The group at Appleyard Lees is well-placed to assist its well-known clients in the breadth of contentious and non-contentious trade mark cases. Its workload includes handling cross-opposition and invalidation proceedings before the UKIPO and acting for its clients in disputes including infringements. Robert Cumming oversees the team from Leeds and harnesses a specialism in domestic and cross-border litigation. Halifax-based Paul Brandon handles filing and prosecution matters, while Cambridge’s Chris Hoole's workload features advising clients on anti-counterfeiting campaigns. Also in Cambridge is key name Beverley Robinson. Advising SMEs on IP issues is Manchester-based Graham Johnson‘s area of expertise. Arnie Francis joined from Gowling WLG in January 2025, and Simon Bradbury departed in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • Nestle JD Wetherspoon
  • Holland and Barrett
  • Puma
  • Madd Gear
  • Silentnight
  • Marlow Foods (Quorn)
  • Water Babies
  • Wrexham lager
  • Skipton Building Society
  • Prevayl
  • Pelsis
  • Rick Shiels

Work highlights

Advised Nestlé on a complex cross-opposition and invalidation matter before the UK IPO
Advising our client, Madd Gear Pty Ltd., in a dispute with CDS Superstores International Ltd. (The Range).
Acted for the client in a domain name infringement against a trademark, matter.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Chris Hoole

Practice head

Robert Cumming

Other key lawyers

Chris Hoole; David Moy; Beverley Robinson; Daniel Bailey; Paul Brandon; Graham Johnson