With an impressive list of creatives, art, fashion and retail players, and tech companies on its client roster, Howard Kennedy LLP‘s IP team is instructed for filing work, commercial agreements, portfolio strategies, copyright enforcements, and more. The group is led by Robert Lands, who handles various licensing, franchising, and software agreements. Colin Sawdy advises on trade marks, copyright, and designs, managing a global client base, while Alex Watt focuses on transactions. Rosie Burbidge joined from gunnercooke LLP in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team’s ability to provide clear, concise advice to clients even when the substance is itself fairly long and complicated is quite remarkable. They are a responsive, hardworking, great team with a good vibe and specialist in chosen field. No matter if you’re talking to a partner or an associate, the counsel is first-rate.’

  • 'Alex Watt is the sharpest of lawyers that I've ever come across. There isn't anything that I wouldn't trust him implicitly with. His ability to provide clear and concise advice on really complex matters is invaluable. He is incredibly responsive, solutions-focused and forward-thinking. He goes above and beyond time and time again, I cannot recommend him more highly.’
  • ‘Rosie is very responsive and always provides clear directions in any IP-related case. She has our complete trust. Any work referred to her will be handled in the best way.'

  • ‘We work with Rosie Burbidge who is a brilliant IP lawyer in the UK. We do not need long and over-written e-mails and strategy - Rosie knows this, and provides the advice in line with our needs. Besides being professional, she is a lovely person to work with.’

  • ‘Rosie is great at really understanding the commercial realities of tech start-ups and tailoring her approach accordingly.'

Key clients

  • Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
  • ePlus, Inc.
  • SEGA Corporation
  • Billion Dollar Boy
  • David Zwirner
  • Pandora Jewellery
  • Lavish
  • The Restaurant Group
  • Cox London
  • LG Household & Healthcare Ltd
  • S&P Global Ltd

Work highlights

Advising David Zwirner in relation to brand strategy, trade mark clearance and trade mark prosecution in the UK and internationally.
Acting for LG Household & Healthcare Ltd in trade mark matters.
Acting for  ePlus Inc and its UK subsidiary IGXGlobal Limited in the registration and prosecution of their UK and EU trade marks.

Practice head

Robert Lands

Other key lawyers

Colin Sawdy; Alex Watt; Rosie Burbidge