A&O Shearman is well regarded for its work in brand disputes, entrusted by a deep roster of high-profile corporations. The team also advises on M&A transactions and joint ventures with a strong intellectual property component. 'Standout partner' David Stone leads the global IP group; he is noted for his extensive experience in trademarks, registered and unregistered designs, and copyright, with particular expertise in EU design regulations. Jim Ford and Nigel Parker head the commercial IP division, regularly advising on IP-related joint ventures, compliance and risk management, and licensing arrangements.

Operating at the forefront of the global IP markets, Bird & Bird LLP possesses well-earned gravitas through its wealth of experience coordinating international mandates, managing significant trade mark and copyright litigation alongside transactional work. Tom Snaith and Rebecca O’Kelly-Gillard co-helm the team, with the latter demonstrating considerable prowess in the copyright sphere and is a pre-eminent presence within the media, entertainment, and digital sectors. Phil Sherrell led the team in the case of COPA v Wright regarding the ‘Battle of the Bitcoin’, while Ewan Grist led the team representing Lidl against Tesco. Other notable names include Peter Brownlow, who co-leads the firm’s International IP Group, and Toby Bond, an AI expert who continues to develop the firm’s technology capabilities. Louise Sargeant is a strong choice for large-scale project work. Nick Aries re-joined the group from the firm’s San Francisco office, while Christopher De Mauny departed to the San Francisco office. Seasoned practitioner Robert Williams retired in May 2024.

A major player in a variety of sectors, from pharmaceuticals and biotech to media and luxury goods, Bristows LLP‘s extensive range of capabilities that span the full spectrum of trade mark, copyright, and design issues enables it to be a top choice for blue-chip clients. The team is praised for having the ‘heft, intellect and legal and technical expertise to run the biggest IP litigation’. The practice is jointly led by Richard Dickinson, who possesses particular capabilities in the media and entertainment, consumer products, and retail industries, Nellie Jackson, who is the driving force behind the trade mark portfolio management practice, and Paul Jordan, whose strengths encompass advertising clearance, brand restructuring, and brand launches. Experienced litigator Jeremy Blum and trade mark expert Ian Gruselle further bolster the practice, and Simon Clark is also noted for his wide-ranging experience across contentious and non-contentious mandates.

Regarded as a ‘well-prepared’ team with ‘great technical knowledge’, CMS's breadth of practice is demonstrable through its involvement in copyright and design infringement cases, database right claims, and portfolio work, to name a few areas. The practice is spearheaded by Sarah Wright, who is routinely entrusted by blue-chip clients for advice on their new trade mark portfolios, Joel Vertes, who is highly capable of assisting clients with complex copyright and technology disputes, and Tom Scourfield, who is considered a tour-de-force in the consumer and retail sector. Louise Gellman principally focuses on the protection, exploitation, and enforcement of trade mark rights, with David Parrish also able to navigate through the lifecycle of trade mark rights with his clients. Caitlin Heard is well-versed in handling IP disputes arising from the technology sector. Other key names in the practice include Anna Brackenbury, Eleanor Merrett, and Ben Hitchens.

The ‘extremely well-resourced and effective’ team at Mishcon de Reya LLP demonstrates prowess before the courts, drawing upon its commercial acumen and experience across the full spectrum of IP issues to assist notable clients with market-leading mandates. ‘First-rate IP specialist’ David Rose leads the team with his extensive disputes experience, and Jeremy Hertzog is also noted for his capabilities in managing multi-jurisdictional license disputes for a varied roster of clients. Another name to note is Sally Britton, who leverages her vast expertise in the brands sphere to operate effectively within the retail sector. Lewis Cohen is well-versed in handling commercial and IP arrangements, while Peter Nunn strengthens the practice with his knowledge of international trade mark disputes. Other names to note include Cassandra Hill and Justin Lambert.

Excelling in the creative and technology industries, Taylor Wessing LLP‘s diverse offering extends from complex disputes to day-to-day design work, which enables it to operate for dynamic, global-scale clients. The team is recommended for its ‘first-rate depth of knowledge, experience and expertise’. Practice leader Roland Mallinson regularly litigates for household names and enjoys considerable multi-jurisdictional capabilities. Adam Rendle enhances the firm’s strengths in the media and entertainment field, while Xuyang Zhu, who covers the full gamut of IP rights, is especially knowledgeable in the digital content arena. Simon Jupp‘s core streams of work include trade mark litigation, portfolio strategy, and advertising. The team has expanded, with Anneka Dalton joining from Hogan Lovells International LLP in October 2023 and Giles Crown joining from Lewis Silkin in February 2024.

Baker McKenzie covers the full gamut of trade mark, copyright, and design mandates, being active across a multitude of sectors from fashion and consumer goods to technology and financial services. The practice is steered by Ben Allgrove, who enjoys a strong grounding in copyright, AI, and intermediary liability, Jessica Le Gros, who is highly experienced at managing brand clearance and trade mark issues for a panoply of clients, and Rachael Wilkinson-Duffy, who strengthens the team with her contentious capabilities. Other names to note include John Groom, Julia Dickenson, and Natalie Ellerby.

Noted for its ability to impart ‘pragmatic and solutions-based advice’, DLA Piper provides a comprehensive practice to a plethora of clients, spanning from global banks to global food businesses, demonstrating particular expertise in the media, retail, and financial services sectors. The team is regularly entrusted to advise on multi-faceted litigation, trade mark portfolio management, and design right mandates. Practice head Ruth Hoy is fully immersed in the retail and fashion industry, and managing partner Simon Levine is a seasoned litigator in the media, technology, and sports sectors. Duncan Calow demonstrates deep knowledge of a variety of commercial and contractual issues, with Patricia Collis frequently assisting with clearance and disputes mandates. Nick Fitzpatrick is a go-to for clients operating within the media space, while Claire Sng is recommended for her transactional strengths. Another name to note is John Wilks, who enjoys a strong reputation on the database rights and copyright side.

With particular experience in handling emerging technology and its surrounding IP, the ‘thorough and diligent’ team at Fieldfisher also retains a sizeable practice extending from design law to confidential information mandates. Hastings Guise, who helms the practice, is notably active in the space of trade marks and designs, and Nick Rose is recommended for his wide-ranging practice that incorporates AI, copyright, database rights, and passing off issues. Trade mark experts Amy Reynolds and Harriet Seymour further strengthen the team, alongside experienced enforcer John Linneker. James Seadon deploys his technology and data knowledge effectively in the disputes arena.

Counting a litany of high-profile life sciences, technology, and retail clients in its client roster, the ‘fabulous’, ‘high-quality’ and ‘proactive’ team at Gowling WLG’s core streams of work incorporate elements of brand strategy, design litigation, advertising, and licensing. Practice leader Kate Swaine, who is based in Birmingham, supports several household name brands in their global protection and enforcement programmes. John Coldham is at the forefront of the firm’s brands and designs work, with notable strengths in design law. Matt Hervey is the firm’s resident AI law expert in the IP field, while Dan Smith leads the advertising law team with his extensive experience in the area. Mathilda Davidson, transactional IP specialist, is also recommended.

Praised for its ‘excellent client service’, Simmons & Simmons capitalises on its innovative technology to provide an effective service for significant brands spanning the retail, technology and pharmaceutical sectors, among others. The practice is jointly helmed by Darren Meale, who is well-positioned to represent clients in trade mark disputes and has also notably created Rocketeer, the world’s first AI trade mark lawyer, alongside Priya Nagpal, a seasoned litigator capable of assisting with a diverse range of technology disputes that often incorporate multi-jurisdictional aspects. Bristol-based Marisa Broughton adds her expertise in brand strategy and enforcement to the group, while Matthew Siddaway has built his experience across the full spectrum of IP. Joel Smith joined the firm in late 2024.

A strong choice for clients operating across the media, entertainment, and technology sectors, Wiggin LLP is notably pre-eminent in the copyright space, while also handling a multitude of trade mark and design mandates for global household names. The team is noted for being ‘sharp, technical and creative in their advice’ as well as displaying ‘great industry knowledge’. Sara Ashby, who leads the group, boasts extensive disputes experience. Rachel Alexander is well regarded her wide-ranging practice that encompasses a variety of IP rights for clients active across the film, music, and publishing sectors, among others. Brands expert John Colbourn has recently been engaged to manage global trade mark portfolios, while Michael Browne's arsenal of skills incorporate various aspects of enforcement and exploitation in sectors such as fashion, technology, and gaming. Joanne Gibbs, software and technology expert Calum Smyth, and Peter Dawson continue to elevate the practice with their diverse IP practices.

While demonstrating considerable expertise on the transactional side, the ‘well-resourced’ and ‘pragmatic’ group at Addleshaw Goddard is especially noted for its strengths in managing disputes, notably for clients active within the retail and consumer sector, as well as the financial services sector. Their multi-office network enables them to operate effectively on a national and multinational basis for a variety of blue-chip clients. Emma Armitage and Georgina Powling jointly helm the practice, with the former demonstrating particular capabilities in the area of brand and design disputes and the latter enjoying a wide-ranging practice that spans trade mark licensing, confidentiality agreements, and the IP aspects of various transactions. Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta possesses strengths on the commercialisation and data side, while David Berry is accomplished in the technology space.

Holding an established presence in the beauty, retail, automotive, and food and drink sectors, the ‘skilled and professional’ team at Browne Jacobson LLP continues to retain a substantial IP offering that is comprised of high-stakes disputes, licensing arrangements, and portfolio work, among others, while also expanding its capabilities in the media space. Declan Cushley heads up the group with his extensive knowledge of brand management, and Giles Parsons safeguards his diverse roster of clients’ IP rights from both a contentious and non-contentious side. Emma Roake contributes her considerable experience handling a variety of agreements to the team, while Faye McConnell advises across a varied spectrum of issues in the fashion, beauty, and media sectors.

A sample of Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's work in the IP space includes assisting with global trade mark portfolios, licensing deals, and copyright disputes. Steering the department, which is ‘comprised of skilled individuals’, is Mary Bagnall, an established practitioner who covers the full gamut of IP rights. Transactional expert Caroline Young regularly assists clients with matters arising from the engineering, manufacturing, life sciences, and technology fields. Other key team members include Nick White, who is particularly active in the leisure, fashion, and food and beverage industries, and Charlotte Duly, whose broad range of undertakings include trade mark, design, and domain name work.

Noted for its ‘great industry knowledge and client service’, Harbottle & Lewis LLP's dynamic IP offering spans a diverse spectrum of sectors, from film and theatre to software and technology. ‘Exceptional’ Shireen Peermohamed spearheads the group, providing the team with considerable strengths in the realm of disputes. Kostyantyn Lobov leverages his experience in the interactive entertainment sector to operate for multinational clients in the space, and Andrew Terry enjoys a wealth of experience in handling IP and media litigation in parallel with a diverse scope of advertising issues.

The ‘responsive and knowledgeable’ team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP capitalises on its world-wide network of offices to advise on global-scale copyright disputes and a plethora of transactional mandates. Sebastian Moore steers the department, while Andrew Moir is particularly noted for his skills in managing copyright, outsourcing, and licensing issues within the technology sector. Jonathan Turnbull has a strong grounding in transactional mandates, ranging from collaboration and commercialisation agreements to the IP aspects of M&A. Andrew Wells leverages his scientific background to assist with technical and innovative issues in the space, and Heather Newton is regarded for her wealth of experience in the industries of technology, media, energy, and banking. Victoria Horsey, who maintains a multi-faceted IP practice, and brands expert Emma Sherratt, further bolster the team. Peter Dalton re-joined the team from Stephenson Harwood in November 2023.

On the contentious side, the ‘pragmatic’ department at Lewis Silkin handles an extensive range of issues before the High Court, IPEC, CJEU, and the UK and EU IPOs. On the non-contentious side, a diverse range of agreements, brand management, and licensing mandates are some of its core streams of work. Tom Gaunt steers the practice with his strengths on the engineering and manufacturing side, while Adam Glass acts for a varied stable of advertising and media clients. Neil Parkes contributes his considerable disputes expertise to the team, and Nick Bowie spearheads the trade mark portfolio work in the practice. Giles Crown  departed to join Taylor Wessing LLP in January 2024.

Marks & Clerk is well-versed in issues arising from the creative, fashion, financial services, and food and drink industries, with the capacity to assist clients with portfolio work, brand protection, and global-scale disputes. Kirsten Gilbert leads the team with her wealth of experience advising clients on collaborations and brand licensing in particular, while Dafydd Bevan has a firm grasp of mechanical, electronics, software, and telecoms mandates. Gina Lodge departed to Temple Bright LLP in August 2023.

The ‘excellent’ and ‘vastly experienced’ team at Reed Smith LLP, which is helmed by Gregor Pryor and Pete Chassman, maintains a comprehensive offering that encompasses trade mark and copyright disputes, portfolio management, and a host of strategic mandates. Other key team members include the ‘extremely talented’ Michael Skrein, who is routinely entrusted by clients operating across media and entertainment, sport, and technology sectors, to name a few, and Jonathan Radcliffe, who possesses an established presence in the life sciences, technology, and manufacturing fields. Sophie Goossens is another name to note.

Praised by clients as being a ‘joy to work with’, RPC’s arsenal of skills are comprised of digital content, commercial agreements in the sport sector, and trade mark portfolio management, to name a few. David Cran, who fields a wide-ranging practice that extends across the technology, retail, and media sectors among others, and Jeremy Drew, who is adept at handling multi-jurisdictional arbitration, co-lead the group. Ciara Cullen is well-versed in issues arising from the food and drink sector and is especially knowledgeable in the safeguarding of consumer brand portfolios. Trade mark and passing off expert Ben Mark and contentious expert Sarah Mountain are also recommended.

The core streams of work for Shoosmiths LLP encompass cross-border brand enforcement, anti-counterfeiting, and brand strategy, operating across a multitude of industries that span the retail, sport, and technology sectors. Andrew Brennan heads up the group, recently managing IP elements of transactional work, design infringement claims, and strategic IP mandates, while Antony Craggs, who joined the practice from Lewis Silkin in August 2023, brings with him substantive expertise in the IPEC and High Court surrounding trade mark and design issues. Gary Assim bolsters the team with his international scale expertise, while Anastasia Fowle adds her strengths in the contentious arena to the group.

Regarded as fielding a ‘stellar’ and ‘results oriented’ team, Stephenson Harwood leverages its extensive experience across the life sciences, consumer, and commodities industries to assist clients with a variety of complex licensing arrangements, cross-border litigation, and strategic IP issues. Alexandra Pygall leads the group, counting luxury brands among her key clients, while Rob Jacob is noted for his proficiencies in trade mark litigation. Naomi Leach is recommended for her ability to engage effectively with IP licensing and collaboration agreements. Other key contacts include Joshua Cunnington and Laura Elliott.

Harnessing its experience operating for start-ups through to global multinational corporations, the ‘highly responsive, legally astute and commercially savvy’ group at Stobbs IP boasts a uniquely commercial structure and approach that enables them to operate across an extensive breadth of issues, from disputes and domains to anti-counterfeiting and online brand enforcement. Founding partner Julius Stobbs and Chris Sleep spearhead the group: Stobbs deploys his vast expertise to manage a panoply of portfolio, trade mark, and domain issues, Steward is actively involved in a diverse range of disputes for global names, and Sleep is known for his strengths across both disputes and advertising regulations. Former IP head Geoff Steward and Rebecca Newman left to join Addleshaw Goddard in September 2024.

Regarded for their ‘very diligent and thorough’ practice, Brandsmiths demonstrates particular prowess in trade mark and copyright litigation, as well as mandates relating to confidential information and database rights. Andy Lee spearheads the group, fielding a varied practice that is comprised of trade mark, copyright, and passing off issues. Experienced litigator Adam Morallee and Joel Barry, who contributes his considerable trade marks expertise to the team, are other names to note in the practice.

A ‘luminous group of charming lawyers’, Burges Salmon LLP is active on the contentious and non-contentious sides, with experience up to the Court of Appeal as well as managing day-to-day IP matters for some notable brands. Jeremy Dickerson leads the team, deploying his trade mark expertise in the courts while managing the portfolios for household names. Helen Scott-Lawler possesses notable strengths in the transactional arena, while Emily Roberts is regarded for her capabilities in the prosecution and enforcement of a litany of IP rights.

Able to capitalise on its global network of offices, Clifford Chance LLP is entrusted by clients who are active in the healthcare, technology, retail, and sport sectors. Practice head Stephen Reese utilises his 25 years of experience to handle multi-faceted licensing and enforcement mandates, while Vanessa Marsland is highly capable of managing transactional, advisory, and disputes work in a multitude of sectors. Another key player in the practice is Don McCombie, who contributes his particular knowledge of IP and technology to the team.

A ‘highly professional and specialised IP firm’, D Young & Co LLP pairs its experience before the EUIPO, UKIPO, and German courts with its capabilities in the design area and portfolio management. Heading up the group is Tamsin Holman, who is noted for her expertise on the contentious side and often incorporates cross-border work into her arsenal of mandates. Matthew Dick hones in on the field of trade marks, while Anna Reid is well-versed in representing clients in the IPEC in relation to a diverse host of issues. Gemma Kirkland is noted for her strengths in global portfolio management and matters in the UKIPO.

With demonstrable capabilities in the technology and retail industries, Deloitte Legal’s wide-ranging experience extends from corporate support work to the management, structuring, and strategic work of various IP rights. Paul Garland leads with his strengths on the disputes side, while Rachael Barber is immersed in the luxury fashion space. Technology expert Jeremy Harris, who is noted for his ‘wide range of experience’, is another name to note in the practice.

Operating for several household name brands in the technology, energy, and media sectors, Dentons manages a multitude of disputes, portfolio management, and general enforcement and protection mandates for its clients. Anna Copeman spearheads the team, frequently handling global-scale matters and multi-faceted contentious proceedings. Jennifer Cass’s arsenal of skills include media and commercial matters alongside brand licensing projects and contentious proceedings. James Marsden bolsters the practice with his disputes expertise. They are regarded as a ‘balanced team but ready to push boundaries and unknowns’.

‘Highly skilled’ Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP maintains a varied practice that covers disputes surrounding the full spectrum of IP rights, as well as transactional mandates and licensing arrangements. David Wilkinson steers the group, with his wealth of experience across contentious and transactional IP, while Indradeep Bhattacharya draws upon his background in genetics and biosciences to handle technical and complex mandates. Kate Ellis is entrusted with sizeable trade mark and design portfolios. Brand management expert Lisa Highet and Alexandra Emery, who demonstrates prowess in commercial agreements in the realm of IP, are also of note.

Counting a diverse range of private businesses, research organisations, and creative companies in its roster, Farrer & Co is well-positioned to advise on IP infringements and safeguard IP rights on a cross-border scale. Owen O’Rorke leads the strategic advisory practice, while Ian De Freitas helms the disputes practice, principally focusing on brand and copyright disputes. Capitalising on his more than 30 years of experience in the field, Peter Wienand manages copyright, trade marks, and information law mandates. David Copping is adept at handling IP aspects of large projects in sectors such as technology and media.

Regarded as ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘creative’, Fox Williams LLP harnesses its experience in the High Court and strategic capabilities to handle matters for notable clients on a cross-border basis. Simon Bennett spearheads the group, advising on the full gamut of rights with particular capabilities on the design side. Stephen Sidkin excels in trade mark and design right licensing, and Sarah Redmond manages trade mark and design portfolios for a diverse stable of clients.

While focusing on brands, digital content, and data more broadly, ‘high-quality’ firm Hansel Henson demonstrates particular proficiencies in relation to trade marks. The team also possesses experience before the High Court, Court of Appeal, and UKIPO Tribunal. The practice is jointly led by David Hansel, who brings his experience in copyright issues surrounding internet-based consumer applications, and Justine Flockhart, who principally focuses on trade marks. Thomas Henson is well-versed in the digital media sector.

Arthur Artinian leads the ‘commercial and pragmatic’ team at K&L Gates LLP, which maintains a broad IP offering that encompasses design portfolio work, licensing, and collaboration agreements alongside a variety of trade mark and copyright disputes. Artinian assists clients with a litany of strategic, transactional, and advisory work. Newly established partner Simon Casinader is active on both the contentious and non-contentious sides, while Serena Totino, who is dual qualified in Italy and England, is regarded for her portfolio, infringement, and invalidation work in the IP space.

Ian Karet, Yohan Liyanage, Paul Joseph, and Katie Coltart lead the team at Linklaters LLP, which has handled some notable trade mark litigation and IP licensing arrangements. Karet is active in the industries of pharmaceuticals and technology, and Liyanage is routinely engaged by clients for assistance with licensing and commercialisation arrangements. Joseph’s wide-ranging capabilities are comprised of copyright disputes, commercialisation, and IP structuring mandates, among others. Coltart joined from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP in October 2023. Jennifer Heley is another key name to note with her transactional strengths.

Safeguarding IP rights for its clients on a global scale, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP fields a solid IP offering in the automotive, retail, luxury, apparel, and technology sectors in particular, providing strategic advice from a contentious and non-contentious standpoint. Nick Bolter, who spearheads the ‘incredibly smart and engaged’ practice, is well-positioned to advise clients on trade marks and design. Another name to note is Martin Henshall, who deploys his trade mark expertise to operate for a panoply of clients.

Regarded as a ‘fantastically capable, responsive and pragmatic team’, Norton Rose Fulbright operates for a consortium of clients in relation to infringement and revocation claims, enforcement work, and strategic management of IP assets. The practice is co-helmed by Mike Knapper, who demonstrates particular proficiencies in relation to commercial contracts, and Jonathan Ball, who has managed trade mark cases in the High Court. Counsel Farah Mukaddam is another name to note in the practice.

With demonstrable cross-border and strategic capabilities, the ‘very responsive and highly engaged’ Pinsent Masons LLP acts for a dynamic roster of clients in IP issues such as portfolio management, copyright infringement disputes, and AI-related matters. Florian Traub, who continues to strengthen his brand protection expertise on an international scale, and ‘miracle worker’ Tom Nener, who is well-versed across the manufacturing, technology, and sports sectors, among others, jointly steer the group. ‘Outstanding’ Désirée Fields demonstrates considerable prowess in handling cross-border mandates.

Powell Gilbert LLP leverages its experience in the courts to handle global-scale trade mark, copyright, and design mandates for a plethora of clients, particularly within the life sciences and pharmaceutical arenas. Practice head Simon Ayrton is highly experienced in the disputes arena. Another key figure in the practice is Alex Borthwick, who is routinely engaged in contentious mandates involving software, manufacturing, and fashion products, among others. Tom Oliver also specialises in IP litigation.

Noted for their ‘no-stone-unturned approach’, Slaughter and May is entrusted by a consortium of clients on multi-jurisdictional disputes, copyright mandates, and emerging technologies, to name a few. ‘Commercially savvy’ practice head David Ives handles a variety of litigation and commercial agreements for an extensive range of clients, while Duncan Blaikie principally focuses on commercial IP arrangements, drawing upon his background as a doctor to advise clients operating within the life sciences sector. Rob Sumroy is another name to note.

Providing an ‘excellent partner-led service’, Waterfront Solicitors LLP is noted for its wealth of experience on the contentious side, routinely representing its diverse roster of clients in the Chancery Division, IPEC, and UKIPO. ‘Great strategist’ Matthew Harris, who has handled contentious mandates in the space for over 30 years, leads the group alongside ‘commercially minded’ Piers Strickland, who operates for a variety of clients spanning the sectors of financial services, fashion, and technology, among others.

The ‘highly qualified’ and ‘pragmatic’ team at AA Thornton is notable for its capabilities that span enforcement proceedings, portfolio management, and IP joint ventures, to name a few. Geoff Hussey, who is well-versed in representing a range of clients in the High Court and Court of Appeal on issues such as IP ownership and design rights among others, and Sarah Darby , who is entrusted by household names across the technology, luxury goods and pharmaceutical sectors, co-lead the group. Daniel Byrne, who sits as a deputy district judge in the IPEC and demonstrates particular proficiencies in handling brand disputes, is another key name to note.

Recommended for both its ‘experience and expertise’, Brabners LLP is regularly engaged by clients for assistance with portfolio management, a varied range of IP disputes, and IP-related agreements. The department is led by Colin Bell, who draws upon his vast experience to handle multi-faceted strategy, franchising, and brand management issues. Other key figures include Hannah Fawcett and Sara Ludlam.

William Miles, Éamon Chawke, Ralph Wehrle, Ramsay Monime, and Tom Synott co-helm the IP department at Briffa, which deploys its wide-ranging experience in the IP field to advise clients across the automotive, media, and software sectors. The team, praised for possessing a ‘delightful combination of competence and exuberance’, has handled various copyright, trade mark, and copyright infringement proceedings in the UKIPO, EUIPO, and IPEC.

Edwin Coe LLP is frequently engaged by clients to manage trade mark and passing off disputes, portfolio management, and various other global scale mandates. ‘Experienced litigator’ Simon Miles, who steers the practice, is well-versed on both the contentious and non-contentious sides of the practice, while Nick Phillips counts SMEs, charities, and international organisations among his key roster of clients. Claire Lehr is active in the sphere of branding and trade marks.

Covering a broad variety of litigation, licensing, and strategic work, gunnercooke LLP maintains a strong IP offering that encompasses the industries of fashion, technology, manufacturing, and retail. ‘Exceptionally bright, knowledgeable and dedicated’ key contact Rosie Burbidge is routinely entrusted to safeguard her clients’ registered and unregistered designs. Rachel Pearse’s extensive range of capabilities are comprised of trade mark infringement claims, comparative advertising claims, and domain name disputes, among others.

The ‘excellent’ team at Keystone Law operates for start-ups through to multinational corporations on issues relating to multifaceted disputes, commercial IP arrangements, and risk management. Rebecca Halford-Harrison holds a wealth of experience in design and trade mark disputes, with particular expertise in relation to electronics. Karen Fong bolsters the practice with her strengths in the trade mark space, while seasoned practitioner Simon Chalkley contributes his considerable transactional knowledge across the full gamut of IP rights. James Tumbridge and Robert Peake joined from Venner Shipley LLP in May 2024.

Regarded as ‘friendly but fearsomely effective’, Lee & Thompson LLP retains a varied roster of notable clients comprised of names such as Harry Styles and the Beckhams, assisting them with a plethora of issues arising from the media and entertainment space. Practice leader Dominic Bray provides his significant knowledge in the disputes arena to the group, while Gordon Williams harnesses his brands expertise to represent an array of creative clients. Mark Stafford and Martyn Bailey are also recommended.

Noted for their ‘responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex legal issues with skill and professionalism’, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has a strong grounding in trade mark, design, and data licensing mandates on a domestic and international scale. Anna Frankum leads the team with her vast experience on the non-contentious side and is notably active in the publishing and education sectors. Experienced litigator Duncan Curley fields a sizeable trade mark practice and has particular strengths in the pharmaceutical industry.

Whilst enjoying considerable expertise in the software, data, and technology arena, TLT‘s capabilities also extend to the retail and leisure sector. The practice is jointly led by Nick Fenner, who frequently handles matters pertaining to IP strategy, exploitation, and enforcement, and Bristol-based James Touzel, who is well-versed in the digital realm. Disputes expert Andrew Cave further bolsters the practice with his technical strengths and technology project expertise. Humna Nadim is another key name to note.

Noted for its ‘enthusiastic, commercial and down-to-earth attitude’, Trowers & Hamlins LLP maintains an active practice across the full gamut of trade mark, copyright, and design issues, providing corporate support and advice on the transactional side as well as opposition and cancellation proceedings on the contentious side. Caroline Hayward helms the group, with her myriad of experience across comparative advertising, domain name disputes, technology research, and licensing deals. Other key names to note include Alice Gould and Alice Stripe, who contribute their international scale expertise to the team.

Clare Turnbull and Alex Brown co-lead the ‘extremely professional, organised and knowledgeable’ team at Venner Shipley LLP, which operates for notable names in the realm of trade marks and boasts considerable experience in the registered design and copyright space. Brown excels in the mechanical and design area, while Turnbull’s strengths include a diverse spectrum of trade mark mandates. James Tumbridge and Robert Peake  departed to Keystone Law in May 2024.

Counting a varied stable of clients in its roster, Wedlake Bell LLP’s offering encompasses representation in litigation and domain name disputes, and advice on due diligence, licensing, and franchising mandates. Steering the practice is Michael Gardner, who fields a strong disputes practice, handles issues of trade marks, databases, and confidential information before the courts. Esther Gunaratnam joined from Laytons LLP in January 2024, while Charlotte Wilding departed to Keltie in June 2023.

A team of ‘exceptional and hardworking individuals’, Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP harnesses its bench strength to operate across the retail, oil and gas, manufacturing, and technology sectors. ‘Excellent’ practice leader James Love is well positioned to assist a diverse range of clients with anti-counterfeiting, brand enforcement, and licensing. Other key names to note in the practice include Amy Galloway and Rachel Jones.

Building upon its broader IP practice, Arnold & Porter has recently established a presence in the sphere of trade mark, copyright, and design, drawing on its expertise in operating for international clients to handle various disputes, transactional, and advisory mandates in this space. ‘Outstanding’ life sciences expert Beatriz San Martin spearheads the group with her extensive experience in pan-European litigation. As noted by clients, ‘the team’s strengths lie in their consistently accurate legal support and practical approach to addressing legal matters’.

Operating for a range of clients in the media, entertainment, and music spaces, Hamlins LLP’s wide-ranging offering encompasses a full spectrum of IP rights, advertising issues, and licensing arrangements. The practice is jointly led by Matthew Pryke, who fields a strong practice in the media sector, and Martin Ochs, who bolsters the practice with his contentious capabilities.

Regularly assisting on a variety of litigation, licensing, and infringement issues in the space, HGF Law is active across the IT, media, and education sectors, to name a few. Rachel Fetches, who capitalises on her background in cell biotechnology to handle life sciences and pharmaceutical mandates, leads the team alongside Martyn Fish, who is well-versed in issues relating to medical devices, mechanical, and electronic patents.

The ‘brilliant’ Howard Kennedy LLP maintains a particularly strong practice in the arts space, advising across a litany of IP issues that include trade mark licensing, IP acquisitions, and contentious disputes, often with a cross-border element. Steering the practice is Robert Lands, whose practice is comprised of an array of trade mark and copyright mandates. Colin Sawdy, who heads up the firm’s trade mark offering, counts technology, media, and consumer electronic companies in his client roster.

Acting for some notable clients in the media, financials services, and retail sectors, Irwin Mitchell fields a varied practice that is comprised of brand protection strategies, portfolio management, and clearance searches expertise. Georgie Collins helms the department with her strengths in international scale enforcement, copyright, and database rights. Marcus Collins draws on his 25 years of experience in the IP field to manage trade mark clearance and prosecution mandates.

Capitalising on its experience in the UKIPO, IPEC, and High Court, Locke Lord LLP maintains a solid practice that encompasses aiding notable technology and beverage companies with brand, copyright, domains, and confidential information mandates. Dominic Farnsworth heads up the group with his vast expertise in international portfolio management and IP-based commercial contracts, while Leigh Smith demonstrates capabilities across the brands and trade marks space.

Enjoying an established presence in the creative sectors, Morrison Foerster advises clients such as the Havaianas flip-flop brand on the full gamut of IP rights. Steven James steers the group, bolstering the practice with his considerable experience across contentious and non-contentious mandates. Alistair Maughan is particularly experienced in commercial contracts and technology-based products, while Ruth Arkley is well-versed in the software and design space.

Praised for its ‘very responsive and dedicated practice’, Simkins LLP is notably well-versed in the media and entertainment space, often representing clients before the IPEC, High Court, and UK and EU IPOs. Paddy Gardiner helms the team with his arsenal of skills across the music, film and TV sectors, while Jim Dennis, who possesses more than 25 years of experience in the field, handles the full gamut of IP rights. Tom Iverson is another name to note in the practice, bolstering the group with his IP disputes expertise.

Maninder Gill leads the ‘pragmatic and commercial’ IP group at Simons Muirhead Burton, which maintains a strong standing within the media, entertainment, and retail sectors while acting for many global organisations. Gill counts fashion brands, musicians, artists, and photographers among his key roster of clients, advising on a litany of IP issues. Marc Sobol holds considerable experience on the licensing side.

Active across the life sciences, technology, and fashion industries, to name a few, Stevens & Bolton LLP’s wide-ranging offering extends from a range of contentious mandates to licensing and transactional advice. Steering the practice is Tom Lingard, who remains heavily involved in the fields of technology, media, manufacturing, and sport, being relied on by notable companies, such as Samsung. Charlotte Tillett is another name to note in the team.

Cordelia Payne leads the team at Acuity Law with her expertise across an extensive variety of contentious and non-contentious matters. The team more broadly operates across the pharmaceutical, fashion, and automotive sectors, advising a range of clients on a diverse scope of IP mandates, from commercialisation to portfolio management.

Counting SMEs, insures, and various businesses in its client roster, Clyde & Co is capable of handling court and registry proceedings in relation to trade mark issues, alongside transactional and due diligence work. ‘Excellent’ Ralph Cox leads the group, while other key figure Chris Williams enjoys an established presence in the marine, energy, and natural resources sectors.