Swindell & Pearson Ltd advises on a range of technologies, and its offering encompasses support with drafting and prosecution proceedings. Its clients are especially active in the electronics, engineering, automotive, and mechanical sectors, and it has a number of universities in its client base. Derby-based Paul Higgin heads up the practice with notable expertise in contentious mandates regarding patent licensing. Scott Harrison is another key team member and is highly praised by clients. The firm also opened a new office in Birmingham in 2023, to help better serve its broad roster of clients.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Scott Harrison is an exceptional listener and makes copious notes, either written or in his head. He is able to align his thoughts and practices with undeveloped concepts. He is quick to point out areas where solutions have not been innovated and how a broad patent claim may capture new commercial opportunities.’

  • ‘The technical level of S&P associates is very high and therefore it’s very efficient to produce effective patents within few iterations. The team is always available and proactive.'

  • ‘Their technical knowledge and ability to explain legal jargon in a clear and simple to understand manner is impressive. It also helps that the strategy is discussed upfront and the steps to achieve our IP needs are clear at every step of the way. This is definitely true for Scott Harrison.’

  • ‘It is a pleasure to work with the team at Swindell & Pearson due to the fact that anyone of the team assigned to us is more than willing to point us in the right direction with any of our queries. Their professionalism in doing business has ensured that we have found better ways to construct and use our in-house systems.’

  • ‘Tim Gilbert is super-efficient and understands how to maximise value from IP.’

  • ‘Christine Anglesea is able to work with complex technology fields in a time efficient manner without compromising quality of work, always providing a high standard of work by meeting deadlines even under most tight schedules, excellent solution finding against problems with professional guides and perfect communication skills. ’

  • ‘Swindell & Pearson offers the highest quality patent representation before the EPO. I've found them quick to engage personally, in person or via Zoom.'

  • ‘We engaged with Swindell & Pearson when we needed to onboard a new patent portfolio. The team of Scott Harrison was instrumental in facilitating the transition of portfolio management. Their proactive approach, meticulous follow-up, and effective teamwork ensure a smooth process. Their strong customer orientation is evident throughout our collaboration.’

Key clients

  • Nokia Technologies
  • Accenture
  • Valve Corporation
  • T-Mobile USA
  • ViaSat
  • Cruise, LLC
  • Vibrantz
  • Nokia Bell Labs
  • Etex
  • De Montfort University
  • Loughborough University
  • University of Northumbria

Work highlights

  • Represented NOKIA in numerous high-value and technically complex cases granted at the European Patent Office that read onto telecommunication standards.
  • Represented NOKIA in urgent patent applications drafted for very complex inventions as a result of standardisation committee outcomes, relating to complex signalling requirements used in 5G networks.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Paul Higgin

Other key lawyers

Scott Harrison, Christine Anglesea, Martin Terry, Tim Gilbert