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: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
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.’
Key clients
- Admiral
- Aspen Pumps
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.
Lawyers
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.
Sarah Neil
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