Clifford Chance LLP‘s intellectual property team excels in high-value, cross-border commercial projects and business-critical disputes across various rights, from geographical indications to trade secrets. The group, which also offers trade mark prosecution and strategy services, is led by ’highly intelligent’ contracts lawyer Stephen Reese, an expert in IP-rich procurement matters and a key contact for life sciences clients. City veteran Vanessa Marsland‘s recent instructions have concerned major software disputes and trade mark litigation, and Don McCombie focuses on innovation-led clients, trade secrets, tech, and AI. Alex Walker, who made partner in May 2025, specialises in e-sports and gaming work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Super responsive and very pragmatic approach.’
‘Don McCombie is very knowledgeable, pragmatic, and super responsive.’
‘Very high calibre and charming individuals.’
'Stephen Reese is highly intelligent, commercially minded, and thoroughly professional. He combines technical legal expertise with a pragmatic approach that keeps matters moving in the right direction, even under pressure.'
'Stephen Reese is simply the best contracts lawyer I've encountered. His ability to navigate complex, and sometimes arcane, legal frameworks is essential to our efforts.'
'Strong capabilities and expertise in all areas of intellectual property and beyond. They can fully advise, having the big picture in mind and considering all the cross consequences between clauses and agreements.'
'Outstanding team, proactive, understands our needs and issues ahead of us, manage to always offer a very efficient solution.'
'Just a Rolls Royce practice on both the contentious and non-contentious side.'
Key clients
- LzLabs
- iMiracle (HK) Limited & Green Fun Alliance Limited
- L'Oréal S.A
- SX Global PTY Ltd
- First Quantum Minerals Ltd
- SEF (Saudi Esports Federation)
- Informa plc
- Cyprus Government and the Foundation for the Protection of the Traditional Cheese of Cyprus Named Halloumi
- Invictus Games Foundation
- Pest Control Partnership
- CQS Management Ltd
- CVC Capital Partners
- Allwyn
- Arçelik A.Ş.
- Unilever
- Virgin Money UK
- EQT Private Equity
- MiddleGround Capital
Work highlights
Defending LzLabs and related entities against IBM for alleged breach of a mainframe software licence agreement, among other claims.
Acting for iMiracle and Green Fun Alliance in proceedings issued in the High Court against Vapes-Bars Limited and Synergy Project Management LLC, alleging trade mark infringement and passing off in their LOST MARY brand, get up, and packaging.
Advising L'Oréal on the development and selection of new brands across a variety of portfolios, including its consumer, luxe, beauty and dermatological product ranges.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Stephen Reese
Other key lawyers
Vanessa Marsland; Don McCombie; Alex Walker; Sean Wood; Lauren Royers