The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > Yorkshire And The Humber > Intellectual property

DLA Piper UK LLP's Yorkshire-based intellectual property practice has capabilities in contentious and non-contentious matters including licensing transactions, patent and trade mark litigation, pan-European anti-counterfeiting seizures and actions, and the coordination of international disputes. It is instructed by a range of clients from household-name brands to medical diagnostics companies. The group is jointly led by the 'efficient' Leigh Martin and Richard Taylor from Leeds and Sheffield respectively; Martin focuses on trade mark and design strategy while Taylor handles a range of IP transactions and disputes. Legal director Rebecca Piper also has a broad practice which includes handling litigation and advising on IP issues arising out of corporate transactions.

Intellectual property specialist firm Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP  assists its impressive client roster of UK and international companies with a full range of instructions from protection, exploitation, enforcement and defence of rights. It is frequently instructed by well-known brands across the retail, fashion, food and technology sectors. Practice head Richard Kempner and managing partner Jason Dainty handle a  broad range of contentious and non-contentious work, while Martin Delafaille has particular expertise advising brand owners on the registration and exploitation of their trade marks and designs. Matthew Sammon opened his own IP firm, Sonder IP.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP recently strengthened its practice with the acquisition of intellectual property boutique James Love Legal. The group combines the practices' impressive client rosters and breadth of capabilities across the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters with Womble Bond Dickinson's transatlantic presence. Patrick Cantrill heads up the practice which includes Rachel Hearson, who also leads the firm's national trade mark and design rights group, and benefits from the addition of the 'well-regarded' James Love, who has broad experience in complex IP litigation.

Addleshaw Goddard's team is highlighted for its strength in advising its impressive client roster of household names on the full range of non-contentious matters. It is frequently instructed by a range of national and international blue-chip companies in corporate transactions with complex IP elements. Practice head Georgina Powling is well-regarded for her expertise in advising on M&A and finance transactions, as well as commercial agreements and research and development agreements. The group benefits from the ability to leverage the firm's commercial disputes team in contentious matters.

Clarion handles the full range of commercial, contentious and advisory work including patent, copyright, design and trade mark infringement litigation, brand creation and brand clearance, as well as trade mark registration and licensing work. Esther Kirwan heads up the practice and focuses on patent and other IP disputes and strategic advice, while recently promoted partner Sue Streatfield focuses on trade mark related matters.

IP boutique HGF Law has a broad practice, which is particularly noted for its trade mark and patent litigation capabilities in the healthcare and retail sectors. With a breadth of experience, practice head Martyn Fish is frequently instructed on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters relating to patents, trade marks, copyright, design rights and misuse of confidential information. The team benefits from the addition of digital and technology-focused solicitor James Talbot from Berwins.

The intellectual property team at Irwin Mitchell has the capacity to handle a range of dispute resolution and strategic advisory work. The group is particularly active in the IT, retail and manufacturing sectors. Alex Newman and Joanne Bone jointly head the practice and specialise in contentious and non-contentious matters respectively. Senior associate Emma Yates also has notable experience in IP litigation and reputation management work.

The intellectual property team at Pinsent Masons LLP assists clients with a range of non-contentious and strategic advice. Legal director Louise Fullwood heads up the practice and focuses on matters with a science and technology component.

The intellectual property, trade mark and designs group at Walker Morris LLP assists its impressive client roster of well-known brands and high-profile public and private companies with the full spectrum of IP matters. The group has a particular strength in the food production and consumer goods, and sports sectors. Directors Alan Harper and Heather Williams head the IP solicitors team and the trade mark attorney practice respectively. Clients praise Harper as 'enthusiastic and knowledgeable'; he handles a range of contentious and non-contentious work relating to all IP rights, while Williams advises on all aspects trade mark and design law.

Berwins is frequently instructed to assist clients with the protection of IP rights and boasts particular experience in the digital and IT sectors. The group handles a range of contractual, commercial and corporate transactions as well as providing strategic brand protection advice. Practice head Paul Berwin specialises in digital contracts and representing software companies and digital marketing agencies.

Lupton Fawcett is instructed to advise on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters covering the full range IP rights, from patents and designs law to trade marks, copyright and database rights. Its client roster includes high-profile companies and start-ups. Practice head Clive Lawrence, who is experienced in the media and sports sectors, handles commercial matters and disputes; and senior associate Ben Clay has expertise in obtaining, exploiting and enforcing a range of rights, and defending infringement allegations. Former partner John Sykes has taken a consultancy role.

With technology, life sciences and education sector expertise, Mills & Reeve LLP is instructed on a range of intellectual property matters ranging from advising on the protection of rights in corporate transactions to representing clients in high-profile patent litigation. Mark Pearce heads up the national practice from the Leeds office and has experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Rollits LLP is frequently instructed to advise on the development and implementation of IP strategies, with particular expertise in the food, manufacturing and charity sectors. Hull-based practice head Keith Benton focuses on commercial and non-contentious IP matters, while York-based dispute resolution partner Andrew Digwood brings litigation capabilities. Recently promoted partner James Peel advises clients on the creation, licensing and use of IP rights, with notable experience in the sports sector.

Gateley Plc's intellectual property practice advises on a range of strategic and commercial matters, brand protection work and portfolio management for its clients, which include local and national businesses in the retail, food and drink, and manufacturing sectors. The team was established by the arrival of Rob Lucas from Shulmans LLP in 2018; Lucas boasts experience in a range of contentious and non-contentious IP work with IT, sports and media and entertainment sector specialisms.

The commercial and intellectual property team at LCF Law is noted for its representation of owner-managed businesses, online retailers and IT sector clients alongside particular expertise advising on the EU Biocidal Products Directive and Regulation. James Sarjantson heads up the practice and has experience across the full range of IP rights.

Known particularly for its sport,  media and entertainment sectors expertise, the intellectual property practice at McCormicks assists clients with the protection and monetisation of their IP rights. The group also acts for several clients in the retail sector and is increasingly being instructed by start-ups. Corporate and commercial lawyer Jon Healey heads up the team, while name partner Peter McCormick is a key name to note, particularly for sports sector work.

The intellectual property team at Ward Hadaway frequently advises its client base, which ranges from start-ups and local SME technology businesses to well-known brands, on a range of non-contentious matters for the development, protection and exploitation of rights. Bill Goodwin heads up the group and is particularly active in the technology and manufacturing industries, while Gareth Yates focuses on the IT sector.