Appleyard Lees

Appleyard Lees continues to expand its comprehensive suite of intellectual property services,including patent and trade mark prosecution and dispute resolution, with the appointment of Arnie Francis, a qualified UK and European patent attorney and solicitor of England and Wales. One of only a handful of UK firms investing in Unified Patent Court (UPC) litigation expertise, Appleyard Lees are strategically positioning themselves as a leader in this emerging field. With the UPC offering new opportunities and challenges, Arnie’s dual qualifications further enhance the firm’s ability to service clients navigating the UPC system. On joining the Firm, Arnie said, “I am thrilled to be joining Appleyard Lees and contributing to its reputation as a leader in intellectual property law as it continues to expand its service offering. As both a patent attorney and solicitor, I am looking forward to drawing together my varied experience to help our clients successfully navigate the complex intersection of legal, technical and commercial issues that arise in today’s evolving IP landscape.”  Speaking on Arnie’s appointment, Bobby Smithson, Appleyard Lees Managing Partner commented, “Adding Arnie’s rare combination of skills to our team is a significant step forward as the firm continues to grow. This appointment aligns with our strategy to expand our service portfolio and deliver unparalleled expertise to our clients.” Partner and Head of Litigation, Robert Cumming, added, “As the UPC emphasises active case management, English solicitors familiar with IPEC have a unique advantage in serving clients with UPC litigation. I am excited that Arnie’s unique skill set, combining both technical and legal expertise, will boost the firm’s growing capabilities in UPC litigation. “Arnie’s expertise also strengthens our well-established IP litigation team, which includes myself and specialist IP solicitors Chris Hoole, Daniel Bailey and Christopher Thomas. Arnie’s distinct expertise further diversifies our broad-skilled team, recently expanded by the addition of transactional IP specialist, Amrit Jethwa.”  

(UK, April 2025) Appleyard Lees is thrilled to announce that Paul Roscoe MEng/CPA/EPA, Beverley Robinson LLB (Hons)/MCITMA, Sarah Gibbs BSc/PhD/EPA/CPA/MRSC and James Myatt PGDip/MChem/PhD/MRSC/EPA/CPA joined the partnership on 1 April 2025. This marks the largest-ever cohort to join the Appleyard Lees partnership, a testament to the growing firm and the exceptional people who drive its success. (L>R) Paul Roscoe, Beverley Robinson, Sarah Gibbs, and James Myatt Each new partner brings a unique perspective and contribution to the partnership, and a clear vision for the impact he or she aims to make as a partner of the firm. They embody the firm’s values in each of their individual ways. Their appointments will develop and strengthen the Appleyard Lees culture. Paul is one of a handful of UK patent attorneys who specialise in patenting cutting-edge computer technologies such as artificial intelligence. Beverley is a trade mark and designs expert, and is leading the development of the firm’s growing, specialist designs team. Sarah works with clients to patent chemical and biotech inventions that span technologies and industries, including in the growing area of ChemBio. James was a drug discovery researcher for many years and now works with highly innovative companies. For their clients, Bev, James, Paul, and Sarah are dedicated to delivering a distinctive experience built on lasting, positive interactions. As a result, they are recognised as dependable, committed, and instrumental in helping clients achieve their goals. As leaders and mentors, they inspire and support their colleagues, guiding their teams with energy, empathy, and enthusiasm. This year’s cohort brings deep scientific and professional expertise across nearly all technical sectors and service areas within the firm. Each plays a pivotal role in driving the success of the teams that serve our most significant clients, further reinforcing our firm’s reputation for excellence. Speaking on the promotions, Bobby Smithson, Managing Partner, commented, “I am incredibly proud of our new cohort of partners. They each embody what it means to be a partner at Appleyard Lees - an unwavering commitment to clients and colleagues and a dedication to the firm’s long held culture and values. I have no doubt they will strengthen our partnership and continue to inspire those around them. “Their journey to partnership, with two of them joining Appleyard Lees as trainees, and two joining more recently after experience in other firms, is a testament to the career opportunities available within our firm. I am excited to see the impact they will make in the years ahead.” About Appleyard Lees Appleyard Lees is a leading intellectual property law firm with approximately eighty patent and trade mark attorneys, specialist solicitors and litigators. Who we are and what we do – but also, how we do it – makes us distinctive. We help our clients protect and monetise their intellectual property, and manage post-grant challenges, should they arise. We offer broad sector and industry knowledge, plus the ability to adapt our services to specific client requirements, in an agile way. With offices in UK innovation hotspots, we are positioned to give clients expert strategic IP advice in the UK and worldwide.   All media enquiries should be directed to [email protected].  

(UK, April 2026) – Intellectual property law firm Appleyard Lees is pleased to announce the promotion of Amritjot Jethwa to Partner, recognising her significant contribution to the firm since joining as its first Head of Commercial IP Contracts in November 2023. Amrit has played a key role in formalising, expanding and leading the firm’s commercial IP contracts offering. Working across sectors and advising both new and long-standing clients, she has strengthened the firm’s transactional IP capability and helped shaped the continued growth of this specialist practice area. Her work spans a broad range of clients, from founder-led/early-stage start-ups and SMEs to universities, multinational pharmaceutical and technology businesses, and government departments, on commercially valuable IP transactions. With expertise in drafting and negotiating complex technology in-licensing and exclusive out-licensing agreements, as well as bespoke collaboration agreements, including those for AI-led platforms, she has built a reputation for successfully supporting clients with a reliable blend of technical and commercial advice. Commenting on the promotion, Adam Nabozny, CEO, said: “Amrit has brought a new specialism to the firm which has shown excellent growth since she joined in November 2023. She has shown continual commitment to supporting the development of her work area alongside creating and supporting exciting business development opportunities across sectors. The partnership is really excited about the energy and enthusiasm Amrit will bring to the role and to the firm.” Amrit’s appointment to Partner reflects the firm’s strategic investment in its expanding commercial contracts team, which also includes specialist IP solicitors Chris Hoole, Robert Cumming, Daniel Bailey, and Christopher Thomas. On her appointment, Amrit said: “My journey at Appleyard Lees began with a chance encounter at a local law society event before I joined the firm just over two years ago. From the outset, I was given the opportunity to develop and grow a practice area I care deeply about, supported by an excellent team and strong client relationships. “I’m very grateful for the support and trust I’ve received, and proud of what we’ve achieved together so far. I’m delighted to be joining the partnership; becoming a partner is a special moment and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued growth and success.” With her promotion, Amrit will continue to drive the development of the firm’s commercial IP transaction services and support clients navigating increasingly complex IP and technology landscapes. About Appleyard Lees Appleyard Lees is a leading intellectual property law firm with approximately eighty patent and trade mark attorneys, specialist solicitors and litigators. Who we are and what we do – but also, how we do it – makes us distinctive. We help our clients protect and monetise their intellectual property, and manage post-grant challenges, should they arise. We offer broad sector and industry knowledge, plus the ability to adapt our services to specific client requirements, in an agile way. With offices in UK innovation hotspots, we are positioned to give clients expert strategic IP advice in the UK and worldwide.   All media enquiries should be directed to [email protected].