Burges Salmon LLP has a broad intellectual property offering that covers strategic advice, brand enforcement, and IP litigation, and is a popular choice for high-profile clients such as the BBC and Starbucks. The Bristol-based practice is headed up by the ‘immensely commercial’ Jeremy Dickerson, who manages portfolios and acts in disputes for national and global brands from various sectors. Helen Scott-Lawler is a go-to adviser for clients in non-contentious matters, while Emily Roberts is particularly experienced in disputes, including those pertaining to breach of confidence, designs, and trade marks. Georgina Shaw left the firm for an in-house position in June 2022.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Offer an all round service for IP, providing really commercial, strategic advice.’
‘Jeremy Dickerson - immensely commercial, knows the law inside out, takes a really hands on approach to cases and is always available.'
'Tough negotiator Emily Roberts - clear thinker, provides really sound advice, extremely bright.’
‘Jeremy Dickerson has a solid team that is well staffed and extremely responsive. Very good at keeping up with deadlines, sending reminders in advance and ensuring deadlines are met.’
‘Expert knowledge, excellent client service.’
‘Jeremy Dickerson is a star. He runs a tight and very reliable team.’
‘The uniqueness of this practice comes from the approachability of its team members. All team members come across as friendly, supportive and patient with even the silliest of queries.'
- 'The team seems to operate seamlessly; the main point of contact is the associate, but they will be appropriately supported by the partner or the trade mark paralegal.’
Key clients
- Ordnance Survey
- Harrods
- BBC and BBC Studios Ltd
- Tesla
- Discovery, Inc (Discovery Channel and Eurosport)
- Starbucks Corporation
- Victoria’s Secret/PINK
- Bath & Body Works
- Eurostar
- Funko
- Montane
- Ooni
- Harbour Energy PLC
- Aritzia
- GWR / FirstGroup
- Virgin
- Santa Barbara Polo Club
Work highlights
- Obtaining positive judgements for the Santa Barbara Polo Club in High Court and Court of Appeal trade mark infringement proceedings.
- Advising the BBC and BBC Studios on all UK and EU trade mark applications and registrations as sole counsel.
- Acting as trade mark counsel to a number of US brands including Starbucks, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Discovery, advising on clearance, portfolio management, and enforcement.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jeremy Dickerson