Clarion advises on all aspects of IP, with a strong track record advising clients on the management and defence of sophisticated IP portfolios both within the UK and internationally. The group has strength in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and chemical sectors, among others, acting for a diverse stable of prestige clients. Esther Kirwan leads the team with more than 25 years’ experience advising on patent litigation, as well as both contentious and non-contentious trade mark issues. Other core team members include Sue Streatfield, a highly experienced IP litigator; Sarah Molloy, who advises on trade mark filings; and Ashton Craven-Lockwood, whose practice covers design infringement matters, trade mark oppositions, and invalidity actions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Esther Kirwan provides senior-level guidance with respect to brand strategy and enforcement, and excellent attention to detail. Sarah Molloy is a pleasure to work with. Sarah provides prompt turnaround on all projects, as well as excellent strategic advice on trademark registration and litigation matters. Sam Atkinson provides detailed recommendations to best ensure client satisfaction with results and related costs. Sam is thoughtful, insightful, and provides excellent follow-up on all client matters.
- They are a very professional staff who carefully study each case with the broadest view for their clients. They are open to collaborating in the most suitable manner.
- Richard Moran - partner: Great strategic partner for two investment rounds... practical, pragmatic, solution-oriented, and honest about which hills are the ones to "die on." Sue Streatfield - partner: Great balance of commercial contracting, licensing, and IP background makes her an ideal partner in negotiations of complex IP-involved collaboration and/or licensing agreements. Unusual to find IP and commercial so balanced in a single lawyer (normally either commercial/contracting or IP-focused). Jonathan Schneider - associate: Worked in tandem with Richard on the two investments and multiple other regulatory-related matters. Super hard worker and good communicator.
- The quality and attitude of the people are important. They do the basics well in a straightforward and professional way, at a reasonable price.
- Sarah Molloy, Sam Atkinson, Sina Gertsch, Karen Brookes, and Sue Streatfield are just a few who exemplify Clarion’s proactive, approachable, and commercially minded team. What sets them apart is their responsiveness and willingness to assist across a wide range of matters, showing that the firm’s strength lies in a broad, accessible team rather than just a few individuals.
- Clarion is proactive, commercially aware, and highly cost-conscious, consistently delivering the right advice for each client. The team combines deep expertise with a pragmatic, collaborative approach, embracing innovations in technology, billing, and diversity to enhance efficiency. Compared with other firms, they stand out for providing practical, high-quality legal solutions with a clear focus on value and results.
Key clients
- Evri Limited
- Asics UK Limited
- Nichols Plc
- Frasers Group Plc
- Sportsdirect.com Group Limited
- Freeman Grattan Holdings
- Sportswift Limited trading as Card Factory
- ITM Power Plc
- Grangers International Limited
- Ellers Farm Distillery Limited
- Harrison Spinks Group
Work highlights
Acted for Nichols Plc, owner of the VIMTO brand, across the world in relation to brand and product design protection and enforcement.
Acted for Card Factory in the management and protection of its global trade mark portfolio.
Acted for Asics to prevent the infringement of its IP rights.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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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
Esther Kirwan
Other key lawyers
Sue Streatfield; Ashton Craven-Lockwood; Sarah Molloy; Sam Atkinson