Boutique firm McDaniels Law is equipped to handle the full range of intellectual property services, such as the creation and ownership of IP rights, securing patents, trade marks and registered designs, portfolio management issues and licensing agreements as well as IP litigation. The department is co-led by Kelly Hudson, who is a dual-qualified trade mark attorney and regularly acts in respect of trade mark prosecutions; and Adam Turley who covers the full range of IP matters with particular emphasis on soft IP litigation and the sale and licensing of IP. Niall Head-Rapson retired from partnership in April 2023 and is now a consultant.

Based in Newcastle, Muckle LLP is well versed in both contentious and non-contentious IP mandates and possesses expertise in technology, media, sport and charity work. Alex Craig, who covers a broad range of non-contentious IP matters, including acquisitions, collaborative ventures, research and development arrangements, licensing deals, and media rights agreements, leads the department. The contentious IP side is covered by George Festing, who acts across a range of industries, particularly the technology sector. Associates Alex Speirs, who is experienced in contentious IT and IP issues, and Tom Justice, who specialises in non-contentious IP work, are also names to note.

Ward Hadaway LLP is active in contentious and non-contentious work, especially regarding trade marks, spanning opposition, invalidity and infringement mandates. The practice has experience working with universities and spin-out companies from the university sector, and a growing number of clients from the life sciences, pharmaceutical and medical devices sector. The department is jointly led by Judy Baker and Bill Goodwin, who is a dual-qualified solicitor and chartered trade mark attorney and regularly advises on new technologies, trade mark law and IT issues. Associate Sally Sanderson is a core member of the team, and Sonia Burgess, director and chartered trade mark attorney, joined the department in August 2023.

With a strong track record in the creative and digital sectors, Mincoffs Solicitors LLP advises on a broad range of IP issues including contentious and non-contentious trade mark work, brand licensing and franchising mandates, and portfolio work. The group acts for clients in the media and entertainment industry and for the region’s universities. Team lead Antony Hall specialises in IP software and software licensing arrangements, while Stewart Irvine advises on contractual and commercial disputes, and multiple contentious IP infringement matters. In March 2023, commercial solicitor Alicia MacRae joined from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP.

Advising a range of businesses from start-ups to multinational corporates, Keystone Law‘s IP department has expertise across the IP space, spanning IP structuring and risk management work, as well as IP disputes, often with an international dimension. Will Sander is a dual-qualified solicitor and UK and European chartered trade mark and design attorney with experience in both contentious and non-contentious IP in various sectors. His practice covers the protection, monitoring and exploitation of IP and litigation matters in the UK, Europe and globally.

With particular strength in IP protection and exploitation matters in the medical and healthcare sectors, Sintons LLP regularly advises on the protection, development, and commercialisation of new and emerging technologies through new business start-ups, spin outs and collaborations in relation to the healthcare and technology sectors. The department is jointly led by Pippa Aitken and Karen Simms. Aitken’s practice emphasises brand protection and trade mark portfolio management, while Simms advises on the protection and commercialisation of IP rights, trade mark registrations, and the licensing of IP. Matthew Strain joined the practice in August 2023.