Ashfords LLP has a broad intellectual property offering, providing comprehensive advice to clients on the management and commercial use of IP rights. The practice advises a sizeable client base on managing IP portfolios, assisting with the registration of IP rights across a range of jurisdictions; the team also handles opposition proceedings and prosecutions. The IP issues surrounding the development of new brands are another area of focus for the team. On the contentious side, the practice’s work includes handling claims of infringement and passing-off, opposition proceedings at the UK and EU level, and anti-counterfeiting actions. Carl Steele leads the team, with Clare Jackman another key name to note; both partners offer expertise in contentious and non-contentious IP.
Intellectual property in South West
Ashfords LLP
Practice head(s):
Carl Steele
Other key lawyers:
Clare Jackman; Mark Lomas
Testimonials
‘The knowledge and expertise provided by our point of contact always provides clear understanding.’
‘Carl Steele, whilst always being professional, has shown understanding to my personal requirements. This, as with any other professional service, is sadly not always the case, and it is, I feel, a credit to him as a person, not just as a professional.’
Work highlights
- Acting for Shazam Productions Limited, the owner of IP rights to the “Only Fools & Horses” sitcom in a claim for copyright infringement of characters and text of “OFAH” scripts
- Handling trademark portfolio management for a range of clients.
- Acting for Fontaine, the owner of the CREED range of fragrances, in taking action against counterfeiters.
Burges Salmon LLP
At Burges Salmon LLP, the intellectual property team acts for a strong client base in both contentious and non-contentious IP matters. The team’s clients include prominent names from sectors including media, food and drink, and retail, and it also acts for public sector bodies. The practice is jointly led by Jeremy Dickerson and Helen Scott-Lawler. Dickerson has broad expertise in advising clients on IP matters and representing them in disputes, while Scott-Lawler stands out for her work assisting on commercial agreements involving IP rights. Emily Roberts is another key name to note in the team, with a strong presence in contentious IP matters. Senior associate Georgina Shaw is also active in this space, taking the lead on trade mark prosecution.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Dickerson; Helen Scott-Lawler
Other key lawyers:
Emily Roberts; Georgina Shaw; Chloe Perea-Poole; Richard Hugo
Testimonials
‘A strong team with strength and depth.’
‘Burges Salmon have the history of our specific issue and deal with it clearly and positively. They have sustained continuity and appear to have strength across all disciplines.’
‘The IP team clearly stands out as the best in Bristol. From partner to junior level they are very impressive. They combine an excellent grasp of the law with a commercial approach perfectly.’
‘Incredibly business savvy and practical, hyper responsive, providing crystal clear advice. When I asked for referrals to other firms in Europe, they didn’t just send an email, but they had a relationship manager spend an hour with me understanding our need and then making specific introductions based on that need.’
‘We work closely with the Jeremy Dickerson and Senior Associate Georgina Shaw. They are both exemplary in their knowledge of the law, responsiveness and client-focused practice.’
‘Helen Scott Lawler is our key point of contact. Her performance is exemplary and her patience and attendance to strategic and detailed matters is impressive. In effect, she is part of our management team.’
‘Jeremy Dickerson – a really tough litigator, an excellent negotiator and always adopting a very commercial approach Emily Roberts – new to becoming a partner this year she has taken it in her stride. Harry Jewson – a rising star. Having recently worked on a case with him his attention to detail and his drive and determination is second to none.’
‘Emily Roberts and Chloe Perea-Poole make a superb team. They are inventive and creative and are quick to understand and align with their client’s attitude to risk and ways of working. They make a determined effort to see the issues from the client’s perspective and truly add value as a result.’
Key clients
BBC and BBC Studios Ltd
Ooni
Discovery, Inc. (Discovery Channel, Eurosport, QUEST, etc.)
Starbucks Corporation
Victoria’s Secret
John Lewis and Waitrose
Bath & Body Works
Virgin Enterprises Limited (Virgin Group)
Tesla
Truefitt & Hill
Scottish Professional Football League
Work highlights
- Acting for the Santa Barbara Polo Club in complex High Court and Court of Appeal trade mark infringement proceedings with a heavy focus on jurisdictional issues.
- Advising the BBC and BBC Studios on all UK and EU trade mark applications and registrations as sole counsel.
- Acting as sole UK trade mark counsel to Starbucks, advising on clearance, portfolio management, and enforcement in the UK.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Osborne Clarke LLP has a strong presence advising technology clients on all aspects of their IP portfolios, including providing them with advice on business-critical software copyright protection. Clare Robinson
leads the team, which also acts for clients in the retail, consumer goods and energy sectors. Robinson is experienced across litigation and advisory work; elsewhere, Will Robertson has a focus on IP-related commercial agreements in the technology sector, and Tom Harding specialises in advising media clients. Associate director Becky Crawford also stands out for her work providing strategic trademark advice. The practice is also carving out a niche in the highly sensitive defence sector, assisting clients on agreements with the government related to IP rights; Douglas Peden is taking the lead in this area.
Practice head(s):
Clare Robinson
Other key lawyers:
Will Robertson; Tom Harding; Becky Crawford; Douglas Peden
Testimonials
‘The Osborne Clarke IP team is highly responsive and extremely practical in its approach and advice. Quality of legal knowledge and work product are given, but the speed and practicality of response are what sets them apart. These traits combine to make the team highly effective in achieving results.’
‘Clare Robinson particularly stands out.’
‘A really commercial, proactive team that provides a great service in helping manage our IP portfolio.’
‘I really value Clare Robinson’s advice and guidance on IP issues – she is technically strong, tactically brilliant and always gives a clear commercial steer backed up by bucketloads of experience.’
‘Excellent service from a firm of lawyers who seem really committed to supporting the work of our organisation. Always very prompt, efficient and courteous and legal advice is always presented in plain English.’
‘Will Robertson is hugely likeable and approachable. Excellent at summarising complex legal issues into plain English and generating a number of viable options for the client.’
Key clients
Eurostar
Transition Pathway Initiative (previously the Church of England and Environment Agency)
Nisbets
Danone
XP Power
Carallon Limited
Hauschild GmbH & Co. KG
Verkada
Work highlights
- Continuing to manage Eurostar’s worldwide trade mark portfolio across over 60 jurisdictions, advising on brand protection, registration strategy and enforcement, guiding Eurostar into taking a proactive and tactical approach to portfolio management.
- Advising the Transition Pathway Initiative through another round of growth and re-gearing. This has involved a large amount of IP support, primarily through registration of trademarks but also linked to the TPI’s brand strategy.
- Advised Danone of the impact of the UK government’s consultation on parallel trade on its international business and assisted Danone to deliver a response to the consultation, with a focus on parallel import’s interaction with patient safety. We are also advising Danone on its rights in relation to parallel trade following Brexit and are helping it to ensure its trade mark rights are respected.
BPE Solicitors LLP
BPE Solicitors LLP offers expertise across the intellectual property space, helping clients to register and protect their IP as well as advising them on a range of commercial agreements related to IP rights. The practice provides strategic advice to clients on matters such as rebrands, guiding them through the process of IP creation, registration and protection; it stands out for the global nature of its practice, handling matters across a variety of jurisdictions. The team is jointly led by Iain Garfield, who focuses on non-contentious IP matters, and specialist IP litigator Riyaz Jariwalla.
Practice head(s):
Iain Garfield; Riyaz Jariwalla
Key clients
SOHO Coffee
EVCL Downton
Open Data Institute
Weird Fish
Probolt Fasteners
XAIT
Gloucester Rugby
Blushes
Neptune Rum
Partners&
Cheltenham Festivals
Pure Gym
Agria Pet Insurance
Work highlights
- Advising UCAS on the protection of a new software application involving multiple jurisdictions.
- Advising Travellocal/Trip.me in relation to their new branding to ensure that it was possible to protect it in key target markets/countries.
- Advising Cheltenham Festivals in relation to contracts with international media companies to allow a hybrid festival to be staged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Humphreys & Co.
Intellectual property boutique Humphreys & Co. has decades of experience in this space, with expertise across IP registration, protection and licensing. The team stands out for the international nature of its practice, acting for clients from around the world in relation to global IP portfolios. Practice head Robert Humphreys is admitted to practice in the Republic of Ireland and Brussels, and frequently handles matters involving EU registrations. Tristan Morse is also admitted in Ireland, and alongside Ruth Annand is active across contentious and non-contentious IP matters.
Practice head(s):
Robert Humphreys
Other key lawyers:
Tristan Morse; Ruth Annand
Testimonials
‘Impeccable advice on IP matters with a very commercial view. Our company (Internet retailer) have been working with Humphreys for over 20 years, we have never lost a single case in that time.’
‘The team is very competent, engaged, responsive and at all times responds in a manner helpful to determine strategies and to take appropriate actions without delay.’
‘A straightforward law firm that asks the right questions to understand it’s clients and the issue at hand. Provides cost-effective and pragmatic legal advice after taking into consideration the clients’ commercial position.’
‘I have been working with the team at Humphreys & Co for more than 10 years, during which time they have always shown exceptional diligence and drive. Operating as we do, at the intersection of ecommerce, digital marketing and international travel, it is vital to have the relevant contractual protections in place for our creative assets, and their attention to detail in ensuring we have this in the relevant contracts, I have found to be second-to-none.’
‘Tristan Morse always provides practical advice at a very fair price. He is very knowledgable and is kind. I know I can give him a matter and not have to worry about it.’
‘Robert Humphrey has proven excellent expertise and has protected and supported our business interests in a most efficient an equally successful manner.’
‘Tristan Morse provides high levels of customer service and has an excellent understanding of our needs and expectations. He provides good advice and and is proactive.’
‘We always seek out Robert Humphrey when looking for intellectual property advice. We like his approach which is to quickly put the legal issue in its commercial context so we understand the cost, risk and benefit of the options available to us regarding next steps in any case.’
Work highlights
Michelmores LLP
Michelmores LLP focuses on the intersection of commercial and intellectual property law, advising clients on the negotiation and drafting of commercial agreements involving IP. The team’s work includes assisting on brand licensing, distribution and supply agreements as well as development partnerships. David Thompson leads the team, with commercial partner Tom Torkar also active in this space.
Practice head(s):
David Thompson
Other key lawyers:
Tom Torkar
Key clients
Centek (part of the US based Madison Group)
Semafone
Oddbox
Holland & Barrett
Crediton Dairy
Daily Mail and General Trust
Natural Capital Research
Enotria & Coe
Landmark Information Group
Forestry Commission
Emma Bridgewater
Seasalt
Gamesys Group
PPP Taking Care (part of AXA Health)
Freshways
La Prairie UK
Work highlights
- Advised Landmark Information Group (part of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc) in respect the disposal of Landmark’s strategic modelling and insurance business and its Landmarks Solutions business.
- Advising Semafone, an international provider of telecommunications solutions, providing compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, in relation to infringement of our client’s UK and US patents.
- Advised SEDF on the acquisition of Mologic Ltd and Global Access Diagnostics.
Foot Anstey
Foot Anstey‘s practice in the South West is spread across its Bristol and Exeter offices and works closely with the firm’s Southampton office. The team’s work includes representing clients in oppositions and infringement disputes related to trademarks, copyright and design rights, with Southampton-based practice head Paul Cox leading on this work. Managing associates Hannah Batten and Annalisa Checchi advise on a wide range of IP-related commercial contracts, including licensing, sponsorship and research agreements. The team is praised by clients for its ‘friendliness and professionalism’, with Cox particularly highlighted for his ‘practical-minded attitude’.
Practice head(s):
Paul Cox
Other key lawyers:
Hannah Batten; Annalisa Checchi; Peter Singfield
Testimonials
‘This firm matches up with more widely known British firms in terms of expertise and conflict resolution. Paul and his team really are an insider tip.’
‘Strong ability to reach favourable compromise, Paul is a great negotiator, excellent legal expertise, personal integrity, committed to reach best result for clients.’
‘The Foot Anstey IP Team is disciplined, cohesive and responsive. The IP Team is diverse and inclusive.’
‘The Foot Anstey team are fantastic. I was new to working with them and this sector as a client partner. They took the time to explain the process to me, what to consider and explain the external factors that influence the process.’
‘We value their friendliness and professionalism. They never ran out of patience if I didn’t understand the legal terms or how things worked and were always happy to answer my questions and provide me with the right level of information and detail in the right way.’
‘I work with a number of UK law firms on IP matters. The team from Foot Anstey stands heads and shoulders above them all in terms of quality, responsiveness, efficiency, value and professionalism. Their practical advice particularly where disputes arise is highly valued by us and our clients.’
‘The driving force behind the great working relationship we have with Foot Anstey is their head of IP, Paul Cox. I have worked with Paul for many years at previous firms. Even though he has moved firms twice, I have continued to work with him and I foresee working with him for the long term. His experience and practical-minded attitude enables us to advise our clients with certainty and assurance. We are always assured of the best from Paul and his team.’
Key clients
Cornwall Development Company
Charlie Bears Limited
The Parts Alliance Limited
Love Triangle Ltd
Wise Payments Limited (Transferwise)
The Eden Project
Fronting the Challenge Projects Limited
Pay.UK Limited
National Trust
Chivas Brothers International Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on the worldwide rebrand of TRANSFERWISE to WISE which included conducting clearance searches in over 50 countries around the world and advising how to mitigate any risks.
- Assisting Pay.UK with managing their trade mark portfolio and dealing with various infringement issues in the UK and elsewhere.
- Supporting the Cornwall Development Company in advising various businesses in the aerospace sector.
Thrings LLP
Thrings LLP assists client base ranging from SMEs and owner-managed businesses to multinationals with intellectual property matters. The team’s work includes advising on global IP portfolios, working alongside other law firms around the world to assist with IP registration and enforcement. Megan Jefferies leads the practice and is also adept at providing advice to clients on commercial agreements involving IP, such as research agreements, as well as IP disputes. Jefferies frequently draws on the wider firm’s expertise in dispute resolution and corporate law to advise clients.
Practice head(s):
Megan Jefferies
Testimonials
‘An impressive IP team.’
‘Megan Jeffries is very knowledgeable with exceptional attention to detail.’
‘I have dealt with Megan Jefferies in a Trademark dispute. She negotiated well on our behalf and came up with a solution that both ourselves and another Party could be satisfied with and which protected our interests.’
‘Great team, seem to work together well. Respond quickly to questions and requests.’
‘Megan Jefferies is very knowledgeable and proactive on behalf of the client.’
‘Thrings’ intellectual property practice strength is evident in their ability to provide candid and commercially relevant advice to their clients, allowing those clients to understand the complex framework and how it can be leveraged best to support larger goals. Rather than seek to dazzle their clients with how clever they are to be working in the intellectual property space, they offer quiet and capable guidance to each client, almost imperceptibly providing support in overcoming barriers which may otherwise derail a client’s primary aims.’
‘Megan Jefferies provides a capable and reassuring voice of calm competence to all clients and associates with whom she works.’
Key clients
Lovehoney Group Limited
Miller Harris Fragrances Limited
Procurri Europe Limited
Clarendon Speciality Fasteners Limited (a division of Diploma Plc)
AMS Accountancy Limited
GS Yuasa Battery Sales (UK) Limited
AB Dynamics Plc
Kenro Limited
Lyn Michel Limited (Perfumer H)
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (BIBF)
Work highlights
- Represented a global high-end car park operator in a successful defence of injunctive proceedings brought against them for passing off in the IPEC then resolved the wider dispute through mediation and commercial negotiation.
- Advised South West-based communications company in relation to DSAR, bringing that and a connected dispute to a commercial resolution.
- Advised global retailer on expansion and maintenance of global IP portfolio to include opposition proceedings and enforcement of IPR in the UK and EU as well as jurisdictions such as Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Paraguay, India, the US, China, South Korea and the Ukraine.
TLT
TLT‘s Bristol office works closely with its team in London to provide strategic branding advice to clients, including aiding them in preventing the unauthorised use of trade marks. James Touzel leads the overall tech and IP practice in Bristol. Jo Pritchard left the firm in August 2021.
Practice head(s):
James Touzel
Key clients
Ecotricity Limited
WH Smith
Brabantia
Hirsch et Associes (French Attorneys with substantial trade mark management practice)
Matthew Clark Bibendum
Boohoo
BGL Compare The Market
TSB Bank
Care Quality Commission
Work highlights
- Advising Ecotricity on global brand protection for SKY DIAMONDS including disputes with third party SKY brands. This dispute relates to the same issues considered in the high-profile litigation involving SKY and SKY Kick before the CJEU and UK Court of Appeal around the practice of applying for trademarks with wide specification and potential issues of bad faith.
- Following a review and unauthorised use by third parties of the CQC brand we have been advising the CQC on a brand strategy; dealing with additional trade mark applications and taking enforcement action on behalf of the CQC.
DAC Beachcroft LLP
DAC Beachcroft LLP offers advice to clients on matters spanning IP portfolio management, licensing agreements and disputes involving trademark and copyright infringement. The team has a client base encompassing an equally wide range of sectors, including technology, media, consumer goods and growing industries such as cryptocurrency. Andrew Allan-Jones leads the team, with senior associate Kate Loxton also a key figure in brand protection.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Allan-Jones
Other key lawyers:
Kate Loxton
Key clients
Dogecoin Foundation
Royal Mail Group Limited
St. James’s Place
Flexicare (Group) Limited
Ultraleap Limited
Uniphy Limited
Mindtech Global Limited
The Openwork Partnership
Aardman Animations
NHS England
Work highlights
- Advising Flexicare Group on its multi-jurisdictional patent dispute with Fisher & Paykel over medical ventilator technology.
- Advising St. James’s Place on their successful rebrand.
- Advising Dogecoin on brand and reputation management, including the client’s international trade mark filing and enforcement programme.
Keystone Law
Keystone Law continues to advise clients on the management of intellectual property portfolios, including handling the protection and commercial use of IP. The practice has particular focuses on the technology sector, where it is frequently engaged on software licensing agreements, and it also provides advice to clients in the media sector on publishing deals. The practice includes Charlie White, who has a focus on the IP aspects of business-to-business transactions, and the ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ Jessica Bent, who leads on much of the team’s work involving media clients. Anna Keeling has left the firm.
Other key lawyers:
Charlie White; Jessica Bent
Testimonials
‘Jessica Bent is excellent. She is incredibly knowledgeable about trade mark matters.’
‘The focus on legal advice around copyright and intellectual property within the publishing industry has been invaluable.’
‘Both of the partners I have worked with have a high level of expertise in the area of know-how licensing which proved to be very protective of my rights in the licensing process. Firms of solicitors contacted before finding Keystone Law did not show the required familiarity with this area and had I gone with them could have exposed me to damaging risks.’
‘Jessica Bent provides a proactive approach, ensuring that timescales are met by driving meetings and calls.’
‘Very pragmatic, good insights and exceptional focus on client’s business priorities.’
‘A reliable and efficient team. Following an initial brief on what we wanted to achieve, the team set out clearly what we needed to collate and gather to feed the insight and supporting documentation. Conversations were always honest but professional.’
‘Jessica Bent was our lead. Jessica steered & navigated us expertly through the process of gathering the right type of information needed which assisted us significantly. The finished submission was well crafted and depicted the journey of our brand story perfectly.’
‘The ‘dispersed’ model guarantees a diverse and individualistic approach to legal advice. You know you are getting that lawyer’s own judgement.’
Key clients
Adam Matthew Digital Limited
Anglia Home Furnishings Limited
Bath Spa University
Bitmap Books Ltd
FluoretiQ Limited
Icon Scientific Limited
Marine Conservation Society
MediaClash Limited
Mytton Williams Ltd
Neptune (Europe) Ltd
Nevaya Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Adam Matthew Digital on its licensing agreements with archival institutions, as well as assisting on negotiations with various customer facing agreements.
- Advising niche computer games book publisher Bitmap Books on a variety of matters including content licensing and publishing agreements it enters into with publishers and contributors, and specific advice on the fair dealing exception in copyright.
- Advised specialist process analyser company Icon Scientific Limited on various intellectual property subsistence issues, licensing agreements, non-disclosure and R&D agreements.
Stephens Scown LLP
At Stephens Scown LLP, the intellectual property practice is adept at providing clients with ongoing strategic advice on the management of IP portfolios, including filings, enforcement proceedings and commercial agreements. The team has a particular focus on working with organisations based in the South West, such as universities, to provide advice to local startups on their growth. The firm’s dispute resolution practice also handles litigation involving claims of IP infringement, with Richard Slater active in this space. Ben Travers leads the overarching IP, IT and data group and has a specialism in advising technology clients on IP matters. Tom Chartres-Moore was promoted to partner in 2021 and is instructed by clients to handle both advisory and disputes work.
Practice head(s):
Ben Travers
Other key lawyers:
Richard Slater; Tom Chartres-Moore
Testimonials
‘Ben Travers and his team worked quickly and professionally to assess a very time sensitive situation for us and established a bespoke strategy for resolution for our business within an extremely short period of time. We were very impressed at how quickly and efficiently the team got things moving for us initially (as new clients), and we felt extremely reassured by the team from start to finish.’
‘Ben Travers was key in the successful resolution of our legal issue. He was calm, knowledgeable and clear with his advice and took the time to speak with us at length about both the legal ramifications of our situation and the options for a pathway to resolution, which instantly put us at ease. Ben was friendly and personable, which made the whole process a lot less scary, and his professional advice really recognised our company ethos and personal circumstances.’
Key clients
Thatchers Cider Limited
Newable
Exeter Science Park
Set Squared
University of Plymouth – Acceleration Through Innovation – ATI
Olsam
Exeter City Futures
UCL
Work highlights
- Engaged by Thatchers Cider Ltd in a significant IP project which overhauls this heritage brands interaction with IP.
- Providing IP services to the businesses supported by Newable, a provider of IP Audit funding to businesses in London. This includes strategic advice on the identification, protection and exploitation of IP.
- Undertaking brand protection work for Exeter Science Park, helping to protect its identify.
Willans LLP
Willans LLP is instructed on both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property work, acting for clients in a range of sectors including industrial manufacturing, retail and software. The team’s contentious work is led by Paul Gordon and encompasses allegations of trademark and copyright infringement, as well as breaches of contracts such as IP licensing and collaboration agreements. Kym Fletcher leads on advisory intellectual property matters, providing proactive advice on protecting IP; she also assists on the drafting of agreements for the commercial use of IP. Nick Southwell was promoted to partner in 2021 and focuses on IP disputes.
Practice head(s):
Paul Gordon; Kym Fletcher
Other key lawyers:
Nick Southwell
Testimonials
‘They have a great internal team to support them, allowing them to be super targeted and effective in what they do’
Key clients
Poundstretcher Limited
Crowncrest (Leicester) Plc
iMed Ltd
Stichd Sportsmerchandising BV (part of the PUMA Sports Group)
Excelerate Group
Joedan Manufacturing (UK) Limited
Peshavaria Exports PVT Limited
Dean Electrical Wholesale Limited
The History Press Limited
Trade Mark Wizards
Work highlights
- Advised Poundstretcher Limited and its associated company Crown Crest (Leicester) Plc on IP related aspects of their products and how to protect their IP both before and after they have been brought to market.
- Advising Stichd Sportsmerchandising BV in a claim in the High Court in respect of a breach of an IP licence agreement for Formula 1 racing products.
- Advising The History Press Limited in defending a claim for an alleged copyright infringement.
Battens Solicitors Limited
Battens Solicitors Limited focuses on intellectual property issues in the media and entertainment space, advising on the creation and protection of IP as well as its commercialisation through licensing agreements. The team handles matters involving film, TV, photography and music. Brian Levine and Peter Livingstone jointly lead the team; Levine specialises in non-contentious media IP, while Livingstone focuses on litigation as well as commercial agreements.
Practice head(s):
Brian Levine; Peter Livingstone
Key clients
Josh Wood Holdings
Bryers LLP
Robin Chapman
Copytrack GmbH
Flydocs
Polyform US
Michel Haddi
Beverley Hills Global
Work highlights
- Advising on and implementing brand management of IP for hair products leader Josh Wood Colour in the UK, EU and US.
- Advised kitchenware company on a trade mark dispute which was the subject of an appeal to the High Court (stayed pending its resolution via settlement negotiations) and involved one of the world’s largest media production companies and a world-famous TV-show.
- Advised international make-up company Beverley Hills Global in relation to its IP management worldwide including enforcement of its rights.
Laceys
At Laceys, the intellectual property team has a focus on advising clients from sectors including leisure, hospitality and consumer goods on IP issues. The team, led by corporate partner Sam Freeman, assists clients with the registration of trade marks and also represents them in opposition proceedings, with litigator Brendan Herbert the key name to note in this area. Associate Edwina Bones is highly active in the intellectual property space, particularly on non-contentious matters.
Practice head(s):
Sam Freeman
Other key lawyers:
Brendan Herbert; Edwina Bones
Work highlights
- Advised a boat manufacturer on the breach by a Formula One team of the terms of a co-existence agreement between the parties resulting in a change to the latter’s trade mark application.
- Assisted a restaurant chain with various IP assignments and licences in light of its group restructure, including trade marks database rights and domain names.
- Advising a well-known drinks brand on its ability to register new trade marks in the UK, Germany, Netherlands (or EU), Switzerland, China and Canada.
Murrell Associates LLP
At Murrell Associates LLP, the intellectual property practice provides advice to its growing client base on the registration and protection of trade marks and other copyrighted materials. The team is also instructed on commercial agreements governing the licensing, creation and ownership of IP. Legal director Rebecca Anforth leads the Truro-based team and handles both advisory and contentious work in this area.
Practice head(s):
Rebecca Anforth
Testimonials
‘What I really like about Murrell Associates is that I feel that I am getting the support, protection and advice of a big-hitting regional law firm, but delivered with the personal service of a high street practice. Over the years, they have taken the time to properly understand my business and I know that they care about its success. It feels like they are part of the team and I can ask them anything, anytime.’
‘Henry Maples has provided tremendous assistance to us over the years. His calm, considerate, and insightful advice has helped us with a range of issues. What I like about Henry’s advice is that it is not only correct by the letter of the law, but also pragmatic in regards to our business.’
Key clients
St Austell Brewery Company Limited
AR Alliance Limited
Lay’s Auctioneers Limited
Finisterre UK Limited
SUMO Services Limited
Jigsaw XYZ Limited
Events Intelligence Limited
Intermedia Brand Marketing Limited
Hub Box Limited
Eight Wire Limited
Project 2 VR Limited
Work highlights
- Advising St Austell Brewery on the protection, maintenance and enforcement of brands in its trade mark portfolio. The trade mark portfolio consists of over 120 marks and involves liaising with attorneys operating in international jurisdictions.
- Assisting AR Alliance Group with the provision of a detailed intellectual property audit for companies within the group, as well as intra-group licensing arrangements.
- Advised Finisterre on its collaboration agreement with the RNLI which included licensing provisions, intellectual property protection provisions and terms relating to commercial participators.
Steer & Co
Boutique firm Steer & Co stands out for its focus on the creative and technology sectors, where practice head Rebecca Steer provides advice to clients on the protection and commercialisation of intellectual property. The practice also provides input on agreements governing the ownership of IP created through collaborations.
Practice head(s):
Rebecca Steer
Testimonials
‘A real focus and expertise in Media, Creative and Technology.’
‘Rebecca Steer has a genuine understanding of the sector, and the specific issues and challenges facing agencies providing services. Rebecca is approachable, helpful, and is a joy to work with.’
‘We commissioned Steer & Co to overhaul our client and employment contracts, focusing on the needs of digital agencies and the involving practices within the market. The team a Steer & Co were on hand and very responsive when we had client and freelancer feedback on the contracts, implementing changes and helping gain agreement on the new contracts.’
Key clients
Calling the Shots
A Productions
Hero Towers
Graphcore
Atomic Smash
Hunbun
XMOS
GIBE Digital
Aerian Studios
Work highlights
- Advised the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) on collaboration and sponsorship between the ICA and Dr Martens for support of emerging artists funding with grants to encourage new works in moving image (known as the “Image Behaviour” exhibition and series).
- Advised Calling the Shots on template option agreements for working with new artists and creatives to enable options over IPR to be created in new works to be secured in return for collaboration between CTS and the artists.
- Advised Hero Towers’ internal exec team on various matters regarding its IPR in the course of the acquisition by Klarna Bank. The corporate work carried out by Latham Watkins.