Geared to handle collaboration agreements, IP litigation, and trademark portfolio work, Howes Percival LLP enjoys a strong reputation in the fashion, food and drink, as well as software sectors. Matthew Talbot leads the practice and splits his time between Leicester and Northampton. Talbot is an experienced IP litigator and often handles copyright, design rights, patents, and trade mark disputes. Leicester-based Hannah Steggles is knowledgeable of IP licenses and IT outsourcing agreements, she is also experienced before the UK Intellectual Property Office. In Northampton, Jenna Bruce is skilled in IP licensing, maintenance agreements, and software developments, while Stephen Ruse’s caseload encompasses infringement matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Hannah Steggles is one of the best partners I have had the pleasure of working with in my career. I have been consistently impressed with how she handles cases. She and the HP team are my go-to referral for clients requiring solicitors. Hannah has excellent legal knowledge and provides excellent strategic advice.'
- 'Stephen Ruse is an excellent associate who is calm and focused in his approach.’
- ‘Matt Talbot is knowledgeable and strategic, Hannah Steggles is enthusiastic and creative, and Stephen Ruse is an up-and-coming associate with good knowledge and sound judgment.'
- ‘Matthew Talbot has been the very approachable driving force in our experience at HP. He is a delight to know and always helps, even if an area is not his expertise, he brings someone forward who is.'
- ‘The HP team are friendly, diligent, and have a large "toolkit" at their dispense in their people and expertise. Matthew Talbot's enthusiasm right from the start really helped us grow in confidence.'
- ‘The team are consistently excellent. They combine being personable and practicable with excellent technical legal knowledge. The team use technology effectively, for example to compare various documents.’
- ‘They have a strong team with a number of experienced IP litigators.’
Key clients
- Business Software Alliance, Inc. (“BSA”)
- Start-rite Shoes Limited
- FibreFab Limited
- Prokon Software Limited
- Robovision Limited
- Craft Buddy Limited
- Imperial International Ltd
- The National Forest Company
- Autodesk Ltd
- Internetwork Media Ltd
- Samworth Brothers Ltd
- Viridian International Limited
- Gibbs Croft Limited t/a Soreen
- Synergy Devices Limited
- Starkers Group (including Brand X, Tutti Rouge and JoJoe)
- The Breeze Drinks Company
- South East Dons Football Club
- Sowvital Ltd
- Morningside Pharmaceutical Ltd
- Red Helix Limited
- Oystashell Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Business Software Alliance Inc on behalf of the BSA, whose members include Autodesk, Siemens, PTC, Prokon, Exocad, Maxon and Graphisoft on infringement actions.
- Advising Prokon Software Limited on its IP strategy in the UK and Europe, including obtaining trade mark protection and protection measures.
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Hannah Steggles
Howes Percival LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matthew Talbot