Praised as ‘responsive, knowledgeable and always dependable’, Barker Brettell LLP has demonstrable experience acting before the UKIPO and the EUIPO, and remains one of the most active filers of trade marks. Led by Birmingham-based Catherine Wiseman, the team’s expertise spans the automotive, software, cosmetics, food and beverage, consumer goods and higher education sectors. The filing and prosecution of applications, global portfolio management, counterfeiting issues, as well as contentious matters such as opposition, cancellation and enforcement proceedings, make up the practice’s all-encompassing caseload. With an office in Sweden, the team is well-placed to provide an ‘excellent service’ to its roster of clients, including multinational corporations, start-ups, entrepreneurs, leading brands and technology companies, across Europe on post-Brexit matters. The practice also continues to maintain long-standing relationships with US law firms. In the firm’s Birmingham office, other key members of the team include Tracy Arch and Lucy Walker.
PATMA: Trade mark attorneys in London
Barker Brettell LLP
Practice head(s):
Catherine Wiseman
Other key lawyers:
Tracy Arch; Lucy Walker; Rosanne Farmer; Louis Pittortou; Ian Pearce; Lisa King; Rosalyn Newsome
Testimonials
‘The BB team know their stuff. They are responsive, knowledgeable and always dependable. I have worked with the BB team for over 20 years and they have consistently been my go-to firm in the UK and Europe.’
‘Lisa King and Rosalyn Newsome are both top notch attorneys. I really enjoy working with them and know that my matters will receive prompt attention.’
‘Barker Brettell offers excellent service and comprehensive recommendations. Its attorneys are very skilled and knowledgeable, and they are responsive. I entrust my clients’ matters to them because of these attributes.’
Key clients
ADM
AETN, UK
Amouage SAOC
Aston Manor
Automobile Club Di Brescia
bit.bio
British Racing Motors Limited
Carma Laboratories, Inc, – Carmex
CH&Co
Compass Group
CSME Technology
ENI S.P.A
Epson Europe B.V
Etihad Airways
Femme Luxe Fashion
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
Fine Agrochemicals (De Sangossi)
Fiserv
Fosroc
Grenade (UK) Limited
IMI
International Flavours and Fragrances
Keller Group
Kingston Technology Corporation
Liberty Group
LVMH / Fresh. Inc
Marston’s Brewing Company (Carlsberg Marston) and Marston’s PLC
Modere
National Express
Panasonic Avionics
Pentair
Pizza Hut UK Limited
Schlumberger (UK & EU)
SEH International Limited
Severn Trent Water
Sheltered Wings dba Vortex
Spectrum Brands (Russell Hobbs and Remington)
Tempshield
The Binding Site Group Limited
The Boots Company Limited
University of Chicago
University of Notre Dame
Wolseley Group
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Work highlights
- Approached by Amouage SAOC to devise a search and filing strategy that delivered clearance and enabled the client to utilise the International Madrid system to full effect.
- Assisting The Boots Company Limited on various matters, such as conducting global clearance searches for new brands, and reviewing, and approving the Christmas Gift Catalogue.
- Advising on and implementing enforcement work for LVMH, specifically the house and international luxury cosmetics business Fresh, Inc.
Boult Wade Tennant LLP
With offices in London, Frankfurt, Berlin and Madrid, as well as Cambridge and Reading, Boult Wade Tennant LLP’s ‘top-notch team’ is well-placed to assist clients in the protection, management and enforcement of UK and EU trade marks, domain name disputes, brand strategy matters and copyright issues. The team counts state-owned enterprises, financial service providers, medium-sized companies, start-ups, family-owned businesses and public entities, including hospitals and not-for-profit organisations, among its key roster of clients. Following the retirement of John Wallace in April 2022, Rachel Conroy leads the practice and other key members of the team include the ‘client-oriented’ Emma Pitcher, Tony Pluckrose, who is praised as ‘a walking encyclopaedia’ when it comes to trade mark prosecution work and opposition proceedings, Catherine Wolfe and Felicity Hide, who ‘has worked miracles’ before the UKIPO and EUIPO.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Conroy
Other key lawyers:
Emma Pitcher; Catherine Wolfe; Tony Pluckrose; Anusha Arunasalam; Felicity Hide; Michael Maier; Connor Thorogood
Testimonials
‘I find the whole team to be great, but I’d make particular mention of Emma Pitcher, who has an engaging style that is clearly underpinned by superb legal understanding. I’d also like to mention Connor Thorogood, who is a member of Emma’s team but is very much in her mould. He simplifies the complicated and is always accessible for considered response.’
‘Boult Wade has built a top notch team. Perhaps more importantly that bench is filled with great people. The folks at all levels at Boult are enjoyable to work with.’
‘Felicity Hide is strategic and thoughtful, as well as proactive with a global perspective. We have sent her some very important matters and she has worked miracles we didn’t think were possible. Her work quality is exceptional.’
‘They are at the top of the tree. Totally dependable but also super bright and practical. Real team workers. Thoughtful and strategic.’
‘Anusha Arunasalam is exceptionally bright and quick to respond. She’s also a fabulous person to interact with. She consistently provides great service and was a terrific addition to the partner ranks at Boult Wade.’
‘Catherine Wolfe is extremely bright, but also practical. Very well connected.’
‘Emma Pitcher is very client-oriented. She has tremendous drive and energy. Great knowledge and a very quick thinker.’
‘Tony Pluckrose is a walking encyclopaedia of trade mark law. Generous, with his immense knowledge.’
Key clients
Hotel Chocolat
John Guest International Limited
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP
Brentford FC Limited
Calvin Klein Cosmetic Corporation
Perani & Partners
Bauer Media
D Young & Co LLP
D Young & Co LLP covers a broad range of industry sectors, including the food and beverage, hospitality, electronics and entertainment industries, in addition to the consumer goods and fashion sectors, where the practice has seen a growth in enforcement proceedings in these arenas, on account of the increase in online counterfeiting. The team, which houses both attorneys and solicitors, continues to be regularly instructed before the UKIPO and has demonstrable experience at the EUIPO, as well as handling an ever-increasing number of opposition proceedings in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The UK practice, which is jointly led by Southampton-based Jeremy Pennant and Tamsin Holman, who operates from the firm’s London office, frequently collaborates with the Munich office to provide a seamless service to its roster of clients, which has resulted in a growth of contentious registry work and litigation. Key clients include Johnson & Johnson, Cosmetic Warriors and Hard Rock International, to name a few.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Pennant; Tamsin Holman
Other key lawyers:
Helen Cawley; Matthew Dick; Anna Reid; Gemma Kirkland; Richard Burton; Jackie Johnson
Key clients
AkzoNobel
Al Futtaim
Arm
Burger King
Ceuta Group
Cosmetic Warriors (Lush)
Crockett & Jones Shoes
Dabur India Ltd
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Grays of Cambridge
Groupe Canal+
Hard Rock International
Hubbell
Gaz & Jo Intellectual Property Holdings (Jo Loves Limited)
Johnson & Johnson
LG Corporation
Lumenisity
Marriott Hotels
Metro Bank
Naked Juice
Qualcomm
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
- Acting in High Court proceedings for Sega & Sports Interactive, defending a trade mark claim.
- Acting successfully for Hard Rock Cafe in several disputes before the Company Names Tribunal and in trade mark opposition matters before the UKIPO.
- Acting successfully for LG Chem Limited in a trade mark opposition matter before the UKIPO.
HGF Limited
With offices in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, France and Ireland, HGF Limited’s sizeable trade mark practice assists well-known multinational companies with portfolio management, oppositions and litigation proceedings. The team is noted for its capability in the filing of UK and EU trade marks, and has demonstrable experience across the pharmaceuticals, automotive, food and beverage, media and entertainment, finance and retail sectors. In Leeds, David Potter heads up the trade marks team and advises clients in the entertainment and retail arenas on protection matters. Martyn Fish was promoted to CEO in July 2021, following the retirement of Paul Sanderson, and Jason Lumber is chairman of the firm. From the firm’s office in London, Geoff Smith advises fashion and retail sector clients on international trade mark protection strategies, and Jonathan Thurgood handles registration and enforcement matters. Other key members of the team include Birmingham-based Rebecca Field, and trade mark directors Claire Jones and Manchester-based Lauren Somers.
Practice head(s):
David Potter; Martyn Fish; Jason Lumber
Other key lawyers:
Geoff Smith; Jonathan Thurgood; Rebecca Field; Claire Jones; Lauren Somers; Lee Curtis; Stephanie Loeffler-Reading; Rigel Moss McGrath; Richard Wylie
Testimonials
‘Claire Jones is a pleasure to work with. She has good knowledge and understanding of the client, provides practical advice and is very responsive.’
‘All of the assistance I have received from HGF is prompt, to the point, and reasonable in cost. They also strike the right note with their advisory communications on matters such as Brexit’s impact on EU trade marks. The advice is clear, concise and practical.’
‘I work primarily with Lauren Somers, who is friendly and professional. Her approach is direct and efficient, which I appreciate. I always feel I am getting not just the right answer, but the best and most practical answer with Lauren.’
‘Jonathan Thurgood is always responsive and provides practical advice, taking into consideration the client’s business and concerns.’
‘An approachable and knowledgeable team, who take care to understand our business and the market in which we operate.’
Key clients
Emirates
Halfords Limited
Quintessential Brand
Tommy Hilfiger
Rotork Plc
AGA Rangemaster Group Limited
Whirlpool
Work highlights
- Acting for Tommy Hilfiger in relation to UK trade mark matters, including prosecution, renewals and contentious matters.
- Acting for AGA Rangemaster Group Limited on the enforcement of its brands, advising on designs and managing its brand portfolio.
- Handling the full range of European brand defence for Emirates, including dealing with infringers and domain name squatters, trade mark oppositions, cancellation actions, infringement issues, trade mark applications and broad strategic advice.
J A Kemp
The ‘responsive and knowledgeable’ team at J A Kemp is frequently instructed by US and Japanese clients, primarily attorney firms, on trade mark protection mandates and maintains a strong presence in the UK, in addition to acting for a range of clients across Europe, including businesses in France, Spain and Scandinavia. Noted for its expertise in the pharmaceutical sector, the team has seen an increase in the filing of UK trade mark and design applications equivalent to an EUTM or RCD. The expanding team in Paris, combined with the expertise of the firm’s Munich office, further consolidates the practice’s cross-border capabilities and efficiency to service its diverse client roster, ranging from start-ups and spinouts to large corporations and notable academic institutions, on managing and developing global trade mark portfolios. James Fish leads the trade mark group, as well as the firm’s Paris-based trade mark practice, while Tom Albertini heads up the designs team.
Practice head(s):
James Fish; Tom Albertini
Other key lawyers:
Ben Mooneapillay; Charlotte Stirling; Aaron Newell
Testimonials
‘I have been impressed by the depth of knowledge across the team in terms of managing trade mark processes and advising on specifications and multi-jurisdictional issues.’
‘Charlotte Stirling has been fantastic to work with. She is very commercial, understands all the issues on a deep technical level and is always very pleasant and personable.’
‘JA Kemp is very responsive and knowledgeable.’
‘Aaron Newell is always looking out for his clients in the best possible way. He asks the right questions and thinks very much ahead. He is fast and has a great deal of knowledge.’
‘Direct and to the point. The team are knowledgeable regarding both UK and EU trade mark law.’
Key clients
adidas
Antonio Puig
Boardriders IP Holdings
Burts Snacks
Courtauld Institute of Art
Fiit
GW Pharma
Halewood Artisanal Spirits
Hunter Douglas Industries
Lola’s Cupcakes (International)
Mintel Group
MIPS AB
Nominet UK
Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Ricoh
Rotary International
Seiko Holdings Corporation
Sensyne Health Group
The Hershey Company
The Royal British Legion
WHAT3WORDS
Kilburn & Strode LLP
Kilburn & Strode LLP ‘take away the heavy lifting’ from its roster of clients, and the team is able to provide a seamless UK and European service from its twin bases in London and Amsterdam, as well as leveraging the expertise of the firm’s offices in Munich and San Francisco. Demonstrating its continued capability in filing EU trade mark applications, the firm’s European presence remains strong, and the Dutch team is expanding, particularly in the agricultural and horticultural sectors. Carrollanne Lindley, who ‘never pulls any punches and neither does she downplay issues’, leads the practice and focuses on strategically managing global trade mark portfolios, while Rowena Tolley is praised by one client as ‘incredibly prompt, responsive and commercially sensible’. Key areas of expertise include the electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive, cosmetics and charity sectors.
Practice head(s):
Carrollanne Lindley
Other key lawyers:
Rowena Tolley; Iain Stewart; Ryan Pixton; Jeffrey Parker; Ben Scarfield
Testimonials
‘An excellent team with extensive experience. They provide timely and commercially focused advice on a range of matters, from specific prosecution issues through to pragmatic ways of dealing with contentious matters.’
‘Rowena Tolley is one of the best UK trade mark attorneys that we have worked with. She is incredibly prompt, responsive and commercially sensible. She communicates very effectively and efficiently, allowing us to dedicate minimal time to addressing the requirement at hand.’
‘Carrollanne Lindley is excellent, very commercial, hands-on and responsive. Ben Scarfield is also very responsive and knows his stuff.’
‘Ability to co-ordinate large and complex tasks. Excellent commercial knowledge and they take away the heavy lifting from me.’
‘Carrollanne Lindley is brilliant to work with. We have worked with her for over 20 years now. She never pulls any punches and neither does she downplay issues. She has advised on portfolio strategies, as well as prosecution and contentious matters. Her prosecution advice is always pragmatic and based on an extensive knowledge of case-law and practice.’
‘Rowena Tolley is highly responsive, practical, efficient, and a joy to work with.’
Key clients
Colgate-Palmolive
AT&T
NBC Universal
Costa Coffee (part of Coca-Cola)
BlackBerry
Bloomsbury Publishing
Porsche
Zoom Video Communications
Mastercard International Incorporated
Coinbase, Inc.
La Perla
Vitabiotics
Mubadala
Samsung Electronics
Xor
Chiasma
Canadian Institute of Financial Planning
Paul Costelloe
Leonard Cheshire
Hay House
Geneva Laboratories Limited (Bio-Oil)
Lumen (formerly CenturyLink)
Immunocore
Gilead Sciences
Abbott
LSI Solutions
Precision Medicine
Scancell
Seagate
WarnerMedia
Sesame Workshop
Bad Robot
Entertainment Industry Association – Stand Up to Cancer
Millennium & Copthorne
Bahlsen
Perfetti van Melle
Block (formerly Square, Inc)
TeamViewer
USB Implementers Forum
Corza Health Inc
Blackbullion
The Modern House
Norton Motorcycles
easyJet
Hospital Corporation of America
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Emerson Fittipaldi
Domestic and General
Cable & Wireless
Blo Blow Dry Bar, Inc
Candle-lite Company, LLC
Farmobile LLC
Groq, Inc.
Hero MotoCorp Limited
Ability Matters Group
Purity Wellness Group Ltd
Staffline Group (Staffline Recruitment/PeoplePlus)
The Spring League LLC
The Very Good Food Company Inc.
Work highlights
- Managing Vitabiotics’ worldwide portfolio, spanning renewals and filings, together with strategic advice on household names including Feroglobin, Osteocare and Perfectil.
- Assisting Mubadala Investment Company with its trade mark portfolio, providing reports and advising on how to strengthen its position, as well as regarding IP licensing within the group.
- Advised Zoom Video Communications on multiple, interconnected opposition and revocation actions.
Mewburn Ellis LLP
Mewburn Ellis LLP has demonstrable experience in providing strategic brand management advice and is well-placed to leverage the capability of the firm’s Munich office to offer trade mark and design services at the EUIPO following Brexit. With UK offices in London, Bristol, Manchester and Cambridge, the team frequently collaborates with the firm’s solicitors when advising on commercial agreements, disputes and other related matters, such as domain names and copyright issues. The practice’s caseload includes opposition, cancellation and revocation proceedings, as well as domain disputes and infringement actions, and clients range from start-ups and investors to international brands, universities and research institutions. In London, key contacts in the team include practice leader Kate O’Rourke, Andy King and Jacqueline Pang, while Rebecca Anderson-Smith is based in Bristol and manages the trade mark portfolios of pharmaceutical companies.
Practice head(s):
Kate O’Rourke
Other key lawyers:
Andy King; Jacqueline Pang; Rebecca Anderson-Smith; Rebecca Campbell; Claire Evans
Testimonials
‘Attention to detail means Mewburn are always able to provide us with appropriate advice taking into account the wider picture.’
‘Rebecca Anderson-Smith’s organisation and team management really makes the team stand out.’
‘Rebecca Anderson-Smith has worked on our portfolio for quite some time – her timely reporting and attention to detail has always ensured that our portfolio is best protected.’
Key clients
The Estate of Whitney Houston (via Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC of New Jersey)
Dogs Trust
Foo Fighters (via Rimon PC of Miami)
Sandvik
MF Brands (Lacoste, GANT, The Kooples)
Intersnack/KP Snacks
Alliance Pharmaceuticals
In-N-Out Burgers
Axon (TASER)
Karsten (PING)
Greggs
Beauty Bay
Hallmark Cards/Crayola
Pattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson LLP
Stryker
Morrison & Foerster LLP (San Francisco)
Modiano (Moncler, Juventus)
Youngs Brewery
Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu PC (New York)
Potter Clarkson LLP
Potter Clarkson LLP provides a cross-disciplinary service to clients across the life sciences, food and beverage, agri-tech, consumer goods and engineering sectors, ranging from start-ups and SMEs, to international corporates and investors. The firm continues to consolidate its presence in the Nordics, with expanding offices in Denmark and Sweden. Following Brexit, the team has seen an increase in certain mandates in its workload, from handling UK clones and customs enforcement actions to strategic management and the development of trade mark portfolios. With opposition proceedings taking up a large proportion of its caseload, the team also continues to grow its online brand protection services. Following the retirement of Janella Barr in February 2022, Nottingham-based Sanjay Kapur solely leads the practice, while Emmy Hunt and Sarah Talland, who operate from the firm’s London office, remain key members of the team.
Practice head(s):
Sanjay Kapur
Other key lawyers:
Emmy Hunt; Sarah Talland; Cameron Malone-Brown; Lucy Mills
Key clients
Triumph Designs Limited
Jemie B.V.
Davide Campari-Milano
CNH Industrial America LLC
The Economist Newspaper Limited
Oregon Brewing Company
Liechtenstein Gruppe AG
LGC Limited
Stobbs IP
‘Bespoke firm’ Stobbs IP houses a ‘mix of solicitors and trade mark attorneys of varying seniority’, facilitating the practice’s capability in managing soft IP matters, ranging from disputes, litigation and investigations to commercial contracts, designs and copyright issues, online brand enforcement and anti-counterfeiting. Acting for leading brands in the fashion, technology, publishing, food and beverage, social media and sport sectors, the team has demonstrable experience in contentious trade mark proceedings before the UKIPO and the EUIPO, as well as hearings before the Appointed Person. With offices in London, Cambridge and Munich keeping the practice busy with the filing of UK and EU trade mark applications, the firm opened an office in Dublin in June 2022. In Cambridge, well-known founder Julius Stobbs leads the team, while the ‘pragmatic’ Chris Sleep heads up the solicitor practice and Geoff Steward spearheads the litigation group.
Practice head(s):
Julius Stobbs; Chris Sleep; Geoff Steward
Other key lawyers:
Claire Breheny; Emma Pettipher; Louise Goodsell; Chris Hawkes; Harpreet Dhaliwal; Richard Ferguson
Testimonials
‘A good mix of solicitors and trade mark attorneys of varying seniority, with a dedicated client team. We like the fact that Stobbs aren’t a traditional law firm and that they operate differently in every sense. They are very commercial but still good with the legal fundamentals.’
‘Chris Sleep is amenable, pragmatic and passionate.’
‘They partnered up with EIP so to diversify their IP offering, with EIP focusing on patent work and Stobbs IP focusing on trade mark work. To me, this is quite a clever collaboration which enables them to offer clients the right service where it’s needed.’
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
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
Air Partner
Berry Bros
Big Potato Ltd
Big Wave Brands
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Conde Nast
Dr. Martens
Dryrobe
Duke University
Fine and Country
Immersive Labs
Interface Inc
Jagex
MBG International
Milton Lloyd Ltd
Neuehouse & Fotografiska
Ovo
Popsockets
Tik Tok
Trek Bicycles
Visa
Wickes
AA Thornton
Counting SMEs, individual inventors, UK-based companies and academic institutions among its key roster of clients, AA Thornton’s ‘committed and reliable team’ houses both attorneys and solicitors, who advise on the development and management of trade mark portfolios. The practice’s caseload also includes opposition proceedings before the UKIPO, as well as matters relating to ownership and licensing issues, and the registration of domain names. Praised as ‘calm, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable’, Ian Gill leads the team, which includes Sarah Darby, who ‘offers pragmatic advice’ when handling global trade mark portfolios, and ‘superb’ senior associate Louise Foster. The practice has demonstrable experience across the food and beverage, fashion, pharmaceutical, life sciences, gaming and retail sectors; key clients include Virgin, Associated British Foods and Primark, to name a few.
Practice head(s):
Ian Gill
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Havard; Sarah Darby; Suzanne Power; Louise Foster; Sarah Neil
Testimonials
‘The practice is professional and friendly. My trade mark case was complex, and it was reassuring to have a clear overview of my options and next steps. I had great confidence in the team.’
‘Ian Gill is calm, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable. I enjoyed working with him and receiving his expert advice, at a time of significant strain and uncertainty, it was great to have his support.’
‘We have worked with AA Thornton for a long time and we like the interest shown in understanding the nature of our business and feel reassured they have our best interests covered.’
‘Sarah Darby is very responsive, helpful and offers pragmatic advice.’
‘Committed and reliable team, who provide helpful advice.’
‘Ian Gill, who leads the team, has an incisive mind and is a fine communicator. Louise Foster is also superb.’
‘Excellent and consistent service for over 20 years to our association on an array of trade mark and IP issues.’
‘I would recommend Sarah Neil for her attention to detail, timeliness and willingness to manage things on our behalf.’
Key clients
ZPG (Zoopla Property Group)
Virgin Enterprises Ltd
Merck
Jimmy Choo
Associated British Foods
Admiral Group
Calor Gas
Equip Outdoor Technologies
R. Twinings and Company Limited
Jordans, Dorset, Ryvita Company Limited
Primark
Work highlights
- Assisted Virgin Media in putting together a complaint under the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy against a cybersquatter who registered the domain name virginmediao2.com, following the merger of Virgin Media and O2.
- Supported Merck KGaA with a naming project for a new pharmaceutical product in the UK by conducting searches for candidate marks.
- Developed the strategy for the protection of the Hyperloop brand worldwide, as well as the implementation of a managed global trade mark filing project.
Appleyard Lees
Specialist IP firm Appleyard Lees assists multinational companies and household names, such as Moncler and Puma, as well as academic institutions, with strategic trade mark portfolio management, anti-counterfeiting matters, branding issues and litigation, often involving a cross-border element. With offices in Leeds, Halifax, Cambridge and Manchester, the team houses both attorneys and solicitors, in addition to dual-qualified practitioners, and has demonstrable experience in opposition proceedings at the UKIPO and the EUIPO. In Manchester, managing partner David Clark jointly leads the practice alongside Leeds-based Robert Cumming, while dual-qualified solicitor and attorney Chris Hoole, who operates from the firm’s office in Cambridge and is praised as ‘reliable and responsive’, was promoted to partner in April 2021. The team’s expertise spans the fashion, consumer goods, education and entertainment sectors.
Practice head(s):
David Clark; Robert Cumming
Other key lawyers:
Chris Hoole; David Moy; Bill Lister
Testimonials
‘Chris Hoole is very reliable and responsive.’
Key clients
Moncler
Puma
Fit Kitchen Ltd.
British Steel
Jemella (GHD)/Coty
Walmart Inc./Asda
ThinCats
Work highlights
- Representing Moncler in anti-counterfeiting matters.
- Representing Smile Direct Club in disputes regarding domain names.
Beck Greener LLP
Beck Greener LLP has a strong track record in contentious trade mark matters, often involving an international element, and has demonstrable experience in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the UKIPO. The team acts for multinational companies across the media, entertainment, cosmetics and fashions sectors, as well as start-ups and SMEs, and counts anti-counterfeiting matters and design enforcement issues in its workload. ‘Rock star’ Ian Bartlett leads the team and has experience before the UKIPO and Appointed Persons, while the team’s UK and EU filing and prosecution practice remains active with an office in Alicante, headed up by Rowland Buehrlen. Other key members of the team include Catherine Jewell, and associate trade mark attorneys Duncan Morgan, who is praised by one client as ‘simply tremendous’, and Kashif Syed.
Practice head(s):
Ian Bartlett
Other key lawyers:
Rowland Buehrlen; Catherine Jewell; Duncan Morgan; Kashif Syed
Testimonials
‘The Beck Greener LLP team has been a critical resource for our foreign trade mark activities. They are extremely responsive, able to quickly recommend solutions that fit our unique situation and efficiently deliver excellent results.’
‘Ian Bartlett and Kashif Syed are both excellent. I feel like they really care about the matters, and they are prompt, responsive, and flexible in the wake of challenges.’
‘They simply know all there is to know when it comes to trade marks.’
‘Ian Bartlett has been a rock star for us. He has been immediately responsive with frank and extremely competent counsel and outstanding results. I cannot recommend his services enough.’
‘The team has been a trusted partner for many years in relation to our trade mark portfolio. They are able to provide us with tailored advice that appreciates the unique challenges our organisation faces. We trust them to provide us with quick and robust reports.’
‘Duncan Morgan is simply tremendous. He knows his subject inside and out, and has the ability (and willingness) to explain matters in simple terms to our non-legal colleagues. Nothing is ever too much trouble. We are happy to leave all our trade mark requirements in his very capable hands.’
‘Ian Bartlett and Kashif Syed are creative, knowledgeable, flexible, and easy to get along with. They are always on the ball and their results are excellent.’
‘Duncan Morgan is always available and has extensive knowledge of trade mark law and practice. He regularly takes calls from us on short notice, and is able to utilise his extensive knowledge and understanding of our business to provide us with expert advice within the short deadlines we give him.’
Key clients
Pharrell Williams
The Condé Nast Publications
The Estée Lauder Companies
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI)
Chevron Products Company
CrossFit
Tiffany and Company
Tapestry (Coach and Kate Spade)
Lewis Hamilton
Ed Sheeran
Eminem (Marshall Bruce Mathers 111)
Tillotts Pharma
Knight Frank
Four Seasons Hotels
Kyndryl
Peloton
TED Talks
Masco
Cards Against Humanity
Incos/Debonair – SO…?
LifeAID Beverages LLC
Work highlights
- Acting for The Official UK Charts Company (OCC) against Global Radio and its attempt to prevent OCC obtaining registered protection for OCC’s key OFFICIAL CHARTS trade mark.
- Advised Ed Sheeran and his company, Sidewind Limited, on filing and prosecuting trade mark applications worldwide, both for the musician and his record label, Gingerbread Man Records.
- Acted for MPL Communications on clearing, filing, prosecution and enforcement of UK and global trade marks, and recently filed and prosecuted new trade mark applications for various terms associated with Sir Paul McCartney’s children’s books, as well as for his band, Wings.
Bird & Bird LLP
Bird & Bird LLP’s team of attorneys and solicitors operate as a ‘buttoned-up, finely-oiled machine’, and remain active in the filing of UK and EU trade marks, as well as acting in opposition proceedings before the UKIPO. In the summer of 2022, the firm opened a new office in Dublin, which will host the EU operations of the practice’s client roster, including innovative enterprises, in addition to companies in the technology and life sciences sectors. Praised as ‘excellent in providing complex strategic advice in relation to trade mark portfolios’, dual qualified solicitor and trade mark attorney Mark Holah jointly leads the team alongside Allan Poulter, who has particular expertise in brand management matters. The practice, which is well-placed to leverage the firm’s international footprint to manage global trade mark portfolios and multi-jurisdictional disputes, has demonstrable experience in the retail, consumer goods, sports and gaming sectors.
Practice head(s):
Mark Holah; Allan Poulter
Other key lawyers:
Christine Danos; Emma Green;
Testimonials
‘The team are a very buttoned-up, finely-oiled machine that covers our needs globally. The work is generally first rate and the fees are reasonable.’
‘Ciara Hughes might as well be a member of my team, such is her understanding of us as a client, our needs, and the often times highly compressed timelines to which we are working.’
‘You are dealing with a firm which has a truly integrated global approach and understanding of trade marks. The quality of the service the London office has provided has been exceptional.’
‘The team works very closely with the client and ensures that they fully understand its client’s needs and objectives. They are very friendly and work like an extension of our in-house legal team. The team is very knowledgeable and have access to a large international network, so that they are able to advise on IP matters in any jurisdictions we might be interested in. This is very helpful as they are effectively a “one-stop shop” for IP matters.’
‘Mark Holah effectively manages the client relationship with us. He is very responsive and efficient in ensuring that our needs are met. In addition, he is excellent in providing complex strategic advice in relation to trade mark portfolios.’
‘Our principle contact is Emma Green, who is terrific. Very responsible and responsive. She has a good understanding of our business and gives very nuanced, practical and commercial advice.’
Key clients
Allianz
Belmond
Daily Mail Group
Epic Games
Fabergé
Fiorucci
DAZN
Kingfisher Group (B&Q, Screwfix)
Marv Films (Kingsman Franchise)
Monster Energy Company
Philip Morris International (PMI)
Qatar Airways Group
Simba Sleep
Sunday Riley
YouGov
Work highlights
- Assisting Allwyn with its brand arrangements as part of its bid to replace Camelot as the operators of the UK National Lottery.
- Managing the trade mark portfolio of Epic Games in Europe, as well as countries in the Middle East and Asia.
- Supporting Sunday Riley in relation to trade mark matters outside of the US, such as conducting an international trade mark filing programme.
Bristows LLP
Bristows LLP’s fully integrated team of attorneys and solicitors handles the full range of trade mark mandates, from brand creation with clearance searches to brand protection and global portfolio management, as well as opposition proceedings before the UKIPO and cancellation actions. The team, which is well-placed to leverage the firm’s international footprint when acting in multi-jurisdictional disputes, welcomed Nellie Jackson from Birketts LLP in July 2021, who has experience in brand protection and enforcement matters, in addition to trade mark portfolio management. Ian Gruselle, who has experience representing clients before the UKIPO and the EUIPO, leads the trade mark practice, while Simon Clark heads up the brands, design and copyright group. The team has demonstrable capability across a range of sectors, including the publishing, food and beverage, health, hospitality, fashion and retail industries.
Practice head(s):
Ian Gruselle; Simon Clark
Other key lawyers:
Nellie Jackson; Jeremy Blum; Jennifer Noel; Stephanie Taylor; Abigail Wise; Paul Jordan
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge of trade mark law and how that applies to practical commercial situations.’
‘Lead partner Jeremy Blum is an astute and very practical partner, who understood the commercial landscape and gave useful advice.’
Key clients
Mondelez International (including Cadbury, Kraft, Oreo, Kenco, Carte Noire, Milka and Halls).
Glasses Direct
Diageo
Edgewell (Wilkinson Sword)
Dior
The Guardian News and Media
WPP Group
The Financial Times Ltd
BAFTA
PolarSeal
Lebara Ltd
Work highlights
- Managing the Guardian Media Group worldwide trade mark portfolio since 2017.
- Coordinating and managing the worldwide (except US) trade mark portfolio of the WPP group.
- Managing the worldwide trade mark portfolio of the Financial Times.
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP is noted for its capability in opposition and appeal proceedings before the UKIPO and EUIPO, as well as handling trade mark mandates ranging from clearance searches and registration to licensing and transactional matters. The prosecution and opposition practice frequently collaborates with the firm’s dedicated litigation group to weather the increasing number of instructions on contentious trade mark matters and disputes. Roger Lush leads the practice and Jonathan Day, who is dual-qualified as a trade mark attorney and solicitor, has experience in brand protection, enforcement and management issues, in addition to opposition cases and EU brand clearance. The team has demonstrable expertise across the media and entertainment, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, technology, fashion and retail sectors. Senior associate and trade mark attorney Lara Elder is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Roger Lush
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Day; Lara Elder
Key clients
Align Technology, Inc.
Bear Grylls Ventures LLP
Manzanita Capital
Allergan (Botox)
Hugo Boss
Deere & Company
Blue Prism AI
Western Digital
Biogen Idec.
Byredo
Diptyque
Space NK
Invisalign
XEROS
Marvel
Lucasfilm
National Geographic
20th Century
Penguin Random House
DN Management Ltd
Motorsport UK
Rajinder Sharma, Recup Ltd
Umarex GmbH
Celgene/Bristol-Myers Squibb
4D Pharma
Aphria
Compass Pathways
Takeda/ Shire Pharmaceuticals
De Beers
Space NK
Eve Lom
Diptyque
Malin + Goetz
Kevyn Aucoin
Susanne Kaufmann
Iris Nation
McArthurGlen
Belron
Polaroid
McIlhenny Company
Western Digital
Total
GAM Limited
RektGlobal, Inc
Cara Therapeutics
Kalvista
Pacific World Corporation
Work highlights
- Assisting Allergan in relation to a worldwide trade mark and unfair competition dispute with litigation in several countries.
- Assisting Bear Grylls Ventures with the expansion and defence of the Bear Grylls brand, including general counselling, portfolio management and prosecution of brand extension related filings pursuant to commercial partnerships and licence agreements.
- Assisting Align in several disputes with third parties in Europe, who have adopted ALIGN or INVIS derivative marks for orthodontic products and services.
Cleveland Scott York
Cleveland Scott York’s trade mark practice takes a ‘proactive and diligent approach’ in opposition and invalidity proceedings before the UKIPO and the EUIPO, and has demonstrable experience in High Court and IPEC litigation. The team’s client roster spans the financial services, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, transport and fashion sectors, with key clients including Citigroup, Rolls-Royce plc and The National Trust, to name a few. Lorna Hobbs, who is praised for her ‘huge experience at the UKIPO’ and handles trade mark portfolio management of leading brands and filing programmes, jointly leads the team alongside Jonathan Clegg. The team houses practitioners who are dual-qualified as solicitors, including Claire Birro, who ‘finds creative solutions to knotty issues‘. Areas of growth for the practice include assisting US-based clients with UK and EU trade mark matters through their US attorneys.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Clegg; Lorna Hobbs
Other key lawyers:
Claire Birro; Peter Houlihan; Joanna Larkey; Andrew Clemson
Testimonials
‘Lorna Hobbs has huge experience at the UKIPO, runs many dispute proceedings and works very hard for her clients, with a personal touch.’
‘We have been using Cleveland Scott York to manage our global IP portfolio for over 15 years. We have consistently found their proactive and diligent approach to be very helpful, and the team as a whole are always on top of any issues that arise.’
‘Claire Birro has been managing our portfolio for the past 5 years or so. She is diligent, always on top of the issues that arise and coordinates all overseas attorneys for us too. She finds creative solutions to knotty issues, and has excellent communication.’
‘CSY offers timely, practical advice at a reasonable price, taking a holistic view and not just focusing on trade mark applications.’
‘Peter Houlihan is ‘spooky’ in that he knows exactly what we want and automatically follows through with solutions.’
‘All of the team are highly competent, commercial and knowledgeable.’
‘We work closely with Joanna Larkey, who has supported our business for a number of years. Joanna has provided us with key support on a range of matters, and in each case we have been able to obtain a positive outcome for the business. Joanna is a great asset to us and Cleveland Scott York.’
‘Cleveland Scott York know our business well. They use the knowledge of our business to help steer the legal support so that it adds value.’
Key clients
GlaxoSmithKline
Target Brands
Rolls-Royce PLC
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
Saputo Dairy UK/Dairy Crest
Dorling Kindersley Limited
Citigroup Inc.
The National Trust
Oxygenetix Institute Inc.
Noble Foods Limited
Numatic International
United Biscuits
Drest Limited
Transport for London
Iris Software Limited
Hyperion Insurance Group
Legatum Limited
GM Cruise Holdings LLC
Utilita Energy
Reed MIDEM
Work highlights
- Handling a range of UK and EU portfolio work and contentious matters for Scientific Games Corporation and associated companies in the gaming sector.
- Representing Oxygenetix Institute Inc. in multi-jurisdictional oppositions and invalidation proceedings.
- Acting for AXIS Specialty Europe in UK and EU trade mark oppositions.
CMS
CMS’ ‘stellar’ team advises its enviable client roster on a broad range of soft IP matters, including clearance and prosecution issues, strategic development and management of global trade mark portfolios, as well as domestic and cross-border litigation. The team, which represents leading brands across the technology, media, telecoms, sport, retail, fashion, financial services, pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, has notable experience in contentious proceedings before the UKIPO and remains active in UK trade mark filings following Brexit. Head of the firm’s intellectual property team Sarah Wright, and co-head of the international intellectual property group Tom Scourfield, jointly lead the practice and split their time between the London and Warsaw offices. Sheffield-based trade mark attorney and litigator Eleanor Merrett, who was promoted to partner in May 2021, focuses on brand protection and enforcement matters. Key clients include Sky, ITV (The Voice) and Legal & General, to name a few.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Wright; Tom Scourfield
Other key lawyers:
Eleanor Merrett; Kelly Saliger; Anna Brackenbury; Louise Gellman; Joel Vertes; David Parrish; Melanie Worsdall
Testimonials
‘A great team with depth of knowledge and a very friendly and proactive approach.’
‘Kelly Saliger has been an invaluable adviser to the development and protection of our trade mark and IP portfolio. She is knowledgeable, experienced and very well versed in the intellectual property sector and has a strong legal background in this sector.’
‘The CMS team has been stellar in providing the required services in relation to IP and trade mark portfolio management, registrations and IP-related legal advice. They are very responsive and always on top of the tasks and the various milestones that may come up.’
Key clients
Sky
Microsoft
Nestlé
Sainsbury’s
eBay, Inc.
ITV plc
Deliveroo
Samsonite
Legal & General
Dune
Revlon
UEFA
Booking.com
Breast Cancer Now
Oracle Corporation
Dentsu International
Hackett
Hammerson
J. Crew
JTI
Kettle Foods / Snyder’s Lance
Oura Health
Pepe Jeans
Qatar Airways
Shark Ninja
The Crown Estate
Anthony Nolan
Banham
Work highlights
- Successful in obtaining an additional global brand protection mandate to oversee the international portfolio owned by ITV Studios Netherlands, including protecting the format, THE VOICE.
- Acting for Legal & General in respect of parallel actions before UKIPO and IPEC, in respect of a third party Got You Covered Limited, who was using a very similar umbrella logo to the L&G iconic umbrella brand.
- Assisted Sky with worldwide clearance, devising new filing programmes and advising on pre-emptive risk mitigation steps to deal with third party rights, in relation to its new smart television, SKY GLASS.
Dehns
Dehns' sizeable team is one of the largest in the UK and Europe, with offices across the UK, as well as Munich and Oslo. Elaine Deyes, who is a ‘safe pair of hands’ when it comes to the filing and prosecution of international applications, in addition to enforcement matters, succeeded Roberto Calamita, who retired in February 2022, as head of the trade mark practice. The team has a strong track record in opposition and appeal proceedings before the UKIPO and EUIPO, and has boosted its capability in litigation with the arrival of practice head Paul Harris from Venner Shipley LLP in June 2021. Strategic portfolio management, as well as anti-counterfeiting matters and issues pertaining to trade mark squatters from China, Latin America and the Middle East, take up a proportion of the team’s workload. In January 2022, Elizabeth Jones was promoted to senior partner and Adrian Samuels became managing partner.
Practice head(s):
Elaine Deyes; Elizabeth Jones; Adrian Samuels; Paul Harris
Other key lawyers:
Clare Mann; Joseph Letang
Testimonials
‘Dehns have real expertise and knowledge in relation to the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. Prompt, effective advice with available options and cost implications is always provided. They are proactive in managing our trade mark portfolio.’
‘Joseph Letang is my main contact and I am always impressed.’
‘We have worked with Elaine Deyes for a number of years now, and she always provides thorough, well-considered and pragmatic advice and solutions. Easy to work with, excellent subject-matter and procedural knowledge, she is an effective communicator and with a strong supporting team. A very safe pair of hands.’
Key clients
Pret a Manger
Honda Motor Europe
Man Group PLC
Hamptons International
Avon Cosmetics
Playboy
Apple Corps
Jane Shilton
Emporia Brands Limited
Nuffield Health
Ace Café London
AEG (Live)
Allen & Overy
Apple Corps
ArcticZymes
Avon Cosmetics
BioProduct Laboratory
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
Brighton Spirits Company Ltd
CarGurus, Inc.
Combe Inc
Countrywide plc
Emporia Brands Limited
Equinor
Global Brands Group
Hastings Insurance Service Ltd
Hamptons International
Honda Motor Europe
ITSU
J Rothschild
Jane Shilton
Janus Henderson Investors
Jenny Packham (London) Limited
Kilimanjaro Live
Mary Quant
Medtronic, Inc.
NFU Mutual
Nuffield Health
Opus Long Life Lamp Company
Otis Elevator Company
Playboy
Portakabin
Really Scary Books
RC Pet Products Limited
Sikorsky
Solar Century Holdings
TLG Brands
Tullettt Prebon / TP ICAP
Work highlights
- Assisted Strix Limited against a third party registration of its trade mark, resulting in the cancellation of the proprietor’s registration and the registration being struck from the German Trade Marks Register.
- Handled the recordal exercise for Janus Henderson Investor’s subsidiary company, involving co-operation and liaison between trade mark attorneys in 31 countries.
- Represented Benedict Johnson (Winesapp) in the High Court, following the appeal of a trade mark opposition case at the UKIPO.
Gill Jennings & Every LLP
Gill Jennings & Every LLP provides ‘thorough and diligent advice’ to its roster of clients, including multinational companies and UK-based corporates, as well as SMEs, start-ups and universities, on the filing of UK and EU trade mark applications and registrations, with offices in both London and Munich. Practice leader Alasdair MacQuarrie acts for pharmaceutical, entertainment, toys and games, and fashion sector clients on contentious mandates, including enforcement and anti-counterfeiting issues, and opposition and cancellation proceedings before the UKIPO and the EUIPO. Edward Carstairs, whose capability to ‘advise on different trade mark strategies is remarkable’, has experience in the food, drink and hospitality sectors. The team also counts freedom to operate issues, enforcement of rights against third party use, due diligence matters and strategic portfolio development and management in its caseload. Key clients include World Wrestling Entertainment, Under Armour and Pfizer, among others.
Practice head(s):
Alasdair MacQuarrie
Other key lawyers:
Edward Carstairs; Luca Colombo
Testimonials
‘Gill Jennings & Every (GJE) provides an outstanding trade mark service. They always provide thorough and diligent advice.’
‘Edward Carstairs is very helpful and quick to respond. He knows the trade mark filing landscape extremely well and his expertise on complex and detailed, large-scale brand launch projects has been invaluable.’
‘Very responsive, clear and direct.’
‘Luca Colombo is a fantastic trade mark attorney. He assesses all matters from every angle, providing very thorough advice. He is very assertive and diligent.’
‘Solid and respectable trade mark practice. Trustworthy and straightforward to deal with.’
‘Edward Carstairs is an exceptional trade mark attorney. His knowledge in the area, and his capacity to develop and advise on different trade mark strategies is remarkable. Edward always provides very thorough, diligent, complete and clear advice on every matter.’
‘Pragmatic and solution focused.’
‘All individuals at the firm are highly knowledgeable. Edward Carstairs, in particular, provides the highest standard of service. His knowledge has been crucial to us securing our objectives.’
Key clients
Hasbro
Under Armour
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., WWE
Pfizer Group
Clean Co
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
Inivos Ltd
Thras.io, Inc
Arla Foods (Lurpak, Cravendale, Lactofree etc)
British Land
Work highlights
- Advised Under Armour in relation to opposition proceedings at the UKIPO in a third party application for a similar logo.
- Advising Thrasio in relation to the protection of its brands at the UKIPO, EUIPO and German trade mark office, including defending its trade marks against third party challenges.
- Representing World Wrestling Entertainment across all areas of UK and EU trade mark work.
Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP
The ‘commercially minded’ team at Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP remains one of the most active UK and EU trade mark filers and has a strong record in opposition and appeal proceedings before the UKIPO, while also offering a strong litigation practice. The team advises on brand protection issues and strategically manages the global trade mark portfolios of notable, direct clients, such as Kurt Geiger, Molton Brown and Jet2.com, to name a few. Based in London and Leeds, Jason Dainty, who is praised for his ‘excellent judgement’, jointly heads up the team alongside Martin Krause, who divides his time between the firm’s offices in London and Bristol. Dual-qualified trade mark attorney and solicitor, Martin Delafaille left in November 2021 to join Sonder IP, while Chris Morris and the ‘attentive’ Amanda Mallon remain key contacts in the team. Key areas of expertise include the retail, technology, food, engineering, life sciences and chemistry sectors.
Practice head(s):
Martin Krause; Jason Dainty
Other key lawyers:
Chris Morris; Amanda Mallon; Richard Kempner; Brian Whitehead; Michael Conway; Sanjeet Plaha
Testimonials
‘Richard Kempner is an outstanding technical lawyer and great with clients.’
‘Very attentive, quick turnaround, cost effective and understand our business.’
‘Amanda Mallon is very attentive and excellent with clients.’
Key clients
Nomad Foods Europe (Birds Eye and Findus)
Tesco Stores Limited
Airbus
Molton Brown
Wren Kitchens
Mamas & Papas
Giorgio Armani
Kurt Geiger
Farrow & Ball
Callaway Golf
Jet2.com
Pathway IP Sarl
Ascential
Gianni Versace S.r.l.
The Restaurant Group
Zebra Technologies
Kellogg
Supplier of Candles Limited
Royal Mint
Pandrol
Kellogg’s
China Tang London Limited
Work highlights
- Defended Tesco against trade mark infringement from Lidl, concerning the sign used in relation to its “Clubcard Prices” scheme.
- Defended Supplies for Candles Limited in a trade mark infringement dispute against Gentil Sayre Limited.
Keltie
Counting trade mark filing and prosecution matters, portfolio management and due diligence in its workload, Keltie houses a thriving online brand protection practice, covering domain name registration and renewal matters, as well as customs enforcement proceedings. With offices in London, Cambridge, the Cotswolds, Galway and Dublin, the team is well-placed to acts for clients at the UKIPO and the EUIPO. Rosemary Cardas leads the practice alongside Alistair Gay, who has experience in enforcement issues and managing international trade mark portfolios, and Manuela Macchi, whose practice has expanded to include domain name and online brand enforcement matters. The team has demonstrable experience in the life sciences and emerging technologies arenas and has seen an increase in mandates arising out of the sport, fashion and automotive sectors.
Practice head(s):
Rosemary Cardas; Manuela Macchi; Alistair Gay
Other key lawyers:
Azhar Sadique; Ben Britter
Key clients
Group Lotus
Ryder Cup Europe
Stryker Corporation
PGA European Tour
Hillhouse Capital
HOFA Gallery
Rick Owens
Jane’s Group
Copart, Inc
110 Industries
UKFT
Afterparty Inc
The Global Fund
Mattel, Inc.
Work highlights
- Managing the trade mark and registered design portfolios for Group Lotus, including new product launches, having migrated the work from previous representatives.
- Acting for Swarovski in matters relating to trade mark enforcement.
- Advised Hillhouse Capital on the due diligence for the sale of Philips’ household appliances arm, involving verifying approximately 13,000 IP rights in over 50 jurisdictions.
Marks & Clerk
With several offices across the UK and internationally, Marks & Clerk’s sizeable team focuses on five key sectors: beauty and health, food and drink, entertainment, and fashion and retail, as well as technology, which crosses over from the firm’s patent team. On account of its international capability, the team remains one of the most active UK and EU trade mark filers and is well-placed to strategically manage global portfolios. Counting multinational companies and research institutions among its key roster of clients, opposition and appeal proceedings at the EUIPO continue to make up a large proportion of the practice’s caseload. From the firm’s office in Oxford, chairman Daniel Talbot-Ponsonby leads the team alongside Simon Mounteney and Tom Farrand, both of whom operate from the London office, while Oxford-based Samantha Collins and London-based Michael Barrett were promoted to partner in August 2021.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Talbot-Ponsonby; Simon Mounteney; Tom Farrand
Other key lawyers:
Esther Gottschalk; Samantha Collins; Michael Barrett; Jason Chester; Claire Keating; Amy Dunn; Noëlle Pearson
Testimonials
‘The team are incredibly efficient and knowledgeable. They must have invested in digital innovation as they are always on the front foot and proactive with their advice. They have assisted us not just with UK-based enquiries but also demonstrated they are very capable in offering advice covering the rest of the world too. Marks & Clerk make everything easy and seamless.’
‘We work with Jason Chester. He is very responsive and his comments are always very clear and helpful. It is very important for us that we have someone we can always rely on.’
‘Having worked with Marks & Clerk for over eight years, I would say the team have a fantastic understanding of companies’ trade mark needs and are expert at navigating the various challenges that come with having and applying for trade marks.’
‘Claire Keating makes the difficult easy. She explains in a way that a business person, rather than legal expert, would understand. This means decision making and risk assessment becomes straightforward.’
‘Working with Jason Chester has been a pleasure, he always makes time and ensures we are provided with the best advice on our trade marks and potential pit falls associated with these.’
Key clients
Pukka Pies
Bridgestone
Next
Crew Clothing
QCare Site Services, Inc
Grafton International Ltd
Kee Safety Limited
First Longevity Ltd
Hill & Smith Holdings PLC
Luceco UK Limited
Panda Life
The Scottish Football Association
Anheuser-Busch InBev
Albert Bartlett
Tomatin Distillery
The Scotch Whisky Association
Renegade Spirits
Harris Tweed
Saniflo
S.Joon
St Pierre Groupe
Pal International
Ideagen Plc
Lothian Buses
Jägermeister
Work highlights
- Filed various oppositions in Europe and the US on Panda Life’s behalf.
- Protected THE PEOPLE’S PIE as a trade mark for Pukka Pies to support activity under that name and advised on IP implications in advance of strategic business decisions and planning.
- Successfully overturning a decision on appeal at the EUIPO, which initially cancelled Saniflo’s EU trade mark registration for the SANI trade mark on non-use grounds.
Mathys & Squire LLP
With offices across the UK, and in Munich, Luxembourg and Paris, Mathys & Squire LLP offers ‘highly targeted advice’ on the full range of trade mark protection and prosecution matters, from filings and renewals of UK and EU trade mark applications to opposition proceedings and invalidation actions. Noted for its cross-border capability, the team of attorneys is well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s litigation practice to handle trade mark disputes in the High Court and the IPEC. ‘Deeply experienced and highly knowledgeable’ practice co-leader Margaret Arnott operates from the firm’s office in London and heads up the firm’s litigation practice. Based in Manchester, practice co-leader Gary Johnston handles anti-counterfeiting matters and has experience in contentious proceedings and appeals. The team’s client roster includes international corporations, as well as start-ups and SMEs, across the automotive, food and beverage, energy, cosmetics and technology sectors.
Practice head(s):
Margaret Arnott; Gary Johnston
Other key lawyers:
Harry Rowe; Rebecca Tew
Testimonials
‘The Mathys Squire team has been able to effectively guide us on all of our queries.’
‘Margaret Arnott is clearly a deeply experienced and highly knowledgeable trade mark attorney.’
‘Mathys Squire stands out above all other firms.’
‘Highly targeted advice and in-depth knowledge of how trade marks work. Holistic advice on manoeuvring through other companies’ rebuttals.’
Key clients
British Gas/Centrica
Kenwood Limited (De’Longhi)
Harley-Davidson
Public Health England (now UK Health Security Agency)
Wacoal
Rigby & Peller
Ferrari
The Tate Gallery
Edward de Bono Limited
Unison
House of Lords
House of Commons
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
The British Tourist Authority
Maucher Jenkins
Anglo-German firm Maucher Jenkins has demonstrable experience in filing and prosecuting trade mark applications for clients across the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, medical devices, and media and entertainment sectors, as well as handling matters pertaining to domain names, copyrights and cybersquatting issues. The team frequently collaborates with the firm’s German offices to advise on contentious mandates, often involving an international element, and maintains a strong relationship with the offices in Switzerland and China. Dual-qualified trade mark attorney and High Court litigator Katie Cameron handles opposition proceedings before the EUIPO, while Angela Fox is qualified as a solicitor, Higher Courts litigator and advocate, trade mark attorney and New York attorney at law, bringing experience in domain name disputes and trade mark infringement matters. Cameron and Fox lead the practice alongside the ‘amazing‘ Tanya Buckley, who is noted for her expertise in the pharmaceutical, medical devices and biotech sectors.
Practice head(s):
Katie Cameron; Angela Fox; Tanya Buckley
Testimonials
‘They are a proactive team and their responsiveness is something to point out.’
‘Tanya Buckley is an amazing trade mark attorney. She provides a detailed analysis of every single matter that makes the decision process much easier.’
‘The team we work with is very well attuned to each other, with excellent legal knowledge, giving you the right feeling that your files are in good hands.’
‘Tanya Buckley is very approachable and adequate in her responses and is very effective in how she handles and manages our files.’
Key clients
IAG (British Airways)
MTV
Mucha Foundation
Paramount Pictures
Viacom Media Networks
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Murgitroyd
Murgitroyd recently strategically acquired Ireland-based European attorney firm Hanna Moore + Curley in September 2021, shortly followed by the acquisition of well-established IP firm UDL Intellectual Property in October 2021, and Glasgow-based specialist firm Creation IP in April 2022. The heavyweight practice manages global trade mark portfolios for a broad range of clients, from SMEs to multinational corporations, and covers the full spectrum of prosecution work in the UK, EU and internationally. The team, which is led by Belfast-based managing director Joanne Lecky, is well-placed to handle multi-jurisdictional contentious and non-contentious matters, with offices across the UK, as well as Europe and the US.
Practice head(s):
Joanne Lecky
Other key lawyers:
Alan Fiddes; Gareth Price; Steve Waine; Sharon Kirby
Testimonials
‘Gareth Price is excellent and knows our business inside out.’
‘Good commercial outlook on IP matters.’
‘Sharon Kirby has been excellent at managing complex IP portfolios.’
Key clients
Benchmark Holdings
Black Sheep Brewery
Candy Hoover Group
CVS Group
END.
Geely
GlenDimplex
Gymshark
Guangdong Oppo Group
GUESS
Hermès International S.A.
Hitachi
Inchcape
Inspired Entertainment
Intertek Group
ISS A/S
JD Sports
La-Z-Boy
Larkfleet Group
Lidl
LV=
Maybourne Hotels Group (Claridge’s, The Berkeley, The Connaught)
nPower
Revolution Beauty
Roberts Radio
Trafigura
Reddie & Grose LLP
Praised for its ‘impressive international reach’, Reddie & Grose LLP has demonstrable capability in the strategic development and management of trade mark portfolios for clients across the technology and financial sectors. With additional experience in the automotive, entertainment, electronics and telecoms industries, the team remains active in the filing of UK and EU trade mark applications, and counts opposition proceedings and enforcement matters in its caseload. Helen Wakerley, who acts for clients in the automotive sector, jointly leads the trade mark team alongside Patrick Lloyd, while chairman Alice Findlay, who has ‘oodles of experience, excellent knowledge and good commercial sense’, and Jan Vleck also oversee the practice. Other key members of the team include Tom Sharman, who focuses on assisting UK-based clients in developing and managing their trade mark portfolios.
Practice head(s):
Alice Findlay; Jan Vleck; Patrick Lloyd; Helen Wakerley
Other key lawyers:
Tom Sharman; Dale Carter; Daniel Sullivan; Filippa Evans
Testimonials
‘Alice Findlay has oodles of experience, excellent knowledge and good commercial sense. Filippa Evans is a great associate.’
‘Pleasant to deal with and impressive international reach.’
‘Tom Sharman is very user-friendly and knows his stuff. He tailors his advice to us.’
‘The expertise and patience of all them was and is admirable, given that our needs are so specific.’
Key clients
SITA
Kimberly-Clark
Vision Direct Group Limited
Schroders
Work highlights
- Advising Airhead Design Limited in expanding its IP portfolio, securing a valuation by an independent valuer, securing additional investment, assisting it in preparation for the launch of new products.
- Advised Volta Trucks in relation to prosecution and opposition, and advising on litigation matters and portfolio management.
Venner Shipley LLP
Praised for providing ‘down-to-earth and pragmatic advice’, Venner Shipley LLP manages the UK, EU and global trade mark portfolios FTSE 100 companies and international corporations, as well as SMEs and start-ups. Since the firm’s merger with Brookes IP, the practice’s direct client roster continues to grow and the team is well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s office in Munich on post-Brexit matters. Registry opposition and appeal proceedings, as well as domestic and cross-border litigation, take up a large proportion of the practice’s caseload. In Tunbridge Wells, Clare Turnbull leads the practice and the ‘exemplary’ Jane Martin has experience in international searching and filing programmes, while London-based David Birchall is qualified as both a UK and Irish solicitor and a UK and European chartered trade mark attorney. Also in London, other key members of the team include chartered UK trade mark attorneys Yoann Rousseau, Gloria Parmesan and Camilla Sexton.
Practice head(s):
Clare Turnbull
Other key lawyers:
Jane Martin; David Birchall; Yoann Rousseau; Gloria Parmesan; Camilla Sexton
Testimonials
‘The Venner Shipley trade mark team works hard to protect our trade marks and we can rely on them to provide us with commercially sound advice.’
‘Clare Turnbull is my primary contact. She is very approachable and personable and has a great way with clients. She is highly responsive and is able to help clients understand what they need to be thinking about when it comes to trade marks and brand protection.’
‘Camilla Sexton and Gloria Parmesan are highly skilled and experienced trade mark attorneys. Highly responsive and reliable with practical solutions.’
‘In our experience, the team gives down-to-earth and pragmatic advice when advising clients on their portfolios and help clients prioritise what is important, so they obtain the right scope of protection.’
‘I work closely with David Birchall on our trade mark portfolio, and he provides an excellent level of support. Nothing is too much trouble, and the advice and input we receive represents good value for money.’
‘I have worked with Jane Martin for over 12 years and I have found her to be both wise and commercial. Jane has been an excellent guide and her advice has been exemplary. I trust her implicitly.’
‘Camilla Sexton is outstanding in terms of knowledge, advice and approach to my trade mark enquiries and registrations.’
‘Yoann Rousseau has built a strong relationship with our team over a number of years. He always makes himself available, keeps us up to date on matters and, most importantly, provides practical, sensible advice that we can deploy quickly within our business.’
Key clients
Alexander Mann Associates Ltd
Aviva Plc
Clinigen
First Grade International Limited
FxPro Financial Services Limited
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
MTL Financial Limited
Other Creative Ltd
Pharmanovia – Atnahs
Phoebe Philo
PPLUS Skincare Limited
Quite Interesting Limited
Roarr Norfolk Dinosaur Park
Saferpet Ltd
TalkTalk
The Automobile Association (The AA)
The Project Band Limited
The Sakata Group of Companies
Work highlights
- Advised Other in relation to a High Court claim against an agency named Mother for trade mark infringement and passing off.
- Advised London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and implemented an international search and ongoing trade mark registration programme to protect the School’s recently launched Sustainable Climate Impact Fund project in the UK and abroad.
- Advised Quite Interesting Limited (QI) on searching, filing and opposition services. QI is the producer of the famous QI television quiz show, and of the spin off QI ELVES podcasts and TV entertainment.
Wilson Gunn
The well-established, regional practice at Wilson Gunn offers ‘an effective and holistic trade mark portfolio management service’ to high-profile clients in the sports sector, including English premier league football clubs such as Everton FC and Leicester City FC, as well as the healthcare and retail industries. Counting international brands, start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises among its key roster of clients, the team remains ‘at the top of its game’ when it comes filing UK trade marks, and has demonstrable capability in handling contentious matters. In Manchester, Michael Douglas leads the practice, which includes Birmingham-based Tim Rose, who is praised as ‘an expert in his field’ when it comes to opposition and appeal proceedings at the EUIPO, while senior partner Mark Goodwin retired in May 2022. With a strong presence in the North of England, the team is also able to leverage the expertise of its offices in London and Dublin.
Practice head(s):
Michael Douglas
Other key lawyers:
Tim Rose; Marc Lewis; David Slattery
Testimonials
‘Tim Rose is approachable and has helped us on a number of occasions with trade mark oppositions and disputes, as well as registrations and renewals. He is an expert in his field.’
‘Wilson Gunn offer an effective and holistic trade mark portfolio management service.’
‘Marc Lewis offers practical and commercially orientated advice, which is delivered in a clear and succinct manner.’
Key clients
Boohoo Group
Comic Relief
CurrentBody
GO Outdoors
Jacobson Group
Mölnlycke Health Care
Mondelēz International
Morrisons
Natural History Museum
The Football Association
Work highlights
- Advised Boohoo Group on all aspects of its trade mark portfolio, including assisting in the acquisition of new brands including Debenhams, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins and Burton.
- Acted for Mondelēz in relation to its entire UK trade mark portfolio.
- Assisted The Football Association in the management of its global trade mark portfolio, including the England Three Lions badge and The FA Cup logo.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie has an enviable client roster of leading brands across the consumer goods, retail and pharmaceutical sectors, and is well-placed to leverage the firm’s international footprint to manage substantial trade mark portfolios. The team remains active in UK trade mark and design filings, and counts domain name disputes, anti-counterfeiting campaigns and other enforcement mandates in its workload. Trade mark disputes and brand clearance matter entrusted to Jessica Le Gros ‘are in the best hands’, and Rachel Wilkinson-Duffy has experience in opposition and infringement proceedings, and cancellation actions. Le Gros and Wilkinson-Duffy lead the practice alongside of counsel and IP litigator Julia Dickenson.
Practice head(s):
Jessica Le Gros; Julia Dickenson; Rachel Wilkinson-Duffy
Other key lawyers:
Vlotina Liakatou; Nadine Archer
Testimonials
‘The team is fantastic. Super legal acumen and they keep the price competitive.’
‘Jessica Le Gros is incredibly prompt and gives solutions based on business needs of the client. Matters entrusted to her are in the best hands.’
‘They are always nearby, quick in their response and feel like an extended part of your in-house legal team. With their international (partner) firms, you can get advice from every single country in the world.’
Key clients
Cochlear
CSL/Seqirus
DeepMind
Dropbox
Eli Lilly
General Motors
GSK
HSBC
JCB
Jumeirah
L’Oréal
Novartis
Novo Nordisk
Planet Hollywood
SAP
Unilever
Warner Bros
Work highlights
- Assisting L’Oréal on matters ranging from trade mark litigation, through to brand and portfolio advisory and management work.
- Providing brand advisory and brand protection services to Unilever.
Elkington + Fife LLP
Long-standing domestic and international clients continue to entrust Elkington + Fife LLP with the development and management of their UK and EU trade mark portfolios. Significant client wins include Fulham FC and the team has seen an increase in UK opposition and filing matters from commercial firms. The ‘venerable’ Chris McLeod, who operates from the firm’s London office and ‘can be relied on to provide direct, no-frills advice’, leads the practice and Sevenoaks-based Mark Scott focuses on design matters for key clients, including Corning and Xylem. In the London office, Allister McManus ‘is an associate on the rise’.
Practice head(s):
Chris McLeod
Other key lawyers:
Mark Scott; Allister McManus; Carol Nyahasha
Testimonials
‘The team is very experienced and has great strength in depth. They are accessible and responsive, as well as being team players and generally great to work with. All advice is concise, clear and to the point.’
‘The team is led by the venerable Chris McLeod, who can be relied on to provide direct, no-frills advice, backed up by technical and strategic skills. All of this is delivered with a wit drier than a Tim Vine one liner.’
‘Allister McManus is an associate on the rise. Unfailingly good humoured, he gives careful and considered advice and has a great bedside manner.’
‘A very solid TM and Patent Attorney practice, led by very experienced professionals. They really know what they are doing, and try to give commercial, sensible advice which goes beyond “box ticking” to get their clients good service.’
‘Chris McLeod has vast experience and knowledge, and can be trusted to keep a cool head.’
Key clients
Formula One Management Limited
Fulham Stadium Limited
Fulham Football Club
Independent Vetcare Limited/Evidensia
Corning Incorporated
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Philips Intellectual Property & Standards)
Signify Holding B.V.
Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems Limited
BASF SE
Evonik Industries AG
Acer Incorporated
Malvern Panalytical B.V.
OSA Fine Spirits
Decon Laboratories Limited
Citation Limited
Decon Laboratories Limited
The Juice Master Limited
Blank Rome LLP
Slaughter and May
Collyer Bristow
Corsearch
Knijff Trademark Attorneys
Memery Crystal LLP/RGB Legal Services Limited
La Vit Technology LLC
Nishimura & Asahi
Borenius Attorneys Ltd
Intelink Law Group PC
Work highlights
- Acting as sole UK advisers to Formula One Management Limited, in relation to protection of the F1, Formula 1, Grand Prix and associated trade marks, maintaining the client’s entire UK portfolio and regularly file oppositions to third-party UK trade mark applications for conflicting trade marks.
- Assisting Independent Vetcare Limited/Evidensia in growing its portfolio of trade mark applications and registrations, successfully opposing third-party trade mark applications for conflicting trade marks, and assisting with litigation.
- Filed numerous trade mark applications for Fulham Stadium Limited/Fulham Football Club, as well as overcoming UKIPO objections, and assisted the client in promptly resolving a dispute with SKY and a potential dispute with Orange Telecom.
Fieldfisher
Praised for its ‘incredible knowledge of soft IP matters’, Fieldfisher has an active contentious registry practice and is well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s ‘experienced litigators’ to represent clients in high-profile disputes. The team, which has demonstrable experience in developing and managing global trade mark portfolios, is noted for its expertise in the technology, life sciences, media and retail sectors. Leighton Cassidy jointly leads the practice alongside John Linneker, and dual-qualified solicitor and trade mark attorney Hastings Guise handles multi-jurisdictional clearance and trade mark protection projects. With the firm’s international footprint, the team acts for multinational brand owners and well-known domestic companies, as well as SMEs and start-ups.
Practice head(s):
Leighton Cassidy; John Linneker
Other key lawyers:
Hastings Guise; Harriet Seymour; Amy Reynolds; Chris Benson; Claire Keepax
Testimonials
‘They have an incredible knowledge of soft IP and are experienced litigators.’
‘The firm’s lawyers are across the board good at analysing a problem from all sides.’
‘Nick Rose is always available and leads the whole team. He has very strong interpersonal skills and treats everyone in the team with respect.’
Key clients
SkyKick Inc.
Sazerac
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
Caffè Nero
Currys (formerly Dixons Carphone)
Samsung
Smart LLC
Dell EMC
Switch Mobility
Boparan Private Office
Ernst & Young LLP (EY)
Publicis Groupe
Arts Council England
Forbes
Edward Green
Sullair LLC
Seated Technologies, Inc.
Randox Laboratories Limited
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, which went to the Court of Appeal in the summer of 2021, which upheld the High Court’s finding of trade mark infringement in favour of the client.
- Acting for Google in a wide range of UK trade mark matters, including trade mark prosecution and enforcement.
Mishcon de Reya LLP
Mishcon de Reya LLP provides a ‘seamless end-to-end service’ to clients across the fashion, retail, media and entertainment, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors and covers the full spectrum of trade mark prosecution matters, from searches and filing programmes to registry proceedings, as well as developing international portfolios. The team is noted for its expertise in enforcement mandates and is well-placed to leverage the firm’s global footprint to act for US, Chinese, Indian, Japanese and EU firms seeking advice on trade mark matters. Under the ‘fantastic direction’ of Sally Britton, the practice includes litigator David Rose, who is praised as ‘excellent in guiding clients through registrations to contentious litigation’.
Practice head(s):
Sally Britton
Other key lawyers:
David Rose; Jeremy Hertzog; Peter Nunn; Sarah Brooks; Eloise Harding
Testimonials
‘A very capable team. It is good to have the filing and opposition teams working closely alongside the litigators for a seamless end-to-end service.’
‘Under the fantastic direction of Sally Britton, all members of the team are a pleasure to engage with and all deliver high quality work.’
‘We always know that we will receive excellent advice and service from Mishcon. Communications are timely, succinct, and comprehensive. They help us achieve practical solutions that get us to our goals.’
‘Eloise Harding is very dedicated, clever and insightful.’
‘David Rose always has the interests of his clients at heart. He is excellent in guiding clients through registrations to contentious litigation.’
Key clients
Global
Sky
Iceland Foods
Nintendo
Dua Lipa
Wombles
Health & Happiness
SPP Pumps
CBS Corporation
Sanofi
NBC Universal
Bet365
Alexander McQueen
Covent Garden
MGA Entertainment
Foxtons
WeWork
VetSure
Fendi
Modicare
Pure Milk Vodka
Apollo Automobile
Hg Capital
Lion Capital
Apax
CapGen
Graphite Capital
Work highlights
- Acting for Sky in a trade mark dispute with SkyKick in relation to trade mark specifications.
- Representing Iceland Foods in invalidity proceedings before the EUIPO Grand Board of Appeal.
- Advising Global on a range of brand protection and enforcement issues in several jurisdictions.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Osborne Clarke LLP has demonstrable experience in managing international trade mark portfolios for clients across the technology, retail and life sciences and healthcare sectors, in addition to advising on trade mark issues faced by clients when entering emerging markets, including China and the Middle East. The team, which is led by experienced litigator Arty Rajendra, also counts trade mark prosecution and enforcement proceedings in its caseload. Richard May advises on trade mark protection matters arising out of the technology, gaming, retail and life sciences sectors, and trade mark attorney Roshani Muniweera joined from Allen & Overy LLP a month before director Mark Foreman retired in December 2021. Other key members of the team include litigator Robert Guthrie, senior trade mark attorney Leanne Gulliver and trade mark attorney Daniel Ramos.
Practice head(s):
Arty Rajendra
Other key lawyers:
Robert Guthrie; Richard May; Daniel Ramos; Leanne Gulliver; Roshani Muniweera
Testimonials
‘Osborne Clarke represents our clients in trade mark prosecution and IP enforcement matters. They are very competent and experienced in both areas and we have been very satisfied with their services.’
‘Richard May is experienced and his pro-active advice is highly valuable. Cooperation with him is easy. He also replies very quickly and keeps us up to date on the progress of cases.’
‘They are able to provide practical suggestions on the emerging issues. This is a valuable guideline for the clients in the technology industry.’
‘The attorneys are responsive and reliable.’
Key clients
A Nelson (Rescue Remedy)
Toni & Guy
Infobip
Mattel
Medivet
Peanut App
Anschutz Entertainment Group
JPMorganChase
Yahoo
Meta (Facebook)
TikTok
Global Student Accommodation/Yugo Students (UK) Limited
Together Labs
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
Bamboo Limited
Autodoc
Bristol Water
Howdens
Miniclip
Spartan Race
PA Consulting
Wood plc
Fred Perry (Holdings) Limited
The Groucho Club
Hays plc
Work highlights
- Representing Medivet before the CJEU General Court in relation to its EU trade mark application, which has been refused by the EUIPO for being non-distinctive.
- Managing the worldwide brand portfolio of Fred Perry, including the laurel wreath design.
- Managing several trade mark portfolios for JPMorganChase, including Wepay and Nutmeg, as well as advising on protection and enforcement issues.
Bates Wells
Counting some of the UK’s largest non-profit organisations among its key roster of clients, Bates Wells is ‘highly capable in supporting the registration and protection of a charity’s trade marks’. The team, which is led by Mathew Healey, also acts for commercial clients and has demonstrable experience in handling clearance, enforcement, portfolio management and licensing matters, as well as contentious proceedings before the UKIPO and IPEC. Recently promoted partner Catharina Waller is praised for her ‘depth of insight, pragmatic approach and all-round wisdom’.
Practice head(s):
Mathew Healey
Other key lawyers:
Catharina Waller; Wendy Grey
Testimonials
‘I have found the team to be highly capable in supporting the registration and protection of a charity’s trade marks.’
‘Mathew Healey and Wendy Grey are two stand-outs in the Bates Wells team. They are challenging, responsive, knowledgeable, flexible and are vital business advisers for our organisation in terms of our UK and international trade mark strategy.’
‘The team is very reliable and easy to reach. The advice is always on point.’
‘Catharina Waller has outstanding knowledge and is very client oriented. She understands our needs perfectly.’
‘The trade mark team are vey knowledgeable, but also pragmatic, offering the best solutions including recognising when alternatives to trade marks might be more suitable. The Bates Wells trade mark team are very responsive and accessible, always on hand if immediate advice is required.’
‘I’ve enjoyed Mathew Healy’s approachable nature and willingness to give context when answering my queries.’
‘Bates Wells has a deep understanding of the needs of charity clients.’
‘I would recommend Catharina Waller for her depth of insight, pragmatic approach and all-round wisdom.’
Key clients
The Woodland Trust
International Planned Parenthood Federation
CDP (formerly ‘Carbon Disclosure Project’)
Biorelevant.com Ltd
Reloop
Braintree
Braincare
The Copper Mark
The Trussell Trust
Barnardo’s
The Alan Turing Institute
Freud Communications
38 Degrees
The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Cruelty Free International
Fair FX
Voluntary Service Overseas
Trinity College London
International Paralympic Committee
WaterAid International
Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind (‘Sightsavers’)
Battersea Dogs’ and Cats’ Home
Girl Effect
Guide Association
Institute of Masters of Wine
The National Gallery
Football Foundation
National Schizophrenia Fellowship (‘Rethink Mental Illness’)
The Market Research Society
London & Partners Limited
National Deaf Children’s society
FM Conway
Emilia Clarke
Vodafone Foundation
Grand Lodge of Master Mark Masons
WRAP
Keep Britain Tidy
Help Refugees (Choose Love)
Work highlights
- Advised on and implemented a strategic trade mark filing programme across the world for Choose Love (Help Refugees).
- Advised The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on a range of trade mark matters, including around the high-profile launch of the Earthshot Prize.
- Advised Freud Communications on trade mark and copyright considerations, as well as NFTs.
Dentons
Dentons’ ‘cohesive’ team focuses on the strategic management of trade mark portfolios for international brands and UK-based companies across the technology, food and beverage, energy, consumer products and retail sectors. The team is well-placed to leverage the firm’s global footprint to advise on multi-jurisdictional mandates, ranging from licensing agreements and opposition and cancellation proceedings before the UKIPO to enforcement matters and high-profile trade mark disputes. ‘Stand-out’ solicitor Anna Copeman leads the practice and senior trade mark attorney Anna Brown advises on all aspects of trade mark and design prosecution work.
Practice head(s):
Anna Copeman
Other key lawyers:
Anna Brown; James Marsden
Testimonials
‘Anna Copeman is a stand-out partner. Exceptional engagement and client service.’
‘The team is technically competent and they are able to balance commercial practicalities with legally complex approaches.’
‘Anna Brown is a senior trade mark attorney with excellent knowledge of the law and first-rate client handling skills.’
‘Anna Copeman is excellent and very good at managing a team, whilst dealing with clients.’
‘Their global market knowledge makes their ability to support my company very strong.’
‘Anna Copeman and James Marsden have advised us in several actions and concluded our cases successfully, because of their appreciation and understanding of our values and way of working.’
‘Really excellent team. Strong technical knowledge, cohesive, engaged and a delight to work with.’
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 Cavour Limited, European Lotto and Betting Limited and Lottoland Holdings Ltd in relation to numerous IP matters.
- Advising ArQit on the clearance and protection of its new brands, used to further differentiate and identify its technologies in the UK.
- Appointed to FIFA’s new panel of legal advisers to assist in the organisation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and providing specialist branding advice.
Lewis Silkin
Housing a team of trade mark attorneys and litigators, Lewis Silkin manages international trade mark portfolios and handles a broad range of prosecution matters, while also representing clients in cross-border trade mark disputes. The team’s client roster, which includes start-ups and SMEs, UK and Ireland-based companies, as well as overseas investors, has expanded since its merger with specialist IP firm Forde Campbell in Belfast. Following the departure of Dominic Farnsworth to Locke Lord LLP in January 2022, Tom Gaunt leads the team and Nick Bowie, who handles online enforcement mandates and domain name disputes, was promoted to partner in April 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Nick Bowie; Helene Whelbourn; Sinéad Mahon; Graham Ablett; Giles Crown; Simon Chapman
Key clients
ASOS
Airwair International Limited (Dr. Martens)
Markus Lupfer/ Marlu Design Ltd
Harvey Nichols & Co Ltd
Danone
Skyscanner
Trustpilot
Britvic
Cosmetic Warriors (IP holding company for LUSH)
Equity
Bacardi
Saga
Work highlights
- Advising Britvic on a range of IP matters, including managing its global trade mark and design portfolio, assisting with new product development, brand clearances, online monitoring, IP infringements and licensing.
- Assisting Skyscanner with managing its global trade mark portfolio, trade mark and copyright disputes, and with managing its online brand enforcement globally.
- Assisting Harvey Nichols with managing its global trade mark portfolio, domain and design disputes for franchising and commercial licensing issues.
Novagraaf
Novagraaf ‘goes above and beyond’ for its roster of clients, including leading brands across the food and beverage, fashion and retail sectors, and continues to maintain its reputation as one of the largest trade mark portfolio management practices in the UK. The team, which is part of the Questel group, is well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s offices across Europe and in China, Japan and the US on cross-border prosecution and enforcement matters. In Manchester, ‘brilliant’ managing director Vanessa Harrow leads the practice with the support of London-based Laura Morrish, while Luke Portnow, who joined from Boult Wade Tennant LLP in May 2021, ‘is a great new addition to the team’ in London.
Practice head(s):
Vanessa Harrow
Other key lawyers:
Laura Morrish; Luke Portnow
Testimonials
‘The Novagraaf team provide exceptional, technical advice. They are extremely friendly and personable, and feel like an extension of the in-house team as opposed to external counsel. The team provide fantastic value-for-money assistance and goes above and beyond in their provision of services.’
‘Vanessa Harrow is a brilliant attorney. Her advice is pragmatic, commercial, easy to understand and of great value to the business. She goes out of her way to provide timely and valuable assistance. She is exceptionally thorough and always looking for additional ways to aid the business.’
‘Novagraaf have a great understanding of the legal landscape surrounding intellectual property, as well as the resources and reach to assist their clients in a variety of regions and circumstances.’
Key clients
Stock Spirits Group
Manchester Airports Group
Conex Banninger
Work highlights
- Advised Stock Spirits Group on trade mark registration strategy and enforcement to ensure global protection of its brands, particularly in eastern European countries and Italy.
- Managed Manchester Airports Group’s worldwide trade mark and domain name portfolio.
- Advising on a new global filing project in more than ten countries for a range of new marks for Conex Banninger.
Swindell & Pearson Ltd
Swindell & Pearson Ltd has demonstrable experience in the development and management of trade mark portfolios for regional, national and international clients across the retail, fashion, wellbeing, healthcare and manufacturing sectors, among others. The team, which is noted for its capability in litigation, continues to see an increase in UK trade mark filings and opposition proceedings before the UKIPO. In the firm’s Derby office, senior director Nick Womsley, who has considerable experience in the preparation, acquisition and enforcement of trade marks, leads the practice and Kieron Taylor is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Nick Womsley
Other key lawyers:
Kieron Taylor
Work highlights
- Advising Slimming World in relation to its global trade mark portfolio management and global brand strategy, as well as two ongoing trade mark appeals before the General Court in Luxembourg.
- Advising Benetton Holdings Limited on its trade mark portfolio and handling oppositions proceedings.
- Advising Top Online Partners Group Limited on its trade mark portfolio and in disputes.
Withers & Rogers
With offices across the UK, and in Paris and Munich, Withers & Rogers remains one of the most active filers of UK and EU trade marks and, on account of the in-house experience of its team members, the team is well-placed to manage the portfolios of multinational corporations and UK-based companies. With demonstrable experience across the fashion, retail, jewellery, food and beverage, cosmetics and consumer electronics sectors, the team’s caseload includes clearance searches, as well as opposition proceedings and cancellation actions. In the firm’s Bristol office, chair Fiona McBride leads the team, which includes key contacts Marisa Broughton, and London-based Tania Clark and Mark Caddle.
Practice head(s):
Fiona McBride
Other key lawyers:
Marisa Broughton; Tania Clark; Mark Caddle