Litigation
United Kingdom
19 August 2025
Noted for their ‘no-stone-unturned approach’, Slaughter and May is entrusted by a consortium of clients on multi-jurisdictional disputes, copyright mandates, and emerging technologies, to name a few. ’Commercially savvy’ practice head David Ives handles a variety of litigation and commercial agreements for an extensive range of clients, while Duncan Blaikie principally focuses on commercial IP arrangements, drawing upon his background as a doctor to advise clients operating within the life sciences sector. Rob Sumroy is another name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Slaughter & May adopt a no-stone-unturned approach to all projects they are asked to handle.'
'You can rest assured that they will have considered each and every possible opportunity to achieve the best outcome for their client.’
‘David Ives is very personable, knowledgeable and experienced. He instills great confidence in his and his team's ability.'
- 'Laura Houston is an absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘They achieve the best, most commercially compelling results for their clients and are unparalleled in their commitment to success for their clients.'
‘David Ives is one of the most commercially savvy practitioners in relation to IP. He advises on matters of the utmost complexity and value with sage advice and an accessible manner.'
Key clients
- Virgin America TM Limited
- Virgin Enterprises Limited
- Marks & Spencer
- Santander UK Plc
- GSK Plc
- INEOS
- Reckitt Benckiser
- Authentic Brands Group
- Delaware Life Holdings (F1 Racing)
- The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
- Institute of Grocery Distribution
Work highlights
Advised Virgin America TM Limited and Virgin Enterprises Limited on an English High Court litigation relating to the now-defunct Virgin America airlines involving a trade mark licence between the parties pursuant to which the “VIRGIN” brand was licensed to Virgin America Inc. for an exclusive term of 25 years in connection with the operation of an airline in the USA.
Advised Authentic Brands Group, LLC on the legal due diligence on Ted Baker’s brand-related arrangements and systems and advised on aspects of the security taken over the IP assets as part of the acquisition of Ted Baker plc.
Advised Delaware Life Holdings on the IP issues, such as potential third-party conflicts, international trade mark registration strategies, and licensing arrangements, in connection with the planned launch of a new Formula 1 team.
Practice head
David Ives
Other key lawyers
Duncan Blaikie; Rob Sumroy; Laura Houston