Clarion has an 'excellent' track record in advising a string of large international clients on the full range of IP work, and is led by Esther Kirwan in Leeds. The team has trade mark and design filing expertise and has an increasing workload of cross-border mandates, acting for clients operating in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and chemical sectors. The core team is made up of Sue Streatfield, who is the key name for complex litigation and has appeared before the UK Intellectual Property Office; and senior associate Sarah Molloy, who manages a wide caseload of global trade mark matters. The group was bolstered with the arrival of Lindsey Wrenn from Wilson Gunn, who adds international design protection expertise.
Intellectual property in Yorkshire And The Humber
Clarion
Practice head(s):
Esther Kirwan
Other key lawyers:
Sue Streatfield; Sarah Molloy; Lindsey Wrenn; Jemma Green
Testimonials
‘With three experienced genuinely specialist IP partners the team has a breadth of skills and a strength in depth which is unusual within a single site full service firm in the regions. The team (and indeed Clarion as a whole) is commercial and entrepreneurial, and provides great client service.’
‘Esther Kirwan is a great leader of the team who gives clients confidence but also isn’t afraid to let more junior team members shine and show what they can do. Lindsey Wrenn was an astute addition to the team this year who brings a wealth of experience and global contacts to the firm. Jemma Green is a very able ‘allrounder’ who continues to impress and is definitely a talented IP lawyer to look out for in years to come.’
‘The team offer an excellent service, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and technically competent.’
‘I deal with Esther Kirwan who is always helpful and takes time to understand the business and the people.’
‘I have worked with this confident and capable team for a number of years. They understand the business and I have complete faith in the advice and guidance they provide. We have had a number of brand re-launches over the last 12 months and despite the difficulties everyone has faced they have remained pragmatic, forward thinking and importantly always conscious of cost. The team remains incredibly responsive and go over and above to assist our requirements.’
‘Special mention for Jemma Green who I have worked with for a long time and is always enthusiastic, knowledgeable, professional and timely in responses/updates to our business.’
‘The approachability and commerciality is what sets Clarion apart. They go a step further in understanding your business and providing legal advice in a straight forward way.’
‘The individuals we have worked with have demonstrated excellent knowledge of the issues that are relevant to our sector and are very good value for money.’
Key clients
Hermes Parcelnet Limited
FujiFilm Diosynth Biotechnologies UK Limited
Neom Limited
Anglo American Woodsmith Ltd
Frasers Group Plc and Sportsdirect.com Group Limited
Freeman Grattan Holdings
Synthomer Plc
Grangers International Limited
Yorkshire County Cricket Club
Vichugo, Inc
Work highlights
- Acted for OPM in the successful enforcement of its patents for a cutting edge development for the packaging for wet wipes against infringers in the UK and abroad.
- Managed the Harrison Spinks group’s global trade mark portfolio, enforced its trade marks and patents and advised on a wide range of national and international manufacturing and supply and joint venture agreements and patent, know-how and trade mark licences.
- Successfully enforced Polypipe’s IP rights including copyright and trade mark rights and drafted high-value collaboration agreements.
DLA Piper
Highlighted as ‘robust and insightful’, the IP practice at DLA Piper continues to be at the forefront of acting for high-profile national and global corporates operating in the technology sector. Overseen by Leigh Martin in Leeds and Sheffield-based Richard Taylor, the group handles a significant amount of IP litigation, cross-border counterfeit work, and trade mark prosecutions. Fielding a strong team of associates, the group also advises on patent and trade mark mandates; Jim McDonnell is the key name for technology transactions and Aaron Trebble has a niche in computer gaming law.
Practice head(s):
Leigh Martin; Richard Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Jim McDonnell; Aaron Trebble
Testimonials
‘DLA Piper has strong IP teams in Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham and London. They are efficient, robust and insightful. They are particularly good at identifying client’s commercial goals and running litigation to ensure that they are met.’
‘Leigh Martin – is a very effective operator who always has the commercial goals of his clients in mind. He is efficient and always on top of the factual, commercial and legal issues which need to be addressed.’
‘Richard Taylor – is an impressive litigator who always gets to the bottom of the client’s commercial drivers and leads his team in an insightful and effective way.’
‘Aaron Trebble – is an impressive senior associate who manages litigation well and efficiently. He is able to manage extremely complex cases and is experienced in organising search and freezing orders.’
‘It’s been a difficult year and DLA Piper have supported us as a key supplier partner throughout on some of the largest and innovative projects. Their willingness to keep up to date and deliver on niche areas of our sector is what sets them apart from competitors. Team members have continued to be proactive in their research, advice and support.’
Key clients
Unilever Plc
Heineken UK Limited
Clinigen Plc
Globeride, Inc.
Willerbys
Portakabin Limited
GE Healthcare
Merlin Attractions Operations Limited
LivaNova Plc
Victoria Plum
Work highlights
- Lead adviser to Heineken UK in relation to its entire global trade mark portfolio, all brand and trade mark disputes, and IP advice generally.
- Instructed by GE Healthcare on multiple transactions and advisory matters involving significant intellectual property advice.
- Advised Clinigen Plc on its largest-ever IP licence and distribution deal, worth around $500m per annum.
Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP
Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP has 'excellent technical knowledge' and houses a team of seasoned IP practitioners and patent attorneys, which advises global corporates operating across the chemistry and life sciences sector. The group has a strong contentious practice with Richard Kempner heading up the litigation group, which represents claimants and defendants in patent infringement claims before the High Court. Co-head Jason Dainty leads the trade mark sub-group and is the key name for brand strategy and protection work; he acts for domestic and European clients on trade mark portfolios and licensing arrangements. New partner Brian Whitehead handles copyright and design right issues before the High Court.
Practice head(s):
Richard Kempner; Jason Dainty
Other key lawyers:
Brian Whitehead; Martin Delafaille
Testimonials
‘Excellent technical knowledge and easy to deal with.’
‘Richard Kempner – very commercial but clearly a leader in his field. Martin Delafaille – very smart, and great client care.’
Key clients
Nomad Foods Europe (Birds Eye, Findus etc)
Tesco Stores Limited
Wren Kitchens
Mamas & Papas
Giorgio Armani
Kurt Geiger
BASF
Farrow & Ball
Roche Diagnostics
Callaway Golf
Jet2.com
Pathway IP Sarl (“Regus”)
Ascential
Gianni Versace S.r.l.
The Restaurant Group
Work highlights
- Successfully defended Tesco in a patent infringement action at the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC), in the case Janger Limited v Tesco Stores Limited.
- Successful in securing new patent work from Wren.
- Instructed by DiaSorin SPA on a collaboration related to the commercialisation of a new method of testing for nucleic acid amplification and detection base.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
The IP group at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP fields a team of 'genuine experts' and is overseen by the highly rated James Love. The practice is active across the food and drink, oil and gas, hospitality, and healthcare sectors, and handles an assortment of regional and international instructions including patent litigation, complex trade mark issues and design prosecutions. The team has expertise in advising on the full IP lifecycle, with counsel Patrick Cantrill advising on contentious and non-contentious IP matters; associate Rachel Hearson focusing on trade marks, and Rose Smalley handling enforcement work. The team also regularly appears before the High Court in patent disputes.
Practice head(s):
James Love
Other key lawyers:
Patrick Cantrill; Rose Smalley; Rachel Hearson
Testimonials
‘Working mainly with the Leeds office and are more than pleased with their work. They are always up to speed giving accurate recommendations and advice in time to the right price!’
‘Wombles team around Patrick Cantrill, James Love and Rachel Hearson as well as Rose Smalley have an uncomplicated approach to trade marks and are capable to explain complicated IP aspects to clients – of course they are highly versed and experienced in all aspects of trade mark prosecution and litigation – And they are very approachable and responsive as well as simply nice! They are wonderful to work with. Highly recommended. The are always willing to go the extra mile.’
‘Patrick Cantrill – Patrick is very responsive and an excellent lawyer. He is commercial and has a clear passion for his area of expertise. He is an exceptional negotiator and always mindful of the client’s ultimate goals and business.’
‘Top drawer Intellectual property practice, with vast global experience and seasoned experts at the helm. Their advice is clear and succinct.’
‘I have worked with James Love for over 25 years now. James’ legal counsel is exceptional.’
‘James Love -shows an interest in and understanding of our business and offers practical and insightful guidance on strategic and every day IP matters.’
‘WBD provides us with excellent and actionable advice, without sending lengthy memos or being overly formal. WBD really feels like an extension to our team. ’
‘James Love is my go-to lawyer for advice across the full range of IP. James has excellent knowledge of our brand and industry and provides practical and actionable advice. He thinks out of the box and comes with creative ideas to resolve any issues we may face.’
Key clients
Geofabrics Limited
Grafton LSR
GoCompare.com Limited / GoCo Group
Drax Plc
English Heritage / Historic England
TomTom International
University of Leeds
Vetements Group AG
North of England / Sunderland Marine
R. H. Smith & Son’s (Wigmakers) Limited t/a Smiffys
Work highlights
- Represented Geofabrics in a specialist High Court patent dispute involving the infringement of one of the client’s UK patents in the field of rail technology.
- Secured settlement for Smiffys in various opposition and challenge actions relating to the use and registration of the marks PIGGY BACK and CARRY ME.
- Advised on the expansion of protection for This Is The Big Deal’s LOOK AFTER MY BILLS brand, including defending oppositions to UK trade mark applications.
HGF Law
HGF Law has a strong international IP offering with offices across Europe helping to facilitate large cross-border mandates. Martyn Fish manages the team, which handles contentious work for clients in the retail, construction, pharmaceuticals, technology and automotive sectors. The team assists with patent infringements, litigation and transactional matters. James Talbot is the key name for commercial matters, corporate due diligence work and commercialisation issues.
Practice head(s):
Martyn Fish
Other key lawyers:
James Talbot
Testimonials
‘As a law firm which sits alongside a patent and trade mark firm as its sister company, lawyers and patent/trade mark attorneys work well together.’
‘The safeguarding of our IP and our confidence in our freedom to operate are crucial for us. HGF constantly and consistently guide us in safeguarding our intellectual assets and in navigating the field we are entering, with regular presence and communication, constant watching of the legal and patent landscape in our industry and clear and logical direction on maintaining our innovation, market edge and our freedom to exploit it.’
‘HGF are an asset in that we can go to them with any and all matters associated with IP and how it stands up in our commercial arena.’
‘HGF never fail to meet our pace and be at hand when we require, managing never to delay what we are doing. A seamless cover of all our requirements.’
Key clients
Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited and its UK subsidiary Ranbaxy UK Limited
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Limited
TI Media
IHC IQIP Limited
Braiform (UK)
Rocket Games (Pie Face Game)
The Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation
Pearlfisher
Fresh Trading Limited (Innocent Drinks)
Toyota
We Buy Any Car
Logitech Europe
Joe Browns Limited
Warwick University
Work highlights
- Acting for Sun Pharma in a range of patent and litigation matters.
- Acting for The Hut Group in a multi-jurisdictional trade mark infringement dispute against a multinational food company.
- Acting for one of the top 10 largest automotive manufacturers in the world in defending a claim of infringement of a third-party trade mark.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard's IP practice group acts for a number of household brands on contentious and non-contentious work related to patents, trade marks and copyrights. Georgina Powling leads the team out of Leeds and handles transactional work, M&A activity, and has a thriving trade mark filing practice. Associate Tom Doyle advises on complex commercial arrangements. The department has a cross-office approach and works with the firm's teams in London and Manchester on regional mandates.
Practice head(s):
Georgina Powling
Other key lawyers:
Tom Doyle
Key clients
National Grid
Associated British Foods
British Airways
Asda Stores Ltd
Volkswagen
SSE Energy Supply Limited
C-Capture Limited
Diageo Great Britain Limited
Battersea Power Station
Work highlights
- Advised Volkswagen in relation to all intellectual property aspects of its major global alliance with Ford.
- Managed the trade mark portfolios of a number of household names, such as Harrods, PZ Cussons and Travelodge Hotels.
- Advised T Cards in relation to a complex IP dispute regarding the ownership of business critical software at the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court.
Irwin Mitchell
At Irwin Mitchell, the practice is known for its focus on national and cross-border litigation matters and is headed up by Alex Newman in Leeds. The team act for clients in the food and drink, consumer electronics, cosmetics, and telecoms sectors. Co-head Joanne Bone leads the non-contentious work, which includes advising brands on design protection issues, trade marks and copyright infringements. The team also has a specialist reputation management group, which deals with defamation, harassment and privacy matters.
Practice head(s):
Alex Newman; Joanne Bone
Key clients
Natural Instinct Limited
BetterYou Limited
Gravity Fitness Limited
Adare International Limited
The Janger Limited
Work highlights
- Successfully acted for Natural Instinct Limited in its trade mark infringement and passing off claim against its competitor in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court.
- Advising Gravity Fitness Limited in relation to the merits of a UK trade mark opposition that has been brought by Warner Bros, Inc.
- Acted for The Janger Limited in its patent infringement claim against Tesco Stores plc in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court.
Lupton Fawcett
Lupton Fawcett's IP practice group is headed up by Clive Lawrence in Leeds and is active in patent infringement proceedings, trade mark infringements and design right issues. The team acts for a range of technology and software start-ups, not-for-profit companies and large businesses and is well placed to handle national and cross-border matters. Key contacts in the team are consultant John Sykes and experienced litigator Ben Clay. Trade mark specialist Michelle Rock is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Clive Lawrence
Other key lawyers:
John Sykes; Ben Clay; Michelle Rock
Key clients
Jacuzzi Spa & Baths Limited
Outform EMEA Limited
Campaign for Fairer Gambling
British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association CIC
Ecofficiency Limited
The Property Buying Company Limited
The Horse Trust
Nature’s Safe
Arc Inspirations Limited
Igloo Regeneration Limited
Kroher Strobel Rechts- und Patentanwälte PartmbB
Work highlights
- Acted for Jacuzzi Spa & Baths Limited in an endorsement agreement with Olympic and World Champion swimmer Adam Peaty dealing with the use of image rights, trade marks and copyright and performance rights in media products.
- Defended Outform EMEA Limited in a potential patent infringement claim from a Swiss Company relating to secure display cases for luxury watches.
- Advising Nature’s Safe on the full range of its intellectual property and commercial relationships, commencing with brand and trade mark advice and its core technical services agreements.
Walker Morris LLP
Walker Morris LLP has a proven track record in handling a steady stream of contentious and non-contentious IP mandates for leading national clients. Overseen by director Alan Harper, the team has experience in appearing before the High Court, defending trade mark infringement matters and copyright issues. Senior associate Matthew Lingard focuses on technology and software work, and has a growing practice in the sports sector; he is recommended for non-contentious matters including commercialisation and partnership deals.
Practice head(s):
Alan Harper
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Lingard
Testimonials
‘Alan Harper remains level-headed in the midst of a furore. He stands out as being able effectively to identify and focus on the important points, getting results quickly and efficiently. He’s precisely what you want to succeed in litigation at a sensible cost.’
‘The main thing I find with Walker Morris is their friendly approach. I never feel patronised or given incomprehensive jargon.’
‘As with the team, the warmth of approach stands out. In particular Alan Harper. They will always help, very quickly.’
‘Walker Morris are a strong firm that defy the “regional” epithet: they are more than capable of going toe-to-toe with any London firm.’
‘Alan Harper and Matthew Lingard are top notch – commercial, sensible, and easy to work with.’
‘I like how they work, it’s always professional. Their people all seem approachable and friendly.’
‘Alan Harper in particular never lets me down, his hard work, advice and support is second to none.’
Key clients
Easy Cleaning Solutions
Warburtons
Ferrero Group/Fox’s Biscuits
Hallmark Cards
Moulded Fibre Products
Deckers Outdoor Corporation
The Meatless Farm Co Limited
Avacta Group Plc
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
Totemic Ltd
Symington’s Limited
Globe-Trotter Group
Cubico Bathrooms
Drax Group Plc
The R.R. McReynolds Company, LLC
Sheffield Wednesday FC
Tinkture – The Clean Alcohol Company
Ellis Patent Holdings
Fluent LLC
Work highlights
- Acted on behalf of Easy Cleaning Solutions in the defence of a major trade mark infringement claim brought by easyGroup, owners of the EasyJet brand.
- Instructed to act on behalf of Ferrero Group in relation to its trade marks and brand protection.
- Provide full service IP support to Hallmark Cards in relation to its brands and products.
3volution Limited
3volution Limited's IP group is led by Louise Handley in Leeds and handles matters for local and international clients in the higher education, technology and pharmaceuticals sectors. The group advises on IP infringement matters, licensing agreements and trade marks. Non-contentious work is handled by Sara Ludlam.
Practice head(s):
Louise Handley
Other key lawyers:
Sara Ludlam
Key clients
Twisted Automotive Limited
Skinviva Limited
Buff Holdings UK & Ireland Inc
The Grid Factory
Proveca Limited
RAFT Solutions Limited
Yorkshire Cancer Research
Evoluto Automobili Limited
3D Ortho Products Limited
Berwins
The digital team at Berwins is based in Harrogate and advises clients on non-contentious IP matters including copyright issues, brand protection work and corporate due diligence. Practice head Paul Berwin is experienced in obtaining European trade marks for clients and is recommended for business-critical IP and IT issues.
Practice head(s):
Paul Berwin
Key clients
Ethos Asset Finance Limited
PureTec Limited
FluidIT Consulting Limited
Twentysix Limited
IData Technology Limited
Anthony Hodges Consulting Limited
Simple Online Healthcare Limited
Data OD Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Ethos Asset Finance on the development and registration of business critical intellectual property.
- Applied for a series of European trade marks for PureTec Ltd.
- Acted to safeguard the IP of a FluidIT valuable product.
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP’s IP practice has a focus on the education, healthcare, and technology sectors and led by Mark Pearce in Leeds. The cross-departmental team advises clients on commercial contracts, licensing issues and trade mark opposition work.
Practice head(s):
Mark Pearce
Key clients
Ikon Gallery
Black Country Living Museum
England Golf
Royal Veterinary College
Fox International Group Limited
Premia Solutions Limited
The Institute of Engineering and Technology
Connected Places Catapult
Joint Council for Qualifications
University of Nottingham
Work highlights
- Advising Fox International Group Limited on a brand ambassador arrangement with a YouTube personality including the drafting of the assignment.
- Instructed by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) to take enforcement action to remove websites selling fake certificates.
- Conducted a full IP audit for the Ikon Gallery and the Black Country Living Museum.
Rollits LLP
Rollits LLP's group is active in the food and drink, technology, and charity sectors, and is overseen by Keith Benton. The IP practice provides both a non-contentious offering to clients, advising on brand exploitation issues, commercialisation work, and international trade mark protection matters. Commercial partner James Peel focuses on contractual agreements, while Andrew Digwood in York has dispute resolution expertise.
Practice head(s):
Keith Benton
Other key lawyers:
James Peel Andrew Digwood
Testimonials
‘This team is extremely capable! They are up to date with key issues in the field, provide ready access to expertise and high quality briefings.’
Key clients
AAK International
AB Graphic International Limited
Family Fund Trust
Family Fund Business Services
Hallite Seals International
Hull City Tigers
Ideal Standard
Leeds City College
Institute for Strategic Dialogue
Quandoo Gmbh
Hull College
The Bio-D Company Limited
The Skills Network
Work highlights
- Advised Family Fund Trust on a significant licence and commercial participation arrangement with a major brand holder to support charitable causes.
- Advised Expensemate Limited (part of the J. R. Rix & Sons Group) on various matters including trade mark registrations and software licensing terms.
- Provided Leeds City College with strategic brand protection advice in connection with the college’s rebranding to Luminate Education Group.
Virtuoso Legal
Specialist IP boutique Virtuoso Legal is 'exceptional' according to clients and have extensive experience in contentious matters, acting before the High Courts and Court of Appeal. Under the leadership of Elizabeth Ward and director Kirsten Loft, the group handles brand protection work, trade mark issues, and copyright enforcement actions. The group has expanded its strength at the associate level with recent recruitments from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP.
Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Ward; Kirsten Toft
Testimonials
‘I have been in business for many years and have had dealings with many legal practices. Virtuoso Legal is without doubt unique from all others I have had dealings with in that their total approach to their clients is exceptional. They have cast aside the stuffy formal approach and engage totally to understand and support the client. They are both reactive and proactive and most importantly instil trust and confidence. Good communication, forward thinking and knowledge of their business is key to their success.’
‘The partners all work to the ethics of their principal, Elizabeth Ward, who herself is outstanding. Owing to her background in business as well as law, she understands the importance of customer approach and communication and she encourages the same approach from her team. She is a true leader and is outstanding in her communication approach and case matter management.’
‘Always on time! very happy with the information they discovered! Everything/the firm is completely paperless and the team had access to everything in seconds.’
‘Liz Ward was key in the negotiations to our success. It helps when your lawyer has a better understanding of IP law than your opponent!’
‘The entire team are our external ‘in-house’ IP experts and are very much part of our business. They provide, when required, real time support to our company that is normally only available by having an in-house IP legal team. They are integral to the innovative health care strategy our company deploys.’
‘Liz Ward and Kirsten Toft have created a culture of working very closely with Virtuoso’s customers. They and their colleagues provide an incredibly professional service, delivered in a friendly, supportive manner which drives, for us, the feeling of having our ‘own’ IP team. In a world where the word service tends to equal, at best, ‘average’, it is truly a delight to have Virtuoso supporting our business.’
Key clients
Medical Hair Restoration (Manchester) Limited
Fresh Locations Limited
Sounds-Write Limited
The Cooking Guild
Floreon – Transforming Packaging Limited
M L Technology Limited
MEDQP Limited
Flagship Housing Group Limited
PBS International
Aquadam Europe Limited
Work highlights
- Assisting Medical Hair Restoration (Manchester) Limited with resolving a trade mark dispute with an international coexisting business through the identification and acquisition of key European trade marks.
- Supporting a medical consultancy with international reach in a host of commercial activities, including acquisition and assignment of patents and other intellectual property, licensing agreements, confidentiality, and more.
- Advising M L Technology Limited / Naurex on the resolution of a dispute resulting from a share purchase and breach of contract relating to IP rights in the business.
Gateley Plc
At Gateley Plc, the IP practice is led by Rob Lucas and advises on the full range of matters including brand protection, trade mark, licensing and contractual mandates. The group retains its sector strength across the manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries, and manages international portfolios.
Practice head(s):
Rob Lucas
Other key lawyers:
Ed Miekle
LCF Law
At LCF Law, the commercial IP team handles contractual matters, trade mark filings, and patent litigation work, and is headed up by James Sarjantson. The group's client list is made up of owner-managed businesses and SMEs operating in the chemicals, machinery and software sectors. Thomas Taylor joined the department from Needle Partners Limited and is experienced in handling complex disputes for local and regional clients.
Practice head(s):
James Sarjantson
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Taylor
Testimonials
‘I believe LCF is the most approachable and helpful firm I’ve worked with. James Sarjantson has been our key point of contact and is always available, helpful and above all, extremely competent.’
‘James Sarjantson is our main point of contact and is a real pleasure to work with. James is an extremely competent solicitor, but always goes beyond our expectations with support and advice beyond what we would normally expect from a legal firm.’
‘The team at LCF are always very responsive, pragmatic and commercially minded. They ensure they understand enough about our business to advise us well, but within the financial constraints of a small business.’
‘LCF continues to remain proactive, relevant and always accessible. I’ve yet to find a problem they’ve not been able to robustly resolve.’
‘James Sarjantson – always there when needed, no matter the time or day.’
‘James provides exceptional, commercially aware solutions (often at very short notice) on behalf of our blue chip clients.’
Key clients
Hygiene Supplies Direct Ltd
Percy Crow Davis & Co
Percy Crow Davis & Co is headed up by sole practitioner Dai Davis, who handles an assortment of IP and IT matters for owner-managed clients in the engineering sector. Engagements include advising on complex licensing work, trade mark infringement claims and commercialisation issues. Non-contentious IP transactions also feature in the workload.
Practice head(s):
Dai Davis
Testimonials
‘A rigorous academic background in natural sciences combined with a thorough technical knowledge and over 30 years experience of the law.’
‘Dai understands how the discipline has developed over the last 30 years.’
‘I have only dealt with Dai. He is very pragmatic and is a qualified engineer, so understands the technical aspects, not just the legal aspects of the projects he advises on. In my experience, this is very unusual to be able to cover both sets of disciplines.’
‘Highly professional and experienced in negotiating and drafting IPR licencing agreements in particular Dai Davis’ skills standout.’
‘Dai Davis personal yet professional throughout long standing process to refine and reach mutual agreement between the parties.’
‘Percy Crow Davis provides a proactive and personalised service with deep knowledge and experience, but without the cost levels associated with large law firms.’
‘All work is treated at high level by an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner. The firm is client focused and gets the job done as effectively as possible through capability and experience.’
‘Dai Davis has both breadth and depth of experience in his fields of information technology, computer law, intellectual property and contracts gained at more than one major law firm on high value projects. He is responsive to client needs, takes into account client sensitivities and constraints and overall delivers on the job.’
Key clients
Lead Advisory Company
Different Kettle of Fish Limited
Discount-Licensing Limited
Adact Medical
TÜV SÜD Limited
Inbox Insight Limited
Curtis Furniture Limited
OTL Limited
Arcangels Trailer Safe Limited
Step on Flooring Limited
Work highlights
- Assisting an international business to business marketing company with drafting and negotiating an Outsourcing Agreement with and involving the passing of intellectual property to a South African company.
- Advising multiple SME manufacturing companies on patentable inventions.
- Advising a video creation company in respect of copyright issues arising out of work undertaken in contract with Secretary of State for Transport.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP’s IP team advises on non-contentious issues across trade mark protection work and portfolio management issues, with director Louise Fullwood as the key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Louise Fullwood
Ward Hadaway LLP
Ward Hadaway's IP group has 'excellent legal knowledge' and is led by Bill Goodwin. The team acts for start-ups, SMEs, and entrepreneurial clients across Leeds and Manchester on sponsorship matters, trade mark portfolios, and global brand protection work. Commercial contact expert Rebecca Whisker supports the workload by advising on IP protection and exploitation issues.
Practice head(s):
Bill Goodwin
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Whisker
Testimonials
‘Ultimately, we use legal professionals to help us navigate complexities and achieve commercially sensible results. Ward Hadaway simply do this extremely well. They highlight the options and aren’t afraid to make a recommendation, which is perhaps the most valuable to us as a client. The individuals are thorough and take a real interest in our business, which puts them in a much better position to advise actions that work in the context of our overall objectives.’
‘We value the relationships greatly. Bill Goodwin has taken an active interest in our business from a very early stage and has been a real part of helping us shape our IP portfolio from the outset. We consult with him on any new branding or potential IP acquisitions, because the nature of the relationship is collaborative. His honest and actionable feedback is incredibly useful and helps us avoid potential pitfalls.’
‘A very strong team with excellent legal knowledge.’
‘I work with Bill Goodwin. Bill has helped me with a number of trade mark and patent issues. I am always impressed by Bill’s rapid response and practical solutions. He has excellent legal knowledge and is good value.’
Key clients
HISENSE NEUROCAMP
PICO FITNESS HOLDINGS LIMITED
WHOCANFIXMYCAR.COM LTD
BUSINESS AND IP CENTRES (BIPC) LEEDS AND MANCHESTER
BRITISH EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION (BESA)
PRO-LITE INTERNATIONAL LTD (PRO-LITE BIKES)
BRAINWAVE BRANDS LIMITED
CONNECT HEALTH LIMITED
CONNECTION FLOORING LIMITED (FLOORING SUPERSTORE)