The Cambridge office of Birketts LLP is home to the core or its intellectual property practice, principally through IP disputes specialist Maria Peyman and technology partner Quentin Golder. Legal director and barrister Alec Cameron also assists with contentious IP matters, and Andrew Priest focuses on non-contentious matters including copyright and brand protection. Legal director Melanie Harvey, who is ' exceptional in her role', leads the trade marks and branding team from Ipswich. The firm is known for 'responsive service with quick turnaround times'. Golder assisted NIAB with the assignment of trade marks and plant breeder varieties as part of the sale of its strawberry breeding business.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We are an innovation R&D company moving towards commercialisation. The team at Birketts understands our situation and provide expert legal advice appropriate for the size and stage of business. The Birketts team have provided a responsive service with quick turnaround times.’
‘Our main partner contact is approachable, responsive and commercially aware. He gives measured and sensible commercial advice.’
‘Very knowledgeable and responsive. Prices are competitive and they offer an online trademark portfolio portal.’
‘Melanie Harve has extensive knowledge and is able to give tactical advice.’
‘Melanie Harvey is exceptional in her role. She fully understands all areas of her speciality and excels in her ability to present for you.’
Key clients
- NIAB
- Greene King Brewing & Retailing
- L V Bespoke
- Alyce Designs
- Sanctuary Personnel Limited
- Checkit plc
- Caterham Cars Limited
Work highlights
Acting for NIAB in connection with the assignment of certain IP (trade marks and plant breeder varieties) in connection with the sale by NIAB’s of its strawberry breeding business to Bayer, together with the licensing back by Bayer of certain of the trade marks assigned (in a variety of jurisdictions), for use by NIAB in connection with certain other plant varieties, for the balance of the relevant trade marks.
Conducting a range of work for Greene King, including portfolio management, investigations for portfolio growth, filing strategy discussions, prosecution of trade mark applications through to registration. Advised Greene King on their concerns about third party use.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Melanie Harvey; Maria Peyman; Quentin Golder
Other key lawyers
Andrew Priest; Alec Cameron