England - London • TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
AA Thornton
AA Thornton’s ‘first-class team’ provides UK-based companies and international clients with advice on global trade mark portfolio management, which encompasses filing and prosecuting applications, contentious mandates such as cancellations, oppositions, and enforcement proceedings, and appeals. Co-practice head Ian Gill is praised for combining his ’in-depth knowledge of trade mark law with outstanding business acumen’, and he leads the team alongside the recently promoted and ‘very efficient’ Sarah Darby. Senior associate Sarah Neil handles large IP portfolios, and Louise Foster supports clients in the manufacturing, publishing, and retail industries. September 2022 saw the arrival of Lucy Pope from HGF Limited, while Rachel Havard departed to join Two IP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Sarah Darby and her team do a terrific job in managing huge portfolios, keeping on top of things at all times and providing pragmatic, strategic advice. I very much value working with her.’
‘Ian Gill and Sarah Neil invest time in getting to understand the background and context of any matters we raise with them, and have a long-standing track record of skilfully guiding us through seemingly difficult processes.’
‘High level of quality maintained amongst the different team members, and Suzanne Power provides sound advice on tricky matters.’
‘Ian Gill, Sarah Darby, and Sarah Neil are all are very efficient and concise in communicating and proactively making proposals, making it easy for the client to respond.'
‘First-class team always thinking laterally. Great fun to work with, and they are innovative, bright, and pragmatic.'
‘The team are specialist trade mark attorneys and their expertise really shines through. They are also more than mere process driven; they consistently excel in giving client-intelligible counsel and strategic advice.’
‘Ian Gill is a star, a good businessman, and strategy head. He is always calm, clear, and appropriately guiding.'
‘Ian Gill is extremely knowledge. He combines his in-depth knowledge of trade mark law with outstanding business acumen.’
Key clients
- ZPG
- Fytexia SAS
- Virgin Enterprises Ltd
- Merck
- Jimmy Choo
- Primark Limited
- R. Twining and Company Limited
- AB World Foods Limited
- Admiral Group
- Calor Gas
- Equip Outdoor Technologies
- Jordans, Dorset, Ryvita Company Limited
- Estee Lauder
- Reiss
Work highlights
- Advised Silver Cross on the expansion of protection of its trade mark portfolio to cover new growth areas in terms of products, markets, and sub-brands in over 30 new countries.
- Advising British fashion house Paul Smith on a variety of matters, including an international dispute involving the mark JOHN SMITH, which is stylised in an identical way to the iconic PAUL SMITH mark.
- Advising Admiral Group plc on a dispute relating to the mark ADMIRALS of Admiral Markets before the UKIPO, with related proceedings in the High Court.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Leading Individuals
Ian Gill has been a partner since 2001. With over 20 years in the field, Ian specialises in contentious and non-contentious issues relating to trade marks and design. Ian’s technical expertise spans the full spectrum of intellectual property law, including trade marks, registered designs and patents. The bulk of his work relates to trade mark prosecution and enforcement, including related issues such as intellectual property portfolio management and domain name dispute resolution proceedings. Ian’s clients span a diverse range of industries, but his particular focus is in the food and beverage and fashion sectors. Ian also leads the firm’s systems group, who are responsible for IT hardware and software, including the specialist IP software systems that support the smooth and efficient running of the firm.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ian Gill, Sarah Darby