England - London • TMT (technology, media and telecoms)

Slaughter and May

More informationMore information

Noted for its ‘business orientated’ mindset, Slaughter and May acts for both established technology companies, as well as tech-based disruptors, on IP issues and disputes, often in relation to cutting edge issues. David Ives spearheads the practice, with experience in dispute resolution and commercial IP arrangements, as well as IP enforcement and protection strategy. Duncan Blaikie’s expertise in the life sciences sector bolsters the practice, while Rob Sumroy’s strength lies in the digital, technology and innovation sectors. Laura Houston is another name to note in the practice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is available and responsive; they provide excellent legal analysis and operational recommendations.’

  • ‘The lawyers are very involved and business orientated.’

  • ‘Outstanding ability to analyse problems and devise highly effective, commercially appropriate solutions.’

  • ‘Laura Houston has an outstanding ability to analyse problems and devise highly effective and commercially appropriate solutions. Superb ability to adapt approach to the nature of the client organisation.’

  • ‘They leave no stone unturned in seeking out the best possible options available to their clients.’

  • ‘The individuals are very knowledgeable and extremely proactive. Nothing is too much trouble in terms of identifying the most appropriate course of action.’

Key clients

  • Virgin Group
  • Reckitt Benckiser
  • Richemont International S.A
  • SoundMouse Limited
  • Afreximbank SAE
  • INEOS Holdings
  • General Electric Company of America
  • Ouster
  • Vodafone
  • Essentra
  • Micro Focus
  • Schneider Electric
  • Allianz
  • FNZ
  • Bloomsbury Publishing

Work highlights

  • Advising the Virgin Group on a number of matters arising in connection with their trade mark licence with the Virgin Active business, including advising on an update to the TMLA relating to royalty concessions in respect of Virgin Active’s South African business as the last of the measures coming out of Virgin Active’s restructuring.
  • Advising Richemont International S.A. (Richemont) on the licensing of its brand IP, management of IP infringement risks and issues, and the development of bespoke technology platform and front-end webpages underpinning the dual re-platforming of its Maisons and its YOOX Net-a-Porter S.p.A businesses (YNAP), onto the industry-leading Farfetch e-commerce platform.
  • Advising the African Union on all aspects of its program to procure COVID-19 vaccines, over and above the vaccines they are securing through the COVAX Investments Limited facility and other programmes including in respect of all IP issues connected with the procurement.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David Ives

Other key lawyers

Duncan Blaikie, Rob Sumroy, Laura Houston