Following the recent merger with AA Thornton, the newly expanded team at Venner Shipley LLP works under the direction of trade mark-focused Clare Turnbull, designs lead Alex Brown, and litigation and licensing specialist Geoff Hussey. Acting for a range of sectors, from fashion and luxury to FMCG and engineering, the practice assists clients with various registry proceedings and litigation, portfolio management, protecting registered designs and untangling copyright matters. Seasoned trade mark specialist Sarah Darby is recommended for all aspects of rights management and commercialisation issues. Clients also benefit from the vast experience of trade mark attorney Ian Gill, and barrister Daniel Byrne is a key contact for brand litigation. Sarah Neil pivots between portfolio management and contentious matters. David Birchall and Peter Lyons are further key team members.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I have had the opportunity to work with the intellectual property team at Venner Shipley on several matters relating to trade marks, copyright, and design, and I have consistently been impressed by their ability to combine deep legal expertise with practical, innovative thinking. They are highly responsive, client-focused, and particularly skilled at finding pragmatic, commercially sound solutions to complex IP issues. Their hands-on approach makes them a trusted partner, especially in cross-border or strategically sensitive matters.’
- ‘The team has a varied and diverse skill set that provide a full service IP solution. They are dedicated, thorough, and drill down to ensure they have industry specific knowledge that sets them apart from their competitors.’
- ‘Dan Byrne is an experienced strategist and litigation savvy. Peter Lyons has a strong technical background and a deep understanding of the detail.’
- ‘It's made up of individuals with a strong technical understanding of the underlying subject matter and experience of litigating in the High Court and IPEC.’
- ‘Geoff Hussey is incredibly astute with legal and tactical excellence. He is able to push the envelope for clients in novel areas of the law, with a particularly deft approach to brand protection. Dan Byrne is a robust litigator.’
- ‘I would particularly recommend Dan Byrne. He is a brilliant legal expert with a rare ability to think outside the box. His experience as a Deputy District Judge gives him a strong and practical understanding of the English legal system, which brings real depth to his advice. He also has valuable insight into the French market, having previously worked in Paris, which makes him particularly effective in international matters.'
Key clients
- Admiral Group Plc
- Zaun Limited
- Professor Boghossian
- Tempcover Limited
- Virgin Enterprises Limited
- J. Choo
- Michael Kors
- Shin-ei Animation Co Ltd
- Biosoft (Australia) Pty Ltd
- Oil States
- Estee Lauder (ELC Management LLC)
- SharkNinja
- Canva Pty Limited
- BYD
- Sanofi
- Calor Gas
- Reiss
- Radley
- Kepak
- Wild Organics
Work highlights
Represented Admiral Group in a trade mark infringement, passing off, and breach of contract dispute against Admiral Markets in relation to its re-brand to “Admirals”.
Advising Zaun in a design right case.
Advising Prof. Ardemis Boghossian in relation to a copyright infringement case at the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court.
Practice head
Clare Turnbull; Alex Brown; Geoff Hussey
Other key lawyers
Sarah Darby; Ian Gill; Daniel Byrne; Sarah Neil; David Birchall; Peter Lyons