Intellectual Property: Thames Valley

Operating from bases in Oxford and Reading, this practice boasts a range of expertise and divides its department into teams focusing on science and technology, fashion, media and IT. Satisfied interviewees explain that solicitors "protect our IP on the right commercial terms and ensure that all the 'what ifs' are taken into account." High-profile clients include IKEA, Oakley and King's College London.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chris Shelley has long experience of a broad range of IP matters and is especially strong on the non-contentious side. He heads the firm's technology and media practice, devoting his attention to IP issues arising in those sectors. Assistant Rachael Parman has a strong record in brand protection matters, particularly for clients from the fashion and retail sectors.

Since publication, Catherine Rohll has left the firm to take up a non-legal role.

Olswang Thames Valley handles IP matters across the technology and media sectors, as illustrated by its work for clients whose profiles extend nationally and internationally including H&M, the Design Council and Yell. One recent highlight involved the team advising Vivat Direct on the acquisition of the Reader's Digest brand in the UK. It also assisted biomass fuel developer TMO Renewables on a contract with Fiberight to design and build bioethanol plants in the USA.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Iain Stansfield heads the team and focuses his practice on advising retail, technology, IT and publishing businesses on a range of IP issues including design and brand protection matters.

This Reading-based team boasts a strong IP practice that is focused on transactional work in the life sciences and hi-tech sectors. High-profile clients of the department include Imperial Innovations, Hyundai and Queen Mary, University of London. Solicitors recently advised Pole Star Space Applications on international licensing structures relating to its satellite-enabled fleet management, ship security and vessel tracking technologies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Russell Bowyer heads the team and is known for his work on commercially driven IP deals. He recently advised leading cross-linked block foams manufacturer Zotefoams on a proposed collaboration with INOAC in Japan. Janita Good is a life sciences specialist with a great record in handling complex IP-related transactions throughout the sector.

Shoosmiths is active across both litigious and non-contentious IP matters, boasting a client base with a retail and hi-tech flavour. Recent highlights include assisting the Open University in a collaborative project involving the sharing and creation of digital content, as well as advising Aston Villa FC on the management of its IP portfolio. The team has also been singled out for its role in helping establishing CAPIP.EU, a pan-European coalition of 23 different law firms that takes action against producers and distributors of counterfeit goods.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gary Assim is national head of the firm's IP group and has an outstanding reputation for his work across a range of issues, especially those facing the retail sector. Clients reveal that "he's dedicated, deeply impressive and always gets us the answers we need."

This technology-focused practice continues to be a notable presence on both the national and international stages, operating well beyond its Oxfordshire home. Clients include publicly and privately held companies, charities and universities seeking counsel from the team over both IP-led transactions and disputes. Recent highlights include advising UCL and City University on technology transfer agreements, spin-outs and research collaboration agreements.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Anderson is the key figure at the firm, having built an excellent reputation in the Thames Valley market and beyond. Clients highlight him as "authoritative and experienced," adding that "advisers don't come much more knowledgeable when it comes to technology or licensing." Stephen Brett is a recent arrival from Henmans. He is known for his IP work in the life sciences sector as well as for his extensive experience in such areas as nanotechnology, computer software and engineering.

Reading-based Boyes Turner houses a growing IP offering and has consolidated its position in the region thanks to a series of recent lateral hires. It has an excellent reputation for the management of brands and all types of IP rights, and is devoting a good deal of attention to the retail sector. A recent highlight has been the team's work for international business publisher New Europe on trade mark infringement issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sarah Hadland heads the group and is sought for her advice on IP matters relating to copyright, trade marks and design rights. Mark Blunden, meanwhile, is respected for his fine reputation in IP advisory work. He also handles contentious work concerning copyright and trade mark matters. New arrival Isabel Davies arrives with much acclaim for her work across a range of sectors and industries. Clients pinpoint her as "hugely passionate about her work, but not blindly so: she always focuses on interpreting what really counts to us."

This team works out of Reading and Oxford and is particularly known for its expertise in healthcare-related IP, where it can be trusted to deal with an assortment of instructions. Clients enthuse about the firm's performance, claiming that practitioners "have a perfect understanding of the needs of our business" and informing researchers that its "relaxed yet commercially focused style is really a big plus."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alison Patten-Hall is the main contact within the team.

Pitmans boasts an impressive and varied practice that works closely with its London office to provide a high-quality service. The team manages the trade mark portfolios of a wide number of high-profile clients including Clear Channel, Live Nation and the England & Wales Cricket Board. Practitioners also acted for FISA, the world rowing federation, on trade mark protection for the World Rowing Championships in New Zealand. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeremy Summers is a key contact.

Sipara was formed by former Rouse Legal partners who opted to remain in the Thames Valley after the closure of the IP specialist's Oxford office. It has rapidly established itself as an attractive option for clients seeking a boutique option in the region and is already noted as a real presence in the marketplace. Commentators note approvingly that the firm's solicitors "turn things round quickly and pay close attention to their clients' needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hugh Tebay acts on commercial IP matters for clients across a wide range of industry sectors. Robert Furneaux is dual-qualified as a solicitor and trade mark attorney, focusing his practice primarily on brand management issues.