Sought out by big names in music, TV and film production, fashion, betting, gaming, and more, the IP offering at Wiggin LLP is headed by ‘strategically brilliant litigator’ Sara Ashby, and is equipped to advise on various contentious and non-contentious matters across copyright, designs, trade marks, and commercial and transactional matters. The team includes Rachel Alexander, whose broad practice encompasses acting for clients in disputes and brand protection matters, including those related to the digital realm. Michael Browne advises on exploitation and enforcement work, as well as issues of competition law, and John Colbourn helps brands protect, enforce, and exploit their intangible assets. Joanne Gibbs’ workload spans clearance and registry issues as well as trade mark, passing off, copyright, and design disputes, and Calum Smyth is a key contact for fintech innovators and various clients in software and tech. Peter Dawson is a practiced navigator of IP issues in the media and entertainment sector, and Georgina Hart is recommended for litigation across all IP rights.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Rachel Alexander has deep sector knowledge with a sharp legal mind and an intuitive understanding of the commercial realities faced by her clients. Trusted advisor to clients. Well prepared. Georgina Hart is responsive, pragmatic, and very well-informed. Trusted adviser to her clients. Clear communicator.’
‘The team has an unparalleled knowledge of our industry, which is deployed to great effect when advising on IP issues. Their advice is always pragmatic, extremely well considered, and strategically sound.’
‘Sara Ashby is a strategically brilliant litigator who maintains a laser like focus on what clients want to achieve. Peter Dawson's measured, pragmatic and constructive approach to registry disputes takes the heat out of difficult situations and enables the parties to achieve commercially sound solutions. Joanne Gibbs has provided invaluable strategic brand protection advice, which has helped us to tackle online infringements efficiently and at scale.’
‘Rachel Alexander is an expert on intellectual property law and widely respected within the industry.’
‘John Colbourn has a calm and considered approach and delivers appropriate advice in a timely manner. Joanne Gibbs is level-headed and good at explaining complex areas of law and arguments.’
‘Rachel Alexander - an encyclopaedic brain and hands-on approach, superb with both legal advice and litigation strategy.'
- 'Georgie Hart - unparalleled attention to detail in her legal analysis and reasoning, Georgie keeps a close watch on cases to the microscopic level, ensuring nothing is missed and no ball is ever dropped. A rising star.’
‘John Colbourn - very approachable, good listener, and excellent in trade marks. Joanne Gibbs - very hardworking and a very good litigator.’
Key clients
- 3M
- Associated Newspapers Ltd
- Banijay Group
- bet365
- CleanCo
- Corsearch Inc.
- Elsevier
- Entain
- Facepunch
- Liberty Belle Rx skincare
- M/S Knitpro International
- Manuka Charitable Trust
- Microsoft Corp
- Moroccanoil
- Motion Picture Association
- Netflix
- Palace Skateboards
- Performing Rights Society/PRS for Music (PRS)
- Sage Group plc
- Solventum
Work highlights
Managing all UK, Benelux, and EU trade mark matters for Banijay.
Representing Warner Music, and Sony Music Entertainment against TuneIn Inc. in a damages inquiry following copyright infringement.
Representing Knitpro in its defence against claims for threats of trade infringement brought by Knitpro’s former distributor, Crafts Group LLC.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Georgina Hart
Practice head
Sara Ashby
Other key lawyers
Rachel Alexander; Michael Browne; John Colbourn; Joanne Gibbs; Calum Smyth; Peter Dawson; Georgina Hart