Walker Morris LLP fields a full-service IP practice, capable of advising clients across diverse industry sectors on patent, copyright and trade mark infringements, covering non-contentious IP work as well as IP litigation. The team is led by Alan Harper, who is well versed in contentious matters related to the enforcement and protection of IP rights, and handles infringement claims as well as licensing deals and the related transactional matters. Sarah Williams is a key contact in the practice, whose recent work includes advising on trade mark portfolio management issues for some of the firm’s biggest clients, including the Ferrero Group and Leeds United Football Club.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team provide actual advice, advice that you can actually do something with/solve your problem with.’

  • ‘Alan Harper and his team consistently provide spot on advice.’

  • ‘The team always makes the effort to understand the context of an issue and gives pragmatic solutions to a problem. Explanations are always clear and thorough.’

  • ‘I mainly work with Alan Harper - I really like working with him as he is passionate about Intellectual Property and clearly very interested in our business. He is approachable, and always manages expectations. I rarely have to wait long for a response.’

  • ‘Very professional and taking the proactive and multi-faceted approach to giving advice.’

  • ‘Easy to communicate and pleasant to work with. They always take a clear and concise approach to solving matters.’

Key clients

  • Ferrero Group
  • Moulded Fibre Products Limited
  • Hallmark Cards Inc
  • Hovis
  • Deckers Outdoor Corporation
  • Leeds United
  • Welspun (Christy)
  • Wrexham AFC
  • Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund/Mibelle
  • Crystal Palace
  • Eptura
  • Findel Education Limited
  • Seabrook/Calbee
  • Banner Group
  • Harrison Bathrooms Limited
  • KTC Edibles

Work highlights

  • Advised the Ferrero Group on the management and enforcement of its UK brand portfolio.
  • Acted for Moulded Fibre Products Limited in the Court of Appeal, securing a total victory in a complex patent dispute.
  • Acting on behalf of textile maker Welspun (t/a Christy) on its widely publicised dispute with Rebekah Vardy in relation to her attempt to obtain a trade mark for "Wagatha Christie".

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.
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.

Alan Harper

Other key lawyers

Sarah Williams, Matthew Lingard