Mills & Reeve LLP has in-depth knowledge of complex patent claims and design rights infringement disputes, primarily concentrating on the tech, software, and education industries. The firm has expertise in trade mark portfolio management proceedings, while the ‘very professional’ co-head Claire O’Brien is well versed in patent litigation. Also in Birmingham, David Hall specialises in the exploitation of IP rights and data supply chain issues, while Vyara Yordanova is highlighted for her commercial law insight.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Pragmatic and practical advice tailored to the relevant sector and recipient. Very responsive to hard deadlines.’
‘Claire O'Brien provides a very professional but approachable service and displays a wealth of experience in the issues within the sector.’
‘The Mills & Reeve team are incredibly responsive and easy to work with, providing pragmatic and business focused solutions on a range of IP matters.’
‘Mark Pearce provides sound advice, which is concise and easily digestible.’
‘I am doing a High Court patent action for them, now under appeal. They punch well about their weight for a regional firm.’
‘Claire O'Brien, legal director but should be a partner - she has delivered outstanding work throughout the 15-20 years I have known her. Jessica Mason is an associate - keen, hard working.’
Key clients
- Kohler Mira Limited
- STV International Limited
- K&S Partners on behalf of The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
- Brigade Electronics PLC
- Cambridge Inference Ltd
- Optalysys Ltd
- PKF Smith Cooper Systems Limited
- Birmingham City University
- Swimtime group of companies
- Wasserman Boxing Limited
Work highlights
Advised Kohler Mira on its successful patent infringement claim against Norcros Group/Triton in relation to innovative electric shower technology.
Advised K&S Partners on behalf of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (“APEDA”) in its successful appeal to the Court of Justice of the European Union in relation to protection of the name “Basmati” as an indicator of a particular class of rice.
Advised STV International on its copyright and design infringement claim in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court against Keplin Group, Venture Paragon and Kritish Sharma.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Claire O’Brien; Mark Pearce
Other key lawyers
James Fry; David Hall; Vyara Yordanova