Carson McDowell

The intellectual property team at Carson McDowell offers a full range of expertise to various sectors, particularly within the education industry, where the firm advises several universities as well as the Education Authority. Declan Magee and Dawn McKnight co-head the practice. Magee has a broad range of IP litigation experience, while McKnight is well regarded for her expertise in drafting and negotiating complex IP contracts in the manufacturing, technology, and life sciences sectors. The ‘market leader’ Peter Guzhar is well versed in trademark and patent infringement proceedings, while the ’stand-out associate’ Helen Cosgrove provides support on a number of contentious IP matters at the High Court level.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Strongest IP practice in Northern Ireland, a great team.'
'Peter Guzhar is a market leader. Helen Cosgrove is up and coming as one to watch.'
'Carson McDowell are highly professional and knowledgeable in the area of university based legal issues. They are very responsive, and the wider team has an extensive breadth of knowledge that fully covers our needs.'
'Carson McDowell provide a top class service, but bring a balanced, fair and common sense approach to getting legal issues and deals over the line in a prompt fashion. To do this, they are effective in their communication, balanced in the overall endeavours yet champion their clients needs. Their work is consistently at a high level, as is their turnaround times.'
'From the first day I started to work with this practice I have been impressed with their professionalism, efficient and friendly approach, and of course their knowledge and experience in IP.'
'Both Peter Guzhar and Helen Cosgrove responded promptly and expertly dealt with our issues. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this practice and particularly Peter and Helen to anyone requiring any guidance and help with their IP Issues.'
'The levels of knowledge and expertise provide reassurance to me as a client. They have team members at each level and can provide me a reliable structure to access advice and support with the option to escalate or look for specific specialist advice where required.'
'Peter Guzhar appreciates tactical strengths and weaknesses, even in matters which are not his legal area. Helen Cosgrove is a stand-out associate; she is thorough, a clear thinker, delivers on time, and a pleasure to work with.'

Key clients

Ulster University
Innovation Ulster Limited
Queen’s University Belfast
Education Authority
Derry City & Strabane District Council
Options Technology Limited
Kilwaughter Minerals Limited
Prestige Insurance Holdings Limited
Belfast Harbour Commissioners
Royal Portrush Golf Club

Work highlights

Providing general IP support service for Ulster University, including Innovation Ulster Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ulster University, for IP and technology transfer related activities.
Advised Belfast Harbour Commissioners on the intellectual property aspects of Project Harlander - Northern Ireland’s first self-driving shuttle service, which is being developed to operate in the Belfast Harbour Estate using £11m joint government and industry funding.
Advised the Education Authority on the intellectual property aspects of its £485Million contract for a new school management system solution and strategic partner services.