Intellectual Property
United Kingdom
10 September 2025
Shoosmiths LLP plays an active role in the retail, leisure, and transport sectors, and has experience which encompasses all licensable activities, licensing applications, and contentious matters. Philip Ryan combines commercial acumen with regulatory and licensing expertise. Kirsty Hughes has amassed considerable experience in licensing issues and represents clients in Magistrates’ courts and before licensing committees.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team have great experience in working with large chains that have licensing issues on a local, regional and national level. They can represent national clients while also having a proper focus on the local issues that are key to licensing decisions.'
‘Dedicated team to deal with our business needs. Great depth of knowledge of our sector of business.'
‘The team have a personal relationship with us and takes ownership over the venues that we use for licensing.'
‘We have worked with Shoosmiths for almost 20 years now and have always found them efficient, timely and trustworthy. I would gladly recommend Shoosmiths to anyone who wanted advice.'
‘Elaine Rayner has been our business partner throughout and her expertise in the area of licensing has been invaluable over the years. She is efficient, hardworking and a great partner to our business.'
Key clients
- Central Co-op Limited
- Insomnia Cookies
- McDonald’s Restaurants Limited
- Ikea
- WeWork
- Associated British Foods Plc (and subsids)
Practice head
Philip Ryan; Kirsty Hughes
Other key lawyers
Elaine Rayner