Our team has considerable experience advising clients on both domestic and international issues. We advise on patents, copyright, databases, designs, trade marks, domain names, trade secrets and confidentiality. We have particular strengths in life science and in luxury and consumer brands, building a formidable reputation and client base within these sectors.
Our work is split into three key areas:
IP strategy
- global IP protection and enforcement strategies
- IP audits of a company’s existing IP
- international freedom to operate
- brand and design clearance and advising on registration of rights
IP exploitation
- IP licensing, assignments, collaborations, R&D, technology transfers, joint ventures
- IP in corporate and finance transactions
IP dispute resolution
- pre-action advice on whether the use of technology, designs and/or brands infringe third party rights and practical steps to avoid legal proceedings
- IP litigation in the UK and cross-border litigation, alternative dispute resolution options
- opposition/revocation proceedings before the trade mark and patent registries
- domain and company name disputes
The team is ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers UK legal guides and has a silver ranking in the World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000. Our team members are recognised as leading individuals in anti-counterfeiting, trade mark enforcement and litigation, and both patent and trade mark transactions.
"The team has a deep understanding of the commercial aspects of the law. They seek to understand the business and its goals to enable the best results. They are also excellent at crystallizing legal issues in a way that makes a path forward clear."
The Legal 500 UK 2022
Gap's sole IP counsel in the UK
We lead all actions for Gap in Europe. We advise on its IP portfolio and in particular, its trade mark branding issues (prosecution, oppositions, infringements) and parallel imports.
Combatting copycat products for luxury brands such as Moët Hennessy and Richemont
Our specialist anti-counterfeiting team effectively tackle copycats using a strategy involving criminal as well as civil prosecution and their invaluable network of contacts within law enforcement and service providers.
One of the world’s leading manufacturers of play materials
We provide IP advice to one of the world’s leading manufacturers of play materials, including preventing misuse of the client's brand and actioning takedowns on various online platforms.
easyGroup
We regularly act on domain name and trade mark disputes over the "easy" brands. This often involves multi-jurisdictional proceedings and therefore instructing, co-ordinating and managing foreign counsel.
GlaxoSmithKline
Led on the multi-jurisdictional trade mark and unfair competition claim involving the use of non-traditional trade marks, and successfully registered a 3D trade mark for the distinctive shape of asthma inhalers.
UCB Pharma
Advised in the negotiations and documentation of a technology transfer and the associated exclusive trade mark licence from a major pharmaceutical and medical devices company.
BTG plc
Advising on its acquisition of EKOS Corporation for US$220 million and a patent licence dispute.
Christie's
Advised on online auction terms and conditions and launch of its audio and visual, real time, online fine art and antiques site "Christies LIVE".
Highview Power
Prepared a licence to exploit patented technology and propriety know-how which would increase the efficiency and decrease the environmental impact of power plants connected to the electricity grid in North America.
KPMG LLP
Advised KPMG LLP on various copyright licensing and domain name issues.