Intellectual Property: UK

Nicola Dagg is a noted figure in the patent litigation arena, having recently represented pharmaceutical giants Novartis and Pfizer in major actions being fought in numerous jurisdictions. She also takes on 'soft IP' disputes concerning trade marks, copyright and design rights.

The "very clever" and "well-organised" Neville Cordell has distinguished himself in IP disputes of all types, including both patents and soft IP. A recent highlight has been his representation of eBay in parallel trade mark infringement actions in the UK and Belgium, and before the ECJ.

Colleen Keck co-chairs the firm's transactional IP practice and has a particularly strong reputation in the fields of life sciences, media and IT.

David Perkins is expert in oppositions and other disputes arising before the European Patent Office (EPO), and is thus well placed to handle matters concerning Europe, especially Germany. He handles major patent and trade mark litigation as well as arbitrations, as either chair or counsel.

Ian Kirby has an admirably broad practice that takes in patents, trade marks and copyright, as well as IP litigation and strategic branding advice for clients such as Philip Morris.

Michael Hart heads the London IP practice and is best known for his contentious and non-contentious work regarding copyright, design rights and trade secrets for clients such as Fujitsu, Nike and Versace.

Paul Rawlinson concentrates largely on advice and litigation regarding trade marks, trade dress and parallel imports as well as portfolio management and strategy. He is noted for his expertise in matters concerning China, and Hong Kong in particular, where he is qualified to practise; he previously spent two years in Baker & McKenzie's offices in Hong Kong. 

Simon Clark is best known for his copyright and designs work, although he also devotes an increasing proportion of his practice to patent matters. Clients appreciate that he "gets involved in the heavy lifting for oppositions," and "knows everything without looking it up." He has recently been representing the Newspaper Licensing Agency and six national newspapers in a copyright case against Meltwater concerning the use of online links to newspaper articles.

Trevor Cook is "clearly a star – one of the great and the good of the IP world." Few, if any, lawyers can match his experience in winning the most taxing cases pertaining to all rights across the IP spectrum, with a particular focus on patent litigation. He is also co-head of the firm's international life sciences sector group.

Peter Brownlow is a trade mark and soft IP specialist, and thrives in both contentious and non-contentious instructions. He recently acted for Sportradar GmbH and Sportradar AG on the defence of a copyright and database right infringement claim levelled on behalf of the English and Scottish football leagues.

Peers and competitors concede that "excellent" patent litigation specialist Morag Macdonald "can turn her hand to anything." She manages global litigation strategy for market-leading clients in hard-science industries, ranging from biochemistry to mechanical and electrical engineering.

Patent litigator Neil Jenkins is highlighted for his "sound, common-sense" approach to IP matters. As well as cross-border patent disputes, he takes on a range of cases dealing with the full spectrum of IP rights. He has recently been advising SC Johnson & Son as part of a pan-European team on pre-litigation matters relating to the import of an infringing toilet gel product into the European market.

Jane Mutimear is a talented IP litigator who has been involved in some of the largest multi-jurisdictional patent, trade mark and copyright cases of the past few years. She is praised by blue-chip clients for not being afraid to be "forthright" and "outspoken" when needed. Her recent workload has included advising Nokia on multi-jurisdictional patent litigation in the UK, Germany and Italy, and before the European Patent Office.

Katharine Stephens worked alongside Jane Mutimear in the firm's representation of Nokia. She is widely admired for her "cautious," "thorough" and "commercial" approach to critical cross-border patent disputes and trade mark issues, and is a leading light in the firm's redoubtable contentious offering. 

Trade mark expert Paul Walsh is held in high regard by market sources, who state that "his advice is first-rate, straight to the point and always very timely. He has excellent turnaround and gets the answer you're looking for." He recently represented L'Oréal in a trade mark infringement case against eBay, which reached the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Sally Field litigates and co-ordinates multi-jurisdictional litigation, in cases concerning all manner of IP rights, for clients in fields as disparate as film, music, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Edward Nodder is amongst the country's most respected patent litigators. He is a versatile lawyer who excels in technology, electronics, life sciences and pharmaceutical cases. He recently represented Novartis in its defence of the Supplementary Protection Certificate for valsartan against Actavis.

Philip Westmacott is held in high esteem in the IP market, and is currently chairman of the IPLA (Intellectual Property Lawyers' Association). He is described as "on the button," and is one of the most venerable patent litigators around. Smith & Nephew has recently instructed a team including Westmacott in its patent and trade mark litigation against Convatec in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Brian Cordery specialises in IP enforcement in jurisdictions across the world. His caseload is divided between matters concerning biotechnology, electronics, pharmaceuticals and soft IP rights. He worked alongside Edward Nodder in the firm's representation of Novartis.

Myles Jelf is best known for patent litigation and advice to leading international telecoms companies, although his expertise straddles all major areas of IP, including copyright and trade mark matters for media and film enterprises. Recent work highlights include advising Samsung on its high-profile patent litigation against Apple concerning smartphones. Bristows is co-ordinating the European aspects of this ongoing dispute, covering the UK, France, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands, and has also played a role in proceedings in the USA, Australia, Japan and South Korea. 

CMS in London is complemented by a co-ordinated European network, and has an admirably broad reach throughout the industrial landscape. From patent litigation to trade mark strategy, the team's advice is sought by global pharmaceutical giants such as Takeda, consumer goods concerns such as Nestlé and Diageo, and software giant Microsoft. Jeremy Morton is a key contact at the firm.

Davenport Lyons' IP team offers contentious and non-contentious soft IP advice, and is well known for its representation of clients in media, publishing and retail, amongst other sectors. The team prides itself on its 'cradle to grave' service; rights are filed by the firm and not farmed out to agents. It also takes on litigation and advises clients on strategic portfolio management. Clients include La Senza, Macmillan Publishing and Warner Music (UK). Adam Glass is a key contact at the firm.

John Linneker leads the firm's IP practice and is a veteran litigator, taking the lead on cases involving copyright, trade marks and passing off, industrial designs and patents.

Simon Levine leads the global IP team. He is perhaps best known for handling copyright, designs and trade mark cases in the media and sports sectors, although he is also adept in patent litigation. In recent work highlights he advised Football DataCo, acting on behalf of four UK football leagues, on multiple cases concerning copyright and database rights for fixture lists and live data.

Ruth Hoy is one of the firm's leading litigators, with a special emphasis on copyright and trade mark matters of crucial importance to her clients. She has worked alongside Simon Levine in the aforementioned representation of Football DataCo and UK football leagues.

Ben Goodger is a recognised leader in the UK for matters regarding licensing and exploitation rights, particularly for clients in the biotechnology, energy, pharmaceuticals and food and drink sectors, as well as clients seeking advice on university technology transfers. He is noted for his particular expertise in China IP issues, having previously spent two years in Rouse's Shanghai office.

John Olsen founded the IP team at the firm in London and continues to be a powerful engine in its development. He is a globally recognised authority on trade marks, and is qualified in the USA for patent and trade mark work.

Akash Sachdeva is Hong Kong-qualified and was previously based in Allen & Overy's Hong Kong office for four years. He is also highly experienced in PRC-related matters.

Anthony Misquitta is head of the firm's museums and galleries group and is perhaps best known for his work in the culture sector, although he is increasingly taking on work concerning cloud computing, patent entitlement, TV shopping and smartphone apps. He recently acted for BMJ Publishing Group on an infringement case concerning the use of the British Medical Journal's registered trade mark on a website.

Mark Hodgson has an excellent pedigree as a patent litigator, and is a leading figure in the firm's increasing emphasis on hard IP litigation.

Mark Holah is praised by clients for his "outstanding" command of the law relating to trade marks and brands, and leads the firm's practice in that field. He is also commended for his hard work for clients on time-sensitive matters. Recent highlights include acting for Elvis Presley Enterprises on multiple trade mark and copyright cases, including High Court proceedings.

Nick Rose is considered "very affable and good to work with" by market sources. He leads the firm's IP dispute resolution group, and focuses on litigation regarding copyright, design rights, domain names and passing off. He acted for Indian TV company B4U Network (Europe) on matters concerning unpaid royalties for Bollywood movies and music, touching on both UK and Indian copyright law.

Babette Märzheuser-Wood heads the firm's German group and is qualified in England and Wales and Germany. She focuses on franchising in the hotels and leisure sector, including IP-led joint ventures.

Fox Williams is best known in the IP world for its sector focus on the fashion industry, and recognised for its excellent connections with, and up-to-date knowledge of, the clothing industry. Key areas of strength include brands, copyright and agency. Its patent and technology expertise is also a strong feature of the practice, and clients seek advice on bringing new inventions into the market and related issues surrounding online sales. Simon Bennett is a key contact at the firm.

Justin Watts is a well-regarded patent litigator who concentrates on technically sophisticated and multi-jurisdictional actions. He is best known for his work on behalf of biotech, ICT, medical instruments and pharmaceutical companies.

Avril Martindale is a noted specialist in the IP ramifications of transactions, and the appropriation, consolidation and exploitation of IP rights. Described as "very able and charismatic," she has recently taken on a number of instructions for leading food and drink clients.

Shireen Peermohamed is "strategic-minded" and well liked by sources for "giving us much more than the arid legal interpretation." She is particularly expert in matters concerning trade marks and passing off, and has key clients in online and traditional publishing. Recent work highlights have seen her represent the Ben Sherman Group in various brand protection and IP enforcement matters.

Sophie Rich heads the firm's life sciences group, and is perhaps best known for her work as a litigator, especially in hard-fought pharmaceutical patent battles. For example, she has been advising Abbott on its defence of patent infringement and revocation proceedings concerning its Humira Pen device. She is described as "extremely responsive, sharp as a tack, very pragmatic" and "very good at providing strategic advice."

Mark Shillito is adept at handling matters across the range of IP rights, and has deep expertise in negotiating and drafting all manner of licensing agreements, including those regarding brand usage and technology transfer. He has been advising Eisai on multi-jurisdictional patent litigation concerning anti-Alzheimer's and anti-ulcer drugs.

David Wilson is principally concerned with heavyweight patent litigation, more often than not on behalf of clients in the chemicals, pharmaceuticals and life sciences industries. He is also sought for advice on soft IP and regulatory matters.

Nick Gardner is a leading lawyer and solicitor advocate specialising in computing, electronics and telecommunications. He takes on matters regarding copyright, patents and trade marks, and is also an experienced mediator. Unilever instructed him in a recent Court of Appeal case involving the employee inventor provisions of the Patents Act 1977.

Joel Smith is widely respected for his work as a litigator and is proficient across the full spread of IP. He works in many sectors, including automotive, consumer products, financial services, digital media, energy and retail. Recent highlights include advising TUI Travel on the use of its Thomson and First Choice brands, including trade marks and domain names, as part of a pension restructuring.

Consultant Nicholas Macfarlane offers the benefit of his many years of experience in patent litigation, advising in-house lawyers on how to proceed in disputes of critical importance to their companies.

Stephen Bennett concentrates mainly on patent and confidential information disputes, and on providing regulatory and commercial advice within the pharmaceuticals, medical devices and telecommunications sectors. He has recently been involved in the firm's representation of HTC in its multi-jurisdictional patent dispute with Nokia.

Larry Cohen is widely respected for his command of IP law, and above all as a "fierce" and "formidable" litigator. He advises on disputes regarding copyright, confidential information, designs, patents and trade marks. ConvaTec instructed him in patent and trade mark infringement aspects of its disputes with Smith & Nephew and Speciality Fibres and Materials.

This practice is best known for its representation of leading brand owners, and has a particular focus on media, advertising, entertainment and consumer products. It is noted for its expertise regarding soft IP management, protection and exploitation; the team also engages in heavyweight patent litigation. Clients include Arsenal FC, Electronic Arts and NBC Universal. Giles Crown is a key contact at the firm.

Ian Karet advises on the treatment of IP assets in corporate transactions, licence agreements and patent litigation, in the fields of biotechnology, life sciences and hi-tech. He has led a team advising Intel on patent issues concerning smartphone chips.

Nigel Jones is a sector specialist in the biotech, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, and advises on patent litigation strategy and the development and exploitation of IP rights.

Gregor Grant is a patent litigator with decades of experience to his name. He has strong expertise in multi-jurisdictional actions involving chemical and mechanical engineering, diagnostics, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Recent highlights have included advising Occlutech on patent litigation against AGA Medical concerning septal occluders.

Sources state that Mike Gilbert is "one of the best in the market," and many lawyers would refer life sciences cases to him if conflicted. His expertise encompasses licensing and commercial transactions, as well as patent litigation, particularly in the fields of biotech, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and engineering.

Mayer Brown's IP practice in London focuses firmly on life sciences and high technology, and devotes much of its resources to conducting heavyweight patent litigation and providing commercial strategy advice. Its typical clients are large North American and multinational corporates looking for a co-ordinated global service, and include Celtic Pharma, EMI and Sandvik. Sarah Byrt is a key contact at the firm.

This firm has a sophisticated IP practice that focuses largely on the food and drink, healthcare, life sciences, media, entertainment and sports industries. The team has noted strengths in litigation and dispute resolution, and has recently acted for Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics against GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals and SmithKline Beecham on patent challenges concerning a number of vaccines. Hiroshi Sheraton is a key contact in the firm's London office.

Senior market sources have observed that Jeremy Hertzog is "really impressing everyone at the moment." He is the architect of the firm's London IP practice and a litigator by background, with an enviable client list in the fashion retail sector, amongst others.

Nabarro is renowned for its IP team's pedigree in brands and brand protection work for some of the world's best-known trade marks. The team is frequently instructed by clients in the clothing and accessories, property and hi-tech sectors. It is also expanding its brand licensing and patent-related offering. Clients include Intel, Levi Strauss, Samsonite and Twitter. Guy Heath heads the IP department here.

Michael Burdon leads the firm's IP group and focuses principally on multi-jurisdictional patent litigation. He has enjoyed recent successes in a number of actions on behalf of a leading global medical technology provider. He led the firm's representation of Kinetic Concepts in patent litigation against Smith & Nephew and Mölnlycke.

Brand protection expert Helen Newman is a highly esteemed figure in the fashion and luxury goods sectors in particular. In this field she assists clients such as the Richemont Group – owners of Chloé, Cartier, Dunhill and Mont Blanc – with the defence of IP assets from infringement and passing-off.

Joel Barry has a leading role co-ordinating Sky's trade mark litigation globally, and manages a dedicated six-strong team. He performs similar work for clients in the art and fashion world.

Campbell Forsyth's arrival following the merger of his private practice with the firm has been a coup for Olswang and has further strengthened its position in the tough patent litigation market.

Paul Stevens is at the forefront of the firm's services to major UK broadcasters with regard to their IP rights and how they correspond to catch-up TV online, football fixtures and other issues at the interface of internet and mainstream broadcasting.

Iain Stansfield is recommended for his abilities as a non-contentious IP lawyer, and for the role he plays in managing the transition of IP rights in large corporate transactions. His clients are drawn largely from the advertising, publishing and retail trades.

Iain Connor is noted for providing clear and concise advice to clients. One recent highlight was a trade mark dispute between Interflora and Marks & Spencer concerning Google's adwords system.

Clare Tunstall devotes most of her time to the life sciences sector, and is a respected patent and trade mark litigator who has represented some of the world's largest manufacturers of generic pharmaceuticals.

Penny Gilbert is one of the country's leading patent litigators. She operates almost exclusively in the biotechnology, medical devices and pharmaceuticals spheres. Human Genome Sciences instructed her in its successful defence against a patent revocation action brought by Eli Lilly regarding the DNA sequence Neutrokine-alpha.

Tim Powell is a patent litigator and qualified solicitor advocate who has represented giants of the pharmaceuticals and hi-tech sectors in the UK and European patent courts, as well as most other levels of jurisdiction in this country and on the continent. He has been acting for Microsoft in a patent revocation action against Motorola Mobility concerning smartphone technology.

Simon Ayrton counsels on breach of confidence, copyright, design rights, patents, trade marks and passing off, and is a seasoned litigator and arbitrator. He is praised by peers for his "high level of skill." Procter & Gamble have utilised his expertise on a wide range of copyright, trade mark, patent and design matters.

Alex Wilson is bilingual in English and German, and has developed a strong German client base. He recently successfully advised German medical devices company Fresenius on its dispute with Carefusion concerning the latter's patented syringe pumps for the automatic infusion of medicine.

The "solid and thoughtful" Sara Ashby enters the rankings this year on account of her "first-class" handling of both patent and soft IP disputes, as well as her nous in related contractual litigation. She acted for Leica Camera on its patent litigation against Swarovski Optik regarding rifle scopes.

Charters Macdonald-Brown, a founding partner of Redd and an important engine in its continued rise, is a veteran IP litigator with experience of fighting technically demanding cases at all levels of British jurisdiction and in cross-border proceedings. He represented DSB Invest Holding in a royalties dispute with Atrium Medical relating to coatings for implantable medical devices.

Anna Carboni joined from Powell Gilbert in January 2012 in what has been hailed as a major coup for Redd. She is a solicitor advocate who specialises in IP disputes, and is principally concerned with copyright, confidential information, design right and trade mark litigation.

Simon Chalkley, a founding partner of the firm, focuses on non-contentious IP work, with an emphasis on handling rights in transactions such as distribution, franchising, licensing and technology transfer agreements.

Stephen Edwards is known for his command of copyright law relating to broadcasting, and is published in the discipline's most authoritative texts.

Michael Skrein leads the firm's IP, media, advertising and technology disputes group, and has a particular specialisation in soft IP litigation.

Managing partner Karen Fong leads from the front, taking a strong interest in co-ordinating many of the firm's largest litigation instructions. She also advises clients on their worldwide IP interests. She is qualified in Hong Kong and has considerable experience in handling IP matters relating to that jurisdiction as well as the wider PRC.

Luke Minford is also a PRC/Hong Kong expert at the firm, having previously managed Rouse's business in China. He is well placed to assist with an increasing volume of China-related work in the European market.

Stuart Adams is noted for his ability to handle IP matters concerning the Middle East, and the United Arab Emirates in particular, having spent several years managing Rouse's operations in Dubai.

Jeremy Drew heads the IP, technology and outsourcing group at the firm, and works on litigation and commercial matters, often with an international dimension, across the range of IP rights. His recent workload has seen him advise Champagne Louis Roederer on a trade mark infringement matter concerning the Cristal champagne brand.

Clive Thorne has an admirably wide-ranging practice that takes in copyright, design rights, patents, trade marks and trade secrets. He is also an accomplished litigator, and is frequently called upon to arbitrate IP disputes. He is also admitted to practice in Hong Kong, and is noted for his China-related IP expertise.

Kevin Mooney regularly advises the European Commission on IP law issues. He is also well known as a legal patent litigator, in particular acting on behalf of pharmaceutical companies.

Rowan Freeland is a leading patent litigator who operates chiefly in the life sciences and TMT industries. One recent highlight was co-ordinating Europe-wide litigation for Cephalon concerning its product ProVigil (modafinil).

Marc Döring's key focus is patent litigation in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors, although he is also adept in TMT and consumer product cases. He has recently led in major actions on behalf of key clients Bayer and SAMSUNG.

David Stone is an expert on trade mark and European design law. Recent work includes advising various sponsors on their involvement in the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, and acting for SAMSUNG against Apple on a design right infringement action before the High Court.

David Rose is perhaps best known for his commendable patent litigation work, but he also manages disputes involving all IP rights, and has represented broadcasters of global standing in soft IP lawsuits.

Ray Black takes on advisory and contentious work involving all IP rights, and has a specialisation in patent litigation and anti-counterfeiting in particular. He has handled work relating to most key industrial sectors during his long and distinguished career.

The IP team at Slaughter and May handles a broad range of commercial, litigious and corporate support work. The level of transactions undertaken by Slaughter and May means that the IP rights involved are necessarily sophisticated, and at times cutting-edge. The team's litigation expertise is equally formidable, as is its standalone franchising and licensing capability. Key clients include GlaxoSmithKline, Google and Tottenham Hotspur FC. Susie Middlemiss is a key contact at the firm.

Roland Mallinson is primarily concerned with handling disputes involving soft IP rights and domain names, and also counsels leading brands on the exploitation of rights and anti-counterfeiting.

James Marshall is praised for his superb understanding of the technology at issue in the cases he takes on, which are mostly in the patent sphere. A qualified barrister, he appears in the higher civil courts. Recent highlights have seen him advise clients in the life sciences, pharmaceuticals and electrical engineering spheres. He acted for Ericsson in its patent infringement disputes with ZTE concerning mobile phone technology.

Simon Cohen oversees the firm's UK patent practice, and tends to litigate cases in the fields of biotechnology, genetics and pharmaceuticals.

France Delord is qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales and as a French avocat, and is also a French trade mark attorney. She focuses primarily on issues arising from the management of trade mark portfolios.

Colin McCall is a senior associate who leads on several India-based disputes, including the defence of Jet Airways in a patent and design infringement suit brought against it by Virgin Atlantic in the United Kingdom High Court.

Mark Owen recently moved from Harbottle & Lewis LLP to Taylor Wessing, and takes a keen interest in matters concerning computer technology, particularly online content and brands, social media and smartphone applications. He is qualified as an attorney in California and enjoys good connections with leading companies in Silicon Valley. While at his previous firm, he acted for Lucasfilm on its Supreme Court case against Shepperton Design Studios and Andrew Ainsworth, which was ground-breaking in its decision to allow the application of US law by the English Courts.

Simon Baggs is praised by clients and peers as "incredibly thorough" and "unflappable." He is best known for his command of copyright law and he enjoys excellent working relationships with in-house lawyers at leading media corporations the world over.

David Barron is a leading patent litigator and heads the firm's hi-tech IP practice. He is particularly well suited to cases involving telecommunications, software and electrical engineering.

Gordon Harris is head of IP and spends much time in the Far East co-ordinating the firm's China practice. His key areas of expertise are hi-tech and engineering patent litigation, with a particular specialisation in patent entitlement. He also litigates complex soft IP cases.