The IP team at Michelmores LLP stands out for its continued support of fast-growth and disruptive businesses at the start-up and scale-up stage, alongside a strong roster of established consumer brand clients. In Exeter, practice head David Thompson boasts a particularly robust consumer brands practice; Charles Courtenay specialises in cross-border and domestic IP and technology disputes; and the ‘excellent’ Tom Torkar advises clients, notably high-growth tech companies, on IP, data protection and business transformation. Philippa Collison is another key contact.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The uniqueness of Michelmores is its connectedness. Through its many sector teams, networks, and initiatives that it is part of or leads, it has been able to stay current and relevant across all areas. This adds value to our interactions with them, as it amplifies their solutions.’
‘The individuals that work with at Michelmores have an impressive understanding of our industry. That leading edge expertise is key to us, as we rely on their knowledge to deliver our own value to our clients.’
‘The team have provided high quality advice balancing legal and commercial factors and are always responsive.’
‘Tom Torkar: excellent partner in his domains. The team combines the depth of expertise you would expect in a central London practice but with South West accessibility and cost. They are always ready with help when needed.’
‘The team covers a wide range of fields, from corporate advice to contracts. They have a practical approach to working through negotiations alongside clients and able to take a commercial view when necessary.’
‘In particular, Tom Torkar has provided very valuable advice around the negotiation of contracts including complex IP issues, and has responded in a very timely fashion when needed in fast moving situations.’
Key clients
- Seasalt Limited
- Landmark Information Group Limited and Searchflow Limited
- Action Sustainability
- Coram UK Holding Limited
- StopNCII.org (SWGfL)
- Natural England
- Shook Hardy Bacon LLP
- Oriole Networks Limited
- Seasalt Limited
- Landmark Information Group Limited and Searchflow Limited
- Action Sustainability
- Coram UK Holding Limited
Work highlights
Advised Oriole Networks Limited in respect of its complex negotiations with UCL with regards to the exclusive licence and deferred assignment of key patents and patent applications, knowhow and copyright following its spin-out from University College London.
Advising Coram UK Holding Limited in relation to its defence of an ongoing patent infringement dispute relating to the alleged infringement of UK patented electric shower-waste pump and control unit.
Acting for StopNCII.org in relation to its free image hashing tool (operated by the Revenge Porn Helpline) designed to support victims of non-consensual intimate image abuse.
Lawyers
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
David Thompson
Other key lawyers
Charles Courtenay; Tom Torkar; Philippa Collison