A strong choice for clients operating across the media, entertainment, and technology sectors, Wiggin LLP is notably pre-eminent in the copyright space, while also handling a multitude of trade mark and design mandates for global household names. The team is noted for being ‘sharp, technical and creative in their advice’ as well as displaying ’great industry knowledge’. Sara Ashby, who leads the group, boasts extensive disputes experience. Rachel Alexander is well regarded her wide-ranging practice that encompasses a variety of IP rights for clients active across the film, music, and publishing sectors, among others. Brands expert John Colbourn has recently been engaged to manage global trade mark portfolios, while Michael Browne's arsenal of skills incorporate various aspects of enforcement and exploitation in sectors such as fashion, technology, and gaming. Joanne Gibbs, software and technology expert Calum Smyth, and Peter Dawson continue to elevate the practice with their diverse IP practices.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Wiggin's practice excels in their understanding of their clients' needs and willingness to support their client, and they are very generous with their time to understand needs and research.'

  • ‘Sharp, technical and creative in their advice.'

  • ‘They take a pragmatic approach to problem solving, and they are a talented team of lawyers who seems to work well together collaboratively.’

  • ‘Wiggin has lawyers that are not only experts in their legal field, but also display great industry knowledge. Wiggin can give reliable and solid legal advice in advancing and untested technological fields.’

  • ‘Rachel Alexander has a superb knowledge of the law, in particular in the field of copyright, and provides practical and strategic advice. She also has a solid understanding of the music industry.’

  • ‘The soft IP team at Wiggin is exceptional. The lawyers are extremely knowledgeable and go above and beyond in the preparation of their clients' cases. Their response times are quick and they are extremely well resourced.’

  • ‘Rachel Alexander takes a very structured and pragmatic approach, and is very experienced and talented.'

  • 'Calum Smyth has shown exceptional attention to detail with very difficult scientific points and is rigorous and stands his ground until specific points have been properly debated and resolved. I have been very impressed by his ability to understand difficult science. A great asset to any team.'

Key clients

  • 3M
  • Associated Newspapers Ltd
  • CleanCo
  • Entain
  • Facepunch
  • The Restaurant Group
  • Thought Machine
  • Banijay Group
  • bet365
  • China Construction Bank
  • Corsearch Inc.
  • Elsevier
  • Manuka Charitable Trust
  • Microsoft Corp
  • Motion Picture Association
  • Netflix
  • Palace Skateboards
  • Performing Rights Society
  • PRS for Music
  • Riot Games
  • Sage Group plc
  • Sky
  • The Publishers Association
  • University of Oxford
  • Oxford University Press
  • Warner Music Group
  • Sony Music Entertainment
  • Wargaming.net Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advising the University of Oxford and Oxford Limited in substantial trade mark infringement and passing off proceedings issued in the High Court against Oxford Programs Limited and Oxford Royale Academy Limited.
  • Representing Warner Music and Sony Music Entertainment in a very significant copyright case against TuneIn Inc., the operator of an online radio aggregator service.
  • Advising Entain as global IP counsel on its portfolio of around 2,500 trade marks.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sara Ashby

Other key lawyers

Rachel Alexander, John Colbourn, Michael Browne, Joanne Gibbs, Calum Smyth, Peter Dawson