The intellectual property practice at Clarion excels at handling international mandates for clients in the biotechnology, manufacturing and retail sectors, among others. The practice is very active in commercial IP matters, frequently advising on the IP aspects of corporate acquisitions as well as regularly assisting with IP portfolio management. Additionally, the team frequently acts in cross-border disputes related to IP infringement claims. Esther Kirwan, who leads the team, is an expert in international IP work and regularly works on portfolio management work as well as patent litigation. Sue Streatfield is a key contact for contentious work and maintains close relations with clients in the chemical and biotechnology sectors. Lindsey Wrenn and Sarah Molloy, who excel at advising on trade mark protection, are also highly recommended.
Intellectual property in Yorkshire And The Humber
Clarion
Practice head(s):
Esther Kirwan
Other key lawyers:
Lindsey Wrenn; Sue Streatfield; Sarah Molloy; Jemma Green
Testimonials
‘The Clarion IP team is able to provide coverage for our requirements that is more comprehensive than larger international firms are able to provide.’
‘Esther Kirwan has the calm assurance gained from experience at national firms.’
‘The people I have had the chance to work with have been extremely professional and obviously know what they are doing. They are easy to work with and are willing to listen to recommendations. It is always a pleasure interacting with their team.’
‘It is always easier to work with highly professional people, especially if they are also pleasant. I think that Lindsey Wrenn stands out in this respect.’
‘We use Clarion for the management of our trade mark portfolio and find them to be efficient and helpful.’
‘Lindsey Wrenn is very clear in her advice, bearing in mind our business objectives.’
‘Very experienced and professional team, quickly understanding both the product/service and the aims of the applicant in seeking IP advice.’
‘Esther Kirwan is experienced in both domestic/European and US IP. Clear and easy to interpret advice.’
Key clients
Card Factory
Evri
Frasers Group Plc
Freeman Grattan Holdings
Genuit Group Plc
Neom Limited
Orion Publishing Group Limited
Safestyle UK
Vensys Energy AG
Vichugo, Inc
Work highlights
- Acted for a subsidiary of a UK plc in a High Court claim for IP infringement, breach of confidence, and breach of restrictive covenants and of fiduciary duties.
- Acted for OPM Advance Ltd in the successful enforcement of its patents for a cutting-edge development against infringers in the UK and abroad.
- Advised Neom’s on the management of its global IP portfolio, including on agreements and the enforcement of its IP.
Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP
Well regarded for its ability to offer ‘pragmatic, commercially focused, risk-based advice’, the team at specialist firm Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP maintains a first-class offering that spans the breadth of IP matters. The practice regularly takes on complex contentious mandates and acts for household names such as Tesco and Swatch in trade mark disputes while also handling copyright infringement claims and patent litigation. Richard Kempner, who is renowned for his litigation work and co-heads the overall practice, leads the contentious team with support from key contacts Brian Whitehead and Sanjeet Plaha. Non-contentious work in the trade mark space is led by practice co-head Jason Dainty, who, along with Amanda Mallon and Michael Conway, is highly recommended for his expertise in cross-border portfolio management. Rachel Hearson is also recommended for trade mark and brand protection work.
Practice head(s):
Richard Kempner; Jason Dainty
Other key lawyers:
Sanjeet Plaha; Michael Conway; Brian Whitehead; Amanda Mallon; Rachel Hearson
Testimonials
‘Pragmatic, commercially focused, risk based advice on trade mark issues. HLK understand our trade mark portfolio and our businesses. Excellent international network/associates.’
‘Jason Dainty has an in-depth understanding of our business, delivers clear, practical advice backed up by excellent legal knowledge, and provides solutions, not options.’
‘The team has good commercial instincts and is very responsive.’
Key clients
Callaway Golf Group
Giorgio Armani SpA
Jet2.com Limited
Jet2holidays Limited
Molton Brown
Stitch Editing Ltd
Swatch AG
Tesco Stores Limited
Wren Kitchens
Yeti Coolers LLC
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard‘s IP team stands out for its expertise in commercial matters, working closely with an impressive roster of clients in the retail and consumer sectors to advise on brand purchases, IP protection matters, and licensing agreements. Under the leadership of the highly recommended Georgina Powling, the Leeds practice is well regarded for its ability to advise on the IP aspects of major corporate transactions, and the team also regularly assists clients with their IP and brand portfolio expansions. A growing volume of contentious work is also handled with the support of key contact Alice Chaplin.
Practice head(s):
Georgina Powling
Other key lawyers:
Alice Chaplin
Testimonials
‘They do a good and dedicated job and go the extra mile for us.’
Key clients
Anglian Water
Asda Stores Ltd
Associated British Foods/Primark
Diageo Great Britain Limited
Fortnum & Masons
Hostmore plc
Royal Mail Group
Ted Baker
Volkswagen
Work highlights
- Advised Diageo on the IP aspects of the acquisition of the DON PAPA rum brand.
- Advised ASDA on various IP and separation issues, most notably in relation to its brand licence agreement with Walmart.
DLA Piper
Leveraging strong expertise in the manufacturing, technology and life sciences sectors, the Sheffield and Leeds-based team at DLA Piper collaborates with colleagues across the country to handle cross-border IP mandates. Led by Richard Taylor, who works closely with a number of standout clients in the Middle East, the team advises on IP licensing and protection matters in the context of major research initiatives. Bolstered by the expertise of Aaron Trebble, the team is also well equipped to handle contentious work, especially in relation to technology matters.
Practice head(s):
Richard Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Aaron Trebble
Testimonials
‘Easy to deal with, succinct communications, and professional,’
Key clients
Advanced Technology Research Centre (Abu Dhabi)
Anthony Nolan
Portakabin
ResMed
Wembley Innovation
Work highlights
- Advised Portakabin on its IP enforcement and education programme to protect its valuable PORTAKABIN and PORTALOO trade marks from infringement and misuse by third parties.
- Advised the Abu Dhabi-based Advanced Technology Research Centre on its foundational intellectual property policies and procedures, and its sister company, the Technology Innovation Institute, on several of its foundational IP agreements.
- Advised ResMed on its IP-heavy agreements around the world.
Walker Morris LLP
Walker Morris LLP is instructed by a diverse roster of standout clients including Ferrero and Leeds United to advise on the management of trade mark portfolios, excelling particularly in international brand protection matters. The team regularly assists with trade mark registrations and, through its ability to handle patent and trade mark infringement claims, is particularly renowned for its strength in contentious matters. Practice head Alan Harper is highly recommended for his experience as a litigator, working on a diverse array of infringement claims for defendants and claimants, and is also active on IP licencing deals. Sarah Williams is a key contact for IP portfolio management, particularly for clients in the sport sector.
Practice head(s):
Alan Harper
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Williams; Matthew Lingard
Testimonials
‘In recent years I have worked predominantly with Alan Harper. I find that his analysis and strategy is consistently pitched just right – a fine balance of assertiveness, cunningness, and reason – which time and time again gets an early result for his clients.’
‘Practical advice with a commercial focus.’
‘Knowledgeable and approachable.’
‘The Walker Morris team are extremely responsive and make themselves available at any time, for any situation that arises. They are highly approachable and able to explain issues in layman’s terms, so we are always clear on actions required.’
‘Alan Harper is our key contact for IP matters. He is very approachable and will invest time and effort into ensuring that we get the best outcome in any circumstance. His advice is measured and fair. He has taken the time to really understand our business, which makes a major difference in our interactions.’
‘The team is responsive and provides helpful input across a variety of areas of IP law.’
‘Alan Harper has a good understanding of cross-border IP issues and differences between jurisdictions. He draws on his contentious experience when providing transactional advice, which helps make his input more focused.’
Key clients
Banner Group
Deckers Outdoor Corporation
Ferrero Group
Findel Education Limited
Hallmark Cards Inc
Harrison Bathrooms Limited
Leeds United
Leisuregrow Products
Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund/Mibelle
Moderna
Moulded Fibre Products Limited
Seabrook/Calbee
The Meatless Farm Limited
Watkins Drinks (t/a Mighty Pea)
Welspun (Christy)
Wrexham AFC
Work highlights
- Advised Ferrero Group, one of the largest chocolates and confectionery companies in the world, on the enforcement and management of its entire UK trade mark portfolio.
- Advised pioneering biotechnology company Moderna on brand clearance in relation to multiple key brands.
- Acted for Moulded Fibre Products in a High Court patent dispute.
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP has a rapidly growing presence in the Yorkshire market, with an IP practice capable of advising clients in the technology, life sciences and education sectors across a wide spectrum of matters. Under the leadership of patent specialist Mark Pearce, the team is well equipped to act in patent infringement litigation and advise clients on the global management of their IP portfolios. Alex Newman is a key contact for the team’s growing roster of clients seeking advice on trade mark and design applications. Felicity Lush and Jasmine Fearnley, who respectively joined the team in June 2022 and February 2023, bolster the team’s expertise in dispute resolution matters.
Practice head(s):
Mark Pearce
Other key lawyers:
Alex Newman; Felicity Lush; Jasmine Fearnley
Key clients
Domino Printing Sciences plc
First Light Lamps Limited
Fox International Group Limited
IELTS Partners
Jaguar Land Rover
Kohler Mira Limited
MD Orthopaedics, Inc.
OPES Corporation Oy
Orderly Telecoms Limited
Predator Nutrition Online Limited
Premia Solutions Limited
The Engineering and Design Institute
The UK Intellectual Property Office
Yellow Tail Wines
Work highlights
- Acted for First Light Lamps in a High Court patent infringement claim issued by Heraeus Noblelight Limited.
- Acted for Orderly Mind Limited in a High Court patent infringement claim issued against Queue-It Limited.
- Advised Domino Printing Sciences plc and its group companies on the management of its global trade mark and design portfolio.
CMS
The Sheffield-based IP team at CMS is instructed by a growing number of household names, including Sainsbury’s, Dune and Nesta, to advise on the growing international presence of trade mark portfolios. The team is well versed in transactional and strategic IP work, frequently assisting clients with brand protection and acquisition matters. Eleanor Merrett, who leads the practice, is a key contact for IP portfolio work and has particular experience in the media sector. Katie Goulding, who joined the firm from HGF Law in September 2022, contributes to the team’s emerging expertise in contentious matters, frequently collaborating with colleagues in London to act in high-profile disputes.
Practice head(s):
Eleanor Merrett
Other key lawyers:
Katie Goulding; Lizzie Brennan; Oliver Gray
Testimonials
‘I have an excellent, personable relationship with Katie Goulding. She’s proactive and thorough and always available for extra support and advice where needed.’
‘The CMS team are fantastic. They know our products and sector well. They provide commercial advice and are tactical.’
‘Eleanor Merrett and Lizzie Brennan are superb. Calm, clever, commercial. The dream team.’
Key clients
Cambridge Weight Plan
Dentsu International
Dune
ITV plc
Kiki McDonough
Microsoft
Monese
Nesta
Progressive Safety Footwear and Clothing Limited
Sainsbury’s
Sky
The Bureau Group
Work highlights
- Advised Dentsu on the consolidation of its brands and the global launch of Dentsu Creative.
- Advised fashion brand Dune on a global exercise in transferring around 300 trade marks.
Irwin Mitchell
The Leeds-based IP practice at Irwin Mitchell regularly collaborates with partner offices across the country to advise on brand strategy and protection matters, including key disputes between large companies in the retail and consumer sectors. Led from London by nationwide head Georgie Collins, the practice regularly calls on the expertise of Joanne Bone to advise on IP licensing and filing matters. Key contact Amy Au is a specialist in IP dispute resolution and regularly handles defamation and infringement claims.
Practice head(s):
Georgie Collins
Other key lawyers:
Joanne Bone; Marcus Collins; Amy Au
Key clients
DAKY International Limited
Gravity Fitness Limited
HSNF Limited
NFL Properties Europe GmbH
NFL Properties LLC
Natural Instinct Limited
Reconomy (UK) Limited
Vet Box Limited (Many Pets)
Whispering Smith Limited
Work highlights
- Advised NFL Properties LLC and NFL Properties Europe GmbH, which are responsible for the UK merchandising and trade mark licensing activities of the National Football League, on the management of its UK portfolio.
- Advised Vet Box Limited on all of its intellectual property matters, which included advising on its international trade mark portfolio and providing associated legal services in respect of brand strategy and clearance, strategic portfolio advice, and enforcement of its IP rights and registry matters, including oppositions and objections.
Virtuoso Legal
As a boutique IP firm, Virtuoso Legal is well equipped to handle IP disputes, regularly acting for defendants and claimants in an array of infringement disputes, enforcement work and defamation cases. The firm is also increasingly active on non-contentious matters, advising clients in the life sciences, consumer and logistics sectors on trade mark renewals and portfolio expansion strategies. The firm is headed up by the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Elizabeth Ward, an experienced litigator who has acted in a wide array of cross-border disputes. Kirsten Toft departed the firm in April 2023.
Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Ward
Testimonials
‘Liz Ward is a truly experienced professional who offered us sound advice.’
‘The firm is a specialist in IP law and offers market-leading expertise and experience. We have no hesitation in recommending Virtuoso Legal to any company or person who requires IP legal services. They are very professional, transparent, and client friendly, and they offered us an outstanding service.’
‘Liz Ward is extremely knowledgeable, very approachable, and hard-working.’
Key clients
Aquadam Europe Limited
Chaos Boxing Limited
L&S Prints Digital Limited
MENWITHTHEPOT Ltd
Pendragon Consultancy Limited
Q Deck Safety Systems
Rock the Park (Wrexham) Limited
Seven Seas Motors
Smarter Clicks Financial Services Limited SPRL
Tao Staffing Solutions Limited
Tile Enterprise Ltd
Trio Healthcare Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Chaos Boxing Limited on the infringement of its BOXABALL trade mark with the entry of BOXBALL from a Swedish company into the UK and US market.
- Assisted Pendragon Consultancy Limited with a passing off dispute as it related to an instance of web presence imitation, company name registration and more.
- Advised Q Deck Safety Systems on defending a case of alleged registered design right and unregistered design right infringement, as well as expanding the protection of its design in the US.
Percy Crow Davis & Co
Percy Crow Davis & Co is noted as providing an ‘accommodating, reliable and extremely knowledgeable’ IP service to clients in the pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering and consumer sectors. The firm is frequently instructed to handle brand protection and licencing matters and is also capable of advising on dispute resolution in relation to infringement claims. Dai Davis, who has particular expertise in the engineering sector, acts for an array of SMEs on licensing and brand strategy matters.
Practice head(s):
Dai Davis
Testimonials
‘World-class expertise outside central London with a wealth of experience and knowledge.’
‘Dai Davis is focused on providing an exceptional personalised service with a wealth of focused expertise in all aspects of IPR practice and specifically licensing, royalties, disputes, mediation contacts etc.’
‘Our startup has been using Percy Crow Davis & Co Ltd for several months, and we couldn’t be happier with their service. Starting and growing a SME is challenging, so we’re very grateful to have Percy Crow Davis & Co Ltd guide us through each step. Their whole team is very accommodating, reliable and extremely knowledgeable. They make life so much easier for businesses. Highly recommended!’
Key clients
Adact Medical Limited
Different Kettle of Fish Limited
Discount-Licensing Limited
Georgeco Marketing Services LLP
Inbox Insight Limited
La Romantica Limited
OTL Limited
The Lead Advisory Company Limited
TÜV SÜD Limited
Virtually Informed Limited
Rollits LLP
The Hull-based IP practice at Rollits LLP handles a wide spectrum of mandates for clients in the food, manufacturing and charity sectors. The team maintains a solid reputation for its advice on sponsorship, licencing and distribution agreements and is also active in assisting with trade mark applications and IP acquisitions. Practice head Keith Benton is an expert in cross-border IP registration and portfolio management, while James Peel advises a number of the team’s flagship clients, including Hull City Tigers, on sponsorship and licensing matters.
Practice head(s):
Keith Benton
Other key lawyers:
James Peel
Key clients
AAK International
AB Graphic International Limited
Family Fund Trust
Giacom World Networks
Hull City Tigers
Hull College
J R Rix & Sons
Work highlights
- Advised Hull City Tigers on the terms of its new shirt sponsorship agreement with Corendon Airlines.
Ward Hadaway LLP
The ‘very commercial and efficient’ IP practice at Ward Hadaway LLP is active in trade mark portfolio management matters and regularly works with SMEs and startups in the technology sector, which instruct the team to advise on brand protection and expansion. The team regularly advises on cross-border matters, assisting with global trade mark filings and disputes, and also handles an increasing volume of commercial IP acquisitions. Bill Goodwin, who leads the practice, is an expert in IP matters in the technology sector. Rebecca Whisker is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Bill Goodwin
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Whisker
Testimonials
‘A very commercial and efficient response.’
‘Bill Goodwin is excellent.’
Key clients
Alexander Lamont Limited
Allied London LLP
Connect Health Limited
Greenbank Holidays Limited
Hisense
Morleys (Fast Foods) Limited
Pico Fitness Holdings Limited
Pro-Lite International
Work highlights
- Advised Eurocamp on the management of its substantial portfolio of trade marks across the UK and Europe.
- Advised Hisense on a range of intellectual property law and general commercial law matters.