Non-contentious specialist Sarah Wright and tech-focused Joel Vertes lead the soft IP team at CMS, which supports a diverse range of sectors, emphasising players in the tech and media spaces. The team handles large-scale, IP-rich transactions and litigation across the courts and intellectual property offices, and is notably experienced in handling design and database-related matters, as well as issues related to emerging technologies and AI. Tom Scourfield, who co-heads the firm’s international IP group, concentrates on consumer products, and David Parrish handles contentious work at the early stage of the trade mark life cycle, bad faith disputes, and registries matters. Ben Hitchens acts for tech clients in disputes, handling AI-related work. Kelly Saliger is a key contact for trade mark strategy, enforcement, and prosecution, and litigator Tom Reid is well-versed in trade marks, copyright, and domain names. Louise Gellman, Kaisa Patsalides and Alicja Zalewska-Orabona are additional key resources.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team at CMS, ably led by Joel Vertes, provides an unparalleled service in the intellectual property, trade marks, copyright, and design space. Their strength and success across all facets of intellectual property litigation sets them apart from their competitors.’
‘CMS IP group leader Joel Vertes is the type of lawyer you want on your side. His strategic and holistic approach to IP litigation ensures he and his team deliver standout services and results.’
‘A stand-out city practice in the area.’
‘Joel Vertes is an extremely strong partner in the field. Provides excellent cradle to grave advice on non-contentious and contentious matters.’
‘Probably one of the top firms in the UK coming to IP. Top quality!’
‘Louise Gellman stands out as being one of the top lawyers in the IP field in the UK. Highly competent, efficient and business oriented with client best in focus.’
Key clients
- Aecom
- Aldermore Bank
- Alzheimer’s Society
- Anthony Nolan
- Banham
- Best Beginnings
- Boadicea The Victorious
- Booking.com
- Breast Cancer Now
- BT
- Cambridge Weight Plan
- Cochlear
Work highlights
Advising Microsoft on a range of trade mark, design, copyright and patent litigation as well as on all aspects of brand and design protection across the UK and EU.
Advising Rightmove on brand enforcement, IP strategy, database rights enforcement, advertising, and trade mark portfolio management.
Advising UEFA on a range of court applications to obtain blocking injunctions against ISPs in the UK and Ireland in order to tackle online piracy.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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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
Other key lawyers
Tom Scourfield; David Parrish; Ben Hitchens; Kelly Saliger; Tom Reid; Louise Gellman; Alicja Zelewska-Orabona; Kasia Patsalides