Often advising hotels and restaurant chains on franchising and licensing agreements, Bird & Bird is skilled at trade marks, copyright, and patents. The team is led by Melissa Murray, who is well-versed in both contentious and non-contentious IP matters, while Sau Lin Wan is often engaged in global rebrands. Eddie Chiu is knowledgeable of licensing IP in the life sciences sector, while Sahar Tarhini is informed in brand clearance. Alicia Ma joined the firm in January 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- MBC Group
- Sony Music Publishing
- Huda Beauty
- TGI Friday’s
- Butlers Chocolate Cafe
Work highlights
Advising the Middle East’s largest broadcaster, MBC, on a variety of media and intellectual property related matters.
Advising the world’s largest music publishing company, Sony Music Publishing (SMP) on a variety of matters in the Middle East, particularly in relation to multi-jurisdictional intellectual property-related 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.
Practice head
Melissa Murray
Other key lawyers
Sau Lin Wan; Eddie Chiu; Sahar Tarhini; Alicia Ma