Overview

We understand the importance of protecting our clients’ intellectual property. That’s why our team of expert IP lawyers is internationally recognised for offering pragmatic, commercial advice on complex intellectual property disputes across a range of forums.

We have considerable experience in intellectual property dispute resolution and brand protection across a broad range of business sectors, particularly in the media, retail, food, sports and leisure, and transport sectors. We act for a number of household names, including the BBC, BBC Studios, Starbucks, Victoria’s Secret, Yeo Valley, and Discovery Inc.

Many of our clients have international trade mark portfolios which result in intellectual property disputes across multiple jurisdictions. Working closely with our non-contentious intellectual property specialists and global network of preferred law firms, we act as a single point of contact for clients and can co-ordinate intellectual property dispute resolution on a global scale.

We take pride in our established track record for successful and amicable intellectual property dispute resolution. Should litigation become necessary, we are experienced in acting for clients in the High Court, Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, UK and European trade mark offices, Company Names Tribunal, in domain name disputes in various forums, and at all stages of appeals.

Areas of focus

Our intellectual property disputes lawyers are highly skilled in all claims and disputes affecting IP rights, including:

  • UK, EU and international trade marks
  • Passing off
  • Copyright
  • Designs
  • Breach of confidence
  • Domain name disputes
  • Company names disputes
  • Counterfeiting
  • Social media and internet issues
  • Licensing disputes
  • Advertising standards complaints
  • Patents
Experience

Acting for global cosmetics company Benefit Cosmetics in its successful defence of trade mark and passing off proceedings brought in the High Court by online retailer Beauty Bay.

Acting for Victoria’s Secret in Court of Appeal proceedings, concerning the issue of whether Victoria’s Secret’s college brand “PINK” infringed Thomas Pink’s trade marks and brand. The dispute was settled on confidential terms, shortly prior to the Court of Appeal hearing.

Acting for a multibillion dollar US technology company in copyright proceedings in the High Court.

Acting for Discovery Communications in its successful defence of UK High Court proceedings for trade mark infringement and passing off brought by broadcasters of the History channel, following Discovery's launch of a television channel called 'Discovery History'.

Acting for a major retailer in trade mark infringement and passing off proceedings in the IPEC.

Providing clearance advice to Starbucks in relation to proposed new brands as well as advising on trade mark infringement, passing off and copyright issues.

Advising Virgin on issues of trade mark infringement, passing off, company name and domain disputes as well as providing non-contentious advice on matters such as licensing arrangements and advertising clearance.

Policing the Harrods brand around the globe, both in terms of internet and high street infringements, including copyright, counterfeiting issues and trade mark infringement. We have a 100 per cent success rate in pursuing ICANN domain name complaints.

Acting for a global life sciences company in UK and EU IPO opposition proceedings.

Acting for FILA in a successful opposition action at the UKIPO.

Acting in the UK for Jack Wolfskin, one of the leading European manufacturers of outdoor apparel and outdoor equipment, in relation to its iconic wolfpaw device.

Acting and negotiating settlement terms for an international transport provider in a dispute involving allegations of breach of confidence.

Meet the team
Jeremy Dickerson

Jeremy Dickerson Partner

  • Head of International 
  • Head of Intellectual Property, Media and Sport
  • Defamation and Reputation Management
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts Partner

  • Intellectual Property and Media
  • Intellectual Property Disputes
  • Intellectual Property Portfolio Protection

What others say...

The team as a whole is superior. They only ever bring their A game and are brilliant both in terms of legal knowledge and commercial skill and expertise.

Legal 500 2024

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