Howes Percival LLP is best known to clients in the fashion, software, and food & drink sectors, where it is well-placed to advise on IP and trade mark portfolios, as well as IP litigation. Seasoned litigator Matthew Talbot helms the practice and specialises in food and drink matters. Hannah Steggles has a wealth of experience across contentious and non-contentious matters, with notable strength in patent, trade mark, and design right litigation. With a similarly broad practice, Jenna Bruce acts for software and media clients on licenses, assignments, and intellectual property disputes. Stephen Ruse adds particular depth on infringement matters across the board.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A really good mix of skills in the team. Good legal knowledge, efficient handling of cases, good with clients and counsel. Very impressive outfit!’
‘Stephen Ruse is a delight to deal with. Sensible and efficient. Others who are also excellent are Hannah Steggles and Matthew Talbot. All of them are a pleasure to work with!’
‘They either have in-house knowledge or strategic partners that they engage and all of them are extremely knowledgeable about their given subject. We can't compare to other firms because we don't work with any! Their collaborative approach and communication, and enthusiasm for our inventions have been inspiring.’
‘Matthew Talbot - IP lawyer and all-round good egg! Matthew immediately "got" our ideas and has worked tirelessly to steer us through the legal minefield of designs and IP.’
Key clients
- Business Software Alliance, Inc.
- Start-rite Shoes Limited
- FibreFab Limited
- Prokon Software Limited
- Robovision Limited
- Craft Buddy Limited
- Imperial International Ltd
- The National Forest Company
- Internetwork Media Ltd
- Samworth Brothers Ltd
- Viridian International Limited
- Gibbs Croft Limited t/a Soreen
Work highlights
Advised Discovery Park Management Limited in a complex software litigation claim.
Acting as the sole UK representatives on behalf of the Business Software Alliance Inc., whose members include Autodesk, Siemens, PTC, Prokon, Exocad, Maxon, and Graphisoft, as well as many other software companies, and advising generally on infringement actions.
Advising South African Prokon Software Limited on its IP strategy in the UK and Europe, including obtaining trade mark protection and protection measures generally.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
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Practice head
Matthew Talbot
Other key lawyers
Hannah Steggles; Jenna Bruce; Stephen Ruse