Decorated IP litigator Neville Cordell leads the offering at A&O Shearman alongside Jim Ford, a key name for advice on brand-rich high-value transactions, commercialisation matters, and M&A. The team has been involved in an array of high-profile disputes for household names related to trade mark infringements, copyright, art and moral rights, bad faith, passing off and more, and counsels clients on the intersection of intellectual property assets and AI. The bench includes Nigel Parker, who is experienced in commercial IP work, and Alex Shandro, who handles non-contentious IP and IT law, assisting with joint ventures and the exploitation of IP rights. Alexandra Wyles is a key name for telecoms and media companies, and Megan McMellon focuses on the biotech field, while Benedict Kay advises on various matters in the tech and telecoms spaces. David Stone left in February 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A&O Shearman have a brilliant, diverse team with real talent at all levels. They offer a commercially-focused approach with clear strategy and excellent understanding of the substantive legal issues.’
‘Neville Cordell is a stand-out partner for IP matters. Strategic, intelligent, offers a brilliant service. Benedict Kay is great on technical details, a real asset to the team.'
‘Very responsive.’
Key clients
- Temu
- SS&C Technologies
- Haleon
- CYVN Holdings L.L.C
- Virgin Group
- Coinbase
Work highlights
Advising Coinbase on defending UK actions brought by Dr Craig Wright, who claims to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the inventor of Bitcoin, involving extended passing off and a copyright and database right infringement action.
Advised Haleon plc on the divestiture of its Lamisil brand across more than 70 jurisdictions to Karo Healthcare AB for £235m, and on its sale of the ChapStick brand to Suave Brands for an aggregate consideration of $510m.
Acting for Temu in a dispute with its competitor Shein concerning allegations of copyright infringement related to photographs uploaded by third-party merchants on the Temu UK site.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Nigel Parker
Practice head
Jim Ford; Neville Cordell
Other key lawyers
Nigel Parker; Alex Shandro; Alexandra Wyles; Megan McMellon; Benedict Kay