Pannone Corporate LLP is well-known for its strong focus on the hospitality, tech and IT, and fashion retail sectors. Amy Chandler leads the team, often advising on trade mark and patent licenses, and collaboration agreements. Sarah Bazaraa is an expert in UK and community design rights disputes arising within the fashion industry, and Patricia Jones is known for her vast knowledge of tech exploitation agreements, and tech related patent disputes. Andrew West is well-versed in IP audits and joint ventures within the tech space. Former team co-lead Melanie McGuirk left for Foot Anstey in January 2025.
Intellectual property in North West
Pannone Corporate LLP
Practice head(s):
Amy Chandler
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Bazaraa; Patricia Jones; Alexandria Winstanley
Testimonials
‘We have worked with the team at Pannone Corporate for many years now, the main reason being their approachability. They also take the time to understand our business and the way the management team operate. As a team they communicate with us very effectively. Responses are always very prompt and we are always kept in the loop with matters in hand.’
‘Very switched on trade mark team with sold individuals at the top and lots of hungry and ambitious associates ’
‘Pannone have been brilliant to work with. I run a small business and Pannone have supported us with taking legal action against a global brand. Understanding our tight budget, they have been extremely transparent with pricing at every step of the process enabling us to plan and prioritise spending. They have great depth in their team, ensuring we are appropriately supported with each step of the process, whether that is working with an associate or senior partner.’
Key clients
New Balance Athletic Shoes (UK) Limited
Iceland Foods limited
Boohoo.com UK Limited
Debenhams.com Online Limited
Represent Clothing Limited
Pets at Home Limited
Jump Ship Brewing Limited
Cernucci
Kip McGrath Global Pty
SMG Europe Holdings Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising a household name retailers and fashion retailers in relation to brand disputes (including in respect of brand names, logos and slogans), copycat products and design disputes (including packaging designs).
- Advising NSG Media Ltd t/a Cernucci on sponsorship and endorsement agreements with brand ambassadors including Manchester City and an England footballer.
- Acting for a franchisor client in securing interim injunction orders against a former franchisee who had misused the client’s confidential information and was trading unlawfully in competition with the client under a confusing similar brand name.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard houses a broad practice, whose lucrative client base notably includes Harrods, Kickers International, and MoneySuperMarket. The group is known for advising clients on trade mark portfolio management, IP assignment agreements, and due diligence. Paul Bentham leads the team, and is a design protection and exploitation expert who routinely acts for international brand owners. Nadine Waters is exceptionally experienced in handling licensing and tech transfers, and the IP aspects of corporate transactions. Tim Carter is particularly adept at handling a wide variety of non-contentious trade mark issues concerning portfolio protection and the clearance of new brand names. Andrew Bayley is noted for his broad knowledge of IP and IT disputes.
Practice head(s):
Paul Bentham
Other key lawyers:
Nadine Waters, Tim Carter; Andrew Bayley
Testimonials
‘Paul Bentham is a real guru in the Northwest – Paul has worked at the very top level of IP for over 30 years. The “go to” person for your most important work, he consistently delivers highly successful outcomes for his clients.’
‘Tim Carter has over 20 years experience at the top, and this really shows in the quality and depth of his expertise and advice. A genuine “safe pair of hands”.’
‘The work I have received from Addleshaws has been of a very high standard and I consider them to be very valuable advisors.’
Key clients
Harrods
MoneySuperMarket
Travelodge Hotels
Kickers International
Panacea Group Limited
Giacom
GRS Roadstone Group Ltd
Banyan Software UK Limited
KCOM Group Limited
Primark Stores Limited
Work highlights
- Advised GRS Roadstone Group Ltd on the IP due diligence elements (primarily assessing and advising in relation to securing the ownership of various patents) of its multi-million pound acquisition of Soil Science Ltd. Soil Science Ltd.
- Advised Banyan Software UK Limited on the IP elements of Banyan’s acquisition of the entire issued share capital of a trading connectivity provider, FXCubic Ltd including securing the ownership of IP.
Brabners LLP
Spread across Lancashire, Brabners LLP's practice is known for its vast experience in trademark applications and filling strategies, IP ownership issues, and domain name disputes. Practice head Colin Bell handles a broad range of issues involving promotion and advertising, licensing arrangements, and commercial contracts. Nik White leads the firm's commercial and IP group in Liverpool, often assisting clients with franchising and commercial IP issues, while Hannah Fawcett is noted for her strong focus on fashion and retail, and her knowledge of IP licensing and trade mark opposition actions. Manchester's Hayley Morgan is a specialist in copyright, design rights, and passing off.
Practice head(s):
Colin Bell
Other key lawyers:
Nik White; Hannah Fawcett; Hayley Morgan
Testimonials
‘We’ve work with many solicitor firms and Brabners is the best by far.’
‘Hannah Fawcett is a joy to work with. She is incredibly commercial – understanding what our organisation’s key concerns are and advising accordingly. She is efficient when responding to a query and sets out her advice in an easy to read and understand manner. ’
‘What makes Brabners unique is their commitment to delivering exceptional client service and their innovative approach towards handling legal issues. With a team of professionals who are not only skilled but also considerate and easy to work with, Brabners ensures that legal expertise meets personal touch, translating into practical solutions tailored to client’s specific needs.’
Key clients
Alder Hey Childrens Charity
Beaverbrooks the Jeweller Ltd
CORGI Services Limited
Gaimin.io Limited
Cataclean Global Limited
FAUN Trackway Limited
H.G. Stephenson Limited
International Sport Group Limited
James Hall & Company Limited
Lancashire County Cricket Club
Leicester City FC
LiverBuildingCo Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised The Royal Parks on the filing and prosecution through to registration of various trade mark applications, including marks containing geographical locations and royal emblems.
- Advising NORI HR and Employment Law Limited in relation to an IP, copyright, database rights, confidential information court proceedings, including an application for interim relief and Imaging Order before the High Court. The matter was successfully settled avoiding need for further costly litigation.
- Advising McDermott Smith Law Limited in relation to IP, confidentiality, copyright infringement, and inducement of breach of contract proceedings in the Manchester Business Courts relating to proprietary documents. A court order that was satisfactory to the client, and did not include interim relief, was reached.
Brandsmiths
Brandsmiths houses a broad practice which assists well-known brands and companies seeking to protect and enhance their IP assets. Michael Forrester stands out due to his expansive expertise in contentious IP work, particularly in relation to unregistered designs, passing off, and trade marks. Acting for a diverse client roster of fashion and retail clients, John Battersby regularly appears before the IPEC and High Court in IP disputes. Jacob O’Brien often advises tech companies and brands with the enforcement and protection of their IP rights, and Claire Meyers is noted for her distinctive focus on issues arising at the intersection between IP and competition law.
Practice head(s):
Michael Forrester
Other key lawyers:
John Battersby; Jacob O’Brien; Claire Meyers
Testimonials
‘The firm has IP written through it as a specialism. It very much feels that all lawyers in the team are IP specialists and as a result you feel you are in safe hands with a very complicated area of law. Everyone in the team is also able to communicate very effectively. ’
‘Michael Forrester is very adept and articulates the position very well. ’
‘The solicitors at Brandsmiths are extremely diligent, efficient, and great to work with. The firm has a friendly and familiar culture, and always strives to secure great results for clients.’
Key clients
Iconix International
Beverly Hills Polo Club
Perfect Moment
Never Fully Dressed
The Fragrance Shop
Mallet London
Spectrum Brands
SpectrumX
Manchester United FC
YMU
Everton FC
Microsoft
Work highlights
- Representing Iconix in a claim for trade mark infringement relating to the Umbro double diamond logo. Iconix was successful in the Court of Appeal, overturning the High Court decision.
- Representing Lifestyle Equities in what will culminate in the Supreme Court deciding on the issue of what the nature and extent of the liability of a director or senior executive employee for causing a company to commit a civil wrong, for which a claim can be brought without a finding of fault by the wrongdoer.
- Representing Lifestyle Equities in the Supreme Court against Amazon. The key issues are the targetting on online advertisements.
DWF
DWF houses a strong contentious practice which routinely handles IP infringement claims. Asima Rana routinely assists clients across the consumer, retail, and fashion industries. Rana is particularly adept at acting in copyright, passing off, and trade mark claims before the IPEC.
Practice head(s):
Asima Rana
Testimonials
‘DWF provide clear advice and respond very quickly.’
‘Asima Rana is particularly impressive. Asima is very approachable and is quick to respond to enquiries with real understanding of the issues.’
Key clients
VioVet Limited
Dairy UK Limited
HHGL Ltd
Crown Commercial Services
Work highlights
- Acting for VioVet Limited in defending a trademark infringement claim in the High Court brought by Gibralter (UK) Ltd and VetPlus Limited in relation to a comparative advertising campaign by VioVet Ltd.
- Acting for Dairy UK in a High Court appeal from the UK Intellectual Property Office concerning the use of the word ‘milk’ in the trade mark ‘Post Milk Generation’, which is used on the packaging of some of Oatly’s oat based products.
HGF Law
HGF Law is active across a variety of sectors, with a strong focus on life sciences and retail. Michelle Davies leads the team, and stands out due to her knowledge of transactional IP issues, including licensing and co-development. Life sciences expert Janet Knowles routinely assists educational institutions, while Antony Gold has longstanding experience in branding and advertising work. Josephine Carver joined from Deloitte Legal in September 2023, contributing her vast experience in transactional IP issues.
Practice head(s):
Michelle Davies
Other key lawyers:
Janet Knowles; Antony Gold
Testimonials
‘Very responsive willing to go above and beyond.’
‘Real experts in their area.’
Key clients
Novabiotics Limited
FIS360 Limited
University of Manchester Innovation Factory Limited
Queens University Belfast
Green Lithium Limited
SEDA Pharmaceuticals Limited
VAS Group Limited
Pearlfisher
Rawwater Engineering Limited
C4X Discovery Limited
themightycompany.com
Bullet Proof Inc.,
Work highlights
- Advised Kurt Geiger Limited on transactional issues, including the drafting and negotiation (where required) of distribution, agency, supply, digital content, software & support, consultancy, influencer and other media related agreements alongside advice and training on competition and other contractual matters .
- Advised Novabiotics Limitedon a critical distribution agreement for entry by the client into the Bahamas – a territory previously unsupplied.
- Advise C4X Discovery Limited on and implemented a working trade secrets protection strategy for the client, including the drafting of a firm wide policy and staff declaration framework, integration with the firms HR processes and contracts, a working trade secrets register and the roll out of the strategy, policy and register through direct staff training.
TLT
TLT is well-known for its expertise in both registered and unregistered design disputes, copyright and trade mark infringement claims, and domain name related mandates. Graeme Orchison maintains his strong track record for representing a lucrative client list in a vast range of passing off and trade mark infringement disputes before the High Court and Court of Appeal. David Gardner maintains a broad tech focused practice, assisting a range of clients across the financial services, digital, and retail sectors.
Practice head(s):
Graeme Orchison
Other key lawyers:
David Gardner
Testimonials
‘The team that I worked with at TLT are very conscientious and have the client’s best interests in mind at every stage.’
‘Graeme Orchison is an incredibly experienced individual with a constant eye on client interests. I trust his judgment and he is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Biggest strength is TLT’s ability to give advice based on the law and based on commercial sense.’
Key clients
Alpla UK
HOTTER COMFORT CONCEPT
GOLA
Elavon Financial Service DAC
Matalan Retail
J Mac Safety Systems
DUNLOP
boohoo
Pretty Little Thing
Nasty Gal
Brother UK
Exertis
Work highlights
- Advising D Jacobson & Sons Ltd on trade mark, copyright, and design right infringement claims in various jurisdictions, including the UK.
- Representing easyCOSMETIC in an EU trade mark and passing off dispute with easyJet and the easyGroup regarding the historic and longstanding use of ‘easy’ in relation to the online retailing of cosmetics and addressing the impact of Brexit on EU marks.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper handles a varied caseload of trademark and patent licence agreements, ownership issues, and brand licensing matters. In Manchester, Lee Brierley is well-known for his longstanding experience in brand acquisition and licensing matters, and tech partnering arrangements. Peter Brook works out of the Liverpool office, and is noted for his focus on the full range of non-contentious IP issues within the tech space. Sarah Bell is a key name for corporate and commercial issues.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Bell; Lee Brierley; Peter Brook
Testimonials
‘Very skilled at explaining a complex subject to non-experts, enabling them to understand the contract drafting. A strength is definitively the collaborative working, and the aim to make the customer content with the outcome. Provided an excellent guide to the Intellectual property conditions in the contract, which the whole team were able to follow and use when receiving deliverables, this has proved to be invaluable for managing the contract.’
Key clients
Honeywell International Inc
Laura Ashley IP Holdings LLC
Key Group
Premier League
Fluent Money
Sellafield
The Hut Group
takepayments
Aerocloud Systems
Snowdonia Cheese Co
Trio Healthcaqre
Graham & Brown
Work highlights
- Advising Vita (Holdings) Limited in relation to a trademark and patent license agreement.
- Advised Snowdonia Cheese on its strategic global IP and trading arrangements to ensure the protection of its IP and brand.
- Advising the Vernacare group on its multi-jurisdictional IP and trading arrangements.
Gateley Legal
Robert Lye and Andrew Rankin jointly lead the team at Gateley Legal. The group's varied workload consists of domain name disputes, tech and patent exploitation issues, and trade mark infringement actions. Lye is a seasoned IP litigator who regularly acts in patent and design right infringement cases, and advises clients on applications for interim judgments. Rankin is a key name for tech issues, particularly within the healthcare space, routinely assisting clients with procurement and contractual issues.
Practice head(s):
Robert Lye; Andrew Rankin
Other key lawyers:
Natasha Cooke
Testimonials
‘Robert Lye talks to me in simple terms and we discuss all scenarios – there is openness and trust between us. Over the years we understand each other so communication is easy. ’
‘The breadth of knowledge within the team was excellent. We had a complex case with many moving parts and the team coordinated each element providing excellent solutions ’
‘Robert Lye explained complicated legal issues and processes in a way which enabled us as laymen to understand the actions and consequences. ’
Key clients
The Filta Group Limited
Incanthera Limited
Harman Technology Limited
Stryker Inc
JD Sports Fashion plc
Microbiosensor Limited
Swizzels Matlow Limited
Salts Healthcare Limited
The Partnership (Licensing) Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Swizzels in its defence of High Court proceedings for trade mark infringement brought by Marks & Spencer plc and Katjes Fassin GmbH. The dispute related to dealings in Swizzels’ confectionery alleged by the claimants to infringe their trade marks for the shape and appearance of M&S’s Percy Pig sweets.
- Acted for The Filta Group in patent entitlement proceedings and proceedings for breach of confidence commenced in the IPEC against defendants FOG Fellow Designs Ltd and its director.
- Acted for a number of members of the Giftware Association, including Wild Life World (on behalf of whom the firm has taken enforcement action against a number of third parties on grounds of passing off and copyright infringement in respect of garden products for housing wildlife), in IP infringement disputes.
Kuit Steinart Levy LLP
Kuit Steinart Levy LLP handles a broad suite of mandates involving passing off, database rights, and design rights. Practice head Bruce Jones handles the full range of contentious and non-contentious IP issues, with a strong focus on patent and trade mark disputes with cross-border elements. Caroline Brennan is noted for her strong commercial expertise, regularly advising clients on commercial rights within sport, and issues concerning confidential information.
Practice head(s):
Bruce Jones
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Brennan
Testimonials
‘They have a really thorough understanding. They explain things very well and have put me at ease throughout what has been a particularly stressful period.’
‘Bruce Jones was knowledgeable and professional throughout and he dealt with matters within the agreed timescales and for the agreed cost. Just an overall good service. ’
‘Bruce Jones clearly had a great deal of specialist knowledge in the area.’
Key clients
Building Product Design
Huxley Europe Ltd
Harnbury Holdings Limited
The Overlap Limited
Tiger Sports Management Limited
The University of Salford
Ansell Electrical Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Building Product Design in a patent infringement matter.
- Advising The Overlap Limited on a partnership with Sky Bet to launch Stick to Football.
- Advising an individual client and Tiger Sports Management Limited on the individual’s contract with the BBC to appear on Dragons’ Den.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Leveraging its national network, Pinsent Masons LLP is well-equipped to handle a broad array of IP mandates. Practice head Samantha Livesey stands out due to her deep knowledge of both IP and tech, particularly in relation to patent licensing . Noted for his distinctive focus on the sport, and art and cultural property industries, Sam Hall has broad knowledge of collaboration agreements and sponsorship contracts. Felicity Parsons routinely assists manufacturing and retail clients with contractual matters, while Paulina Kasprzak is a key name for IP enforcement issues, and copyright and design right disputes.
Practice head(s):
Samantha Livesey
Other key lawyers:
Sam Hall; Felicity Parsons; Paulina Kasprzak
Key clients
World Athletics
Tesco
Jockey Club Racecourses
University of Manchester Innovation Factory
Honda
Innovative Vector Control Consortium
Oovee Game Studios
Bumble
Huel
WES Management Limited
Work highlights
- Advising The Jockey Club on the re-negotiation of its NFT horse racing game platform agreement with EQ Racing.
- Advising WES and its investment arm, Tamar Capital Limited Inc in relation to the WES run electric scooter racing championships around the world under the brands eSC, eSkootr and eSkootr Championship.
- Advising World Athletics on all their IP contract matters including IPR licensing, merchandising, collaboration and IPR development contracts.
Forbes Solicitors
Forbes Solicitors is noted for its broad capabilities, often handling a range trade mark disputes with cross-border elements, and portfolio management mandates. The group acts for a number of clients within the charity, retail, and education sectors. John Pickervance leads the team alongside Daniel Fletcher, who acts for a varied client list of tech companies and manufacturers.
Practice head(s):
John Pickervance; Daniel Fletcher
Testimonials
‘We rely on Forbes for their expertise, strategic approach, and fair billing. They excel at simplifying complex matters and offering insightful explanations of various issues and options. Their ability to collaborate effectively across different specialist areas ensures a cohesive and comprehensive experience for clients like me, resulting in access to a wider range of expertise.’
‘Daniel Fletcher’s expertise, collaborative approach, and timely communication were exemplary, particularly when challenges arose during the trademark application process: he only contacted is with a summary of the issue, options to consider and his recommendation.’
‘They went above and beyond to help and advise us on a IP issue we had with a client over in the US. Extremely efficient, professional and gave us several options and outcomes to consider as a business.’
Key clients
Keep Britain Tidy
B2C Distribution Limited
Beechs Confectionary Group
YourZooki Ltd
Vapes-Bars Ltd and Synergy Project Management LLC
Sales Geek Holdings Limited
Six By Nico Group
Northcoders Group plc
Leads UK Limited t/as iHeat
Second Chance Limited
BG Sports International Limited t/as Samba Sports
Urban Factory Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for YourZooki Ltd in the prosecution, management, and exploitation of its UK and international trade mark portfolio, and key contractual relationships relating to the generation of IP rights.
- Represented Keep Britain Tidy in connection with the licensing and enforcement of key brand assets.
- Represented a supplier of car parts and accessories in a trade mark infringement and passing off claim brought by a manufacturer.
Gorvins Solicitors
Gorvins Solicitors' Stockport based group often handles the IP aspects of commercial mandates. Andrew Curwen leads the firm's corporate and M&A team, assisting clients with a wide variety of transactional issues. Guy Lightowler is a seasoned litigator who routinely acts in cases concerning copyright, trade mark, and unregistered design right infringements. Christian Mancier is a key name for corporate transactions.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Curwen; Guy Lightowler
Other key lawyers:
Paul Lupton; Christian Mancier
Testimonials
‘In dealing with our business sale we had many areas of concern that we needed to have advise on, and advise at different levels for different people. Throughout our process we got that advise appropriately, in a timely fashion and all from one team.’
‘In any business the people are the main asset. Responsiveness, a will to help and to become a part of your own team is essential, and that’s what we found working with Gorvins. Christian Mancier made sure we were always in the loop and prepared, happy to help us at odd times, and, most importantly, tell us when we were either wrong or veering off course.’
Key clients
District Surveyors Association Limited
Innov8 Technology Group Limited
Mondiale Publishing Limited
Sleeper Media Limited
Darc Media Limited
CGA Strategy Limited
GPC Computer Software Limited
Dimension 7 Technologies Ltd
Key Computer Applications Limited
Tugger Limited
William Reed Limited
The Teacher Cloud Limited
Myerson Solicitors
Myerson Solicitors acts for a diverse client roster of SMEs, national companies, and owner-managed businesses. Carla Murray heads the Altrincham based team, and is noted for her deep knowledge surrounding the exploitation, vesting, and ownership of IP rights. Richard Meehan maintains an IT and tech focused practice, handling a wide array of licensing matters relating to software, while Robert Brothers routinely acts in disputes concerning copyright infringement. Joanna Colgan left the firm in October 2023.
Practice head(s):
Carla Murray
Other key lawyers:
Richard Meehan; Robert Brothers
Key clients
Aperidata Ltd
Inforcer Ltd
International Pheromone Systems
AQA Education
RBW Systems Ltd
The Protein Parnters Ltd
T2 Token Pte Limited
Work highlights
- Assisted Aperidata Ltd by providing a detailed IP audit and preparing a report.
- Advised T2 Token Pte Ltd on the IP rights relating to its payment platform, and the client’s applicaton for FCA authorisation.
- Advised Protein Partners Limited on its response to trademark infringement allegations in respect of the launch of its new product.