The London-based collective at Venner Shipley LLP advises well-known clients across the variety of industry sectors on complex and high-value trade mark matters, including advising on protection and enforcement, portfolio management and filing and prosecution. The team was bolstered in December 2024 as a result of its merger with former firm AA Thornton, which saw numerous team arrivals, including Ian Gill, who coordinates global trade mark portfolios for internationally renowned brands, ‘awesome lawyer’ Lucy Pope, and Sarah Darby, whose industry sector expertise includes tech, pharma and luxury goods. Louise Foster, Suzanne Power, litigation specialist Geoff Hussey, who handles infringement disputes, and expert in portfolio management Sarah Neil, also arrived as part of the merger. Yoann Rousseau is also a name to note for his ’insightful recommendations’. Tunbridge Wells-based team lead Clare Turnbull specialises in trade mark issues, as well as design protection and plant varieties work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The people are friendly and easy to work with. Excellent and proactive communication and case/matter management along the way. Problem solvers.’
‘Yoann Rousseau is proactive and always takes the extra step and provides insightful recommendations - flexible and adaptive.’
‘They really do have a serious trade mark team.’
‘Lucy Pope is an awesome lawyer. Highly intelligent, decisive, strategic, and brave in the advice she gives, and super-responsive as well. I could not praise her more highly.’
‘The team at Venner Shipley have helped our business navigate its first forays into trade marks with patience, professionalism, and a desire to really understand the needs of our business.'
'Their advice and care in navigating us through the trade mark process and their care to ensure that our strategy is aligned with our products and vision was exceptional. I can only commend the team for all of their work.’
‘Sarah Neil has been our main point of contact with Venner Shipley and has been provided excellent service and the highest quality advice in all our interactions. Sarah has skilfully helped us navigate the world of trade marks and has been key in our identification of which territories would be appropriate for our business plan and products.'
'We are grateful for Sarah Darby's experience and guidance.'
'Sarah Darby is very fast, and is just a very pleasant person to work with.'
'The Venner Shipley trade mark attorneys are not only responsive but proactive in their rendering of valuable trade mark advice that is founded on decades of relevant legal experience.'
Key clients
- Admiral
- Aspen Pumps
- Associated British Foods
- Bluesky Cosmetics
- Bosch Security
- Brough Superior Motorcycles Ltd
- Canned Wine Company Ltd DAB
- Checkout Technology
- Circular Textiles Recycling
- Clinigen Ltd
- Fabulosa
- First Grade International
- GPD Holdings
- Head
- J.Choo Limited
- Land Energy
- LVMH
- Mary Kay
- Merck
- Michael Kors
Work highlights
Advising over 30 companies within the Associated British Foods group, whose renowned brands include Primark, Twinings, Ovaltine, Kingsmill, Levi Roots, Patak’s, British Sugar, Ryvita, and Silver Spoon, on strategic global IP issues.
Represented the client successfully in a high-profile trade mark infringement dispute against Admiral Markets.
Advised Vice Media Group on UK and EU trade marks, including oppositions and invalidity matters
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Clare Turnbull
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
Clare Turnbull
Other key lawyers
Yoann Rousseau; Lucy Pope; Sarah Neil; Sarah Darby; Ian Gill; Louise Foster; Suzanne Power; David Birchall; Gloria Parmesan; Jane Martin; Camilla Sexton; Geoff Hussey