Taking on enforcement and strategy work as well as negotiating commercial and licensing agreements, the soft IP offering at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP represents regulatory and research bodies, trade associations, food and beverage players, and hospitality clients, housing a niche specialism in academic publishing. Non-contentious practitioner Anna Frankum serves as practice head, and trade mark litigation specialist Duncan Curley supports the group alongside Sarah Kenshall, a key contact for tech-driven clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'In my experience, the Intellectual Property team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP distinguishes itself through a rare combination of deep technical knowledge, commercial pragmatism, and a genuinely collaborative approach. What sets them apart is not just their legal expertise in trade marks, copyright, and design, but their ability to understand the broader business context and tailor their advice accordingly.'
- 'The team is approachable, responsive, and consistently proactive. They don’t just react to issues, they anticipate them. Whether it’s managing complex international trade mark portfolios or advising on nuanced copyright matters, they bring clarity and confidence to the table. I’ve found their advice to be both technically sound and strategically insightful.'
- 'What I’ve consistently appreciated about working with the team at Penningtons Manches Cooper is the calibre of the individuals - technically sharp, commercially aware, and genuinely collaborative.'
- 'Anna Frankum stands out as a particularly trusted adviser. Anna brings a rare combination of deep expertise in trade marks and copyright with a calm, pragmatic approach that makes even complex matters feel manageable. She has a remarkable ability to cut through legal noise and focus on what really matters to the business. Her advice is always clear, grounded, and actionable, and never overcomplicated or overly cautious.'
Key clients
- CottonConnect Ltd
- Lotus Belle Tents Ltd
- GS1 UK Ltd
- The Institute of Psychoanalysis
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- The Institute of Fiscal Studies
- Unifrog Education Limited
- APA Digital AG (Rough Guides)
- General Healthcare Limited
- Joseph Giles Limited
- Roots Reggae Reggae Sauce Ltd & Levi Roots
- Spitfire Network Services Limited
Work highlights
Advised the Institute of Psychoanalysis on the publication of its 24 volume work "The Revised Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud".
Advised Spitfire Network Services Ltd on the registration of several new trade marks in the UK and at the EUIPO, including negotiating a settlement agreement with another brand owner to resolve an opposition.
Advised Joseph Giles Ltd in enforcing its copyright and design rights against third parties in Europe.
Practice head
Anna Frankum
Other key lawyers
Duncan Curley; Sarah Kenshall; Amanda Easey