Brandsmiths > Manchester, England > Firm Profile
Brandsmiths Offices
CHANCERY PLACE 50 BROWN STREET
MANCHESTER
M2 2JG
England
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- Rankings
Brandsmiths > The Legal 500 Rankings
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2
Brandsmiths’ specialist IP team in Manchester is particularly well regarded for its IP litigation experience, acting for a varied range of brands and household names in claims up to the Supreme Court. Michael Forrester leads the practice and is actively involved in disputes relating to registered and unregistered designs, trade marks and passing off. Experienced IP litigators Andrew Lee and John Battersby are also noted, along with football industry specialist Tom Keane and Jacob O’Brien, who regularly acts for technology companies. Claire Meyers joined the team in 2022, adding to the firm’s litigation expertise.Practice head(s):
Michael Forrester
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Lifestyle Equities CV
Iconix Brand Group (Umbro, Lee Cooper, Starter etc)
RW Invest North Ltd
TickX
Everton FC
Beyond Corporate / Beyond Group
Night Addict / Whispering Smith
SpectrumX Healthcare
Work highlights
- Representing Beverly Hills Polo Club in a claim involving key issues of director’s personal liability for intellectual property infringement.
- Acting for Beverly Hills Polo Club in the Court of Appeal against Amazon in a claim targeting on online advertisements, especially in the way done by the Amazon platform.
- Representing Iconix in a key trade mark case relating to the Umbro diamond.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 2
Brandsmiths is recommended for its football industry expertise, with the firm representing a number of well-known clubs and individual players, including retired greats of the game such as Roberto Carlos. The firm assists with matters ranging from employment and sponsorship deals to defamation. Tom Keane, who works on player transfers and branding matters, leads the team. Keane is supported by the ‘brilliant‘ David Seligman, who has a strong record in disputes over players’ salaries and unpaid agents’ fees. Head of litigation Michael Forrester is also a name to note.Practice head(s):
Tom Keane
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very personal service that not many companies have now. Sound advice, just getting the right result.’
‘David Seligman is brilliant. His manor and knowledge stands out. Advice is delivered in an easy to understand way. Would highly recommend him.’
‘David Seligman’s knowledge, availability and proactiveness has been very helpful for us as we navigate the early years of starting a business. We have already recommended him to various contacts of ours as we appreciate how he goes about his work and relationships, his personal touch makes it feel like he is almost a part of our company.’
‘Strong depth across the team with a passion for the subject. Excellent advice provided on a consistent basis and pleasant to deal with.’
‘Michael Forrester is a tenacious litigator.’
Key clients
Manchester United FC
SCR Altach
Everton FC
Coventry City FC
Dundee United FC
John Hartson
Consilium Sports Group
Roberto Carlos
Joe Joyce
Guido Vianella
Kody Davies
New Era Global Sports Management Ltd
Wasserman
Mansa Sports Management
Ben Foster
Prodigy Sports Group
Michael Keane
Oldham Athletic (2004) Associated Football Club Limited
YMU
EMG Mundial
Jeremie Frimpong
Prolific Sports Group
Entourage Sports & Entertainment
Evolve Talent Group
Umbro
Work highlights
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 4
Brandsmiths’s ‘young and energetic’ practice is noted for its expertise in IP litigation, particularly in the trade mark and copyright arenas, as demonstrated by its representation in the Lifestyle Equities v Ahmed case, involving a novel element concerning the scope of an infringing parties’ liability to account for profits. ‘Ingenious’ Andy Lee, who spearheads the practice, is an experienced IP litigator, notably within the sphere of trade marks, while founding partner Adam Morallee regularly acts for clients in the sport and media sectors. Joel Barry handles trade mark issues, and other names to note include John Battersby and Jacob O’Brien.Practice head(s):
Andrew Lee
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Andrew Lee, who is knowledgeable, ingenious and very tactically astute, marshals a large team of bright young associates and trainees, and together they provide an excellent service which is good value for money.’
‘They are a pleasure to work with. It is a team of young and energetic professionals, who give you straight answers and adapt to the client.’
‘Andrew Lee is very knowledgeable on all aspects of trade mark procedure and civil litigation.’
‘They are a highly specialised team. I like the small size of the firm and the effort they make in keeping a close contact with clients, whatever the size.’
‘Andrew Lee is a great professional, who is very good at developing and maintaining the client relationship. He makes even tiny clients very valued.’
‘Amazing, humble practice with industry leading IP knowledge.’
Key clients
Beverly Hills Polo Club
Entertainment One
Microsoft
Iconix Brand Group Ltd
Pentland Brands
Vinted
Only Fools & Horses – The Dining Experience
YMU Management
BMW
Kingdom of Sweets
BigClothing4U
Abbott Lyon