A&O Shearman is noted for its brand disputes practice, acting for a roster of clients including international blue-chip corporations. The department also advises on numerous IP-rich M&A and joint venture transactions. David Stone leads the global IP practice, with vast experience in trade marks, registered and unregistered designs and copyright, and notable expertise in EU design law. Jim Ford and Nigel Parker lead the commercial IP team; both regularly advise clients on mandates concerning IP joint ventures, IP compliance and risk and licensing deals. Litigation specialist Neville Cordell further strengthens the practice, while associate Adrian Dykes operates across a broad range of contentious and non-contentious matters. The following associates are also of note: Karla Hughes’s strengths lie in EU trade mark and design law issues and Alex Shandro specialises in non-contentious IP and information technology law. Alexandra Wyles is especially active in the telecoms, media and technology industries.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Excellent depth of knowledge and experience combined with clear, frank and commercially relevant advice.’
‘David Stone and Adrian Dykes are both consistently excellent.’

Key clients

Samsung
Coinbase
Sony Music Entertainment
Warner Bros. Discovery
The Coca-Cola Company
Virgin Media
McDonald’s Corporation

Work highlights

Advising Coinbase in defending UK actions brought by Dr Craig Wright, who claims to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the inventor of Bitcoin. The claims involved are for extended passing off and a copyright/database right infringement action.
Advised Uni-President on the IP aspects of the acquisition of a 60% majority stake in Carrefour Taiwan, making Uni-President sole owner. Carrefour Taiwan will continue to use its brand in Taiwan and will be part of the wide network of Carrefour brand licensees in over 40 countries.
Advising media and entertainment companies such as MGM, Acamar, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO on a range of brands matters including global trade and design mark portfolio management and a variety of disputes.

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