Freeths LLP‘s key area of expertise is in handling IP disputes, notably for consumer-facing brands and retailers. Other areas of expertise for the team include anti-counterfeit expertise, trademark filing and defamation cases, to name a few. Simon Barker leads the practice, acting on lots of high-profile IP disputes. Iona Silverman is another key contact at the firm. Martin Noble joined the team from Shakespeare Martineau LLP in August 2022.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Martin Noble is a highly capable lawyer in the soft IP field.'
  • 'Very proactive and commercial.'
  • 'Very clear advice, with risks explained and weighted.'
  • 'Simon Barker offers clear, sensible advice.'

Key clients

  • Aldi Stores Limited
  • Poundland
  • Lyle & Scott
  • Shoezone
  • Leighton Vans
  • Euro Car Parts
  • Thornton Hundred Motorcycles
  • Sik Silk
  • Joseph
  • Tala
  • Laura Green
  • Travis Perkins
  • Tarmac
  • Eurocell
  • City Plumbing Supplies
  • Carlsberg
  • Charles Wells
  • NEC Group

Work highlights

  • Acted for Aldi in Marks and Spencer v Aldi Stores Limited in relation to M&S's claim that Aldi's Glitter Gin products infringed certain M&S Registered Designs. M&S were successful at trial but permission has been granted for Aldi to appeal the judgment so the case is ongoing.
  • Acted for Lyle & Scott in a case against American Eagle Outfitters concerning their respective "eagle" brands. The case concerned an historic co-existence agreement and passing off with parallel proceedings in the US.
  • Acting for Moviebox Megastores (International) Limited and other against Oriental Star Agencies Limited which controls the largest UK Bhangra catalogue in the world. The Claimants were fighting to defend against strikes being issued against the Claimants' Youtube content for what they say are bogus and malicious copyright complaints.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Freeths LLP
Simon is an intellectual property lawyer based in Birmingham. Qualified since 2000, he has many years’ experience in advising business on intellectual property related matters; covering trade marks, patents, designs, copyright and confidential information.A seasoned litigator of intellectual property disputes, Simon leads a team that is focussed on resolving disputes by keeping in mind the commercial objectives while ensuring there is understanding of all possible outcomes.Specialised with a team of dedicated lawyers, Simon’s practice is holistic. He offers intellectual property well-being with a fully integrated service that is necessary for efficient management and effective enforcement of intellectual property rights.Simon has acted in numerous cases before the UK courts, at the UK Intellectual Property Office and at the EU Intellectual Property Office. He has also appeared before the General Court in Luxembourg.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Simon Barker

Other key lawyers

Iona Silverman, Martin Noble