Regarded as a ‘well-prepared’ team with ’great technical knowledge’, CMS's breadth of practice is demonstrable through its involvement in copyright and design infringement cases, database right claims, and portfolio work, to name a few areas. The practice is spearheaded by Sarah Wright, who is routinely entrusted by blue-chip clients for advice on their new trade mark portfolios, Joel Vertes, who is highly capable of assisting clients with complex copyright and technology disputes, and Tom Scourfield, who is considered a tour-de-force in the consumer and retail sector. Louise Gellman principally focuses on the protection, exploitation, and enforcement of trade mark rights, with David Parrish also able to navigate through the lifecycle of trade mark rights with his clients. Caitlin Heard is well-versed in handling IP disputes arising from the technology sector. Other key names in the practice include Anna Brackenbury, Eleanor Merrett, and Ben Hitchens.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The CMS team is very responsive and incredibly great at picking up nuances on how to resolve various disputes. They do have unique ways of approaching resolution that are cost effective and expeditious.'
‘Ben Hitchens is fantastic.'
‘The CMS team delivers services of very high quality. They are proactive, solution oriented, efficient, available and very conscious of quality. They are extremely knowledgeable about IP law.'
'They are always available, and they understand the commercial and strategic perspectives of the customer, and they always provide meaningful and commercial advice. Everyone in the team is likeable and trustworthy, creating a good atmosphere when entering the room.’
‘Joel Vertes is outstanding; he is very knowledgeable in IP and he has a proactive, solution-oriented commercial approach in all his advice. Always fast and complete responses. This makes Joel the perfect trusted advisor.'
‘Very strong trade mark lawyers.’
‘Well prepared with great technical knowledge. Very pleasant to work with.’
‘The key quality that stood out for me was their ability to grasp the specific nuances of the industry that I operate in and provide me with balanced guidance.’
Key clients
- Anthony Nolan
- Banham
- Booking.com
- Breast Cancer Now
- Cambridge Weight Plan
- Deliveroo
- Dentsu International
- Discovery Corporate Services Limited
- Dune
- eBay, Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented Mayborn, owner of the globally recognised 'Tommee Tippee' brand, in defending a registered design infringement claim brought by Chiaro Technology Limited, with a successful result.
- Acted for TNT Sports in relation to the enforcement of its intellectual property rights within England.
- Advise Valeo Snackfoods on filings, renewals, disputes, watch services, and oppositions, working closely with its in-house team.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Sarah Wright; Joel Vertes; Tom Scourfield
Other key lawyers
Louise Gellman; David Parrish; Caitlin Heard; Anna Brackenbury; Eleanor Merrett; Ben Hitchens; Tom Reid