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Intellectual property

Chambers of Iain Purvis KC

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11 South Square is well-known for its work on leading IP cases in first instance trials and appeals, and its members are well-versed in appearing before the European Patent Office, General Court, and Court of Justice of the European Union. Iain Purvis KC has an all-encompassing IP practice, from patents to trade marks, and Michael Silverleaf KC is notable in cases involving complex technical facts, including monoclonal antibodies, medical devices, drug delivery systems, automotive catalysts, and wind power generation. Of recent note, he acted for the claimant in Original Beauty Technology Company & Others v G4K Fashion & Oh Polly, which concerned claims of passing off and infringement of design rights. With his scientific background, Mark Vanhegan KC is regularly instructed by high-profile clients across all levels of courts and tribunals, and he successfully represented Philips in a trial concerning the validity of two of its patents. The set is also home to patent expert Piers Acland KC, and Hugo Cuddigan KC, who has substantial experience in the music and entertainment industries.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The clerks at 11 South Square are very helpful and engaged with matters to ensure smooth running. Ashley Carr is fantastic and always on hand if listing or availability issues arise and is very keen to smooth things over if unexpected availability issues do happen from time to time.'
  • 'Jordan Foley and Sam Fullilove are the best IP clerks.'
  • 'A strong set and among the strongest for IP.'
  • 'They are leaders in the field.'
  • 'The barristers at 11 South Square have a broad range and depth of experience and they instil confidence that they can resource any IP issue.'
  • 'The clerking at 11 South Square is second to none. They are extremely responsive and flexible when the need arises.'
  • 'The clerks do a brilliant job.'
  • 'The clerks are responsive and friendly.'

Silks

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.
1
Mark Vanhegan KC
11 South Square
‘Mark is a class act. He is calm and thorough in court and he is often the difference between winning and losing a case.'
3
Benet Brandreth KC
11 South Square
‘Benet is an exceptional, classic advocate who is known for his comfortable and flawless presentation even in difficult technical cases. He is also a formidable cross-examiner and his opponents have been known to completely abandon their factual and expert evidence mid-trial following his careful deconstruction of their case.’
2024 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.

Juniors

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.
1
Kathryn Pickard
11 South Square
 'Kathryn is always calm and unflappable, and has a deceivingly razor-sharp mind. She thinks on her feet very quickly and her advocacy is brilliant - she has a calm yet forceful nature to her advocacy, and she has a lot of credibility with the bench.'
2
Chris Aikens
11 South Square
‘Chris is a clear thinker and is able to articulate strategy well to solicitors and clients. His advocacy is cool and well-paced, and he is able to win against more senior, grandiose, and flamboyant opponents.'
3
Christopher Hall
11 South Square
‘Christopher is one of the leading juniors at the IP Bar; he is a great all-rounder and an excellent advocate who can hold his own against more senior barristers.’
4
Jacqueline Reid
11 South Square
‘Jacqueline gives clear and direct advice to both solicitors and clients alike. She is very robust and will fight the client’s corner, and she is well-prepared and always knows the case well.’
Leading Juniors
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
1
Kathryn Pickard
11 South Square
 'Kathryn is always calm and unflappable, and has a deceivingly razor-sharp mind. She thinks on her feet very quickly and her advocacy is brilliant - she has a calm yet forceful nature to her advocacy, and she has a lot of credibility with the bench.'
2
Chris Aikens
11 South Square
‘Chris is a clear thinker and is able to articulate strategy well to solicitors and clients. His advocacy is cool and well-paced, and he is able to win against more senior, grandiose, and flamboyant opponents.'
3
Christopher Hall
11 South Square
‘Christopher is one of the leading juniors at the IP Bar; he is a great all-rounder and an excellent advocate who can hold his own against more senior barristers.’
4
Jacqueline Reid
11 South Square
‘Jacqueline gives clear and direct advice to both solicitors and clients alike. She is very robust and will fight the client’s corner, and she is well-prepared and always knows the case well.’

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