter Brownlow who enjoys a strong reputation as a notable trade mark litigator across a number of industries, recently including the retail, gaming and technology industries. Ewan Grist is also a litigation expert and recently represented clients in the fashion innovator spaces, while Rebecca O’Kelly-Gillard and Phil Sherrell are key contacts for copyright related issues and have been notably active in the music and cryptocurrency sectors. Sally Shorthose heads up the transactional arm of the IP practice; she and Tom Snaith are also go-to practitioners for hi-tech clients in IP-rich sectors.
Practice head(s):
Katharine Stephens; Rob Williams
Other key lawyers:
Peter Brownlow; Ewan Grist; Phil Sherrell; Rebecca O’Kelly Gillard; Tom Snaith; Mark Holah; Nick Aries; Katherine Stephens; Sally Shorthose; Richard McMorris; Tristan Sherliker; Tom Darvill; Emma Green; Hilary Atherton; Ning-Ning Li
Testimonials
‘Strong trade mark and IP strategy advice, in particular with international expansion.’
‘Emma Green is always very impressive and efficient.’
‘Strategic and commercially pragmatic advice has led to excellent outcomes for the Company in a recent trade mark dispute. Very reliable advice.’
‘I have very much enjoyed working with Hilary Atherton who is calm and clear.’
Key clients
CrossFit
Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA)
Epic Games
HanesBrands Inc
Kingfisher
Lidl
Made.com
Mattel
Merck KGaA
Monster Energy Company
Work highlights
- Acting for the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) in high-profile litigation in relation to the ownership rights of Bitcoin.
- Acting for Californian gaming tech company Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc. and its UK subsidiary, Turtle Beach Europe Limited, in defending a trade mark infringement claim issued by ABP Technology Limited.
- Represented Lidl in a complex passing off action brought by Philip Warren & Son Ltd relating to Lidl’s sale of meat products.
Bristows LLP
The intellectual property practice at Bristows LLP has one of the broadest trade mark, copyright, and designs practices, which is praised for its ‘perfect combination of legal knowledge, commercial savvy, and litigation strategy’. The practice is led by a triumvirate comprised of Matthew Warren, Simon Clark, and Ian Gruselle. Clark spearheads the brand design and copyright arms of the practice, leading on high-profile passing off disputes in the entertainment and retail sectors alongside Jeremy Blum, who is praised for is ‘deep knowledge’. Gruselle maintains an enviable trade mark portfolio practice, advising big-name European and global clients alongside Paul Jordan, who also specialises in brand protection issues, specifically for print media and creative companies. The portfolio team also saw the addition of new partner Nellie Jackson, bolstering the team’s brand protection and exploitation capabilities. On the commercial side, Warren, Claire Smith and Richard Dickinson are key contacts, advising on many large-scale licensing and collaboration agreements across a variety of sectors, including the technology, luxury and branded goods industries.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Warren; Simon Clark; Ian Gruselle
Other key lawyers:
Jeremy Blum; Paul Jordan; Nellie Jackson; Claire Smith; Richard Dickinson; Andrew Butcher; Sean Ibbetson
Testimonials
‘Excellent overall performance: perfect combination of legal knowledge, commercial savvy, and litigation strategy.’
‘Jeremy Blum has a wealth of experience behind him. An excellent lawyer with an extraordinary knowledge of EU/UK law.’
‘Sean Ibbetson is one of the best Senior Associates in trade mark/copyright/design right law.’
‘The practice has developed probably unequalled experience, notably in specific questions of IP law, such as litigating three-dimensional trade marks in different jurisdictions.’
‘Jeremy Blum has deep knowledge in specific areas of IP law and great organisational skills to coordinate multi-jurisdictional projects and litigation.’
‘Overall very pragmatic and knowledgeable.’
Key clients
Mondelez International
Vice Media
Philips
Diageo
University of Oxford
McDonalds International Property Company
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Ltd
Louis Vuitton Moet Hennesy
The Financial Times
The Guardian News and Media
WPP Group
BAFTA
FatFace
GlebeFarm
Lebara
Work highlights
- Advising the WPP group on coordinating and managing the worldwide (except the US) trade mark portfolio.
- Advising the Financial Times on the management of its worldwide trade mark portfolio, conducting clearance searches for new brands, filing applications to expand the protection of the FT and FINANCIAL TIMES brands around the world and to assist in the protection of new brands and products.
- Assisting Master Moley from the early development stages of a project and through the entire lifecycle of a film special, including managing its worldwide trade mark portfolio.
CMS
Praised as ‘stellar’ in its approach to soft IP matters, the IP practice at CMS fields one of the largest dedicated teams in the market. Co-heads Sarah Wright and Tom Scourfield steer the ‘one-stop-shop’, which has a notable global reach that advises a number of high-profile clients across the full spectrum of industries, covering all elements of soft IP work. Praised as an ‘innovative thinker’, Wright’s trade mark practice spans prosecution, litigation, and licensing issues, managing the brand portfolios for some of the biggest global technology companies, while Scourfield manages all manner of brand protection matters, from registration, counselling, and strategies, to trade mark and copyright enforcement work. Louise Gellman is also a portfolio management expert, who is praised as ‘great to work with’ with a ‘great depth of knowledge’. Joel Vertes is praised as working ‘incredibly hard’ for his clients, with recent highlights including advising Qatar Airways on the industry test case regarding copyright infringement of musical performances in the context of international travel. David Parrish is also of note regarding complex and contentious trade mark matters, as is Caitlin Heard. Tom Reid is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Wright; Tom Scourfield
Other key lawyers:
Joel Vertes; Tom Reid; Eleanor Merrett; Louise Gellman; David Parrish; Caitlin Heard; Alicja Zalewska; Melanie Wordsall; Ben Hitchens; Kelly Saliger; Oliver Gray; Sam Omar; John Cloke
Testimonials
‘Joel Vertes works incredibly hard and is willing to drop everything in service of his clients.’
‘Very personable, experienced, competent leadership from Sarah Wright. Sam Omar punches above his weight in terms of commerciality and competence.’
‘Led by Louise Gellman, who is our main contact over a number of years, and who has a good depth of knowledge, and is great to work with on both a professional and person level.’
Key clients
Anthony Nolan
Banham
Booking.com
Breast Cancer Now
Deliveroo
Dentsu
Dune
eBay, Inc.
Equinor
Hackett
Hammerson
Imagination Technologies
ITV plc
J. Crew
JTI
Kettle Foods / Snyder’s Lance
Legal & General
Microsoft
Nestlé
Oracle Corporation
Oura Health
Pepe Jeans
Qatar Airways
Revlon
RH
Sainsbury’s
Samsonite
Shark Ninja
Sky
Sothebys
The Crown Estate
UEFA
Value Retail Plc
Work highlights
- Representing Qatar Airways in a claim brought by Performing Right Society (PRS) for copyright infringement.
- Advising UEFA in securing innovative live-blocking orders for infringing content during football matches.
- Advised Nestlé regarding several strategic mandates, including the secure trade mark protection of the four finger Kit Kat.
Mishcon de Reya LLP
Fielding an ‘all-star’ team with a very good practice, Mishcon de Reya LLP‘s IP offering is spearheaded by trade mark litigation and enforcement expert Jeremy Hertzog, who is known particularly for his anti-counterfeiting expertise. Within the team is also David Rose, who leads the IP disputes group; his ‘strong on detail and strategy’ approach is notable to clients, having acted in a number of high-profile cases before the UK and EU courts, including the higher UK courts and IPEC. Sally Britton is the go-to partner for brands, particularly in the retail sector, while commercial matters and transactions are the purview of Lewis Cohen, who advises on the full range of commercial IP, including media and sports agreements in relation to the use and exploitation of IP rights. Recent highlights for the team include advising several household names, including acting for Sky in a trade mark infringement case before the Court of Appeal. Criminal IP is another area of expertise for the team, leveraged through the firm’s white-collar crime practice. Cassandra Hill was promoted to the partnership in 2021 and Campbell Forsyth joined the team from Dentons in 2022.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Hertzog
Other key lawyers:
David Rose; Cassandra Hill; Ashley Winton; Lewis Cohen; Sally Britton; Campbell Forsyth; Dominic Walsh
Testimonials
‘They care – a lot.’
‘Strong team from top to bottom.’
‘David Rose leads the team extremely well. Strong on detail and strategy.’
‘The team led by Sally Britton is top-notch. They truly partner with you to understand the risks and options. They provided thoughtful, comprehensive and practical advice. They are all professional and great individuals to work with.’
‘There are many good firms, but Mishcon’s responsiveness and ability to help carve out practical solutions readily distinguished them from other firms we have worked with.’
‘All-star team with very strong partner presence. Lots of high-profile clients and interesting cases.’
‘David Rose has great vision, really good at motivating the team. Jeremy Hertzog creates a very positive team dynamic. Sally Britton very focused on getting results for the client. Dominic Walsh is also very clever and a pleasure to work with – relatively junior but one to watch.’
‘David Rose is a robust litigator and seasoned tactician and negotiator.’
Key clients
Sky
Nuclei/IWG
Nintendo
Iceland Food
Lidl
Hewlett Packard (HPE)
Schneider
Thom Browne
Vetsure
Weiss
Global
Entain
Fendi
TikTok
Bet365
Alexander McQueen
WeWork
CBS
Apax
HG Capital
Health & Happiness
Lion Capital
Graphite Capital
SPP Pumps
Moda Living
Work highlights
- Acting for Sky in major trade mark dispute with SkyKick which considers the approach to take in relation to key aspects relating to trade mark specifications.
- Assisting Nintendo in securing a website blocking order relating to websites selling pirated game downloads.
- Acting for Nuclei in defending High Court trade mark and passing off proceedings brought by EasyGroup.
Taylor Wessing LLP
Taylor Wessing LLP‘s IP practice provides ‘business-savvy and practical input’ and ‘top-level advice’ for clients. At the core of its offering, the group excels at brand protection and enforcement work, and copyright issues. Mark Owen leads the practice and is well known for his expertise in the digital and technology sectors, and is equally strong in advising clients in the food and beverage industries. Roland Mallinson advises on a range of worldwide trade mark portfolios, particularly assisting luxury beverage, perfume and fashion corporates. Adam Rendle is the go-to for international entertainment business matters, advising on complex exploitation arrangements, while TMT clients trust France Delord in a number of contentious contexts, and financial services clients can turn to Jason Rawkins for assistance with brand clearances, trade mark disputes, and domain name recoveries. At a non-partner level, Magdalena Borucka and Xuyang Zhu are also of note.
Practice head(s):
Mark Owen
Other key lawyers:
Adam Rendle; Charles Lloyd; Robert Hawley; France Delord; Roland Mallinson; Magdalena Borucka; Jason Rawkins; Xuyang Zhu
Testimonials
‘Taylor Wessing IP team have been very professional, collaborative, friendly and quick compared to the previous practice we were using. They are very proactive and offer advice to us as experts in their field. We’re very happy to have partnered up at a global level with Taylor Wessing.’
‘Each individual is very approachable, knowledgeable and amicable in their approach. They are thorough in their research and clear in their presentation.’
‘The team has strength and depth. They are all really personable and eager to understand client needs and pressures. When you instruct them, you have faith that you will get good advice.’
‘I recommend both Roland Mallinson and Magdalena Borucka. Both have excellent legal knowledge and feel like part of the team.’
‘The Taylor Wessing team offers business-savvy, practical input at the speed our clients demand. That top-shelf service is hard to come by. The TW team calibrates well to any representation, understanding whether the matter calls for legal big guns or merely a shot across the bow. Always glad to take Taylor Wessing into battle.’
‘Jason Rawkins continues to be a star on trade mark matters. For copyright matters, we consider Mark Owen a go-to partner. In both cases, their responsiveness, legal acumen, business-savvy and creativity set them apart from countless other UK lawyers.’
Key clients
The Roald Dahl Story
Gong Cha
Orange
William Grant and Sons
Dataminr
Current Health Limited
KPMG
The Topps Company
Shaneel Group
Vanity Fair
Baker McKenzie
Notable for its strong and comprehensive brands practice, the IP team at Baker McKenzie acts for clients in the technology, social media, digital gaming, music streaming, and entertainment industries. With work encompassing the full brand lifecycle, the team excels in brand management issues, advising on matters ranging from filings to litigation, including full trials before the UK and EU Courts. The group’s copyright expertise is also notable, with the office regularly advising on global copyright issues such as online provider liability matters. Digital media and copyright head Ben Allgrove focuses on complex IP advisory and litigation work, particularly in digital music distribution and artificial intelligence mandates, while Jessica Le Gros (trade mark group head) specialises in brand clearance and complex trade mark disputes for a number of well-known multinational clients. Julia Dickenson and Rachael Wilkinson-Duffy also co-lead the practice, focusing on contentious trade mark, design, and domain name disputes, and luxury and fashion sector litigation respectively. Michelle Blunt has retired from law.
Practice head(s):
Ben Allgrove; Jessica Le Gros; Julia Dickenson; Rachel Wilkinson-Duffy
Other key lawyers:
Vlotina Liakatou
Testimonials
‘Baker McKenzie UK is the co-ordinating office for our global relationship with Baker McKenzie on trade mark work. The London office provides us with a fantastic service, both in relation to the co-ordination and UK advice. They have a diverse team and are extremely strong.’
‘Jessica Le Gros takes real responsibility for the relationship globally, is very responsive, a pleasure to deal with and a true expert in relation to filing and prosecution. She ensures we get what we need (and want), both in terms of legal services and training.’
‘Vlotina Liakatou is responsible for our TM clearance and TM registry proceedings. Always a pleasure to deal with and provides a great service.’
Key clients
Cochlear
CSL/Seqirus
Dropbox
DeepMind
Eli Lilly
General Motors
GSK
HSBC
JCB
Jumeirah
L’Oréal
Novartis
Novo Nordisk
Planet Hollywood
SAP
Unilever
Warner Bros
Work highlights
- Advising L’Oréal on all IP matters, ranging from trade mark litigation, through vital brand and portfolio advisory and management, to advising on numerous IP issues relating to its ongoing digital transformation strategy.
- Assisting Unilever on brand advisory services, brand protection, and disputes in the UK and EU.
DLA Piper
‘Very experienced in soft IP and a leader in the field in sports law’, DLA Piper‘s IP practice covers a wide range of matters for its clients, both contentious and transactional in nature. Praised as a ‘pleasure to work with’, Ruth Hoy leads the practice which advises on a number of major multinational clients’ trade mark portfolios and also assists with design rights issues. The prosecution practice was bolstered with the arrival of Patricia Collis from Bird & Bird LLP, and the media and entertainment, and retail and fashion industries are also key sectors for the team. Simon Levine is a media and entertainment litigation expert, and John Wilks is known for his audiovisual anti-piracy practice, acting for the Premier League and others in the sports industry. Nick Fitzpatrick is a media rights expert and Duncan Calow works at the intersection of content, technology and e-commerce. Claire Sng is also a brand protection and portfolio management expert.
Practice head(s):
Ruth Hoy
Other key lawyers:
Patricia Collis; John Wilks; Simon Levine; Nick Fitzpatrick; Duncan Calow; Claire Sng; Alasdair Muller; Ella Castle
Testimonials
‘Very experienced in soft IP and a leader in the field in sports law.’
‘Ruth Hoy is a delight to work with. Gives excellent advice from a legal and commercial perspective.’
Key clients
Nike
The Football Association Premier League Limited
Football DataCo
Mondelez International Inc
Emirates Airlines
International Airlines Group/ British Airways
NTT Limited
Lloyds of London
Lululemon
London Stock Exchange
BrewDog
Mondelez
Bajaj Auto Limited
Toshiba
Duracell
Arla Foods Amba and Arla Foods Limited
Papa Johns
Merlin Entertainment
UEFA
FIFA
Nikon
NetJets Management Limited
Hermès
BPI (British Recorded Music Industry) Limited
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (“ICE”)
Currys
Discovery Communications
City, University of London
NLA Media Access
Dalton BidCo Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for TCL Technology in relation to a technically complex dispute with Vodafone, related to IP infringement and breach of confidence claims in respect of electronics products designed and produced for the medical market by TCL.
- Acted for Safaricom on a heavily negotiated, high-value brand licensing deal.
- Advised Inspired Pet Nutrition on the IP aspects of its acquisition of Pet Food UK Limited.
Fieldfisher
Leighton Cassidy and John Linneker co-lead the copyright, trade mark, and designs practice at Fieldfisher. Working alongside the firm’s trade mark prosecution practice, the team advises on a large number of trade mark portfolios, handles infringement and passing off proceedings before the High Court, and assists with database rights infringement actions; the team is also continuing to act for SkyKick in a long-running trade mark infringement case against Sky. Nick Rose is a key member of the team, with notable instructions including advising Peloton in relation to proceedings against Echelon Fitness; associate Natasha Rao is also assisting with the matter. Clients also praise James Seadon, who ‘really stands out as an excellent litigation solicitor’.
Practice head(s):
Leighton Cassidy; John Linneker
Other key lawyers:
Nick Rose; Hastings Guise; James Seadon; Miryam Boston; Natasha Rao
Testimonials
‘The team is incredibly hard-working and thorough. They think of things from every angle and always go the extra mile.’
‘James Seadon really stands out as an excellent litigation solicitor. He works incredibly hard and is always thinking of the next step and what he can do to put his client in the best position. He obviously manages his team very well and is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Very strong leadership skills from Nick Rose, supported by excellent associates. They have an incredible knowledge of soft IP and are experienced litigators.’
‘Nick Rose is always available and leads the whole team. He has very strong interpersonal skills and treats everyone in the team with respect.’
‘We have worked with the Fieldfisher team in trade mark matters. They are all highly knowledgeable and proactive. Each matter is efficiently handled and supervised.’
‘All members of the team, regardless of their position, show a high level of engagement and commitment. It has been a pleasure working with them, and we have recommended their services to other colleagues.’
‘John Linneker is excellent. He is responsive and helpful, and I am pleased to refer cases to him.’
‘Very interesting team, able to act as “lawyers’ lawyers” but also able to think around all sides of a problem and see the arguments which others miss.’
Key clients
SkyKick Inc.
Peloton Interactive Inc.
Sazerac
Genius Sport Ltd
Oh Polly Ltd
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
Caffè Nero
Currys (formerly Dixons Carphone)
Fitbit, Inc.
Smart LLC
Dell EMC
Arkema
Ordnance Survey
Samsung
Switch Mobility
Forbes
Randox Laboratories Limited
Crocs, Inc.
Work highlights
- Acting for SkyKick in defending trade mark infringement proceedings brought by Sky Plc, in relation to use of the word SKYKICK.
- Acted for Sazerac against a competitor, Halewood International, in UK proceedings for trade mark infringement.
- Acting for Peloton, in relation to proceedings against Echelon Fitness, a US based company, in a UK and EU trade mark and copyright infringement case in the UK High Court.
Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG‘s copyright, trade mark, and design practice focuses on brands and designs, with several practitioners in the team spanning both disciplines and working across litigation and transactional work. With the London and Birmingham offices working in tandem, brand strategy and enforcement expert Kate Swaine leads the soft IP practice, praised by clients as ‘one of the best trade mark and copyright lawyers in the UK’. The team regularly advises on trade mark infringement and registered designs, also recently representing clients in a number of high-profile passing off cases. John Coldham is also highly praised for his excellent track record in design cases and is ‘well versed in balancing legal questions against business needs and PR aspects’. Senior associates Khemi Salhan and Zoe Pearman are also of note.
Practice head(s):
Kate Swaine
Other key lawyers:
John Coldham; Khemi Salhan; Zoe Pearman
Testimonials
‘Strong team that understands the value of IP-rights and able tom device strategies accordingly. High partner engagement and extraordinary availability. Open about billing and budgets.’
‘John Coldham is a very passionate lawyer with an extraordinary sense of urgency and availability. He is well versed in balancing legal questions against business needs and PR aspects. Strategically adaptable to clients’ needs and image. In other words, a really good adviser.’
‘John Coldham is always responsive and helpful.’
‘This is a leading full service IP practice with some exceptional practitioners.’
‘Exceptional communication, highly responsive and team players.’
‘The team led by Kate Swaine is really on top of developments. They are often off the beaten track, delivering high-quality work.’
‘Kate Swaine is lovely. She is really one of the best trade mark and copyright lawyers in the UK.’
‘John Coldham was quick to pick up my case, understood the personal distress the case was causing me and as such took a very considerate, compassionate and personable approach. His explanation of the situation and my options was delivered in plain English without legal jargon, which I appreciated. His advice and dealings with the other party was reassuring to me and he was quick to nip the problem in the bud. Couldn’t fault anything and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend John.’
Key clients
InterDigital
Neurim Pharmaceuticals
Oatly AB
Comcast/Sky
Aston Martin Lagonda
Kingspan
Freddy SpA
AstraZeneca
Sosei Heptares
Fluid Power Design
Paragraf Limited
Weetabix Limited
B2022
Scholl
Ezee Group International
Northstone
Dyson
Oxford BioTherapeutics
Lab Genius
Eisai Co Ltd.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
The copyright, trade mark, and designs IP practice at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP excels in all matters relating to technology. The team regularly supports clients on a range of technical matters, including copyright ownership, data misuse and licensing issues, as well as more commercial matters such as licensing agreements, collaborations, product development and research work, and technology transfers. Andrew Moir specialises in complex IP disputes related to software copyright, cybersecurity, and licensing issues, and Jonathan Turnbull maintains an impressive trade mark and anti-counterfeiting practice, advising companies on IP rights exploitation and protection mandates. At a non-partner level, senior associate Heather Newton is of note for her copyright litigation experience, where she acts for several high-profile clients. Fellow senior associate Victoria Horsey is also a litigation expert and advises on complex contractual, brand protection and licensing issues within the context of major acquisitions and disposals, and senior associate Peter Dalton specialises in advising clients in the technology sector, particularly in relation to cybersecurity, software code development, and licensing work.
Other key lawyers:
Sebastian Moore; Rebekah Gay; Laura Orlando; Andrew Moir; Jonathan Turnbull; Andrew Wells; Heather Newton; Victoria Horsey; Peter Dalton
Key clients
British American Tobacco
General Mills
Stagecoach
BP
Sky
Berkshire Hathaway
IKOS
Work highlights
- Advising General Mills in relation to the IP aspects of the sale of its European dough business to Cérélia, a global leader in ready-to-bake dough solutions.
- Advised BAT on the IP aspects of its acquisition of a 19.9% minority equity stake in Organigram Holdings Inc., for approximately £126m, to become the largest shareholder in Organigram.
- Advised Stagecoach Group plc on the IP aspects of its recommended all-share merger with National Express Group plc.
Osborne Clarke LLP
The soft IP practice at Osborne Clarke LLP sits within the wider IP disputes group and is led by all-round litigation specialist Arty Rajendra. Under her guidance, the team maintains a strong trade mark portfolio management practice, and the copyright side of the department also has a strong reputation, particularly for advising platforms and rights holders on the protection of their copyrights in digital spaces. A key member of the team for brand management deals is Richard May, who was recently made up to partner, and the group's technology sector expertise shines, with Robert Guthrie notable for handling domain name disputes. Non-contentious matters are the purview of Tamara Quinn, who assists clients with drafting and negotiating licences, ownership and licensing strategies, and advising at the intersection of IP and data law within the contexts of AI and machine learning.
Practice head(s):
Arty Rajendra
Other key lawyers:
Richard May; Robert Guthrie; Tamara Quinn
Key clients
Anschutz Entertainment Group
JPMorganChase
Yahoo
Meta (Facebook)
TikTok
Global Student Accommodation
Together Labs
The companies formerly known as Peacocks and Edinburgh Woolen Mill (now in administration and brands sold)
The & Partnership
Hopkins Homes
Automattic
Signal AI
World First
Kantar Group
Shell
Nokia
Reckitt Benckiser
Harley-Davidson
World First
Bamboo Limited
Autodoc
Bristol Water
Howdens
Miniclip
Spartan Race
PA Consulting
Wood plc
Fred Perry (Holdings Limited)
The Groucho Club
The Honourable Daphne Guinness
Ascential Events
Playwing
MH Foods (Dairy Crest)
Yahoo
Pokemon
Twitch
A Nelson (Rescue Remedy)
Toni & Guy
Infobip
Peanut App
Work highlights
- Obtained an urgent relief injunction to recover domain names that had been transferred out of the following companies: Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Peacocks and Jaeger.
- Representing DP World in a trade mark dispute at the EUIPO against global German insurance giant, Allianz. The dispute concerns DP World’s new trade mark for DF ALLIANCE, a global trade alliance for logistics companies.
- Advising JPMorganChase on protection and enforcement issues and acting in relation to a number of disputes.
Simmons & Simmons
Singled out as ‘commercially aware and able to suggest pragmatic solutions’, the trade mark, copyright and designs offering at Simmons & Simmons is co-led by trade mark specialist Darren Meale, who is a renowned litigator and brand portfolio manager, and copyright expert Priya Nagpal, who specialises in complex, multi-jurisdictional technology IP disputes involving emerging technologies such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and AI. Supervising associate Matthew Siddaway is a key member of the team, focusing on protection and enforcement matters; he also excels in contentious mandates. Industry strengths for the team include the fashion, luxury, financial services, and life sciences sectors, of which many household name clients trust the team to be a ‘safe pair of hands’. Former practice head Adrian Smith retired from legal practice.
Practice head(s):
Darren Meale; Priya Nagpal
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Siddaway; Loren Ravenscroft; Luke Norton
Testimonials
‘Simmons & Simmons exhibit exceptional teamwork with all matters, deadlines and pending issues etc. Monitored, timely followed-up and overall you know you’re in safe hands. The team are responsive and always very personable.’
‘Darren Meale is extremely responsible and always thinks out of the box when it comes to finding settlements or drafting tricky agreements.’
‘The Simmons and Simmons team have an in-depth knowledge of the intellectual property space. They are also aware of how IP matters may also impinge on other practices and are able to bring on board relevant experts from tax, corporate finance and others where needed. They are commercially aware and able to suggest pragmatic solutions to close deals.’
Key clients
Black Rock
Roland
Crown Resorts
E&J Gallo Winery
Etsy
GSK
Hermes
Hugo Boss
Major League Baseball
Middle Earth Enterprises
Monzo
Work highlights
- Advising Hugo Boss are its sole UK trade mark counsel for contentious matters.
- Assisted Monzo and developed the bank’s trade mark portfolio from single mark protection to a broader strategy, which includes the protection of its logos, devices and product names.
- Advising Roland on all aspects of its UK and EU IP strategy.
Wiggin LLP
Wiggin LLP‘s IP practice has particular strength in the digital realms, advising those in the audio-visual, music, sports and entertainment, retail, and fashion industries and fielding dedicated specialists in contentious and non-contentious matters. Sara Ashby heads up the practice which is known for its online enforcement, intermediary liability, and copyright infringement dispute expertise, with recent highlights including advising PRS in its claim of copyright infringement against Qatar Airways in relation to the use of music in its in-flight entertainment systems. Brand protection and trade mark litigation is also in the purview of the team, with John Colbourn a key individual for parallel imports. Rachel Alexander has extensive expertise advising clients in the technology, music, and media sectors. Gurminder Panesar left the firm in 2021.
Practice head(s):
Sara Ashby
Other key lawyers:
Calum Smyth; Rachel Alexander; Michael Browne; John Colbourn; Mark Deem
Testimonials
‘A breadth of partners, all with huge experience, that can offer different perspectives – matching the best skill set to each case.’
‘Michael Browne has outstanding judgment, huge experience, able to synthesize and analyse complex technical and legal cases to cut through to the important issues.’
‘Sara Ashby really focuses on the detail in each case, rehearsing all the arguments and counter-arguments at an early stage.’
Key clients
Banijay Group (formerly Endemol Shine Group)
Sage Group plc
Microsoft Corporation
Guccio Gucci SpA
3M
Motion Picture Association
NBCUniversal
Warner Music UK Limited & Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited
PRS for Music
Oxford University Press/University of Oxford
LeoVegas
Wargaming
Halma
Work highlights
- Represented Warner Music and Sony Music Entertainment successfully in the Court of Appeal in the TuneIn case.
- Assisting Sage Group plc with managing its 1800 strong global trade mark portfolio and providing strategic advice on a variety of other IP rights.
- Acting for Socotec in a world-wide dispute relating to ownership of the ‘AJA’ brand, which includes trade mark infringement and passing off proceedings before the English High Court and a parallel arbitration action before the LCIA.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard's IP practice advises an enviable client list in the food and beverage, retail and fashion, and consumer sectors, both in contentious and non-contentious capacities. The team is particularly known for their strength in lookalike trade mark infringement claims, and advice relating to IT and software. Emma Armitage leads the practice, advising on disputes across the full range of IP rights, with a focus on brand and design disputes in the retail, consumer, and financial services industries. Robert Garwood and Damon Rosamond Lanzetta are key contacts in the team for advice in relation to the software and IP assets aspects of commercial acquisitions, while Georgina Powling advises on collaboration agreements, R&D issues, and software licensing work. Managing associate Rachel Cook is also recommended, with extensive expertise in contentious trade mark and design rights matters.
Practice head(s):
Emma Armitage
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Cook; Robert Garwood; Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta; Georgina Powling; Paul Bentham; Andana Streng; Tim Carter
Testimonials
‘Good value for money, helpful and collaborative. Nothing is too much trouble.’
‘Tim Carter is no fuss but really knows his stuff. Very reactive. Well-organised. Easy to deal with.’
Key clients
Nichebox UK
Primark
Canon Europe
MoneySuperMarket
Asda
Associated British Foods
AllClear Limited
Gamesys
Terra Firma
Volkswagen AG
Work highlights
- Acting for Nichebox, owner of the luxury Clive Christian perfume and furniture brand, in ongoing court proceedings, and trade mark revocation and opposition proceedings in the Intellectual Property Office against Clive Christian Furniture Limited, a former group company.
- Advised Gamesys on the acquisition of Degree 53, a user-interface design and software development company with extensive expertise in multi-channel website, bespoke software and mobile app development.
Browne Jacobson LLP
Browne Jacobson LLP‘s deep sector expertise in the luxury beauty, fashion, retail, automobile, and media areas is trusted by a number of leading brands and companies, which instruct the firm for its IP expertise. The team regularly negotiates high-value R&D agreements and complex licensing agreements, as well as advising brands on social media and influencer engagement and marketing issues. Brand portfolio management expert Declan Cushley leads the practice, and Giles Parsons is a key contact in the firm, particularly for automotive clients. Associate Faye McConnell is also of note, particularly for her experience advising luxury retail, fashion, and beauty companies on brand protection and copyright infringement issues.
Practice head(s):
Declan Cushley
Other key lawyers:
Faye McConnell; Giles Parsons; Bonita Trimmer; Gavin Lock
Testimonials
‘The team is very thoughtful and provides practical approaches. The right person or people is always proffered. The team focuses on getting results and providing value.’
‘The individuals at Browne Jacobson are dedicated and always show their zeal by understanding the field and then provide an array of solutions. The individuals always have very deep and specific understandings of the law, and help tailor their advice to particular situations.’
‘Great team – provides a top service.’
‘We have cooperated with Declan Cushley and his team for many years, and we have always been very satisfied with the service and quality we have received.’
‘Browne Jacobson assist our business extensively in IP, trade marks and copyright matters. Their strengths are: expertise in all the relevant areas, turning this into easy to understand explanations to assist us in making the best decisions, speed of response and an extensive international network of local firms who can provide advice on international trade marks when needed.’
‘We value their commercial approach, technical expertise, understanding of our business, speed of response and that they feel like partners to us in our business. Stand out individuals in the area of IP, trade marks and copyright are Faye McConnell, Giles Parsons, Declan Cushley and Gavin Lock.’
Key clients
Match Group LLC
Bestseller A/S
Iconic London (Holdings) Limited
MoreNiche
Mace Group
adidas (UK) Limited
PZ Cussons Beauty LLP
Camelot Lotteries UK Limited
Platt Reilly UK Limited
A Ward Limited
Hyperice Inc
Lotus Cars
Aston Martin Lagonda
Foden t/a PARLA
Work highlights
- Acting for the Match Group in litigation to enforce its Match and Tinder trade mark portfolio against Muzmatch Limited.
- Acting on retainer for Iconinc London as in-house counsel and advise Iconic London on all of its brand and commercial relationships.
- Advising Lotus Cars on portfolio management, clearance and development agreements for future models.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s IP offering is headed up by IP litigator Mary Bagnall, whose soft IP protection and enforcement expertise is trusted by a number of international brand owners. Bagnall steers the team which advises across a diverse range of industries, including the fashion, retail, sports, leisure, entertainment, and technology sectors. The firm maintains a dedicated art law team, which also has copyright litigation capabilities. Digital specialist Nick White‘s expertise in the sports sector is highly praised by clients, and he also advises companies in the lifestyle sector. Also of note within the team is Charlotte Duly, who has extensive expertise in trade mark, design, and domain name work; senior associates Caroline Young and Olivia Gray, and associate Peter Byrd.
Practice head(s):
Mary Bagnall
Other key lawyers:
Nick White; Caroline Young; Peter Byrd; Olivia Gray; Charlotte Duly
Testimonials
‘They are an excellent team which is both responsive and knowledgeable. They keep updating themselves on the latest developments and are a great team to work with. The collaboration with them has been fruitful.’
‘Charlotte Duly is very dependable and is always there when you require her. She has a hands-on approach and is always involved in the matters, which is comforting due to her expertise.’
‘Nick White has an expertise and a passion for sports which permeates into his work. His passion is only matched by his excellence and knowledge in the field of sports law.’
‘Peter Byrd is very dependable and is always responsive to emails sent to him. He provides great assistance and his qualities are a good mix for the excellent team he is a part of.’
‘The trade mark team at Charles Russell Speechlys is top-notch. They provide sophisticated strategic advice.’
Key clients
Actis
Essity Hygiene and Health (formerly SCA)
Cadbury
Moore Global – Formerly Moore Stephens
Hachette
Wahaca
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG
ITV
Rapha Racing
Gulf Air
wagamama
Formica
Vindavinci Beverage Company
Australian Manuka Honey Association
World Rowing
Honest Burgers
itsu
Howard de Walden Estates
Immodulon Therapeutics Limited
Emergex Vaccines Holdings Limited
Rentschler Biopharma
Fitbit International
Work highlights
- Representing the Australian Manuka Honey Association in its successful opposition to a UK certification mark for the name MANUKA HONEY by Manuka Honey Appellation Society, a body representing the interests of the New Zealand Manuka honey industry.
- Advising Dementia UK on all aspects of its IP protection and in particular have recently successfully prosecuted the DEMENTIA UK trade mark in the face of an inherent distinctiveness objection from the UKIPO.
- Advised the International Tennis Federation, the world governing body of tennis, on its rebrand and global filing strategy of the Fed Cup (the women’s version of the Davis Cup) to the Billie Jean King Cup.
Harbottle & Lewis LLP
‘Very approachable, very prompt in responding and very commercial’ is how clients describe the practice at Harbottle & Lewis LLP, which is proactive in its approach to copyright and trade mark infringements, with key sectors of expertise including the film and TV, theatre, publishing and advertising, music, video games and esports, sport, software, and technology industries. Shireen Peermohamed spearheads the practice and is praised for her litigation expertise; she also advises on global brand strategy, protection, and exploitation work. Andrew Terry is a key contact for advertising and brand dispute issues, while Kostyantyn Lobov is trusted by a number of video game companies, particularly for visual asset copyright protection matters.
Practice head(s):
Shireen Peermohamed
Other key lawyers:
Kostyantyn Lobov; Andrew Terry; Neil Adleman
Testimonials
‘The team is wide-ranging and able to deal very effectively with whatever is put across their desk.’
‘The H&L team led by Shireen Peermohamed are keen and understanding. They understand my requirements and are able to readily adapt to differing situations. This is due to the leadership of Shireen Peermohamed. Shireen is exceptional and offers her knowledge and expertise to all matters large or small. She has the ability to listen and understand the complexity of the automotive parts industry and then apply that to her work for us. Importantly, she is then able to transfer that to others.’
‘We have used Shireen Peermohamed’s team for more than 10 years now. They really understand our business and our sector. They get us the right advice and are a pleasure to spend time with.’
‘Shireen Peermohamed is really well known in our industry (publishing/entertainment) which makes it easy to instruct her and get her on board projects. She’s a steady hand and a tactical adviser. She really understands the creative drivers of our industry, which makes her advice sensitive and practical.’
‘Harbottles provide clear, pragmatic advice.’
‘Shireen Peermohamed is excellent. Takes time to listen to and work within our business objectives.’
‘Very approachable, very prompt in responding, very commercial.’
‘I have worked with Shireen Peermohamed for a very long time. She is an exceptional lawyer with great knowledge and an ability to communicate difficult concepts in simple, easy to understand, terms.’
Key clients
Queen Productions Limited
Dunmanifestin Limited
Electronic Arts
Warpaint
Stormzy
The Tonic Group
Princess Yachts
Quantastic / Quantum Tech HD
Nothing Technology
Drivingplates
All3Media
Gumball 3000
The Pokémon Company International
Rebellion
Square Enix
Work highlights
- Acting as the global IP managers for Queen, managing the bands worldwide trade mark portfolio, assisting in matters of brand protection, enforcement and IP disputes.
- Acting for Nothing Technology, managing the client’s global IP portfolio and assisting with a variety of other IP-related needs.
- Acting for Electronic Arts, managing the company’s EU and UK trade mark portfolio.
Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin‘s IP offering is described by clients as having a ‘brilliant combination of skills, experience and knowledge across the IP spectrum’. Tom Gaunt heads up the practice which is a go-to for household brands in the retail, technology, media and entertainment, and manufacturing and engineering sectors. The team regularly advises on design and trade mark disputes, and infringement, passing off and anti-counterfeiting disputes, while also offering a transactional IP practice, which advises on R&A collaborations, technology and materials transfers, licensing brand management work, and advertisement clearance. Simon Chapman and Giles Crown specialise in brand protection and enforcement work, as does Mathew Forde, who is praised for his ‘strategic understanding’. Nick Bowie was recently promoted to partner, and Adam Glass is praised as a ‘wonderful IP lawyer’.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Giles Crown; Simon Chapman; Nicholas Buckland; Adam Glass; Nick Bowie; Mathew Forde; Anna Caruso; Lucinda Murphy
Testimonials
‘We use them specifically for trade marks and find they provide us with great service.’
‘The team that we work with are always very responsive and available to speak to us. Their advice in case of trade marks is always spot on. Anna Caruso and her team in particular are very helpful.’
‘The Lewis Silkin IP team offer a brilliant combination of skills, experience and knowledge across the IP spectrum. Their work is always of a high standard and reliable.’
‘It has been a pleasure to work with Lucinda Murphy in particular and have her ongoing support.’
‘Mathew Forde worked with me on a highly complex trade mark/food regulatory dispute. Mathew had a very good strategic understanding of the case (it was a David vs Goliath dispute) plus a keen knowledge of the details of the case. He was a pleasure to work with and I know that the client was very impressed by his handling of the case.’
‘Excellent market knowledge; very able lawyers.’
‘Lewis Silkin LLP are honest, accurate, commercially aware and from my experience swift in action.’
‘Adam Glass is a wonderful IP lawyer. Gently jovial to his clients and honest to a tee. He provides decisive evaluations of complex matters, and I would thoroughly recommend his advice.’
Key clients
ASOS
Airwair International Limited (Dr. Martens)
Britvic
Cosmetic Warriors (LUSH)
Harvey Nichols & Co Ltd
Trailfinders Ltd
Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
Saga
Bacardi
Hutchison 3G
Work highlights
- Acting for adam&eveDDB, the creative agency behind the annual John Lewis Christmas ad, in relation to a high-profile High Court copyright infringement claim over its John Lewis’s 2019 campaign.
- Acting for Trailfinders in its business-critical confidential information claim against its competitor and ex-employees.
- Advising Britvic on a range of contentious IP matters, as well as its trade mark portfolio and other non-contentious IP issues.
Marks & Clerk
Marks & Clerk's brand protection team works with its integrated PATMA team to offer clients a combined approach to brand protection, strategic trade mark and design portfolio management and brand development matters, including litigation and commercial exploitation issues. The copyright arm of the practice is particularly active in the creative industries sector, advising on content creation, rights clearance, and software development. Kirsten Gilbert leads the practice; she recently handled high-profile passing off actions for international rugby players. Dafydd Bevan acts for major international brands in registered and unregistered design disputes.
Practice head(s):
Kirsten Gilbert; Michael Moor
Other key lawyers:
Dafydd Bevan; Vicky Butterworth; Gina Lodge; Hannah Finster; Claire Chalmers
Testimonials
‘Strategic expert advice.’
‘Willing to listen and take on board the views of the client, provided practical assessments and negotiated resolution.’
Key clients
Bridgestone
Mast-Jägermeister
House of Bruar
Manthorpe Building Products
Work highlights
- Advised former England Rugby players Mike Tindall and James Haskell, and sports broadcaster Alex Payne to a successful resolution of High Court passing off proceedings brought in relation to their The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast.
- Acting for Long Harbour Ltd in High Court passing off and trade mark validity and invalidity proceedings relating to use of the WAY OF LIFE mark in respect of real estate marketing and agency services.
- Acted for leading country clothing specialist House of Bruar, in defence of registered and unregistered design infringement proceedings brought in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court relating to a range of footwear products.
Reed Smith LLP
Strong in IP-rich industries such as the media and entertainment sector, Reed Smith LLP‘s IP practice is praised by clients as having ‘a great team that works brilliantly to achieve results’. The team is co-led by trade mark infringement expert Michael Skrein and IP rights specialist Gregor Pryor. Covering copyright licensing matters, IP transactions, rights negotiations, litigation, and regulatory issues, the team is trusted by major national and international broadcasters and technology companies. Carolyn Pepper is notable for her IP litigation practice and ‘pragmatic’ approach.
Practice head(s):
Gregor Pryor; Jim Hultquist
Other key lawyers:
Michael Skrein; Carolyn Pepper; Stephen Edwards; Philip Thomas; Fiona MacFarlane
Testimonials
‘Great team that works brilliantly to achieve results for their clients.’
‘Highly responsive and staffed with really good lawyers who think laterally and have the client’s interests at the core of what they do.’
‘Carolyn Pepper is a joy to work with and very client friendly – she is also an excellent lawyer.’
RPC
High-profile contentious IP matters in the retail, fashion, media, sports and technology sectors are where RPC excels. With a number of long-standing clients and an international reach, the team regularly advises on copyright and trade mark infringements before the High Court. The practice is co-led by Jeremy Drew, who maintains a broad practice, and David Cran, who specialises in technology disputes and transactions. Ciara Cullen co-leads the food and beverage sector group and is also a retail disputes specialist. Trade mark specialist Ben Mark has extensive expertise in enforcement work, licensing agreements and passing off claims.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Drew; David Cran
Other key lawyers:
Ben Mark; Ciara Cullen
Testimonials
‘I think the RPC team’s greatest strengths are its collaborative approach, extensive experience representing clients in a range of industries, and great people. They are always available, pragmatic, thoughtful, creative, and articulate.’
‘Ben Mark is very bright, highly-responsive and pragmatic. His advice always takes into account our clients’ short and long-term goals, as well as their budgetary needs and expectations.’
‘Ciara Cullen is a great choice for multi-jurisdictional disputes.’
‘Jeremy Drew is a stand out partner, who has great tactical acumen and is acutely sensitive to the requirements of the client.’
‘Ciara Cullen is always available with clear, pragmatic advice.’
‘The trade mark team at RPC are excellent at giving practical, business-oriented advice, including recommendations for further action based on both degree of legal risk and market standards.’
‘Ben Mark is one of the most pleasant, concise, and even-tempered practitioners I’ve ever encountered. He is my platonic ideal of an external counsel. I always leave our calls feeling as though I have a better understanding of the matter, and that my time and budget have been spent wisely. I trust Ben implicitly with negotiating on my company’s behalf with third parties and find he has a very strong knack for calmly and politely sorting through noise and ego-driven puffery.’
Key clients
Associated Newspapers Limited
AB InBev
Irish Distillers
Lidl
Which?
Frasers Group / Sports Direct
Saracens R.F.C.
Game
Wave Optics
Work highlights
- Advised Sports Direct in the intensely contested trade mark licence claims brought by Rangers F.C.
- Advised Associated Newspapers Limited on its defence of the heavily publicised copyright, misuse of private information and data breach claims brought by the Duchess of Sussex.
- Defending SoftConstruct in proceedings brought by Genius Sports in relation to database rights infringement involving live sports data.
Shoosmiths LLP
Cross-border brand enforcements, anti-counterfeiting work and brand strategies are at the core of Shoosmiths LLP‘s IP offering, which is headed up by Gary Assim
, who is trusted by some of the world’s most prominent fashion retailers. The team is also adept at digital IP advice, with Anastasia Fowle and Eloise Di Pasqua of particular note in the team. Telecom operators, AI companies, and automotive clients rely on the team’s expertise across a range of mandates including trade mark and brand disputes, enforcement matters and complex IP transactions.
Practice head(s):
Gary Assim
Other key lawyers:
Anastasia Fowle; Eloise Di Pasqua
Testimonials
‘Clever and calm.’
‘Our experience with this firm is excellent thanks to a star lawyer, namely, Gary Assim.’
‘Gary Assim is a gifted IP lawyer and a wonderful colleague to work with.’
‘The firm has great people and values. They easily build trust with clients.’
‘Gary Assim is an excellent lawyer, very skilled in his craft and can explain very complex matters in layman terms. He has a natural authority and is very good in mediations when also the opposing counsel listens to him. Eloise Di Pasqua is learning from Gary and is already a very good lawyer.’
Key clients
International Brand Firm (IBF)
D-Fly Group Limited
Ann Summers
easyGroup Limited
Marston’s PLC
Algenuity Limited
Henkel Limited
Volkswagen Group United Kingdom Limited (VWG)
H&M
Capita Plc
Work highlights
- Acting for Scania in relation to a trade mark and passing off dispute regarding the ownership of two domain names featuring the name ‘Scania’ and registered by a third party.
- Acting for Brooks Sports to defend an application made by the new owners of Brooks Brothers Inc to invalidate the ‘Brooks’ trade mark in the UK.
Stephenson Harwood
Particularly strong in contentious IP matters, Stephenson Harwood is trusted by multi-nationals in the life sciences, consumer, retail, and commodities sectors. Cross-border trade mark negotiations and litigation, complex licensing agreements, and potential disputes are handled by ‘high-calibre practitioners with supreme expertise’. Alexandra Pygall leads the team and has a broad contentious and transactional practice, while Rob Jacob is praised by clients as an ‘excellent trade mark litigator’ with experience in both traditional and non-traditional trade marks. Senior associate Jodie Lilir and associate Joshua Cunnington are also of note.
Practice head(s):
Alexandra Pygall
Other key lawyers:
Rob Jacob; Naomi Leach; Anne Stoffels; Joshua Cunnington; Jodie Lilir
Testimonials
‘I have worked with Rob Jacob and Joshua Cunnington. I think Rob is a very good leader. He leads his team and also leads the other corresponding law firms about the court actions that they coordinate. Both Rob and Joshua were always responsive, and they provided comments and information about other jurisdictions, improving the quality of our work.’
‘The IP Team of Stephenson Harwood stands out from the market. They are brilliant trade mark litigators, service-orientated and very responsive, and at the same time down to earth and easy to work with.’
‘Rob Jacob is an excellent trade mark litigator. He knows how to think outside the box and always finds creative solutions for the most difficult cases.’
‘Jodie Lilir is a rising star to watch.’
‘The IP team has probably an unrivalled ability to create a strong network of excellent and reliable IP friends across Europe.’
‘Rob Jacob is outstanding, smart and understand difficulties in foreign jurisdictions. Alexandra Pygall makes an excellent duo with Rob.’
‘They are very creative and have in depth knowledge (in particular relating to non-traditional trade marks). Their submissions are superb. They are also very good at handling complex multi jurisdictional cross-boarder IP-cases.’
‘The team has several high-calibre practitioners with supreme expertise in contentious IP matters. Particularly, they are very strong in cross-border disputes. Additionally, its expertise and experience in trade mark strategy and prosecution services makes up for a very strong combination.’
Key clients
GlaxoSmithKline plc
Haleon
easyGroup Limited
Gap, Inc
Shield Therapeutics Plc
The Duracell Company
Turbo-K
Highview Power
Perfetti van Melle
CLS Group
AM-Pharma B.V.
Ancestry.com
BXT Accelyon
White Cube Gallery
Work highlights
- Advised easyGroup in relation to multi-jurisdictional proceedings including (i) a successful outcome in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court against Easyway SBH, SARL and (ii) an important decision in relation to the UK courts’ jurisdiction to hear EUTM claims, in its litigation in the High Court against Beauty Perfectionists.
- Acting as UK IP Group counsel to Gap (including its Gap, Athleta, Old Navy and Banana Republic brands), advising on brand strategy, trade mark clearances, trade mark litigation, potential oppositions of trade mark applications by third parties, oppositions in the UKIPO and EUIPO, advice on design rights and negotiating settlement agreements.
- Acted for Duracell in relation to trade mark infringement proceedings before the High Court relating to parallel imports and repackaged products.
Stobbs IP
Stobbs IP is an IP specialist firm, with strong expertise in trade marks and brands, advising on disputes, investigations, IT systems and domains, commercial contracts, and anti-counterfeiting work. Founder Julius Stobbs co-leads the ‘exceptional firm’, and has extensive experience across soft IP rights, advising on contentious and non-contentious matters, including IP strategies and licensing issues. Expert IP litigators Chris Sleep and Geoff Steward co-lead the practice alongside Stobbs and act for a number of high-profile clients in trade mark infringement litigation before the IPEC and High Court, taking advantage of the team’s deep bench and high-level expertise.
Practice head(s):
Julius Stobbs; Geoff Steward; Chris Sleep
Other key lawyers:
Charlotte Peach; Revecca Newman; Vita Hink; Victoria Leach; Claire Breheny; Louise Goodsell
Testimonials
‘Stobbs is an exceptional firm of solicitors, delivering Magic Circle service at lower prices and with more flexibility. They are a lovely group of people, and are superb on trade mark litigation.’
‘Geoff Steward is a market leading and opinion forming veteran IP lawyer. Sharp, incisive, a superb team builder and a pugnacious litigant.’
‘Rebecca Newman is a super-bright associate, destined to be a market leading practitioner.’
Key clients
7-Eleven
AG Barr (Irn Bru)
ASOS
Automobil Lamborghini SPA
Balfour Beatty
Barclays
Beiersdorf (Nivea etc.)
Brown Forman (Jack Daniels etc)
Cambridge University
Canada Goose
Cancer Research UK
Capri Sun GmbH
Channel 4
Chiaro Technology
Citco Converse
Corelle brands LLC
DKNY
Energizer Holdings Inc.
England and Wales Cricket Board
Eton College
Faber & Faber
Federal Mogul
Ford Motor Co
Ford Models
Garrard & Company (jewellers)
General Mill
Glencore
GoPro
Grandmaster Flash
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH)
GVC Services Ltd
Harley Davidson USA Inc.
Iglo Foods (i.e., Birdseye, Findus, etc.)
Informa Plc
John Varvatos
Just Eat
Orla Kiely
Liverpool Football Club
McDonalds
MacMillan Publishers
Marks and Spencer
Marshall Amplification
Mars Wrigley
Meter Bergman
Moonbug Entertainment
Monster Inc.
Mothercare
Nike
O2
Oculus
Olive and Orange Ltd
Paramount Pictures
Pepsi Co
Premier Foods
Purple Bricks
Quintessentially Group
Raspberry Pi Foundation
Ritz London
Siemens AG
Skip the Dishes Restaurant
Slater and Gordon (UK)
Snap Inc. (Snapchat)
SSAT (The Schools Network)
Stanley Black and Decker Inc.
Ted Baker
Tommy Hilfiger Europe BV
Tottenham Hotspur FC
Treasury Wine Estates
Tumblr
UEFA
Upfield
Unit 4 NV
Verizon Media (including Yahoo/Oath)
Wilmington PLC
Xaar
Brandsmiths
Complex trade mark litigation is at the core of the Brandsmiths‘ IP offering, with notable clients in the online and social media spaces. Proactive in litigation, the specialist boutique firm continues to be instructed by a high-profile client roster of domestic and international clients. Trade mark litigation expert Andy Lee leads the practice, and founding partner Adam Morallee maintains a strong practice advising clients in the sports and media industries. Senior associate Hayley Griffin and associate Amy Brooks are also of note within the team.
Practice head(s):
Andy Lee
Other key lawyers:
Amy Brooks; Hayley Griffin; Jacob O’Brien; Adam Morallee
Testimonials
‘Brandsmiths is a niche practice in the field of trade marks and brands. They devote themselves to their clients assiduously and will always go the extra mile to support a client in a dispute.’
‘I have worked with Andy Lee and several of his team including Amy Brooks, Hayley Griffin and Jacob O’Brien. Andy is an extremely punchy and powerful individual who stands up for his clients at all times. The others are all highly competent and expert practitioners, whose assistance I have found invaluable.’
‘Very good value for money. Expertise in multi-jurisdictional trade mark or copyright matters. Very strong team at all levels, and so can provide cheaper advice.’
‘The team is young and energetic. Advice is always to the point and I appreciate the visibility of costs.’
‘Andy Lee is my main contact and he is very reactive and always willing to adapt to the circumstances. Their pricing is reasonable for the UK and perfectly justified by the quality of their work.’
Key clients
Vinted
Entertainment One
BMW/Mini
Lad Bible Group
Microsoft
Beverly Hills Polo Club
Trivago
Potter Herbal Remedies
PlayerAuctions
Clive Christian Furniture
Mo Farah
Work highlights
- Acting for Entertainment One in a multi-jurisdictional trade mark, copyright and passing off dispute against SConnect in respect of the Peppa Pig brand.
- Acting for Lifestyle Equities in the Court of Appeal against Amazon in respect of trade mark law as it pertains to foreign websites.
- Acting for imagination workshop against the owners of the copyright in the Only Fools and Horses tv scripts, including some novel points of law around character protection and the parody/pastiche defence.
Burges Salmon LLP
Based in Bristol, Burges Salmon LLP‘s IP and media practice manages the IP portfolios for some of the largest international brands in the UK, as well as major US brands. Adept at both litigation and non-contentious matters, the group, which is co-led by Helen Scott-Lawler and Jeremy Dickerson, handles trade mark and copyright passing off claims in the High Court and Court of appeal, as well as domain name disputes, licensing agreements, and IP-specific advice in relation to corporate restructurings, M&A, take-overs and IPOs. Emily Roberts is also of note within the team and counts for a number of high-profile clients in the cosmetic, telecoms, and retail sectors. Senior associates Georgina Shaw and Richard Hugo both maintain broad practices in the space.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Dickerson; Helen Scott-Lawler
Other key lawyers:
Georgina Shaw; Emily Roberts; Richard Hugo
Testimonials
‘Jeremy Dickerson is a good team lead, who gives astute commercial advice.’
Emily Roberts stands out as an individual who has taken the time to understand the technicalities of the tasks we undertake and how the business operates. This is reflected in the quality of advice given and the speed at which we are able to obtain advice.’
‘Jeremy Dickerson is always available and leads the whole team. He has very strong interpersonal skills and treats everyone in the team with respect. Very strong in-depth knowledge of the law and thinks outside the box to come up with compelling arguments.’
‘Jeremy Dickerson is an extremely experienced and fierce litigator and as the head of the team, he manages them brilliantly, providing a flawless service to clients. He also takes a very commercial approach meaning that often he manages to reach sensible outcomes for his clients.’
‘Jeremy Dickerson is a delight to work with. He is client-facing, user-friendly, while also extremely knowledgeable about TM law and practice. I trust his advice implicitly.
‘Emily Roberts is simply superlative in her ability to provide clarity and creative solutions to vexing IP issues.’
‘Very strong IP team in an out-of-London firm.’
‘Our business is very unique and a key strength of the team is the work they have undertaken to understand all the technical aspects of our business making the work we do together a truly collaborative process. By taking the time to understand our business they ensure that the advice given is forward-thinking.’
Key clients
BBC and BBC Studios Ltd
Ooni
Discovery, Inc. (Discovery Channel, Eurosport, QUEST, etc.)
Starbucks Corporation
Victoria’s Secret
John Lewis and Waitrose
Bath & Body Works
Virgin Enterprises Limited (Virgin Group)
Tesla
Truefitt & Hill
Scottish Professional Football League
Work highlights
- Acting for the Santa Barbara Polo Club in complex High Court and Court of Appeal trade mark infringement proceedings with a heavy focus on jurisdictional issues.
- Advising the BBC and BBC Studios on all UK and EU trade mark applications and registrations as sole counsel.
- Acting as sole UK trade mark counsel to Starbucks, advising on clearance, portfolio management, and enforcement in the UK.
Clifford Chance LLP
Clifford Chance LLP‘s IP offering includes a long-standing trade mark practice, advising clients on a range of disputes before the UK Courts, the UKIPO and EUIPO, and transactional matters. Leading household brands and international clients with significant IP portfolios entrust the team to advise on the IP aspects of complex cross-border transactions, as well as enforcement strategies and dispute resolution. Key sectors of expertise for the team include the life sciences, healthcare, consumer goods and retail, and TMT industries. The team is co-led by Vanessa Marsland and Stephen Reese, who have significant experience focusing on technology and the computer software industry, and the pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices industries respectively. Don McCombie joined from Ashurst in mid-2022.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Reese; Vanessa Marsland
Other key lawyers:
Alex Walker; Don McCombie
Key clients
Pfizer Inc
Her Majesty’s Government
Cyprus Government and the Foundation for the Protection of the Traditional Cheese of Cyprus Named Halloumi
Philip Morris Products, S.A
Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics Co., Ltd.
Telefónica
Manchester City Football Club
LZ Labs
ŠKODA AUTO
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
Invictus Games Foundation
EQT/Sitecore
Farmbetter
Labour Friends of Israel
Cinven
The Absolut Company
Mondelez Europe
L’Oréal S.A
Mastercard
Admiral Group plc
Liverpool Victoria
Vectura Group plc
Work highlights
- Advised Cinven on its acquisition of a majority stake in RB Iberia, including advising the client across a complex suite of franchise agreements for the various brands and negotiations with RB Iberia and Burger King Europe GmbH.
- Advised Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics Co., Ltd. in respect of its proprietary and intellectual property rights against third-party importers, developing strategies to protect and enforce such rights.
- Advised Telefónica on its 50:50 joint venture with Liberty Global to combine their UK operations, O2 and Virgin Media.
D Young & Co LLP
Working in tandem with the firm’s PATMA practice, D Young & Co LLP‘s IP solicitors cover a broad range of sectors, routinely handling complex, multi-jurisdictional trade mark disputes before the UK and EU Courts. The ‘extremely speedy, to-the-point and business-oriented’ team is co-led by Tamsin Holman and Jeremy Pennant and is strong in the hospitality, cosmetics, social media, retail, and food and beverage sectors. Anna Reid is a key contact within the team for contentious matters and is prolific in IPEC cases, while Gemma Kirkland is praised by clients for her ‘expert support and guidance’ in relation to brand protection work.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Pennant; Tamsin Holman
Other key lawyers:
Anna Reid; Jake Hayes; Gemma Kirkland
Testimonials
‘The team is extremely speedy, to the point and business oriented, while at the same time maintaining high quality in all aspects of its service delivery.’
‘I have been working with Tamsin Holman and Anna Reid for a long time. Always a pleasure working with – friendly, constructive, no nonsense, hands on, always helpful and extremely focused on the needs of the client.’
‘The team is not only very experienced in Intellectual Property and trade marks, but understands our business well and provides excellent advice and guidance in respect of the defence of our very well known and respected mark.’
‘Gemma Kirkland provides expert support and guidance in respect of the defence of our mark. We are a well known and trusted brand, and it is important to us that this is not jeopardised by others seeking to use marks similar to our own. Gemma is very knowledgeable and experienced and works well with our organisation to help ensure that we understand the implications of any action we or others may take.’
Key clients
AkzoNobel
Al Futtaim
Arm
Burger King
Ceuta Group
Cosmetic Warriors (Lush)
Crockett & Jones Shoes
Delegat
Dabur India Ltd
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Grays of Cambridge
Groupe Canal+
Guinness World Records
Hard Rock International
Hubbell
Jo Loves Limited
Johnson & Johnson
LG Corporation
Lumenisity
Marriott Hotels
Metro Bank
Qualcomm
Rolex
Skechers
SEGA and Sports Interactive
Sony Music Entertainment
SOP International Limited
Sunseeker International
The Dow Chemical Company
Tropic Skincare Ltd
UPS
Teva
Zoopla Property Group
Work highlights
- Advising Sketchers and co-ordinating European litigation as part of its international enforcement work.
- Acting in High Court proceedings for Sega & Sports Interactive defending a trade mark claim.
- Acting for Industrial Cleaning Equipment (Southampton) Limited in relation to an IPEC claim.
Deloitte Legal
Deloitte Legal‘s recent acquisition of specialist technology and digital media firm Kemp Little LLP is integral to the firm's UK IP offering. Adept at advising on trade mark enforcements, IP portfolio management and strategy issues, IP acquisitions and disposals, and dispute resolution, the team is headed up by Paul Garland. Software and data licence disputes are the purview of Jeremy Harris, while Joanna Conway maintains a focus on the financial services and fintech sectors. Rachael Barber is notable for her extensive expertise in the retail and luxury sectors, acting for a prestigious roster of multi-national clients.
Practice head(s):
Paul Garland
Other key lawyers:
Rachael Barber; Jeremy Harris; Joanna Conway; Emily Nuttall-Wood; Alex Woolgar; Jade MacIntyre
Testimonials
‘Experience and knowledge of their client’s interests. Ability to deliver focused and relevant advice.’
‘Emily Nuttall-Wood is responsive, efficient and quickly understands what is important to us. She is commercially astute and with this in mind provides pragmatic advice. Because she provides pragmatic and measured advice, we have found outcomes to be delivered quickly and thus fees are reasonable. We would recommend her unreservedly on trade mark matters.’
Key clients
Ferrari
Supreme
IKEA
YO! Sushi
Travelex
SITA
Trayport
Jimmy Choo
TJX UK (TK Maxx)
Charlotte Tilbury
REKKI
FranScape
Swimtime
Dentons
The London IP offering at Dentons leverages the firm’s global footprint to advise on complex cross-border transactions, particularly in IP-rich sectors such as the media and entertainment industries. Practice co-head Anna Copeman maintains a balanced transactional and contentious practice, with recent highlights including acting for Marks and Spencer in the highly publicised High Court proceedings regarding trade mark infringement claims in relation to its product Colin the Caterpillar. Senior associate Jennifer Cass is also a key name to note.
Practice head(s):
Anna Copeman
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Cass; James Marsden
Testimonials
‘Really excellent team: strong technical knowledge, cohesive, engaged and a delight to work with.’
‘Anna Copeman is a standout partner. Exceptional engagement and client service. Jennifer Cass – fully on top of the detail.’
‘The team is highly technically competent, they are able to balance commercial practicalities with legally complex approaches. They do not scrimp on time or expertise, whilst also being very pragmatic with costs. I highly recommend them.’
‘Anna Copeman is excellent, and is very good at managing a team and dealing with clients. Jennifer Cass is a very competent senior associate who gets on with tasks and really grapples with difficult subject matter.’
Key clients
American Eagle
Argex
Edinburgh Woollen Mill
ArQit
Lottoland Holdings Ltd
M&S
Seraphim Spacecamp / AWS Spacecamp
Supreme Committee for Qatar (World Cup 2022)
Virgin
Work highlights
- Advising M&S in respect of High Court proceedings commenced against Aldi UK Limited in relation to its iconic product, Colin the Caterpillar.
- Advising American Eagle Outfitters Inc in High Court proceedings commenced by Lyle & Scott Limited alleging breach of a co-existence agreement and passing off.
- Advising Primarp DMCC, Purepay Retail Limited, Anglo Global Property Limited, Kings Landing Limited, and Border I.P. Limited (the current owners of the Edinburgh Woollen Mills business) as claimants in High Court proceedings alleging trade mark infringement, passing off and breach of employment contract.
Farrer & Co
Clients instruct Farrer & Co’s IP department for advice on high-stakes cross-border transactions and litigation. Particularly strong in non-contentious contexts, namely IP strategies, copyright licensings and rights exploitation, the team is trusted by clients in the arts, education, charity and cultural sectors. Peter Wienand heads up the practice, advising on international deals and collaborations in the entertainment space. David Copping also focuses on IP-rich sectors, including the technology, culture, and higher education industries, and Owen O’Rorke handles both contentious and non-contentious matters.
Practice head(s):
Peter Wienand
Other key lawyers:
Alan Baker; Paul Jones; David Copping; Owen O’Rorke; Ian De Freitas; Anisha Birk; Natalie Rimmer
Testimonials
‘Their practical approach to matters, putting client’s interest before any other matter. Very intensive involvement, creating a seamless team with the clients.’
‘Peter Wienand is a very competent partner who is extremely knowledgeable and takes a sensible approach to resolving disputes. Anisha Birk is an excellent associate who provides very high quality support.’
‘Paul Jones is a highly competent partner who provides a strong commercial approach and runs a strong team.’
‘Natalie Rimmer is an expert in IP law. We have had the opportunity to work with Natalie and she has profound expertise.’
Key clients
The Economist
Art Fund
Tarquin’s Gin
The Economist
University of Cambridge
Imperial College
Institute of Cancer Research
Winchester College
The Photographers’ Gallery
Sophisticated Games
Work highlights
- Advised NFT Nation on its terms document governing the ownership transfer of Mad Cat Militia NFTs (similar to Bored Ape Yacht Club) and licences to certain intellectual property rights (including limited merchandising rights) in the underlying digital artworks to buyers.
- Advising The Economist weekly on pre-publication content issues across its print editions, as well as in connection with Economist Podcasts and Economist Films.
- Advising University of Cambridge on matters relating to online teaching and managing the IP rights subsisting in online video and sound recordings of lectures.
Fox Williams LLP
Fox Williams LLP‘s IP practice is well known for its work in the fashion, retail and consumer, technology, and fintech sectors. IP transactions, disputes, trade marks and design portfolio management are all in the purview of the team, which is spearheaded by Simon Bennett, who is trusted by a range of lifestyle brands and furniture companies thanks to his trade mark and infringement expertise. The team also benefits from Nigel Miller and Stephen Sidkin, specialising in emerging technologies and fashion-related IP issues respectively.
Practice head(s):
Simon Bennett
Other key lawyers:
Nigel Miller; Sian Barr; Sarah Redmond; Charlotte Kong; Stephen Sidkin
Testimonials
‘Simon Bennett and Sarah Redmond, whom we know best (and have known for many years), are very experienced and knowledgeable professionals. They are also very nice people. It is a pleasure to work with them.’
‘Great dedication to matters entrusted to the firm. Partners are accessible.’
Key clients
Bentley Clothing
Seraphine Limited
Glanbia Performance Nutrition, Inc.
Gordon Bennett International Limited
Fox Brothers Limited
Hardie Grant UK Limited
Gino Cerruti (UK) Limited
Paradise Kids
Greenapple
AMC
Work highlights
- Acted for the Ferrara Candy Company in an action against multiple third parties using NERDS and NERD packaging on smoking articles in the UK.
- Acted for Beyond Encryption in a trade mark dispute against Microsoft.
- Acted for Greenapple in an IPEC design right claim.
Hansel Henson
Hansel Henson‘s boutique IP offering provides expertise to its international client base covering trade marks, copyright, and designs; key areas of knowledge encompass portfolio management issues, trade mark and design disputes, and invalidity actions. David Hansel and Justine Flockhart co-lead the practice, which is well known for its experience in brand litigation, handling disputes at the High Court level for a broad range of clients.
Practice head(s):
David Hansel; Justine Flockhart
Testimonials
‘I have found Hansel Henson not just knowledgeable but also responsive, pragmatic and commercial lawyers.’
‘Their communication is good and they clearly work well as a team.’
‘They are a friendly team who respond to all requests in very quick time. Excellent communications and advice from all. They clearly have the client’s best interest as their priority. All round excellent service.’
‘David Hansen, I cannot speak highly enough about this man. He has been a pleasure to work with. He puts in 100% of his energy and resource to help achieve the end goal, owning all aspects and treating the matter as he would his own.’
‘Service is fast, reliable and advice is excellent. Take a 360 approach and look at all options for the client.’
‘Hansel Henson knowledge about the IP law and its practice to help its client is unique. They look for a tailor-made solution rather a standard solution anticipating the counterpart strategy.’
‘This firm is very proactive and comes up with innovative suggestions as to how to deal with difficult issues.’
‘Stand out partners include David Hansel and Justine Flockhart. They are very responsive and provide clear and concise advice. They also get results.’
Key clients
Globefill Inc
Blue Group UK Retail Limited
Pizza Pilgrims Limited
National Gallery
States of Jersey (Government of Jersey)
Beds and Bars PLC
Berthold Types Ltd
Utopia Jewellery Ltd
Easy Live (Services) Limited (the owner of Easy Live Auction)
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Plant variety protection specialist Joel Smith heads up the copyright, trade mark and design offering at Hogan Lovells International LLP, which has an impressive global footprint across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, advising an enviable global client rosters on their global and regional IP portfolios. The team advise on high-value transactions and acquisitions in the life sciences, media, fashion, consumer, technology, and insurance sectors. Sahira Khwaja is also a key member of the team, with expertise in the consumer and TMT sectors, advising some of the world’s leading consumer brands.
Practice head(s):
Joel Smith
Other key lawyers:
Sahira Khwaja; Alastair Shaw; Emily Sharkey; Anneka Dalton
Testimonials
‘Hogan Lovells has been a great business partner for us. They provide timely responses to our legal questions and have a strong understanding of the issues we are facing. They are also very pro-active in identifying potential risks for our business and help to find economical and effective solutions to mitigate such risks.’
‘The depth of legal knowledge at Hogan Lovells and ability to bring in content and local experts is quite remarkable.’
‘Hogan Lovells works closely with our business team to find solutions that align with our business goals and objectives. Hogan Lovells brings in the right level of expertise as required for the issue to manage costs and resolve our concerns.’
‘Excellent technical knowledge, an ability to give clear and concise advice to clients and also a really lovely team of people to work with.’
Key clients
Mulsanne Insurance Company Limited
Limagrain
Lucozade Ribena Suntory
Yum! Brands
Asahi International
Treasury Wines Estates (TWE)
QatarEnergy
ViacomCBS
Getir
British Society of Plant Breeders
Work highlights
- Advising Limagrain on an appeal to The Plant Varieties and Seeds Tribunal over Defra’s refusal to add a new barley variety to the National List for cultivation in the UK.
- Acted for and successfully defended Treasure Wines Estates (TWE), against a complaint made to the Portman Group over the TWE wine brand Blossom Hills.
- Advised ViacomCBS, on the IP aspects of the creation of SkyShowtime, a new subscription video on-demand streaming service, in partnership with Comcast.
K&L Gates LLP
K&L Gates LLP‘s international trade mark, design and copyright offering excels in cross-border portfolio management, litigation, enforcement issues, design infringements and transactions, acting for a variety of luxury goods, fashion, consumer electronics, architecture and design, and beauty companies. The ‘exceedingly intelligent and passionate’ Arthur Artinian leads the team, with his practice encompassing the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious IP matters and portfolio management work.
Practice head(s):
Arthur Artinian
Testimonials
‘The team is incredibly nimble and flexible, providing exactly the expertise you need and assistance required, tailored to your request. They are unparalleled as to knowledge of the fashion industry, market and terms. Extremely diverse team, reflecting the industry. The team is very passionate about what they do and the industry, and it is reflected in carefully crafted work.’
‘Arthur Artinian, is without doubt the most connected, and knowledgeable of terms and practice in the fashion and design industry. Exceedingly intelligent and passionate, he is able to separate what really matters and laser focus on the right result.’
Key clients
Nike
Coty
TripAdvisor
BMI Group
Luxottica Group
Ralph Lauren
Aman Hotels
Tateossian
Furla
Renzo Piano
Cardtronics
Work highlights
- Advising Coty on the global launch of the Kylie Skin and Kylie Cosmetics businesses.
- Acting for Nike as its main design counselling firm, to manage all design matters in the UK including prosecution, enforcement, litigation and strategy.
- Acting as global IP counsel for Aman Hotels and managing the company’s entire global IP portfolio of trade marks and designs.
Linklaters LLP
Ian Karet spearheads the trade mark, copyright, and designs practice at Linklaters LLP, which is a trusted adviser to some of the largest global businesses in the consumer, healthcare, telecoms, technology and financial services industry sectors, regularly managing their IP portfolios. The transactional practice of the firm is of particular note, with recent highlights including assisting Unilever with the sale of its global tea business. Counsel Natalie Ellerby is a key member of the team, with considerable experience advising on trade mark disputes alongside Karet. Paul Joseph recently joined the firm from Norton Rose Fulbright.
Practice head(s):
Ian Karet
Other key lawyers:
Natalie Ellerby
Testimonials
‘Expertise in their field, ability to pull in the right people at the right time for component parts of a large contract. Very impressed by the calibre of every individual we dealt with throughout the process.’
‘Ability to consistently ensure across the work that it was all aligned, regardless of any changes coming through. Strong and clear advice, keeping the business informed and true to what it needed to do and know, and any risks, consequences to help inform decisions.’
‘Excellent ability to translate complex legal parts into language that was easy for the business to follow and manage. Utterly calm throughout and kept a strong and professional relationship with the other legal team for the other side – a real art not to allow items to escalate or behaviours to play out. Very impressed on the calm and collected approach, whilst being unrelenting on critical legal issues.’
Key clients
Merck
Unilever
Sony
Nestle
Staples
TDR
McKesson
Work highlights
- Advising Merck & Co. Inc. on its long-running trade mark dispute with Merck KGaA regarding the use of the Merck name, in particular on websites.
- Advising Unilever plc on the separation and sale of its global tea business, including the PG Tips, Pukka and T2 brands.
- Advising Sony of its acquisition of Firesprite, an independent UK computer game developer.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP
Nicholas Bolter heads up the soft IP practice for Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP, and is praised for his ‘incisiveness’. Clients across the UK and Europe in the automotive, retail, luxury, apparel, and technology industries rely on the team’s expertise, and it regularly advises on trade mark and design enforcement, infringement and prosecution work, new brand risk assessments, and IP due diligence. Associate Martin Henshall is also a key member the team, assisting Bolter across a number of matters.
Practice head(s):
Nicholas Bolter
Other key lawyers:
Martin Henshall
Testimonials
‘We just recently started to cooperate with Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP. This firm is very professional and responsive, which is something we do appreciate.’
‘Nick Bolter is handling our trade mark portfolio in the UK, he is very professional and responsive. He has always shown proactivity and a solid knowledge of the UK and European Trade mark Law and practice. We appreciate Mr. Bolter’s ability to be incisive with third parties, which often led to early settlements, preventing time-consuming and costly proceedings. We are very satisfied with Mr. Bolter’s work. We would recommend his firm because the service provided is of top quality.’
Key clients
Vans, Inc.
Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited
Abercrombie & Fitch sagl
Kontoor Brands
Netflix Studios
Ferrari S.p.A.
TGI Fridays
Wayfair
Twitter, Inc.
Timberland Licensing LLC
Voyetra Turtle Beach
Work highlights
- Acting for Vans Inc. in relation to its trade mark and designs enforcement in the UK.
- Advising Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited on its global trade mark portfolio. This has included managing a global filing program for WILLIAMS as a word mark and for its W Logo.
- Assisting Abercrombie & Fitch with its UK trade mark matters for over a decade.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright‘s UK IP practice covers a wide range of non-contentious matters, including commercial licensing agreements, disposals, acquisitions, and IP issues related to M&A. Commercial IP specialist Mike Knapper leads the practice, regularly advising on portfolio structuring issues, licensing mandates, technology transfers and other related matters in the life sciences, energy and technology sectors. Paul Joseph has recently moved to Linklaters LLP.
Practice head(s):
Mike Knapper
Key clients
Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company
Marshmallow Insurance
Modern Times Group
Shell
Kerry Foods
Accolade Wines
BNP Paribas
Accenture
Laser Clinics UK
Purplebricks
Sandvik
Formula E Teams and Manufacturers Limited
Japan Tobacco Inc.
Fair Isaac Cooperation
Hertz
Work highlights
- Advised Sandvik on trade mark due diligence in the context of its acquisition of DSI Underground.
- Advising Kerry Foods on the sale of its meats and ready meals business to Pilgrims Foods, including advising on significant IP separation issues, including brand licences and licences of Kerry’s proprietary meat alternative technology.
- Advising Purplebricks on a number of matters involving various third party infringements of Purplebricks’ IP rights, breaching Purplebricks’ website terms of use and engaging in unfair commercial practices.
Powell Gilbert LLP
Praised for its ‘exceptional client service and cooperation’, Powell Gilbert LLP fields a well-known specialist IP litigation and advisory practice, which has continued to grow with the addition of a number of practitioners at the senior associate and of counsel level. The team’s expertise is trusted by clients across a wide range of sectors, including the life sciences, telecoms, electronics, consumer goods, media, and entertainment industries. The practice is led by Simon Ayrton, who is a trade mark, passing off, copyright and design litigation specialist, who has broad expertise across the entertainment, publishing, confectionary, fashion, and luxury goods industries.
Practice head(s):
Simon Ayrton
Other key lawyers:
Tom Oliver; Peter Damerell
Testimonials
‘360, analytic and commercially realistic advisory work that can actually be put into practice.’
‘Extremely reputable team successfully handling IP cases for some of the biggest clients in the world.’
‘Peter Damarell and Tom Oliver are extremely experienced and reliable lawyers, having a deep knowledge of IP law and litigation.’
‘Outstanding and efficient way of approaching the legal support.’
‘The team with whom we have worked has provided exceptional client service and cooperation. They understand the full breadth of the legal issues facing the client, analyse them rigorously, communicate them to client and co-counsel exceptionally, but then also focus on the business needs of the client and the best strategy for those needs. Overall, an exceptional holistic service.’
‘They are all extremely rigorous in their analysis, but also able to communicate very effectively and interact effectively.’
Key clients
The Procter & Gamble Company
Gillette Company LLC
Ocado
SCUK IP Limited
Prada
Fast Fashion Brands GmbH
ScreenSource GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising the Procter & Gamble Company on multiple actions against various traders in counterfeit, parallel traded, and lookalike goods.
- Advising Prada in respect of a range of IP issues including an intended claim for trade mark infringement (and design right infringement, copyright infringement and passing off) against River Island in respect of lookalike products.
- Advising Ocado in respect of an intended claim for trade mark infringement and passing off against a supplier of fruit and vegetable products under a similar brand name.
Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May‘s IP practitioners advise clients from a wide range of industries, including the fashion, technology, retail, and life sciences sectors. Advising a number of household names and blue-chip global clients, the group is notably active in disputes, licensing work, collaborations, and litigation. David Ives leads the practice, which also fields Rob Sumroy, who is a key contact in the team for commercial IP matters in the digital technology, innovation and fintech sectors.
Practice head(s):
David Ives
Other key lawyers:
Rob Sumroy; Duncan Blaikie; Laura Houston; Richard McDonnell
Testimonials
‘Slaughter and May have provided great support for licensing and master service agreement contracting. As an early stage biotech company focused on our science and drug development, they have been a trusted partner in helping us secure long-term productive partnerships with these third parties.’
‘Duncan Blaikie – very responsive, we have valued his experience in helping us understand the longer term, commercial consequences of certain decisions and positions.’
‘Appeared to have resources to cover any questions or issues that popped up.’
‘David Ives was thorough, timely and always pleasant to deal with. I never had any reason to question his judgement, and that built trust.’
‘A collegiate, innovative and totally committed team. Constantly striving to achieve their clients’ objectives, their pursuit of commercial and legal excellence is unsurpassed.’
‘David Ives is a top tier IP lawyer with an ability to assimilate multiple complex issues and condense them into a creative and commercial IP strategy. He is calm, confident and a delight to work with.’
‘Richard McDonnell has an astute eye for contentious IP and litigation strategy.’
Key clients
abrdn
Afreximbank
Asda
ASOS
By Miles
DeepMind
Enara
John Lewis Partnership
MBA
Reckitt Benckiser
Richemont
Standard Chartered
ViiV Healthcare
Virgin Group
Work highlights
- Advised Reckitt Benckiser on the licensing of its infant nutrition brands as part of the divestment of its business in Asia.
- Advised Waitrose on its brand partnership with Shell in relation to the operation of Waitrose concessions on Shell forecourts.
- Advised the African Union on the IP risks and issues arising in relation to its procurement of Covid-19 vaccines.
TLT
TLT‘s technology, data, and IP practice is known for advising companies in the banking and financial services, leisure, and food and drink industries. Fielding specialists in IP protection for software data and emerging technology, the team advises on IP protection, licensing, and exploitation mandates. Nick Fenner leads the London team, and is adept at advising public sector clients. Legal director Andrew Cave is also of note, specialising in dispute resolution, particularly relating to large-scale technology projects. James Touzel heads up the Bristol-based group.
Practice head(s):
Nick Fenner; James Touzel
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Cave
Key clients
Vodafone
TSB Bank
Starling Bank
Government Legal Department
Provexis plc
Care Quality Commission
Bionic Services
BGL-compare the market
WH Smith
Goliath Games BV
Work highlights
- Advised BGL on a sustained campaign by unknown third parties using the well-known Compare The Market branding to set up a series of fraudulent websites designed to be phishing attacks and to fraudulently steal personal data.
- Advising Ecotricity on global brand protection for SKY DIAMONDS, including disputes with third party SKY brands.
- Advising the CQC on a brand strategy; dealing with additional trade mark applications and taking enforcement action on behalf of the CQC.
Waterfront Solicitors LLP
Waterfront Solicitors LLP‘s IP practice fields an ‘excellent range of hugely experienced IP litigators’, advising SMEs and large corporations across their IP portfolios. Matthew Harris co-leads the practice, and is a contentious IP specialist with a focus on the agrochemicals sector, while fellow co-head Piers Strickland is trusted by a number of household clients, including names in the food and beverage, retail, financial services, and fashion industries. Recent highlights for the team include handling a number of High Court appearances relating to copyright and unregistered design infringement issues.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Harris; Piers Strickland
Other key lawyers:
Phil Leonard
Testimonials
‘Piers Strickland is the stand-out partner at this specialist firm. Providing a great alternative to a big City law firm, he delivers a great product without the City firm price tag.’
‘Excellent range of hugely experienced IP litigators, able to work together as an effective team.’
‘Matthew Harris combines a good eye for detail with an ability to maintain a strategic overview.’
Key clients
Illiquidx Limited
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited
Waitrose Limited
PMS International Group Plc
Smart Garden Products
CMC Markets UK Plc
Douleutaras
MyOptique Limited
Workable Technology Limited
Scratch Meals
Iforium
Hack the Box
GoodBetterBest Limited
Barewire Limited
Boroughbox Limited (now Fodabox)
Transport Exchange Group
Vertical Leisure
Milton Lloyd
Sharda Agrochemical
Work highlights
- Acting for Illiquidx Limited in substantial High Court proceedings relating to copyright infringements and breaches of confidence in relation to a Venezuelan fund set up by a former joint-venture partner.
- Acting for GoodBetterBest in High Court proceedings involving claims of contractual breach, trade mark infringement, unregistered design infringement in respect of activities in the UK, China and the EU.
- Advising PMS on multiple IP disputes involving trade mark, copyright and designs.
AA Thornton
Strong in prosecution, the IP offering at AA Thornton, which is headed up by Geoff Hussey, advises its clients on IP strategy and audits, portfolio management issues, rights ownership and licensing work, and due diligence across a broad spectrum of industries. Litigation is a strength for the team under Hussey’s leadership, with Daniel Byrne bolstering the firm’s litigation output, particularly in the telecoms, pharmaceuticals and biotech sectors.
Practice head(s):
Geoff Hussey
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Byrne; Ian Gill
Testimonials
‘I recommend Ian Gill and Daniel Byrne. We were extremely impressed by their grasp of and complex thinking on complex issues around exhaustion of IP rights.’
‘Knowledgeable, relevant, expert and above all great to work with. Truly collaborative.’
Key clients
Virgin Enterprises Limited
Associated British Foods Plc
Admiral Group Plc
ZPG Limited
Paul Smith
Jimmy Choo
Deka Bank Deutsche Girozentrale
Landmark Graphics Corporation
Wolf 1834 Ltd Global
Over the Moon Design Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Virgin Enterprises Limited on a non-use attack, which was recently launched against a key and important EU trade mark registration for the VIRGIN mark covering 18 classes of goods and services that are core to a large number of the Virgin branded businesses.
- Assisted ZPG with the transfer of the intellectual property portfolio for the price comparison brands Confused.com, Rastreator and LeLynx.fr to RVU (the Comparison division of ZPG Limited).
- Advising Virgin Hyperloop on its global brand management strategy.
Ashurst
Ashurst is praised for its ‘in-depth and crossover expertise in transactional and contentious work’ and is particularly strong in the technology, financial regulation, fintech, infrastructure, and transport sectors. Former practice head David Wilkinson has moved to Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, and Don McCombie left to Clifford Chance LLP in mid-2022.
Other key lawyers:
Kong Xie Shern
Testimonials
‘Solid understanding of the area, combined with in-depth and cross-over expertise in transactional and contentious work.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable, and well resourced with subject-matter experts placed in major hubs around the world. They were excellent communicators, and provided prudent advice in a timely fashion to allow the decision-makers to review all the facts and opinions prior to executing a particular strategy.’
Key clients
Agilitas Private Equity LLP
BlackRock Innovation Capital
China General Nuclear
Crypton Digital Assets Limited
Goldman Sachs
Halma Plc and its group companies
McLaren Group
NCR Corporation
The Official Receiver/AlixPartners
United Company Rusal Plc
Work highlights
- Representing Crypton Digital Assets Limited in a High Court claim against Blockchain SA and several other Defendants concerning a cryptocurrency trading platform utilising artificial intelligence algorithms.
- Representing McLaren Racing Limited in a dispute relating to the termination of a brand licensing agreement between McLaren Racing and premium luggage provider Latitude 56 Degrees Limited.
- Representing NCR in a technology contract dispute in the Commercial Court with former supplier GDS.
Brabners LLP
Brabners LLP‘s IP offering advises national and international clients, with a focus on commercial IP matters. The team is trusted by a number of sports clubs and technology businesses founded by sports personalities to handle IP portfolio management issues, as well as advising on the protection, exploitation and enforcement of their IP rights. Colin Bell heads up the national practice from Liverpool.
Practice head(s):
Colin Bell
Other key lawyers:
Hannah Fawcett; Hayley Morgan
Testimonials
‘I had the pleasure to work with Hannah Fawcett and her team, who advised my client in trade mark matters related to Brexit. All services rendered were of exceptional quality with extraordinary responsiveness, care and deep understanding of client’s best interests. I would highly recommend Hanna Fawcett and her team.’
‘Solid regional firm.’
‘Colin Bell is a results-focused leader.’
Key clients
4Cast Investment Group Limited
Aesthetic Technology
Airfinity
Alder Hey Childrens Charity
Alfa Leisureplex Group Ltd, David Urquhart Holidays Ltd
Alphavet International Limited
Angel Revive Ltd
Apollo Generics Ltd
Beaverbrooks the Jeweller Ltd
Bolton Wanderers Football Club
Booking.com Transport Ltd t/a rentalcars.com and Priceline.com (UK and US subsidiaries of Priceline Inc)
British Association for Shooting and Conservation
Cataclean Global Limited
CBDSportcom Ltd
Chargepoint Technology Limited
Churchill Graham, Lda
Circa5000 UK Limited
Citadel LLC (KCG IP Holdings Limited)
College of Paramedics
Coffee Panna Ltd
Cogent Breeding Limited
CO Research Trust
Cornwall Rugby league Football Club Limited
Crane Ltd
Creative Scalps Limited
Crimpit Group Limited
Dinner Lady Fam Limited
Dopewear Limited
ECF Holdings LLC
EMDR Association (UK)
Eocito Ltd
EPG Business Ltd T/A Epic risk Management
ETCI Mehmet
Evidential Limited
FAUN Trackway Limited
Filos Estate SA
GM Group
Greenberg Traurig
Gusbourne Estate Limited
H&O Distribution Ltd T/A Primalash
Her.9 Group Limited
H.G. Stephenson Limited
Hospital Compare Ltd
HR Healthcare Limited; Webcare Group Limited
Icon Lifesaver Limited
International Sport Group Limited
ION Property Developments Limited
James Hall & Company Limited
Kindr International Limited
L10N Media pte Ltd
Lancashire County Cricket Club
Leicester City Football Club
LiverBuildingCo Ltd
Lyrical Communications Limited
Manchester Sale Rugby Club Limited
Manchester United Foundation
Music Alchemy
MyShoots Limited
Nazdar Ltd
OPON
Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group
Polski Koncern Naflowy ORLEN S.A.
Portfolio Eleven Limited
Primalash Limited
Quartermaine Brands Ltd, Quartermaine Distribution Ltd
Reclaim Project Ltd
RedX International Cz s.r.o; RedX International Limited
Regatta Ltd / Craghoppers Ltd / Hawkshead Outdoor Ltd
Revolution Foods Limited
Showcase Interiors Limited
Simply Design Group Limited
Takepayments Ltd
Tall Group of Companies; Checkprint Limited; DLRT Limited
Tectores Limited
The Christopher Harrison Group Ltd
TJ Morris Limited (Home Bargains)
Ulemco Limited
V1ce Limited
Valves Instruments Plus Limited
Vascular Perspectives Limited
vTime Limited
Wigan Rugby League Club Limited
Yodel Delivery Network Limited
Work highlights
- Advising a number of sports clubs on their intellectual property portfolios and protection, exploitation and enforcement of rights including Sale Sharks, Wigan Warriors, Leicester City FC, Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End, Wigan Athletic, Cornwall RLFC.
- Advising Regatta Ltd, Craghoppers Ltd and Hawkshead Outdoor Ltd on all intellectual property-related matters including cross-border matters, design right infringement actions and international domain name disputes.
- Advising a number of technology businesses founded and supported by sports personalities including 4Cast and Opon on their online business ventures including general IP advice, image rights and trade mark advice.
Briffa
Briffa‘s IP team is praised by clients as an ‘excellent practice for soft IP’ combining ‘high-calibre lawyers with a personal touch’. The team is particularly strong in the copyright space, advising a diverse group of clients across the consumer, manufacturing, automotive, education and publishing industries, with recent highlights including acting for a number of high-profile individuals regarding their personal brands. The team is led by a group of ‘innovative’ names, including founding partner Margaret Briffa, contentious IP expert Ralph Wehrle, and trade mark, design, and copyright contentious specialist William Miles. IP-rich sector specialist Éamon Chawke and the ‘personable’ Ramsay Monime also co-lead the practice.
Practice head(s):
Margaret Briffa; Ralph Wehrle; William Miles; Éamon Chawke; Ramsay Monime
Other key lawyers:
Tom Synott; Joshua Schuermann
Testimonials
‘Briffa is the perfect law firm for a SME – offering a top-class full-service legal function that is affordable for even the smallest/newest start-up, but which you will want to keep for many years to come.’
‘Margaret Briffa is unflappable, commercially savvy, excellent judgment.’
‘The practice is an excellent one for soft IP. It combines high calibre lawyers with a personal touch and (I believe) good value fees, which its relatively small size enable it to give. I would characterize the firm as offering leading city firm quality, but without the fuss and expense.’
‘Ramsay Monime is very personable and has built up an excellent rapport with us.’
‘Led by the charismatic Margaret Briffa, Briffa provides a service unique in the London market – specialist IP services at a high quality for individual creatives and SMEs. Not everyone can afford to litigate – Briffa knows this, and comes up with practical, cost-effective solutions for smaller clients.’
‘Briffa as an IP firm specializing in all aspects of Intellectual Property law and practice. They provide the highest level IP services. They are always very quick and accurate and can provide the clients with overall pictures of the cases. We are much impressed by their professionalism and creative advice.’
‘William Miles is one of the brightest young partners I have had the pleasure of working with. He displays a profound respect for his clients and is assiduous in promoting their interests. Tom Synott, who worked with William, is of the same ilk, and together they are a formidable team.’
‘Great advice, good team spirit and working together, commercial approach. Always have a good in-house viewpoint.’
Key clients
Ann Summers
Financial Conduct Authority
Bodum
Chestertons International Estate Agents
Loaf
Tom Dixon
CMR Surgical
OKA
Jasper Morrison
Fundsmith LLP
Parkopedia
Edwin Coe LLP
Noted for its strength in advising brands, Edwin Coe LLP‘s IP practice advises its clients on the full range of issues from acquisitions to the exploitation and protection of its IP, handling a mix of contentious and commercial IP mandates. Areas of sector expertise for the firm span the creative, retail, and food and drink industries, where the team manages IP portfolios for clients nationally, across Europe, and internationally. The practice is led by Simon Miles, who has extensive expertise in advising clients from the media and entertainment, advertising and sport, fashion, and consumer industries.
Practice head(s):
Simon Miles
Other key lawyers:
Nick Philips
Testimonials
‘We appreciate the quick response time and the excellent legal work. The reporting is excellent and we always feel transparently informed about the costs. In addition, the firm’s pragmatic approach to conflict resolution sets it apart.’
‘Nick Philips has very good cooperation, interpersonal and professional skills. He is excellent, especially in trade mark and design law.’
‘It’s a relatively small team, but they work well together and are all knowledgable. They are able to litigate large multi-national disputes well.’
‘They know their client well and work hard to achieve their client’s goals. They are able to manage the different parts of the team well.’
‘The unique thing about this practice is their personal attention to their clients.’
‘I value their commitment to understanding my business. They are aware of changes in our organisation as soon as information hits.’
Key clients
easyGroup
Garmin
Studiocanal
GroupM
Greenwich Polo Club
Paddington and Company Limited
Colart
Maxicorp Limited
Silvergate Media Limited (Octonauts)
Simply Owners Limited
Herb UK Limited
Hydronix Limited
Parity Consultancy Services Limited
Physique Management Company Limited
Westbrook International Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the Copyrights Group / Paddington and Company Limited on intellectual property protection issues relating to a number of properties including Paddington Bear, Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, Fungus the Bogeyman and Greenwich Polo Club.
- Advising easyGroup Limited and EasyJet on numerous ongoing brand protection matters including a number of High Court infringement actions.
- Advising on Hydronix’s worldwide portfolio of trade marks including prosecuting several new marks.
gunnercooke LLP
gunnercooke LLP‘s IP practice handles litigation, portfolio management, and licensing mandates for several large clients in the fashion, hospitality, technology, and gaming industries. Within the team, Rosie Burbidge, Rachel Pearse and Harvey Stringfellow are names of note, covering the spectrum of contentious and non-contentious trade mark matters.
Other key lawyers:
Rosie Burbidge; Rachel Pearse; Harvey Stringfellow
Testimonials
‘Specialised individual teams means a very personal approach to litigation. Full service in respect of the areas of IP means one can deal with gunnercooke from the beginning right up until the end of litigation without needing multiple teams.’
‘Rosie Burbidge is outstanding in her technical ability and commercial sense.’
‘Harvey Stringfellow is a very dogged litigator who works hard for a client whilst making sure that the client is fully appraised of the strengths and weaknesses of their case. Harvey understands the need to marshal convincing, cogent evidence, and works hard with his client to do so.’
‘Rosie Burbidge is my go-to person in the UK: excellent professional, always on top of the latest legal and tech developments, very good communication skills, excellent writing style, and such a lovely person to work with!’
‘The one attribute I really admire working with Rosie Burbidge and her team are they are clearly passionate about what they do. The quality of work is always consistently high, and being very personable and easy to work with just makes things straightforward in an area that can sometimes be complex.’
Key clients
Andcrafted Limited t/a Plank Hardware
Space Ape Limited
Plu&m Ltd
Safe-T-System Ltd
Barking Bags Limited
Betr Technologies Limited t/a Koyo
To Be Someone
Liking Limited
Infinite Consulting SARL
Work highlights
- Managing the global trade mark portfolio for Dragons’ Den stars, Barking Bags and acting on a claim for unregistered design right infringement.
- Acting for Space Ape Games on IP strategy and advice, including managing national and international litigation (particularly in the US) and managing the global trade mark portfolio.
- Acting for Diotima&Co Limited in a dispute over misleading statements regarding the nature of a gemstone with similar properties to diamonds. This includes the use of ASA proceedings in conjunction with trade mark registry proceedings.
Keystone Law
Keystone Law maintains a deep bench of experienced practitioners with specialisms across the soft IP spectrum, spanning a wide range of industries. Chemistry-based industry trade mark and design disputes are the purview of Rebecca Halford-Harrison, while software, internet, and database copyright issues are an area of expertise for Lucy Harrold. Simon Chalkley is a key contact for IP-related transactions, and Lawrence Abramson has extensive expertise in the media and entertainment industries, advising on copyright and trade mark passing off claims.
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Halford-Harrison; Simon Chalkey; Karen Fong; Anthony Misquitta; Claire Blewett; Lawrence Abramson; Lucy Harrold
Key clients
World Programming Limited
Datecs OOD
F W Thorpe Plc
Secret Smokehouse Ltd
Random Theory LLC (t/a Playbook Products)
Veiovia Ltd
Pembrook Products Ltd
Athena Cosmetics, Inc.
Avantra (Syslink Xandria Ltd)
McDonald’s Restaurants Limited
Crafter`s Companion Limited
Prinova Europe Ltd
GRID eSports GmbH
Reckitt Benckiser (ENA) B.V.
Life Health Foods Ltd
Athena Cosmetics, Inc.
Vertical Future
Julia Kogan
Victoria Miro Gallery Limited
Nicole Farhi Ltd
Time Plan Education Ltd
Cardioscan Services Pty Ltd
Erda Energy Ltd
Landfair Capital Ltd
HP1 Technologies Ltd
PreGel SpA
Raycast Technologies Ltd
Empowering Learning Ltd
Columbia Care
Good Ventures Ltd (t/a Evolve Beauty)
BVNK Service Ltd
Lario Therapeutics Ltd
Work highlights
- Defending the application alleging that Locked In breached a recording agreement.
- Advised the shareholders of World Programming Limited on the sale of the share capital to Nasdaq-listed Altair Engineering Inc.
Lee & Thompson LLP
Covering all aspects of soft IP, the Lee & Thompson LLP practice is well known in the creative industries, and regularly advises clients in IP-rich sectors including the film, TV, music, digital media, art, theatre, and sport arenas. Capable of handling both contentious and transactional matters, the team is led by disputes specialist Dominic Bray, who continues to act for high-profile individuals. Also of note within the disputes space is Martyn Bailey, with recent instructions including acting for a client in a high-profile copyright dispute.
Practice head(s):
Dominic Bray
Other key lawyers:
Martyn Bailey; Mark Stafford
Key clients
Victoria Beckham Limited
Working Title
Little Mix
World Wrestling Entertainment
Lionsgate
FTSE International
Jagex
Viacom
Consolidated Developments Limited
Harry Styles
The Engine Group
Work highlights
- Acted for Steve Jones and Paul Cook in the high-profile Sex Pistols litigation.
- Acting for writer Nick Martin in a long-running dispute regarding rights for the screenplay for the Oscar-nominated film Florence Foster Jenkins, starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant.
- Acting for Kathy Sledge in her long-running dispute with her sister regarding rights for the SISTER SLEDGE brand.
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises domestic and international clients across the full range of trade mark, brand and design protection services, from strategy and portfolio management issues, to infringement, exploitation and protection mandates. The practice is led by the ‘incredibly knowledgable’ Anna Frankum, and Oxford-based Chris Shelly, who also heads up the firm’s life sciences group.
Practice head(s):
Anna Frankum; Chris Shelley
Testimonials
‘Knowledgeable in the sector, always meet deadlines, and easy to work with.’
‘An understanding of our business and commercial drivers.’
‘Anna Frankum is incredibly knowledgeable but also kind, friendly and supportive.’
Key clients
Emma Raducanu
Roots Reggae Reggae Sauce Ltd
Andreas Stihl Limited
The Institute for Fiscal Studies
American Institute for Foreign Study
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
The Institute of Psychoanalysis
Bray Film Studios Limited
Thatcham Research
Compass Box Delicious Whisky Ltd
General Healthcare Ltd
The Finzi Trust
Roka London Limited
United Colors International Limited
Evac+Chair International Limited
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Organix Brands Limited
Imperial College
Spitfire Network Services Ltd
First Law P.C. (Bighit Entertainment Co Ltd)
Roka London Limited
United Colors International Limited
Work highlights
- Assisting Emma Raducanu with implementing a global brand protection and enforcement programme across multiple continents.
- Advising celebrity chef, TV personality and musician Levi Roots and his company in relation to all of its domestic and international brand management and enforcement matters.
- Advising the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons on its trade mark portfolio and related matters, including invalidation and revocation actions before the UKIPO.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP‘s IP group advises global pharmaceuticals, fashion brands, hospitality clients, and financial institutions on trade mark infringement issues, parallel imports and global IP strategies. Litigation specialist Iain Connor is a key contact in the team and is regularly in the courts as an expert on database rights, IP rights exhaustion, and online advertising work. Florian Traub is also of note within the team, particularly for international and domestic portfolio management issues, acting for household name brands. Legal director Désirée Fields is also recommended.
Other key lawyers:
Iain Connor; Florian Traub; Tom Nener; Désirée Fields; Emily Swithenbank; Matthew Harris
Testimonials
‘Strong practice with a solid understanding of client’s businesses.’
‘Tom Nener is an impressive partner. He is strategic and has an astute understanding of clients’ businesses. He understands both the legal and technical complexities of complex intellectual property disputes and what is needed for a client to succeed.’
‘The team effectively manages the trade mark registration project in various jurisdictions and reports timely.’
Key clients
City of Munich (Oktoberfest”)
Expensify
Froneri International
The Jockey Club, Jockey Club Racecourses
Scholl
Sweaty Betty
World Athletics
Badoo/Bumble
IBSA Farnaceutici Italia
Kerry Group
Oovee
Aston University
Headlam
The Knowledge Academy
JUUL Labs Inc
Fujitsu
Work highlights
- Advising Badoo/Bumble in respect of its global brand management and enforcement needs.
- Advising World Athletics in respect of its global brand management and enforcement needs.
- Advising Sweaty Betty in respect of the protection, exploitation and enforcement of its IP portfolio.
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Start-ups, SMEs and multi-national clients, particularly in the oil and gas sector, trust the IP team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP. The team continues to be instructed by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and its subsidiaries, as well as also advising clients from the consumer goods and fashion, retail, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing, and construction industries. Caroline Hayward leads the team, which advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters, with recent highlights including acting in a number of trade mark infringement and passing off claims.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Hayward
Other key lawyers:
Alice Gould
Testimonials
‘The team are very responsive and when we have an issue or want to pursue an IP issue, the the team can put together a robust game plan to effectively resolve the issue.’
‘The individuals are very response and able to carry out the work in a quick time period, and I have recommended them to other businesses I work with.’
‘Very responsive and precise advice, very competent in trade mark issues.’
‘Caroline Hayward is an excellent, precise and efficiently working lawyer, diligent in legal analysis and good pragmatic approach on the commercial issues. Also, she is a very nice person to work with.’
‘I think that people working at Trowers & Hamlins in the IP division are unique since they have great attention to client’s needs, they are very responsive; they provide useful advice which allow clients to make decisions based on their needs. There is a human approach in the sense that IP professionals working with this firm provide advice to try and solve matters without going to Court, if possible.’
‘I work with Alice Gould and her team. She has great attention to client’s needs and is very responsive. She provides advice to try and solve matters without going to Court, if possible. I appreciate that I can easily call her and discuss matters on the phone in order to find solutions to a given problem.’
‘The team is very friendly and approachable with a great depth of knowledge and an ability to explain the most complicated of legal situations in an easily accessible and understandable manner.’
‘Caroline Hayward is very friendly and knowledgeable and always has the time for any level of legal problem.’
Key clients
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
ADNOC Distribution PJSC
Mitsubishi (Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe B.V and Mitsubishi Logisnext Co. Ltd)
Matrix JVCo Ltd
Argex NV, Hye Group
Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Limited
Flexi-Hex Ltd
London International Exhibition Centre plc (ExCeL)
CFA Society of the UK
Currie & Brown International Limited
Apache Capital Partners
Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)
Peabody Trust
Orbit Housing Group
Metroconsult
Kin Architects Limited
Origin Housing Group
Aster Group Limited
The shareholders of The Flavourworks Group Limited
Catapult Network
Work highlights
- Advising Mitsubishi on enforcement actions in respect of trade marks and a registered design relating to one of its main product lines.
- Advising on and co-ordinating a worldwide filing and protection programme for the ADNOC trade marks and contentious actions in a range of jurisdictions in relation to trade mark and copyright enforcement.
- Acting for Argex NV in High Court proceedings against a competitor in relation to trade mark infringement and passing off.
Venner Shipley LLP
Venner Shipley LLP‘s IP practice has recently grown, combining with trade mark and patent attorney firm Brookes IP to offer a full-service suite of advice on IP matters, from portfolio and management mandates, to regulatory issues and dispute resolution. The team is particularly strong at advising clients on UK, EU, and Hague International registered designs, advising high-profile pharmaceuticals and technology companies; issues relating to software GUIs, apps, and consumer products are also a strength for the team. Ian Grey is a registered designs expert, while James Tumbridge focuses on IP disputes, and Clare Turnbull is the go-to person in the team for trade mark work.
Practice head(s):
James Tumbridge; Clare Turnbull; Ian Grey
Key clients
Burgopak
Other Creative Ltd
Roarr Norfolk Dinosaur Park
Saferpet Ltd
Sanofi
The Project Band Limited
Work highlights
- Advised OTHER, the creative agency, in relation to a High Court claim against an agency named Mother for trade mark infringement and passing off.
- Advising Sanofi on registered designs.
- Advising an AI laboratory client on copyright issues.
Wedlake Bell LLP
Wedlake Bell LLP maintains a strong contentious and non-contentious IP practice, advising a number of clients from the retail and leisure sectors, as well as political parties, and clients from the consumer affairs industry. Clients praise the outfit for its ‘practical, straight forward advice that takes into account business considerations’. The group is co-led by ‘outstandingly good’ commercial IP expert Michael Gardner and ‘smart, responsive and down-to-earth’ international trade mark expert Charlotte Wilding.
Practice head(s):
Michael Gardner; Charlotte Wilding
Other key lawyers:
Debra Goldwyn
Testimonials
‘Wedlake Bell is a very good midsized legal firm which is partner-led for all disputes. They have a very good business-sense approach to disputes making sure that the client and counsel work as a team.’
‘Mike Gardner is outstandingly good with clients and also works well with Debra Goldwyn, who is brilliant at detail.’
‘The team takes complete ownership of the issues and delivers the result with minimum of fuss and minimum of intervention, on budget.’
‘Charlotte Wilding was the main individual involved. Amazingly clear thinking and organised; very easy to deal with.’
‘Wedlake Bell provides practical, straight forward advice that takes into account business considerations. The opinions and client advisory are clear and succinct.’
‘Charlotte Wilding is smart, responsive and down-to-earth. She understands trade mark law and articulates clearly risks involved so a client can make an informed business decision.’
Key clients
Tesco Stores Ltd
Yellow Bulldog Ltd
Which? Ltd
Warpaint Cosmetics (2014) Limited / Badgequo Limited
Warpaint Cosmetics (2014) Limited
Nicholas Sornin & Francois Sforza
The Reclaim Party Ltd
Lacoste
Universal Protein Supplements Corporation t/a Universal Nutrition
Work highlights
- Advising Lacoste concerning a trade mark infringement and passing off claim against Marks & Spencer p.l.c. regarding the use of its marks for the word ‘crocodile’ and its logos.
- Providing ongoing advice to Tesco on its trading in parallel goods so as to prevent any infringement of IP rights.
- Advising Yellow Bulldog Limited in relation to an infringement action.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Based in Leeds, James Love spearheads the IP practice at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, which advises on the full life-cycle of designs and trade marks, including development, protection, registration, exploitation, enforcement and disposal matters. Recent highlights for the team include handling a number of high-value trade mark disputes regarding copycat branding and products for luxury fashion brands, as well as managing the global trade mark portfolio of the National Heritage Collection.
Practice head(s):
James Love
Other key lawyers:
Patrick Cantrill
Testimonials
‘Approachable team with great technical skills who take a commercial approach.’
‘James Love – clear, concise and grasps commercially important issues.’
‘Swift handling of cases sent to them. Cost-efficient and pragmatic recommendations and handling of cases.’
‘The partners we have had dealings with are very hands-on and easy to work with.’
‘Very down to earth, approachable and speak in layman’s terms.’
‘In our dealings with them, we genuinely feel that have worked with us to settle matters in the most cost-effective way. It has felt as if they are working with our best interests at heart and not in any way to generate unnecessary costs.’
‘Very approachable and knowledgable team with a great track record.’
‘James Love is wonderful and down to earth as well as pragmatic, besides being very versed in the practice area.’
Key clients
Vetements Group AG
Wizz Air
ME + EM
TomTom International
English Heritage / Historic England
Immediate Media Company (publishing arm of the BBC)
AB Tetra Pak
Denby Brands
H&M
Work highlights
- Advising Vetements Group AG on various trade mark opposition and invalidation actions in the UK against a third party copycat using the client’s VETEMENTS brand.
- Advising Tom Tom International on handling disputes before the UKIPO and EUIPO, assisting the business in protecting and enforcing its brands.
- Advising ME+EM’s on brand clearance, protection and management including: the recent expansion of the brand into other jurisdictions, handling a number of disputes in China involving copycats, and successfully acting for the client against a third party using its trade mark and copyright.
Acuity Law
Acuity Law's intellectual property team handles a broad range of contentious and non-contentious matters - the key name in London is consultant Cordelia Payne, who specialises in the protection, exploitation, and enforcement of all IP rights. Recent work of note has included matters involving opportunistic IP rights infringements, unregistered design right infringements, and advising on global brand protection strategies.
Practice head(s):
Cordelia Payne
Key clients
Popex Entertainment Limited
BIPV Limited
Rupert Sanderson
Elizabeth Day
Modla Products Limited
Whickr Group Limited
REDA Industrial Materials FZE
Alma de Ace Limited
Artic Industrial Materials
Catch the K Limited
The Room Group Limited
Pink Storage Limited
Noor AlHayawiiya Foodstuff Trading LLC
Rossi Asiaghi Limited
One Rebel Limited
Dig Club Limited
1968 Photography Limited
Birmingham County Football Association
Work highlights
- Retained by Really Epic Dog Limited, part of the U.S based Really Epic Dog Group of companies which operate in media, sport and entertainment promoting innovation.
- Instructed by Rupert Sanderson Shoes Limited, the luxury shoe designer and brand, in relation to two separate opportunistic intellectual property rights infringements both involving company name registrations and UK trademark applications incorporating the RUPERT SANDERSON name.
Hamlins LLP
Hamlins LLP‘s IP group maintains a strong music rights practice, and is a trusted adviser to a number of UK collective rights management organisations, including PRS and PPL, for all aspects of their IP protection. Co-lead Martin Ochs has extensive expertise in contentious music merchandising issues, and co-head Matthew Pryke is a key contact for influencer and model advertising, sporting brands and personalities advertisement, and brand protection strategies.
Practice head(s):
Martin Ochs; Matthew Pryke
Key clients
Azure Resorts
Bravado International Group
Club La Costa
Danilo
Diamond Resorts
Ego Restaurants
Fine & Country
George Lowden Guitars
Hilton Worldwide
Mighty Atom Entertainment
Performing Right Society Ltd (PRS for Music)
Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL)
Pizza Union
PPL PRS Limited
Probity Europe
Speakeasy Entertainment
Ted Baker
Shutterstock
Work highlights
- Advising Lowden Guitars on brand management and particularly in relation to its collaboration with Ed Sheeran for the Sheeran by Lowden brand.
- Advising TRAP Worldwide, the industry trade body for the UK music merchandising industry on anti-counterfeiting, prosecution and online brand protection measures.
- Advising Shutterstock, on the protection and enforcement of various copyright works produced by the celebrity photographer, Diggzy, which were taken for the pregnancy announcement of Rhianna.
HGF Law
With a strong national team and large PATMA offering, the IP practice at HGF Limited regularly advises on contentious and transactional IP matters in the healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and retail sectors, representing clients in High Court, UKIPO and EUIPO proceedings. The team is co-led by litigation specialists Rachel Fetches and Martyn Fish.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Fetches; Martyn Fish
Key clients
Safely Insured (formerly Sky Insurance)
Emirates
Quintessential Brands
Aviv Scientific Ltd
Work highlights
- Acting for Quintessential Brands as external counsel for all IP related matters for the group worldwide.
- Acted for Aviv Scientific Ltd and successfully defended a trade mark appeal to the High Court from a decision of the UKIPO.
Howard Kennedy LLP
Howard Kennedy LLP‘s IP practice continues to act for a wide range of clients, covering trade mark and content licensing issues, as well as the commercial exploitation of IP rights. The team is adept at handling franchising, sponsorship and endorsement agreements for international brands and personalities, as well as advising on IP acquisitions. The ‘excellent’ Robert Lands leads the ‘first-rate’ team, which works closely with clients in the creative industries.
Practice head(s):
Robert Lands
Other key lawyers:
Mark Stephens
Testimonials
‘Led by the genius Mark Stephens, the IP team has an extraordinary level.’
‘Howard Kennedy offer very cost-effective, top-notch IP services and with a keen understanding of the needs of their clients as to budget, turnaround time and the type of advice required. They are very easy to work with and the overall experience is one of collaboration and teamwork.’
‘Robert Lands, himself an excellent IP lawyer, leads a first-rate team.’
Key clients
ePlus, Inc.
Q software Global Limited
Wicked Foods Inc
SEGA Corporation
Billion Dollar Boy
Pasha
Cole Buxton
Yorkshire County Cricket Council
British Gymnastics Association
Pandora Jewellery UK Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Wicked Foods Inc, the business behind the WICKED brand, on its exclusive relationship deal with Tesco and the upcoming plans to use the brand globally.
- Advised ePlus Inc on the registration and prosecution of its UK and EU trade marks.
- Advised Pandora Jewellery on a variety of matters including: copyright, design right and trade mark issues and clearance advice, acquiring IP, endorsement agreements and trade mark licensing.
Irwin Mitchell
The IP offering at Irwin Mitchell is trusted by a number of global brands for their IP protection and enforcement mandates. The team is led by Georgie Collins, who has extensive expertise in cross-border strategic brand protection and digital copyright work. Key sectors of expertise for the team include the food and drink, media and sport, retail and leisure, and professional and financial services industries.
Practice head(s):
Georgie Collins
Key clients
Nestlé Purina / Lily’s Kitchen Ltd
Project Management Institute Inc
Gravity Fitness Limited
Bombas LLC
Derry Moore 12th Earl of Drogheda
Giles Long / Lexicon Decoder Ltd
Whispering Smith Ltd
Mo-Sys Engineering Limited
Bought By Many Limited
The British Chambers of Commerce
Adopt a Grandparent Ltd
Apex Automobile Parts Inc
Aqualution Systems Ltd
Arch Street Capital Advisors LLC
Arun Estate Agencies Limited
BEAUTY & THE BOUTIQUE Ltd
BIM-UK LIMITED
Black Swan Data Limited
ChoiceShops Limited
Colman Greig Lawyers (Australia)
Condor Ferries Limited
Cube 19 Limited
‘DeMellier Ltd
Dinosaur UK Limited
Farm Traders Limited t/a Parson’s Nose
Finexos Group Holdings Limited
Firesprite Limited
Florence Nightingale Hospitals
Fox Rothschild LLP
Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz
Freedom Brewery Ltd
FRSH Scents Limited (HK)
Goal Group Limited
Good for Nothing Limited
Grandpa Productions Ltd
Gratte Brothers Group Limited
Gratte Brothers Security Control Systems Ltd
Gravity Fitness Limited
Greenwich Leisure Limited
HD Sports Limited
HQLABS (GLOBAL) LTD
HSNF Ltd
Inn Churches
International Broadcasting Convention (A partnership)
Intersnkrs Limited
JR Pet Products Limited
Kip Candle Co
Kurz Pfitzer Wolf & Partner Rechtsanwälte mbB
Leon A Rolle
Lumeon Ltd
MBM Intellectual Property Law (Canada)
Micheldever Tyre Services Limited
MindSauce Limited
N G Bailey Group Limited
Newson Health, Research and Education Limited
Odd Bug Studios Limited
Onebright Bidco Limited
Paragon Finance Plc
Primary Group (UK) Limited
PT Mega Marine Pride (Indonesia)
Randa Accessories UK Limited
Random42 Limited
Reconomy (UK) Limited
Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC
Rutlands Limited
Simply Brands (Asia) Ltd.
Story Server Ltd
TE- TECH PROCESS SOLUTIONS Ltd
The BIG Network Limited
The Source (Hastings) Holdings Limited
TransUnion International UK Limited
Tropical Sky Limited
Venable LLP
VetBox Ltd
W & H (UK) Limited
Whispering Smith Limited
Whitby Seafoods Ltd
Wolf Laundry Limited
Worldgift.Com Limited
Your Management Solutions
Zafin Labs America Incorporated
Zump Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Nestlé Purina/Lily’s Kitchen in protecting, managing and enforcing UK IP rights.
- Acting for Gravity Fitness Limited on managing its trade mark portfolio and advising in relation to brand strategy, protection and enforcement relative to the fast growth of its business.
- Acting for BCC on protecting, managing and enforcing IP rights as well as reputational advice and general commercial advice relative to the BCC and its 53 Accredited Chambers.
Memery Crystal (part of RBG Legal Services)
Memery Crystal (part of RBG Legal Services)‘s IP practice sits within the firm’s wider commercial, IP and technology practice, which recently added Chris Pulham, bolstering the firm’s non-contentious IP capabilities across software licensing arrangements and the IP-related aspects of emerging technologies. Carl Rohsler leads the practice, and regularly advises clients in the food and drink, technology and media, and cosmetics sectors in complex commercial and litigation matters.
Practice head(s):
Carl Rohsler
Other key lawyers:
Chris Pulham
Testimonials
‘We have a long-standing relationship with Memery Crystal and work together to represent many of its clients in relation to trade mark register searches, filing UK trade mark applications and filing/defending oppositions.’
‘What makes Memery Crystal unique is their comprehensive commercial knowledge and ability to quickly spot when a client needs external assistance, for example, specialist trade mark advice/support, and having the trusted contacts in place to provide that assistance.’
‘The firm is professional yet always approachable, which is refreshing.’
‘Carl Rohsler is a stand-out individual, with a sharp legal mind and a sense of humour to match. Carl is professional but relaxed with clients and a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Telegraph Media Group
Aramco Overseas Company
ITV
Carabao
Songtradr Inc.
Gaming Realms
Oxford Innovation Park
Silver Point Capital
Metropolitan Gaming
Krow Communications
Taylor Mammon
Graft Polymer
Real Estate Management (UK) (the Shard)
Ultimate Tuner Limited
Outcomes Based Healthcare
Grow Group
Nutraformis
Mile High Laboratories
Imperial Pharma
Ingenta
Halo Group
Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)
The Office of Qualifications and Examination Regulations (Ofqual)
Avantage Entertainment
Immerse Learning
Kite Power System
Sustainable Marine Energy
Gulf Keystone Petroleum
Waste Knot Energy
Global Education Services
Artiq
Fremantle
The Health Lottery
Planet Art
Ridgeway Partners
Sellar Developments
Ultimate Tuner Limited
Jumbo International
Good Skin Days
Aurra Studios
Marmalade Game Studio
Live Tech Games
Effective Investing t/a UTIL
Wildman Project
Papaya Gaming
Robus Capital
STV
tinyBuild
Work highlights
- Representing Songtradr, the leading music licensing and technology company, in very intense copyright and confidentiality proceedings in the High Court.
- Advising Carabao on brand management issues including trade mark advice and a variety of international sponsorship arrangements.
- Advising Graft Polymer (UK) plc on the management and development of its patent and trade mark portfolios and other IP rights.
Simkins LLP
Media and entertainment trade mark and copyright infringement claims are within the purview of Simkins LLP‘s dispute resolution practice, which is led by Paddy Gardiner. Within the team, Jim Dennis is a highly experienced soft IP litigator, having represented clients in infringement and passing off claims before all levels of the court system. The team is well-regarded as ‘knowledgeable, easy to deal with and client friendly’, with Caroline Copeland and Stuart Smith also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Paddy Gardiner
Other key lawyers:
Jim Dennis; Caroline Copeland; Stuart Smith
Testimonials
‘The team are first rate, knowledgeable, easy to deal with and client friendly.’
‘Jim Dennis is quick to respond, and gives clear commercial advice.’
‘Great team, clever, personable and commercially astute, thanks to Jim Dennis, Caroline Copeland, and Stuart Smith.’
Key clients
David Bowie Estate dba Jones/Tintoretto Entertainment Company LLC
KPMG LLP
LDN CBD
Lonza Group/Arxada
Jason Atherton Restaurant Holdings Limited
The Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Fuwa Fuwa
Frank Recruitment Group Limited
Rude Health Foods Limited
Ali-A Entertainment Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the David Bowie Estate on a significant expansion of its trade mark portfolio in the UK and EU.
- Advised Fuwa Fuwa on UK trade mark oppositions and a cancellation action against Fuwa Brands, Inc.
- Advised Rude Health Foods on the expansion of its trade mark rights into East Asia.
Simons Muirhead Burton
Fielding experts in the sports and media sectors, the IP team as Simons Muirhead Burton advises media, publishing, broadcasting, photography, and celebrity clients on the IP-related aspects of licensing agreements. The offering is led by the ‘supportive, flexible, and competent’ Maninder Gill, who is trusted adviser to a variety of luxury retail, fashion, and jewellery brands. The team regularly handles contentious copyright, trade mark, passing off, design rights, and breach of confidence matters.
Practice head(s):
Maninder Gill
Other key lawyers:
Martin Soames; Nadia Zegze; Raoul Lumb
Testimonials
‘SMB team have a range of international partnerships that enables them to handle trade mark licensing work globally.’
‘Maninder Gill has been leading all our trade mark work. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Maninder. He has been very supportive, flexible and competent.’
‘The team is very strong and experienced and have repeatedly given very good advice on how to deal with disputes and challenges.’
‘Maninder Gill is clearly very experienced and practical and is constantly working with us to find solutions in cases of conflict. His advice has always been aimed at limiting the hit to the company.’
‘The firm is friendly, reliable and well-organised. Work was completed in a very timely manner and I felt entirely supported throughout the process. All correspondence was always responded to extremely quickly, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the firm to others.’
‘I had a really excellent and impressive experience with both Nadia Zegze and Maninder Gill. They are super responsive, available to talk at short notice, and the work is done very quickly. Nadia and Maninder are both very friendly and reassuring, and I always feel confident with their knowledge and advice. The work done was of the highest standards and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others.’
‘The team is unique because they react quickly, understandable, friendly and realistic. They are experts in the practice and know their competitors.’
‘I mostly work with Maninder Gill and Raoul Lumb. They both are very approachable, experienced and react quickly.’
Key clients
Alexa Chung
Pete Tong
M Huncho
Harvey Nichols
Amanda Wakeley
Stradivarius
Zandra Rhodes
Connolly England
News UK
Penhaligon’s Fragrances
Stevens & Bolton LLP
Tom Lingard heads up the Guildford-based IP practice at Stevens & Bolton LLP, acting for clients across a broad range of industries, with a particular focus on the technology, media, manufacturing, and sport industries. Trade mark and brand protection, as well as infringement, passing off, and breach of confidence claims are within the purview of the team. Recent highlights include advising Premier League football team Brighton & Hove Albion FC on its trade mark portfolio.
Practice head(s):
Tom Lingard
Other key lawyers:
Elaine O’Hare
Testimonials
‘The team at Stevens & Bolton LLP are extremely knowledgeable with both the explanation of the legal issues and applying the commercial concept to the situation. Expectations of time deliverables are clearly set and always delivered upon.’
‘The individuals at Stevens and Bolton take the time to listen and are always courteous, professional with exceptional technical knowledge. They have the ability to deliver a high-quality, flexible service to meet the client’s needs.’
Key clients
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
Prestige Asset Finance Ltd
Custom Materials Ltd
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Limited
Electronic Theatre Limited
Belu Water Limited
The British Institute at Ankara
Work highlights
- Advising Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club on trade mark and brand protection matters, and providing a formal anti-counterfeiting programme involving wide-spread enforcement activity to remove infringing listings from online marketplaces and websites.
- Advising Prestige Asset Finance Ltd, the operator of the “Posh Pawn” brand, on a trade mark infringement and passing off dispute.
- Advising a global Internet of Things technology company in relation to a breach of confidence and breach of contract claim in the High Court, involving the development of a competing product by an ex-employee.
Brown Rudnick LLP
Brown Rudnick LLP advises clients in the creative, luxury, hospitality and leisure sectors on a range of issues including brand strategies, licensing and commercial agreements, franchising work and collaborative ventures.
Key clients
Crombie
Excalibur Healthcare
Wirex
Lyre’s
The Design Museum
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Lyst
Victoria PLC
Bitrise
Clearcast
Midatech Pharma PLC
Work highlights
- Acting for Excalibur Medicines Limited and Excalibur Vaccines Limited, advising on a series of commercial, R&D/collaboration, investment and licensing agreements relating to the development and testing of a therapeutic and vaccine cocktail to tackle Covid-19.
- Represented Wirex in its High Court trade mark infringement claim against Cryptocarbon Global Ltd, Cryptocarbon UK Ltd and Bee-One UK Ltd, in respect of the unauthorised use of Wirex’s registered trade mark, CRYPTOBACK.
Clyde & Co
Clyde & Co‘s IP offering covers both contentious and transactional matters, advising clients on copyright and trade mark passing off claims, as well as performing IP due diligence exercises and consulting on the IP aspects of licensing, collaboration and consultancy agreements. The team, led by Ralph Cox, is praised for its ‘great IP expertise blended with commercial nous’.
Practice head(s):
Ralph Cox
Other key lawyers:
Chris Williams
Testimonials
‘Value for money – deploys team well.’
‘Ralph Cox is very knowledgeable of all IP practice and procedure.’
‘Great IP expertise blended with commercial nous.’
Key clients
Anpora UK Limited
BiGDUG Limited
Dubar India Limited
MarTrust Corporation Limited
Multiplex Global Limited
Schlumberger Technical Corporation LLC
Work highlights
- Advised Anpora UK Limited on the purchase of a company name and insignia originating in the Victorian era and associated with an iconic building in the City of London.
Locke Lord LLP
Praised for its ‘deep understanding of subject and commercial approach to problem-solving’, the IP practice at Locke Lord LLP is experienced across the spectrum of establishing, managing, asserting, and defending IP rights, advising on trade mark and copyright infringements, and handling passing off claims and domain names disputes before the UK Courts and EUIPO. The practice is co-led by the ‘calm and assured’ Dominic Farnsworth and trade mark expert John Olsen. Leigh Smith joined the team in March 2022 from Clifford Chance LLP, adding to the firm’s brand protection and trade mark dispute expertise.
Practice head(s):
Dominic Farnsworth; John Olsen
Other key lawyers:
Leigh Smith
Testimonials
‘Deep understanding of subject and commercial approach to problem-solving.’
‘Dominic Farnworth is a first class IP lawyer with proven track record and commercial and highly professional approach to dealing with IP matters.’
‘Excellent and prompt service.’
Key clients
Arley Foods
The Court of Master Sommeliers
Absolut
ARCIS
Whalemap
Work highlights
- Advised a US licensee, retailer and distributor of a luxury shoes brand on the options available under the parties’ licence agreement regarding renewal, termination and breach, and negotiated a further agreement regulating the parties’ ongoing relationship and addressing the disposal of surplus stock.
- Representing an engineered additives producer, in relation to a breach of confidence action argued before the English courts.
- Acting for a product design company, undertaking a comprehensive worldwide search, filing and enforcement program for a high-profile client in order to protect its new trade mark, searched and cleared in 40 jurisdictions.
Squire Patton Boggs
The IP practice at Squire Patton Boggs advises a number of global clients on trade mark and design oppositions, cross-border franchise expansion, and portfolio management issues across a number of industries, including the entertainment, food and beverage, fashion and retail sectors. Kerry Lee is praised by clients for his ‘pragmatic’ approach and ‘unparalleled’ knowledge. Carlton Daniel is also of note within the team, with a broad practice covering contentious and non-contentious matters.
Other key lawyers:
Kerry Lee; Carlton Daniel; Callum Burbidge
Testimonials
‘The team provide outstanding practical advice in a simple and easily understandable manner. They go out of their way to describe different possible outcomes and which may be best suited to our company.’
‘Kerry Lee and Callum Burbidge have stood out for me. Kerry provides excellent practical advice and always indicates which solution he thinks would best suit our company. Kerry is a trusted pair of hands. Callum takes complex matters and sets them out in simple and easy to understand points, this is fundamental to being able to make a fully educated decision on a complex legal matter. Callum is a trusted pair of hands.’
‘Great team – very commercial, dynamic.’
‘Responsive, very commercial, proactive.’
‘Squire Patton Boggs dealt with everything on my intellectual property case, from start to finish. Clear explanations, good advice. The company completely put my mind at ease at all times. They took the stress out of what was a very stressful situation.’
‘Kerry Lee was superb. I was confident that he knew exactly the best thing to do every step of the way. And he did. Kerry and his team handled everything brilliantly.’
‘Kerry Lee understands what is required by an in-house legal department. He adds value. He presents the advice and solution in a way that is easy for an in-house team to assimilate. He is enthusiastic, nothing is too much trouble. Likewise, he is a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Kerry Lee’s in-depth knowledge of IP is unparalleled. He has a pragmatic approach, 100% availability and he is supported by a hands-on team who are ease to deal with and always on top of their game. I couldn’t have a better IP lawyer at my side than Kerry.’
Key clients
C. & J. Clark International Limited t/a Clarks
CK Acquisitions Limited t/a Cath Kidston
Punter Southall Group Limited
Threadology London Ltd.
Planet Holding Limited
Karate Union Great Britain
Roadchef Limited
Agden Consulting Limited
Better Health Limited
Oliver James
Work highlights
- Acting for and managing the trade mark portfolio for Clarks.
- Acting for and advising on the global trade mark portfolio of CK Acquisitions Limited, which owns the well-known fashion brand CATH KIDSTON.