Intellectual property

Hogarth Chambers

Hogarth Chambers is praised as a ‘go-to set for IP advocacy’, and its members are especially skilled in the area of trade marks. The set also handles cases surrounding copyright, designs, and confidential information, and it is increasingly active in patent-related mandates. Among the set’s notable bench of silks is Nicholas Caddick KC, who boasts particular expertise in cases involving contractual disputes over intellectual property rights. Simon Malynicz KC has appeared before all levels of court, including the UKIPO and the EUIPO, the Supreme Court, and the CJEU. Of recent note, Malynicz KC represented the claimants in Swatch and others v Samsung, a case concerning allegations of trade mark infringement arising from the defendant’s sale of smartwatches capable of displaying faces similar to the claimant's watches. Another key silk is Andrew Norris KC, and he regularly acts for individual rights holders and multinational brands, as well as patent owners. Specialist intellectual property silk Jeremy Reed KC and patent law expert Richard Davis KC are also key members of the team. Among the juniors, Michael Hicks stands out for his broad-ranging experience across copyright, patents, trade marks, passing off, designs, and confidential information cases. Hicks is acting for the claimant, who claims to be the creator of the Bitcoin electronic cash system, in Wright v BTC Core and others, a case addressing whether copyright can exist within the Bitcoin system. Amanda Michaels is an Appointed Person and frequently hears appeals from the UKIPO in trade mark mandates.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Adam Homes is great; efficient, affable and he gets things done.'
'The clerks are very good, efficient, and sensible, especially Clive Nicholls.'
'Clive Nicholls and John Davies are good and pragmatic.'
'Superb. Adam Homes is a standout. Very friendly, very can-do, and very responsive.'
'David Court is very dynamic and like a man on a mission.'
'The clerks are extremely helpful and ensure that queries are addressed very quickly, in particular Clive Nicholls and John Davies, who are always available and prepared to go the extra mile.'
'They are all kind, witty and responsive, especially John Davies, Clive Nicholls and Adam Homes.'

Lawyers

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Simon Malynicz KC

'Simon remains the premier trade mark silk and the one you do not want to appear on the other side. His experience in high-profile trade mark cases is unparalleled and he always has something clever up his sleeve.'

Nicholas Caddick KC

‘Nicholas is very bright and a genuine pleasure to work with. He produces very high-quality written work, he engages in open-minded discussion about the issues before delivering well thought-out arguments, and at all times, he demonstrates a very good understanding of the client's commercial interests and how they factor into the solution.'

Andrew Norris KC

'Andrew is a superb advocate. Calm, considered and knowledgeable, he commands the court's confidence, and on cross-examination, he is dextrous, probing witnesses.'

Jeremy Reed KC

2023 Silks

Richard Davis KC

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.