Acting on behalf of clients within the life sciences, entertainment, and financial services sectors, Burness Paull LLP has a ‘deep understanding’ of both contentious and non-contentious IP issues. The practice is highly regarded for handling complex copyright infringement claims in the Court of Session, in addition to assisting with broad IP enforcement activity across multiple jurisdictions. Based out of Glasgow, both Colin Hulme and Colin Miller co-head the outfit. Hulme regularly advising in high-profile IP litigation claims, while Miller primarily focuses on due diligence and licensing elements within M&A. From Edinburgh, David Goodbrand concentrates on data transfers and tech agreements. Glasgow-based Megan Briggs and Rebecca Albett are noted for their contentious expertise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The range of industries/sectors covered by the team, great adaptability skills and depth of knowledge. Impressive network in Scotland.’
‘Colin Hulme has incredible experience in his field and great patience when explaining a complicated case. He is also open to discussion and eager to take others' views/considerations into account to find the best strategy together.’
‘In my view Burness Paull have the strongest/broadest IP team in the country.’
‘Colin Miller is always pleasant to deal with and clients I have referred comment on his approachability. Megan Briggs was particularly helpful with an overseas enquiry I had and provided valuable advice. Colin Hulme is probably the highest profile IP lawyer in the country.’
‘I always feel that my business is important and that I am not being dropped for a big client. The turnaround times agreed are always achieved, in fact are invariably exceeded. If I do not understand what is provided to me, it is rapidly explained in a simple manner and sometimes even the wording in documents have changed to reflect this, which has also helped my customers who I am trying to get agreements with. It is always clear who will deputise and how to contact them. The billing is clear with simple explanations of items covered in the month. Payment is super easy through the electronic payment system with a choice of credit card or direct from my bank account.’
‘The biggest quality I value is being valued as a customer despite my size of being only 1 person. I have been invited to events held by BP and I can see they have very large name business customers. Despite this, I am never left alone and entertained on the same level. I do feel the personal touch. I do not feel rushed if I do not understand anything, there is always patience to make sure I can make decisions based on the full understanding of what I am advised.’
‘Depth of knowledge.’
‘Deep understanding of client needs.’
Key clients
- Harris Tweed Authority
- Sky UK Limited
- PPL PRS Limited
- Pringle of Scotland
- Exact Sciences Corporation
- ScottishPower
- Two Rivers Media
- Highland Spring
- Scottish Enterprise
- RUA Lifesciences
Work highlights
- Conducting a general review of a commissioning agreement and negotiation of other production agreements (including talent agreements with each of the co-stars) for Two Rivers Media.
- Performing a “general counsel” role for longstanding client, the Harris Tweed Authority.
- Instructed by PPL PRS Limited (“PPL PRS”) the joint venture between the UK’s two music licensing organisations – Performing Right Society Limited (“PRS”) and Phonographic Performance Limited (“PPL”) in its enforcement campaign in Scotland.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Colin Hulme, Colin Miller