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.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is client oriented, efficient in their delivery of service and always responsive. The team’s legal knowledge and skills are sound and coupled with their capability and prompt service, represent good value for money. The lawyers understand our clients’ business needs well and always try their best to accommodate clients’ requirements.'
'Emilia Petrossian and Michael Gardner are both very professional and competent, as well as efficient and responsive. They understand the clients’ business needs well and always make their best efforts to accommodate clients’ requirements and concerns.’
'I have recommended Wedlake Bell to many business colleagues. The reason is that they are very partner-led which in this day and age makes all the difference. This means that a client will receive proper and detailed consideration by a partner in Wedlake Bell rather than a much younger and inexperienced associate.’
‘Michael Gardner is always very focussed on detail and his letters to opponents always sets the right tone. Furthermore, they are very detailed and persuasive. His knowledge of IP law is outstanding and he often appears on TV and other media talking about IP law.'
'Michael Gardner is very good on both details and strategy and never loses sight of the client's needs, even in the midst of litigation. ’
‘Michael Gardner is a formidable trademark attorney. He's smart and conveys viable solutions and innovative strategies in a succinct, clear and persuasive manner.'
- 'Emilia Petrossian is a master of multitasking; she can handle multiple matters seamlessly, making every client feel like her only client.’
‘Esther Guneratnum has worked with us for nearly 20 years and is an exceptional lawyer.'
Key clients
- Tesco Stores Ltd
- Lacoste
- Reclaim The Media Ltd
- Circle Foods Ltd
- Universal Protein Supplements Corporation
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme Limited
- Yellow Bulldog Ltd
- SHL Group Ltd
- The Arts Club
- Fears Watch Company Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Universal Protein on their UK trade mark portfolio.
- Advised Lacoste on a claim for trade mark infringement and passing off against M&S in the Chancery Division of the High Court due to the retailer selling a range of primarily children's clothing using various images of crocodiles.
- Advising Construction Skills Certification Scheme Limited on various different strategies implemented to provide a holistic approach to protecting the client's brand and trade marks and stopping a plethora of companies and individuals from passing themselves off as being associated with the client.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Michael Gardner