Praised for its ‘practical and commercial approach’, Osborne Clarke LLP’s Bristol-based IP group works closely together with the firm’s London office to support clients across the full spectrum of their intellectual property needs. Digital business and technology, defence, food and drink as well as built environment are the key sectors for the practice, whose advisory portfolio includes strategic IP advice alongside disputes and licensing. Will Robertson, who combines expertise in IP with extensive experience relating to IT, took over as practice head following the retirement of Clare Robinson. Trade secrets and trade marks are focus areas for Becky Crawford, while Ellie Downey regularly assists clients with IP-related disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Pragmatic, very "non-lawyer" friendly i.e. helping non-legal teams understand IP issues and risks, keen to understand the business so that legal advice is appropriately contextualised.’

  • ‘Sector knowledge and experience together with a practical and commercial approach.’

  • ‘Ellie Downey is highly responsive and provides excellent advice.’

  • ‘Personable and engaging approach. Deliver high-quality work.’

  • ‘Douglas Peden is deeply knowledgeable while explaining concepts in an understandable manner. Enthusiastic and friendly approach.'

  • 'Ellie Downey has an engaging manner and delivers excellent work.’

  • ‘The team is very responsive and easy to engage with. They are flexible and hard working.’

  • 'Becky Crawford and Ellie Downey are very able, responsive and helpful. They give solid advice which they are prepared to discuss. Very practical.’

Key clients

  • Hauschild GmbH & Co. KG
  • XP Power
  • Brompton Technologies Limited and group companies
  • A-Gas (Orb) Limited
  • Cookpad
  • Bnkbl Ltd
  • Wild-Arbor
  • Danone Holdings UK

Work highlights

  • Assisted Hauschild GmbH & Co. KG to assert its trade mark rights and other rights against a former commercial partner (now a competitor).
  • Continue to act for XP Power in relation to the protection and enforcement of its trade marks, being responsible for management of XP Power's global trade mark portfolio.
  • Continue to advise Brompton Technologies Limited and other group companies on various global IP issues, including carrying out clearance searches, advising on and filing new trade mark applications, handling trade mark renewals and portfolio management administration and advising on trade mark enforcement action.

Lawyers

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.

Will Robertson

Other key lawyers

Ellie Downey, Douglas Peden, Becky Crawford, Tom Harding