Intellectual Property: Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys: UK-wide

Boult Wade Tennant is widely regarded as one of the leading firms in the market and houses a deep bench of patent and trade mark attorneys. It has offices in London, Reading, Oxford and Cambridge, and works on registrations across a wide range of technical disciplines. In terms of patent portfolio management, its blue riband clientele includes Boeing, Kraft and Motorola. On the trade mark side, it acts for such brands as Marks & Spencer, Sony and Debrett's, and is adept at registrations, searches and portfolio management.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Catherine Wolfe is an accomplished trade mark attorney with an excellent track record in handling the filing and oppositions of trade marks. She is also first vice-president of the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys. Claire Baldock heads the firm's biotechnology and life sciences practice, with a number of sources regarding her as one of the foremost experts in her field. Clients find her a pleasure to work with and appreciate the fact that she always has a "keen interest in our approaches."

This impressive firm has recently moved offices within London as part of a drive to develop its practice and balance its twin identities as a long-established practice and dynamic, forward-looking outfit. It handles patent matters across the full spectrum of industries and its attorneys are known for their technical expertise. Clients say: "They all provide a first-class service, are approachable, responsive and produce top-quality drafts." Another commentator was impressed by the efficiency of the practice and "the ease with which a genuinely collaborative relationship was established with clients." Recent highlights for the firm include defending Merck's patent on oral antidiabetic drug sitagliptin and advising Allergan, owner of the Botox mark, on its opposition to an application to register Botoceutical as a rival trade mark.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hugh Goodfellow is a highly regarded patent attorney with a strong practice advising biotechnology clients on their IP rights. Clients say he is "thorough, creative in his solutions and easy to approach." Cameron Marshall is a favourite among clients for his experience and sharp mind, and is deemed another of the team's biotechnology experts. He defended major client Novartis in a right to file dispute with GlaxoSmithKline. Keith Howick is both a patent and trade mark attorney, although he is best known for his work as the latter. He is the firm's senior partner and is highly respected for his long experience, an attribute that he applied to working on Allergan's Botox dispute. Huw Hallybone specialises in advising clients in the Far East, especially Japan. He focuses his attention on the chemical and biotechnological sectors and is much admired within the market. Chris Tunstall addresses the concerns of clients with portfolios of technologies across the physical sciences, and is particularly noted for his skills as a litigator. Commentators marvel at the way he "blends a technically savvy mindset with legal brilliance."

D Young & Co has offices in London and Southampton and remains highly regarded for its work on a wide range of patent matters. Its attorneys act across all types of technology, from life sciences to electrical engineering, and it also enjoys a thriving trade marks practice. Commentators note the quality of the service provided by the firm, with one highlighting that "the entire team is keen to make sure they understand what we want, from fee earners to business support assistants." An interesting recent development has seen D Young & Co bring in a team of solicitors from City law firm Ashurst to establish a new dispute resolution and litigation practice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeremy Pennant is considered a respected trade mark attorney by clients drawn from a wide variety of industries. He defended PepsiCo against a challenge to its MAX trade mark and includes Esso, Katy Perry and Burger King among those that he counsels. Jonathan DeVile is a talented patent attorney who works extensively for the Sony group of companies, and draws on his expertise in the electronics field to provide an "absolutely top-notch" service to his clients. Charles Harding is a leading patent attorney with a great deal of experience in the life sciences sector. Clients say he is "excellent at both oral proceedings and high-pressure cases."

Dehns wins rave reviews from clients, who enthuse at length about the quality of its attorneys and their work. Commentators are delighted with the performance of the firm's professionals, who they describe as "dedicated, attentive and taking real pride in producing strong patent applications." Through offices in London, Oxford, Brighton and Munich, its patent and trade mark professionals advise major international brands on the protection of their rights. Notable clients include Arup, Coca-Cola and Jasper Conran.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Butler is the firm's senior partner and an expert in patent matters across the physics, engineering and computing fields. Clients say he is "highly efficient at gathering the information required to draft applications and informing us on the aspects we want to know about." Another adds that he has "a great eye for spotting commercial opportunities as well as advising on pure patent work." Deborah Owen operates in the fields of biotechnology and chemistry. Clients praise her written work as excellent and appreciate her scientific expertise. "If you send her research papers she can understand the complexities in full," says one. 

Marks & Clerk is distinctive in that it has both a sister firm of solicitors and by far the largest network of offices of any UK patent and trade mark agent. With 11 locations nationwide, plus a presence throughout Europe and the Far East, it has the geographical reach to serve clients wherever the need arises. Commentators admire the way the firm "works exceptional hard for its clients" and point out that its approach is "acutely focused on meeting their business needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Moreland is managing partner of the firm's Glasgow office and handles patent work relating to electrical and mechanical inventions, particularly on behalf of the energy sector. Douglas Thomson is also based in Scotland and is a widely admired trade mark attorney with broad-ranging expertise. He has worked extensively with the food, drink and fashion sectors.  

This well-regarded practice includes in its Nottingham-headquartered team over 50 patent and trade mark professionals. Attorneys are recruited on their strong academic backgrounds from across a broad range of scientific disciplines, meaning the firm is well equipped to handle the full spectrum of patent matters. Highlights include being appointed by Mexichem to handle its global patent filing and prosecution work, and it continues to handle Bupa's trade mark registrations and applications worldwide. Clients note how well the firm's professionals are prepared, with one saying: "When you come to hearings it is clear that they have never missed or overlooked any of the details."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Thomas is a biotechnology expert with a strong interest in recombinant DNA technology. He advises long-term client BioInvent International on the prosecution of its global patent portfolio. John Miles also specialises in biotechnology, and has a great deal of experience in the niche field of supplementary protection certificates. Clients describe him as "easy to work with and highly commercial." Timothy Powell has a strong engineering background that equips him well to advise clients on energy, metallurgy, electronic and optical technologies. One client says that "he is one of the most exceptional lawyers I have ever worked with - his knowledge of patent law is outstanding and he can make highly complex issues relatively clear to understand." Ian Stevens is a talented patent attorney with a specialism in chemistry, and recently acted for Novozymes in two successful patent oppositions at the European Patent Office. Clients are delighted with his efforts and note that "he fulfils all the criteria, being both excellent at his work and the perfect gent."

This dynamic firm has a reputation as being one of the most forward-looking in the market, with a commercial outlook and a commitment to client service. Its attorneys work out of offices in London, Bath and Cardiff, and are split into digital, green, life, brands, strategy and search teams. These specialisms underline the areas of expertise of the firm and are indicative of its distinctive style, allowing clients to work with those acutely familiar with their sector. Notable clients include Tesco, RBS and Hewlett-Packard. The firm also works with Visa Europe on the development of its worldwide IP portfolio, helping to assess the merits of new technology and advising on patent registrations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Heather McCann is a patent attorney with a specialism in electrical communications technology. Clients say she is "reliable, clever and good at thinking round problems." Jerome Spaargaren heads the firm's digital team and is renowned for his "keen intellect." He specialises in patent work involving electronic technologies of all types including computer software, mobile telecoms and medical devices.

This strong firm maintains a spread of offices in London, Cambridge and Munich that positions it well to assist clients on patent work across the life sciences, IT, engineering and chemistry sectors. It also has a very capable trade marks practice. A recent highlight has seen the firm successfully defend opposition to a brain tumour therapy patent on behalf of healthcare group Ark Therapeutics. Indeed, clients widely state their admiration for the opposition work of this "successful and forward-looking" organisation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Skone James is chair of the firm's managing committee in addition to his day-to-day role as a specialist in IT and engineering patents. He has recently been central to the firm's work with BlackBerry producer Research In Motion. Philip Harris is a trade mark attorney who is also a qualified solicitor. He has been leading the way on the firm's trade mark litigation practice, including appearing in the Patents County Court on behalf of Panadent and Peak Holding. Rowena Powell is another highly regarded trade mark attorney who assists clients of all sizes across a range of industries including media, sport and pharmaceuticals. She works closely with wine producer Brand Phoenix/First Cape on branding and the management of its trade mark portfolio. Robert Perry is a life sciences expert with a strong practice focusing on the commercialisation of new technologies. Clients are deeply impressed with his service, noting that "he talks in a way we can understand and never tires of explaining things to us."

Since publication, Philip Harris has joined Walker Morris

This much admired firm has 26 partners working across eight offices nationwide and supplements its offering through the operations of a sister law firm. It is known for its work with research institutions and businesses within the electronics and life sciences sectors, with notable clients including Jaguar Land Rover, AstraZeneca and the Science & Technologies Facilities Council. The firm has also been appointed by Unisys as its lead European patent counsel, on whose behalf the team handles a portfolio that includes cloud computing and baggage handling technologies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nigel Sanderson oversees an interesting practice that spans pharmaceutical and mechanical work, and as head of the firm's chemistry group he plays a leading role in this area.

Ipulse has established a reputation as an innovative practice with an approach that keeps its clients' commercial objectives front and centre, according to sources. The firm has offices in London and Cambridge that work with high-profile clients on a range of issues, including such names as O2, McDonald's, Yahoo! and Wrigley. Commentators routinely draw attention to the fact that Ipulse's attorneys are consistently business-oriented in the way they seek to understand their clients' objectives. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Colm Murphy is a life sciences expert who specialises in assisting clients on patent matters in respect of their pharmaceutical and biomechanical inventions. He has recently been advising Cell Signalling, a US-based producer of antibodies for research and therapeutic applications, on the management of its IP portfolio. Trade mark practice head Julius Stobbs acts for high-profile clients such as Virgin Enterprises on brand management and other broad-ranging IP issues. Clients admire his "pragmatic, well-rounded and down-to-earth" practice and inform researchers that they find him straightforward to deal with. Patent attorney Justin Hill is a new arrival at the firm, having joined from McDermott Will & Emery. He is popular with clients, who speak highly of his "impeccable record," "eye for detail" and ability to "work at all levels, identify the expertise of his audience and deliver on commercial targets." 

This well-established firm has over 40 patent and trade mark attorneys operating from offices in London, Oxford and Munich. Its professionals have experience across biotechnology, chemistry, electronics and engineering, and its growing trade mark group is much admired by clients for protecting their brands. Commentators praise the firm's partners for their "intelligence, creativity and ingenuity," and are delighted with the consistently high quality of their work. Its long and impressive list of clients includes Amgen and Mitsubishi Electric on the patents side and JPMorgan and Samsonite on the trade marks side.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Geoff Woods is a patent attorney who specialises in biotechnology work. He has a great track record in matters involving vaccines and other pharmaceutical products, and has recently worked with Circassia Holdings, a developer of allergy treatments, on the management of its patent portfolio. James Fish heads the firm's trade marks group and has been acting on global filings for both author JK Rowling and Relay International, owner of the Red Mango brand. Clients say he both "employs his expertise in a practical way" and "knows the technology well enough not to get mired in it."

Keltie is deemed to be an impressive firm with an "intensely commercial outlook" and the capacity to handle the full spectrum of IP work. It has traditionally been known for its advice to clients on trade mark matters, although it is also an increasingly notable presence on the patents side, too. From its base in London it services such household name clients as Camelot Group, Macmillan Cancer Care and TM Lewin.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alistair Gay is a much admired trade mark agent with long experience of assisting clients from various industry sectors. He works with Skins International Trading, Travelers Indemnity and Chapman Entertainment on their portfolios.

This London practice has expertise across a number of major technical disciplines and continues to take great strides forward, according to sources. Its patent attorneys are admired across the board and are sought out by high-profile clients such as AstraZeneca, Imperial College London and Toshiba. The firm's trade marks group is also considered to be growing in stature. Commentators inform researchers that the team is "approachable, alert to technical matters and able to pick up new ideas very quickly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Bassil advises clients from the pharmacology and biochemistry industries on issues that include such niche matters as stem cell technology. He has given Scottish Enterprise strategic advice relating to its work in synthetic genome assembly. Jim Miller is an engineering expert who specialises in patent and trade mark actions for such notable clients as Aston Martin, Samsonite and Teva. Clients comment that "it would be unfair to say he's anything short of excellent - he's reliable, dependable and his work is always of impressive quality."

With five offices across the country, Mathys & Squire offers a level of nationwide cover that has proven highly popular with clients. Attorneys handle patents on behalf of clients in the IT, electronics, engineering, life sciences and chemical sectors, and can be counted on to act on trade mark issues where they arise. High-profile clients include BP North America, Cisco Systems and La Senza, and the firm is expanding to deal with the burgeoning workload it is attracting. Clients speak admiringly of the firm's attorneys, noting that "they have a thorough understanding of patent portfolios and can be relied on for advice, guidance and strategy."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin MacLean has a strong background in biochemistry and biotechnology, and focuses his practice on patent matters involving technologies in these areas. Clients describe his style as "relaxed, personable and approachable." Chris Hamer offers high-quality advice on patents involving a chemistry angle. Clients admire his commitment to their needs, underlining him as an "amiable practitioner who makes himself available at all times."

Mewburn Ellis houses an established team of patent attorneys that sits alongside an increasingly visible team of trade mark attorneys. It is one of the larger firms in the UK market thanks to offices in London, Cambridge, Bristol and Manchester. This year the firm successfully defended a patent belonging to Verathon against opposition proceedings in the European Patent Office, and engaged in a series of applications relating to Genentech’s anti-VEGF portfolio. Clients are impressed by the team being "very much in tune with what we're trying to do." One interviewee notes that its expertise "allows us to tee up high-quality work," adding that "they aren't fazed by the fact that with ultra-new technology there's always an element that may have no precedent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Kremer specialises in biotechnology, most notably in patents relating to devices, therapeutics and diagnostics. Clients say he is "accommodating, efficient and keeps us informed of what we need to do." Wilhelmus Wytenburg is an expert in chemistry and focuses his practice on pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and polymer chemistry. Clients say: "He's great at getting prosecution actions wrapped up quickly: he understands what the examiner needs to know and gives it to them."

Murgitroyd & Company is known for the size of its network, which comprises attorneys on the ground in seven locations throughout Europe and beyond. Its agents have the skill and experience to deal with patent matters across a variety of technologies, and the firm's clients range from start-ups via university spin-outs to large multinationals. Commentators speak highly of the firm's performance, which they describe as "switched-on and client-focused." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Murgitroyd is chairman of the firm.

The service offered by this practice is described by its clients as "simply brilliant." Organisations that consult the firm are drawn from a spread of industry sectors including IT, telecoms and life sciences, and it is well equipped to handle both patent and trade mark matters. It maintains offices in London, Bristol, Farnham and Munich and can call upon a deep bench of experts to deal with a range of concerns.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Reuben Jacob is known for his great track record in the fields of biotechnology, chemistry and medical technology, with notable clients including universities and other research organisations. Stephen James is an experienced trade mark specialist who continues to impress with the quality of his work. He advises a wide variety of clients on the management of their brands.

This strong firm houses professionals active in both patent and trade mark matters. Practitioners earn plaudits for their expertise in complex technologies, placing them in a strong position to advise on difficult patent issues. Major clients include such household names as Jimmy Choo, Paul Smith and Twinings.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Gill is dual-qualified as both a trade mark and a patent attorney. He spends much of his time acting on trade mark matters for clients in the fashion industry thanks to strong relationships with a number of major British brands.

Abel & Imray has a good mix of expertise within its practice. On the patent side it is perhaps best known for handling work in the biotech and chemical sectors, with notable clients including GlaxoSmithKline and Imperial College London. The firm has offices in London, Cardiff and Bath.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Julian Bardo is based in the firm's Bath office.

Appleyard Lees has an extensive network of offices throughout the North of England, and, internationally, in The Hague and Munich. It handles the full range of IP rights protection and is much admired for the quality of its attorneys. Clients praise the firm for its client relationship skills, noting that it makes "a real effort to keep open channels of contact with senior figures."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Halifax-based Paul Brandon is the firm's managing partner.

This respected firm divides its professionals into groups by their respective areas of technological expertise, meaning that it has expertise to handle IP work relating to electronics, engineering, chemistry and life sciences. Commentators admire the firm's attorneys for their flexible and well-organised approach and say they have "a great grasp of the technical issues" and "an excellent commitment to client service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Moore is a highly regarded patent attorney who heads up the firm's chemistry and materials science practice group. Clients say he is "a friendly, amiable guy who is always patient and keen to explain things to us."

Barker Brettell offers expertise across a spectrum of technologies, from chemistry and biotechnology through to mechanical engineering. Its attorneys are accomplished in dealing with patents, trade marks, design rights and copyright, and it has a network of offices throughout the country.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sarah Lait is a trade mark attorney based in the firm's Birmingham office.

This well-regarded firm operates from offices in Winchester, Cardiff and Leamington Spa and handles a range of work, most notably patent concerns for clients in the hi-tech sector. Interviewees profess their delight with the firm's service, with one claiming that "they've demystified IP for us - all their information is in plain language for the layman so we know exactly which milestones we have to pass."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Helga Chapman is the key contact.

Cleveland's team of high-quality professionals handles IP work relating to patents, trade marks and designs. The firm has offices in London and Reading, and is known for its deep bench and commercial expertise.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Imogen Wiseman is deemed a talented practitioner with a strong track record in trade marks.

Sources agree that this commercially astute firm includes experts familiar with a spectrum of scientific and technical concerns. Practitioners handle the preparation, filing and prosecution of trade marks and patents in the UK and Europe, and have the breadth of experience to provide a quality service. Elkington and Fife offers services through its offices in London and Sevenoaks.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Peter Charlton deals with patent and trade mark matters.

Forresters is on hand to guide clients through patent, trade mark and design rights matters. Commentators note that the team is increasingly strong in the IP marketplace and describe the approach of its attorneys as "responsive, creative and open to input."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jon Gowshall is the firm's managing partner.

Haseltine Lake is very much an international-facing firm and boasts offices in London, Bristol, Munich and The Hague as well as a representative office in China. This coverage, coupled with professionals active in the electronics, telecoms and chemistry industries, makes it a strong option for clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Trade mark partner Jane More O'Ferrall is a key contact.

Reddie & Grose handles patent, trade mark and design work for clients across a range of industries. Its patent attorneys are experienced in both the traditional sciences as well as cutting-edge matters such as cleantech and software technologies. The firm has offices in London and Cambridge.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patent attorney Nick Marlow is the firm's senior partner.

This impressively rounded practice is skilled in all types of patent and branding work, which it handles through a nationwide network of offices. Commentators praise the firm's commitment to client service, and insist that the attorneys are "extremely able and proactive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin Vinsome specialises in patent work involving electronics, engineering, telecoms and software. He is based in Newcastle and is highly regarded for influencing successful outcomes.

This well-established operation has a long-standing reputation for high-quality work on behalf of such clients as Mölnlycke Health Care, Admiral Sportswear and Clear Edge. The firm has offices in Manchester, Chesterfield, Birmingham and London and is able to offer assistance with patent, trade mark, design rights and copyright issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Michael Douglas is a key contact.