11 South Square > London, England > Set Profile

11 South Square Offices

Chambers of Iain Purvis KC
11 South Square
GRAY'S INN
LONDON
WC1R 5EY
England
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11 South Square > The Legal 500 Rankings

London Bar > Intellectual property Tier 1

The members of 11 South Square are sought after by high-profile clients to represent them in intellectual property litigation before all levels of the UK court system, in addition to European fora. The set boasts a large volume of silks in its ranks, including Iain Purvis KC, who handles cases surrounding both patents and trade marks. Of recent note, Purvis KC acted for Tesco in a trade mark infringement case brought by Lidl surrounding the introduction of a new advertising campaign to promote Tesco Clubcard, at issue was the use of a yellow circle on a blue background. Michael Silverleaf KC is strong in cases that require knowledge of technical areas, including monoclonal antibodies, medical devices, and drug delivery systems, as well as wind power generation, automotive catalysts, and shipbuilding. With a scientific background, Mark Vanhegan KC has appeared before the Supreme Court in cases concerning intricate technology, and Piers Acland KC is well known for his pharmaceutical patent work, which is exemplified by his representation of Moderna in a patent trial against Biontech and Pfizer surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine. Anna Edwards-Stuart KC made silk in the 2024 round, and Edward Cronan joined the set from Hogarth Chambers, bringing particular expertise in the patent litigation space.

Rising stars

Mitchell Beebe – 11 South Square ‘Mitchell has a great, can-do attitude and his prior experience as a solicitor means he has a good understanding of the work needed to support a case to trial.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Kyra Nezami – 11 South Square 'Kyra is outstanding and couldn't be recommend more highly. She is technically excellent and thorough with an excellent memory for details, her calm but robust manner always gives you confidence in court, and she is personable and approachable, which makes her easy to work with.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Edward Cronan  – 11 South Square 'Edward is an excellent junior with a deep understanding of patent law. He is not afraid, in a constructive and appropriate way, to challenge those more senior so that the very best case is presented.'
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Iain Purvis KC – 11 South Square ‘Iain is very big on wisdom and judgement, on both the law and how a court will respond to different arguments, and his ultra-calm demeanour is appreciated by courts, clients and solicitors alike. His advocacy is highly effective.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Piers Acland KC – 11 South Square ‘Piers is a phenomenal advocate and one of the best cross-examiners at the IP Bar. He is forensic, tenacious and incisive, and there’s nothing that slips past his turbocharged analytical brain.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Michael Silverleaf KC – 11 South Square 'Michael is a persuasive advocate with a mastery of intellectual property law. He is great at presenting his argument on even the most complex of points in a straightforward way that is judge friendly, he is extremely clever, thorough, and hardworking in his preparation, and his cross-examination is formidable.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Mark Vanhegan KC – 11 South Square ‘Mark is versatile, hard working, and he has a collaborative approach, which is greatly appreciated. His advocacy is particularly strong in submissions and he is capable of changing judges' minds, which means he is always on the shortlist for a new case.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Hugo Cuddigan KC – 11 South Square ‘Hugo is a first pick KC for almost any IP matter. He has a first-rate strategic legal mind, he is one of the most effective advocates at the IP Bar, and he is supremely efficient and clear in both his written and oral submissions, and knows how to read and work a court room.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Brian Nicholson KC – 11 South Square ‘Brian is outstanding in all respects. An exceptional advocate with mastery of highly complex technical subject matter, phenomenal strategic insight and great to work with all round, he is masterful in cross-examination and oral submissions in High Court litigation.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Benet Brandreth KC – 11 South Square ‘Benet is an extraordinary barrister. He prepares carefully and precisely, his analysis is highly forensic and he is an extremely eloquent advocate, capable of unpacking complex arguments and explaining them compellingly.'
Ranked: Tier 3

2024 Silks

Anna Edwards-Stuart KC – 11 South Square 'Anna quickly gets to grips with the issues, gives very clear and consistent advice throughout, and her advice is confirmed by the judgment following the trial. Anna quickly gains the client's confidence by providing clear advice at meetings with our client throughout, and she is particularly strong in advising in person.'

Leading Juniors

Kathryn Pickard – 11 South Square ‘Kathryn is razor-sharp, both in her oral advocacy and written work. Those who have worked with her attest to her range of abilities, as she has a great work ethic, turns around work product expeditiously, is unafraid of running novel points, has superb drafting, and is also great on her feet.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Chris Aikens – 11 South Square ‘Chris is outstanding on his feet and his written work is excellent. He is a barrister you can really trust and has the judgement of Solomon.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Tom Alkin – 11 South Square ‘Tom is an absolute pleasure to work with. He has great judgement on which points to run and how best to frame them, he is a very strong advocate, and he is also an excellent team player.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 2
Christopher Hall – 11 South Square ‘Christopher is intelligent, hard working and very impressive on his feet. He comfortably goes toe-to-toe with the leading silks.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Adam Gamsa – 11 South Square ‘Adam has a good overview of the strategic battlegrounds of the case and is always available to give a view on decision points throughout the case. His oral advocacy is thoughtful, structured, and tailored to the panel.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Heather Lawrence – 11 South Square 'Heather's strengths include the thoroughness of her preparation, the ability to make the right tactical decisions, her quiet and understated advocacy that is nevertheless highly effective, an understanding of scientific and technological matters, particularly chemistry, her drafting skills applied to the preparation of pleadings, and her willingness and ability to work with her instructing solicitors as a team.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Jacqueline Reid – 11 South Square ‘Jacqueline is direct and ferocious, and someone whom you would always want in your corner. She can be very straight talking, which clients appreciate.'
Ranked: Tier 4

Testimonials

‘Sam Fullilove is an excellent clerk.’

‘Ashley Carr is very strong; you definitely want him on your side!’

‘The clerks are very helpful, in particular Ashley Carr, who will always be most accommodating and helpful when needed.’

‘Ashley Carr, Sam Fullilove and Harry Eades are responsive and helpful. Ashley in particular provides strategic advice on listing issues.’

‘Harry Eades is particularly responsive and pleased to assist whatever the query, whether its obtaining costs estimates from counsel or arranging lunch for the team during trial.’

‘The clerks’ room is excellent, Ashley Carr is particularly highly rated.’

‘The clerks are friendly and always willing to help. They answer the phone promptly and always seem to know what’s going on. Sam Fullilove and Boudi Iffland are both brilliant.’

Work highlights

London Bar > Media and entertainment Tier 2

Offering ‘great strength in depth at every level’, 11 South Square members regularly act for film studios, musicians and music producers in a range of copyright and trade mark infringement challenges, with further expertise in royalty and contract disputes. Hugo Cuddigan KC is the ‘complete modern day barrister’ and regularly represents major clients in the music sector. Tom Alkin ’s ‘preparation and attention to detail is exceptional’, with a particularly strong reputation for issues concerning the intersection of IP and technology.

Leading Silks

Hugo Cuddigan KC – 11 South Square 'Hugo is a complete modern day barrister - brilliant with clients, great tactician, written work is expressed clearly and an outstanding advocate.' 
Ranked: Tier 2
Mark Vanhegan KC – 11 South Square ‘Mark is clear and decisive and excellent on his feet. A tremendous asset.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Michael Silverleaf KC – 11 South Square ‘Michael is fast, accurate, and excellent in conference and on paper. He is also a respected and trusted advocate.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Leading Juniors

Tom Alkin – 11 South Square ‘Tom is a very talented junior. His preparation and attention to detail is exceptional and he is excellent on his feet.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

‘The head clerk, Ashley Carr, is redoubtable.’

‘The clerking team are super-helpful and always available.’ 

‘The clerks are always available and super helpful.’

‘A very fine set – top flight silks, excellent juniors at all levels of call, and superb clerking.’ 

‘Great strength in depth at every level including some excellent up and coming juniors.’

‘The standard is high throughout the set and you can be confident in the quality of every barrister.’ 

Work highlights

London Bar > IT and telecoms: projects and services Tier 3

11 South Square offers strong expertise in information technology disputes, especially those which intersect with the related area of IP law. Mark Vanhegan KC, who is regularly sought after by global tech and telecoms companies, continued to act for the defendant in IBM v LzLabs; with the complex dispute regarding alleged software reverse-engineering culminating in a 6-week trial before the High Court in April 2024. Brian Nicholson is adept at handling IP disputes with a substantial electronic and computing element.

Leading Silks

Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 3

Work highlights

Dispute resolution > Mediators Tier 5

Michael Silverleaf KC – 11 South Square  Michael Silverleaf KC at 11 South Square ‘tries very hard to get a commercial solution’ and ‘is very calm and measured, which avoids unnecessary escalation.’ In addition to being regularly instructed to mediate IP-related disputes, Silverleaf is a member of the DRS Expert Panel, through which he decides domain name disputes.

Work highlights

11 South Square > Set Profile

11 South Square is a leading set, specialising in intellectual property law, additionally well-known for its media and information technology work. With many recent cases setting precedents in all areas of IP law, 11 South Square has continued to be highly regarded in the field. Members are often singled out for the excellent quality of advice and advocacy provided.

The set: 11 South Square was founded in 1923 by Sir Stafford Cripps. Chambers currently has 16 members, five of whom are King’s Counsel, headed by Iain Purvis KC. In 2015 Henry Carr was appointed as a High Court Judge sitting in the Patents Court. He joins the long list of former members recently called to the Bench including current Patents Court Judge Mr Justice Arnold, presiding Judge of the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court Richard Hacon, current Court of Appeal Judge Lord Justice Floyd, as well as the late Lord Justice Pumfrey.

Types of work undertaken: Members of 11 South Square regularly appear before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court as well as the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court and the UK Intellectual Property Office. In addition, barristers from 11 South Square have appeared before the European Patent Office in Munich and also the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Representation and advice in patent matters is an important part of chambers’ work. The command and conduct of such cases requires a thorough understanding of the science and technology involved. Due to their technical expertise, many members act in complex computer software and IT disputes.

11 South Square has been involved in many of the recent important cases in the areas of performers’ rights, copyright, trade marks, confidential information and also the developing law of privacy, personality and celebrity endorsement. The creation of an unregistered design right and database right has greatly expanded the work in this area, with members frequently appearing in leading cases.

Some members have particular expertise in disputes which involve the Data Protection Act and have appeared extensively in cases before the Information Tribunal.

Recent cases include: Wobben Properties GmbH v Siemens Public Ltd Company & Ors, Teva (UK) Ltd v Gilead Sciences Inc, Property Renaissance Ltd (t/a Titanic Spa) v Stanley Dock Hotel Ltd (t/a Titanic Hotel), Victoria Plum Ltd (t/a Victoria Plumb) v Victorian Plumbing Ltd, Generics (UK) Ltd (t/a Mylan) v Warner-Lambert Co LLC, Nicocigs Limited v Fontem Holdings Limited, Meter-Tech Llc & Anor v British Gas Trading Ltd, Koninklijke Philips NV v Asustek Computer Incorporation & Ors, Cartier International AG & Ors v British Sky Broadcasting Ltd & Ors, Napp Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd v Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (UK) Ltd and Sandoz Ltd, Sony v SSH, Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc v Gilead, Abraxis Bioscience LLC v Comptroller General of Patents, Ap Racing v Alcon Components, IPCom v HTC & Brightpoint, Edwards Life Sciences v Boston Scientific, Nicocigs v Fontem Holdings, British Gas v Meter Tech, Nap Pharmaceuticals v Dr Reddy’s & Sandoz, Varian v Elekta.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Members of Chambers PURVIS KC, Iain (1986)
Members of Chambers SILVERLEAF KC, Michael (1980)
Members of Chambers VANHEGAN KC, Mark (1990)
Members of Chambers ACLAND KC, Dr Piers (1993)
Members of Chambers CUDDIGAN KC, Hugo (1995)
Members of Chambers LAWRENCE, Dr Heather (1990)
Members of Chambers REID, Jacqueline (1992)
Members of Chambers BRANDRETH, Benet (1999)
Members of Chambers NICHOLSON, Dr Brian (2000)
Members of Chambers EDWARDS-STUART, Dr Anna (2002)
Members of Chambers PICKARD, Kathryn (2001)
Members of Chambers ALKIN, Tom (2006)
Members of Chambers AIKENS, Chris (2005)
Members of Chambers HALL, Christopher (2010)
Members of Chambers IVISON, Dr David (2014)
Members of Chambers GAMSA, Dr Adam (2015)
Members of Chambers VAVER, Prof David*
Members of Chambers BENTLY, Prof Lionel (2009)**
Members of Chambers * Associate member
Members of Chambers ** Door tenant

Barrister Profiles

Photo Name Position Profile
Piers Acland KC photo Dr Piers Acland KC Experience in all types of contentious intellectual property work. He has a… View Profile
Chris Aikens photo Chris Aikens Chris’ practice covers all areas of intellectual property law as well as… View Profile
Tom Alkin photo Tom Alkin Barrister specialising in intellectual property and related fields. Recent cases include: Philip… View Profile
Mitchell Beebe photo Mitchell Beebe Mitchell has a broad practice across all areas of intellectual property law… View Profile
Lionel Bently photo Prof Lionel Bently Professor Lionel Bently has gained invaluable experience and knowledge in all areas… View Profile
Benet Brandreth KC photo Benet Brandreth KC Barrister practising in all areas of intellectual property law, as well as… View Profile
Edward Cronan photo Edward Cronan Edward specialises in intellectual property law. He is regularly instructed in high… View Profile
Hugo Cuddigan KC photo Hugo Cuddigan KC Specialist in intellectual property (patents, trade marks, copyright). Recent significant cases include:… View Profile
Anna Edwards-Stuart KC photo Dr Anna Edwards-Stuart KC Barrister specialising in intellectual property. Recent reported cases include: Original Beauty Technology… View Profile
Adam Gamsa photo Dr Adam Gamsa Adam specialises in all areas of Intellectual Property, with particular expertise in… View Profile
Christopher Hall photo Christopher Hall Christopher has an established practice covering all aspects of intellectual property and… View Profile
David Ivison photo Dr David Ivison David has developed a successful practice across all areas of intellectual property… View Profile
Heather Lawrence photo Dr Heather Lawrence Barrister specialising in intellectual property matters including: patents, trade mark, registered designs,… View Profile
Kyra Nezami photo Kyra Nezami Kyra joined 11 South Square as a tenant in October 2019 following… View Profile
Brian Nicholson KC photo Dr Brian Nicholson KC Senior barrister specialising in all areas of intellectual property and related fields… View Profile
Kathryn Pickard photo Kathryn Pickard Barrister specialising in intellectual property law. Recent cases include: AutoStore Technology AS… View Profile
Iain Purvis KC photo Iain Purvis KC Barrister specialising in intellectual property. Recent notable cases include: Abbott Laboratories Limited… View Profile
Jacqueline Reid photo Jacqueline Reid Barrister dealing with intellectual property, including: trade marks, design right, copyright, passing… View Profile
Michael Silverleaf KC photo Michael Silverleaf KC Barrister in many leading intellectual property cases involving: patents, trade marks, passing… View Profile
Mark Vanhegan KC photo Mark Vanhegan KC Barrister dealing with all aspects of intellectual property law, media and entertainment… View Profile