Boult Wade Tennant continues to attract considerable praise for its patent and trade mark work. With offices in London, Cambridge and Reading, it is well placed to serve the most dynamic technology hubs in the country. The firm has been growing its patent oppositions practice and is becoming a presence before the European Patent Office (EPO), while it has also made strides in cultivating the Chinese and Indian markets. Clients include Boeing, Kraft and Motorola.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Claire Baldock heads the firm's biotechnology and life sciences group. She is particularly prominent in co-ordinating oppositions and appeals before the EPO, and is expert on patent due diligence. 

Catherine Wolfe is a trade mark and domain name expert of international standing, a position aided by her fluency in Mandarin and her significant Far Eastern client following.

This firm has long enjoyed a reputation for being amongst the best patent and trade mark attorneys in the UK, and indeed Europe. Alongside the trade mark department, which has clients such as Allergan and Total, the firm has divisions devoted to biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals, as well as engineering and IT. Clients for these divisions include Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson and Nissan.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hugh Goodfellow impresses clients with his thoroughness and attention to detail. He is head of the firm's biotechnology arm and is a seasoned adviser to start-up and research and development entities, helping them grow into robust businesses.

Huw Hallybone is considered a "top choice for referral" by peers.  He is an accomplished patent attorney, especially with chemistry, biotechnology and genetics matters. He also takes a keen interest in the Japanese biotech market, and is an important ambassador for the firm in the Far East.

Keith Howick is perhaps best known for his skills in trade mark oppositions and disputes, although he also devotes much of his time to prosecuting UK and European patent applications.  

Cameron Marshall is praised as "a leader of the profession" and as an "original thinker" by esteemed peers. He is a patent attorney concerned mainly with technologies in the biotech, life sciences and pharmaceuticals sectors.

Chris Tunstall, hugely experienced in patent prosecution strategy and oppositions before the EPO, is lead counsel to a number of the firm's key technology clients. They value his combination of technical savvy, legal knowledge and an understated manner.

Roger Lush is making waves in his practice as a trade mark attorney. He is highly experienced in opposition proceedings, as well as clearance searching and portfolio management.

D Young & Co offers clients a full IP law service, hosting solicitors as well as patent and trade mark attorneys, and it is the first firm to acquire legal disciplinary status (LDP). As one of the best and biggest such firms in Europe, D Young & Co performs enforcement and litigation as well as registration, prosecution and portfolio management services. The firm's expertise in electronics and software, biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals is particularly well regarded.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan DeVile specialises in patent prosecution, enforcement, litigation, due diligence and strategic portfolio advice for clients working at the cutting edge of electronics, software, telecommunications and mobile telephony. 

Charles Harding represents academic and research institutions, emerging businesses and multinational corporations in patent oppositions and litigation concerning the life sciences and medical research fields.   

Jeremy Pennant is a go-to lawyer for worldwide blue-chips in retail and leisure seeking market-leading advice and strategic direction in trade mark oppositions and soft IP matters. Clients include Burger King, PepsiCo and Marriott Hotels.  

Dehns has offices in London, Brighton and Oxford in the UK, and another in Munich, which place the firm at the heart of the European IP market. Clients and peers remark on the quality of service shown to clients, with one source stating that the attorneys are "great for quality of work and are extremely professional - they are not driven by a solely commercial approach." The patent practice has a focus on life sciences, chemistry, electronics, physical sciences and materials. The trade mark team acts for clients such as Pentel, Pret A Manger and the Tetley Group.   

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Michael Butler handles patents and designs as well as patent work, for which he is best known. His interests lie mainly in computer technology, engineering and physics, and he has a particularly deep knowledge of software patents and business method protection.

Deborah Owen has a distinguished background in cancer research which closely informs her work as a patent attorney concerned with matters in biotechnology, life sciences and chemistry.

This impressive firm, with offices in London, Cambridge and Munich, continues to expand its presence and areas of focus, and can now be counted amongst the top trade mark and patent practices in the country. Source also note the UK team's close co-operation with its Munich colleagues. In addition to its patent and trade mark registration and protection services, the firm is also recognised as a leader in international (PCT) patent filing and supplementary protection certification (SPC).

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rowena Price is a trade mark and soft IP specialist. She advises very well-known brands, as well as start-ups, across a host of industries, including the automotive, financial services, food and drink and media spaces. 

Robert Skone James engages in patent and design prosecution, opposition and litigation on behalf of domestic and multinational names such as De La Rue, Hasbro, Ishida, Oracle and Xerox. Clients find him "thorough, detailed and very responsive to our requirements."

This London-based practice handles hard and soft IP prosecution, opposition and litigation for some of the largest corporations in all conceivable areas of enterprise. The patent practice has significant depth with regard to electronics, IT, life sciences, chemistry and clean technologies. The copyright, design right and trade mark groups excel at instructions from market leaders in arts, media, publishing and hi-tech consumer goods.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Bassil is much sought after for his work on biotechnology and pharmacology, and he takes a keen interest in developments in cell and molecular biology. He has recently advised Celtic Pharma PEG on ground-breaking technology concerned with blood clotting.

Jim Miller heads the firm's mechanical engineering group, and handles patent and design portfolios for Aston Martin and Samsonite. He also has a flourishing trade mark practice. 

Alexander Korenberg counsels clients on the full range of contentious and non-contentious patent issues. He is particularly well versed in electromagnetics, drive systems, medical instrumentation and wireless communications. 

Carrollanne Lindley leads the firm's trade mark group and excels in all areas of soft IP law. One satisfied client describes her as "the fount of all knowledge" in this discipline, while other sources state that she "always goes the extra mile" for them.

This Nottingham firm is widely acknowledged as a market-leader in IP right prosecution, opposition and exploitation. It has a very commercial approach to its work, which it brings to the filing of patent and trade mark applications and in the raising of capital for viable start-up businesses. Fielding nearly 50 attorneys, the firm is particularly well thought-of for its trade mark offering and for its expertise in biotechnology and life sciences, as well as its formidable EPO opposition work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Miles has a fearsome reputation for his successes in biotech and medical device-related oppositions before the UK and European patent offices. He is also a noted expert on SPCs.

Timothy Powell is a patent attorney and litigator of international standing, and is often the face of the firm for clients in emerging and breakthrough markets. His clients tend to come from the electronics, mechanical and precision engineering, metallurgy and optics sectors.

Clients admire Ian Stevens's unflappable approach to complex problems, and find he "always has an answer ready if you have any questions." He deals mainly with patents pertaining to biochemistry, pharmaceuticals and polymer chemistry. His appearances before the EPO have impressed many.

Philip Thomas is a patent agent specialising in biotechnology. He appears in patent oppositions and appeals and helps start-ups and SMEs to develop their growth strategy. He has a large client following in Scandinavia.

This firm, with offices in London, Bath and Cardiff, is equipped to handle the most sophisticated of technical and brand protection problems. Its patent offering has particular strength in aeronautics, electronics, communications, industrial chemistry and life sciences. The firm also has an accomplished record in contentious proceedings as well as soft IP. Clients include Airbus and Texas Instruments.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Julian Bardo operates mainly from the Bath office. 

Avidity IP, formerly known as HLBBShaw, has offices in Birmingham, Cambridge, Epping, Leeds and Reading. It offers clients a comprehensive IP service, from registration and prosecution to litigation, portfolio strategy and transactional support. The firm has specialists in chemistry, electrical and mechanical engineering, life sciences and pharmacology, while its trade mark expertise is particularly strong in the fields of fast-moving consumer goods, the arts and media. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS  

Rob Stichbury is the key contact.

This firm continues to impress clients and market commentators with its sector expertise. From offices in London, Bath and Cardiff, the attorneys work in groups dedicated to chemistry, food ingredients, green technologies, digital and electronics, life sciences and brands. Its work in electronics, software and TMT is singled out for special mention by sources. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Heather McCann is a patent attorney with a keen interest in matters concerning electronic communications.

Jerome Spaargaren leads the firm's digital group and is renowned for his dynamism and talent, especially with regard to communications, medical technology and software.

This leading firm has offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Sheffield and York, and its trade mark and patent attorneys benefit from the additional services of an affiliated law firm. In patents, the firm's strong suits include electronic software and hardware, engineering and physics, chemistry and pharmaceuticals. The trade mark practice represents a diverse range of brands and has built an enviable reputation in the fashion industry. Clients include AstraZeneca, Ben Sherman and the National Nuclear Laboratory.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Moore joined from Avidity in October 2012 to open the firm's new Birmingham office. Clients find his "expertise is of great value in crafting and prosecuting our claims for both precise and broad coverage."  

This forward-looking practice has offices in London and Cambridge, and has been making waves in recent years as it consolidates its presence in the market. The firm has an excellent name for its brands work, with its trade mark portfolio management, transfer and opposition work being especially well regarded. Ipulse is also busy expanding its patent practice. Key clients are Birds Eye IPCO, Channel Four Television and Telefónica O2.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Justin Hill provides an "excellent service for all aspects of IP prosecution," according to sources. He is the firm's head of patents and advises clients on technical matters across a very broad range of disciplines.

Colm Murphy is a patent agent with a very deep understanding of biochemistry and pharmacology. He is also a frequent litigator before the EPO in oppositions and appeals. 

Since publication, Justin Hill has joined Olswang

This venerable firm, working from offices in London and Oxford, is one of the UK's most prolific filers of patent applications; it also has an office in Munich. Its cohort of patent agents are expert in all conceivable avenues of scientific enquiry, with its biotechnology and chemistry knowledge being held in especially high regard. The trade mark practice has grown significantly in recent years, and now looks after portfolios for adidas, Brother and Yeo Valley Organic.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Fish leads the firm's trade mark practice group, and is one of the principal architects of a group which has come to be regarded as amongst the country's finest. 

Geoff Woods heads the biotechnology and pharmaceutical group and has long enjoyed an excellent reputation for his knowledge and skills in international patent procurement and enforcement.

Situated between the City of London and the creative hub of the West End, Keltie has for many years played a vital supporting role to technology entities and leading figures and organisations in the arts, media and other business sectors. It is traditionally well known for the treatment of IP assets in transactions and for soft IP work, but the firm has recently expanded its contentious offering and patents practice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alistair Gay is co-head of the firm's trade mark practice, and also advises clients on matters concerning copyright, designs and domain names. He is much sought after for portfolio strategy, opposition and litigation advice, as well as due diligence in M&A. 

Described by a source as "vast and very good with it," Marks & Clerk is one of the largest patent and trade mark firms in the UK, if not the world. It has offices throughout the country and in Europe, Canada, China and Australasia. Its prosecution and opposition practice is supported by a sister IP law firm and also a consulting arm, which offers commercial portfolio advice, valuation, fiscal and financial advice to IP clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Moreland, managing partner of the Glasgow office, specialises in electrical and mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on energy, offshore oil extraction technologies and nanotechnology. He also counsels clients on litigation strategy.

Douglas Thomson, also based in Glasgow, is a trade mark attorney with extensive experience in prosecution, opposition and portfolio management. He also handles design rights, domain name and passing-off matters.    

This distinguished firm has offices in London, as well as the established technology hubs of Cambridge, Manchester, Reading and York. It has a patent practice of international standing, and has expanded its chemistry, life sciences, IT and engineering teams. The firm's trade marks, designs and copyright practice goes from strength to strength, with its advice being sought by a world-famous football club. Clients include the BBC, Cisco Systems and Procter & Gamble.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chris Hamer is a chemistry specialist with an emphasis on green technologies, petrochemicals, pharmacology and polymers. He is also a leading authority on work concerned with ionic liquid technologies. He has a strong record in patent oppositions.  

Martin MacLean is a biochemistry and biotechnology expert with a specialism in bacteriology. As well as patent filing, prosecution and opposition, he also advises start-ups on due diligence in transactions and raising capital.  

Mewburn Ellis has offices in London, Bristol, Cambridge and Manchester. Its traditional  emphasis on patent work is matched by an expanded copyright, designs and trade mark capability. Sources praise the attorneys' command of UK and EU IP law, and also the firm's excellent network beyond Europe. Clients on the patent side include Arena Pharmaceuticals and Hitachi, while trade mark instructions have come from Lacoste and Pernod Ricard.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Kremer, based in London, is a patent agent who works in the fields of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and plant biotechnology. Leading peers speak warmly of his character and ability.

Wilhelmus Wytenburg is well known for his efficiency in expediting patent prosecution proceedings on behalf of clients in pharmaceuticals, polymers and industrial chemistry. 

Murgitroyd & Company has branches throughout England and Scotland, as well as in Europe and the USA. Consequently the firm has won complex and substantial instructions from global corporations from across the industrial landscape, as well as dozens of universities. The firm is a treasured resource for technology start-ups and university spin-offs.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Murgitroyd is the firm's chairman. 

This firm was originally founded to support the nascent technology hub of 'Silicon Fen' outside Cambridge, and it now also has an office in London. It is widely admired for the quality of its work and breadth of specialist knowledge. The team's patent expertise extends to chemistry, clean technology, electronics, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, as well as software and business methods. The firm handles brand portfolios for Kimberly-Clark, John Lewis and Royal Mail Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patent agent Nick Marlow is the senior partner.    

RGC Jenkins has offices in London, Bristol and Farnham, and overseas branches in Munich and Beijing. It is well equipped to handle patent and soft IP matters, both contentious and non-contentious, often of international significance and deep technical complexity. The group handles the full spectrum of IP rights across a range of industry sectors, and its software and designs practices are singled out for special praise. Its brands offering is utilised by giants of the media and telecommunications world.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen James is recognised as a leading trade mark expert. He counsels commercial brands, including biotechnology entities, food and drink companies and media organisations on registration, oppositions and strategy.

AA Thornton operates from offices in London and Northampton, and serves clients from inventors through SMEs to multinational blue-chips. It is divided into dedicated teams looking after patents, trade marks, designs and internet domain names. The patent offering has experts in most fields of scientific enquiry, while the soft IP capability has a strong following amongst global names in the fashion and food and drink industries.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Gill is perhaps best known for his trade mark work, which forms the major part of his practice, although he is also highly proficient in patent matters. He looks after portfolios for some of the firm's key clients in fashion and food and drink. 

This firm has offices in Manchester, Halifax and Leeds, although its client base extends far beyond the north of England. It has a celebrated brands practice, while its patent offering is particularly strong in inorganic chemistry, electronics and digital science, mechanical engineering and software. The firm has also expanded biotechnology expertise in recent times. Clients include Lucite, Novartis and SAMSUNG.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Brandon, the managing partner, is based in Halifax. 

Barker Brettell has offices in London, Birmingham, Cambridge, Malvern and Southampton, making it easily accessible to the country's major research hubs. The firm is noted for its high standard of work in copyright, designs, patents and trade marks. Clients and peers attest to the quality of its work. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sarah Lait is a trade mark attorney based in Birmingham.  

Working from offices in Leamington Spa, Winchester and Cardiff - with the latter conveniently located for the Intellectual Property Office in Newport - the team at Chapman Molony has expertise across the range of IP assets. The firm's experience is particularly well developed in the fields of aerospace, electronics, materials, oil and gas technologies, optics and telecommunications.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dr Anna Molony is a director. 

Cleveland provides high-quality application, opposition, brand protection and strategy advice on patents, trade marks and designs from its offices in London and Reading. Clients include Albright International, Iris Software Group and Syngenta. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Imogen Wiseman heads the firm's acclaimed trade mark and designs team.

Forresters continues to consolidate its already strong market position in IP, with its trade mark service being singled out for praise. The firm has offices in London, Birmingham, Merseyside and Munich, and offers a comprehensive service on design, patent and trade mark issues.

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

Haseltine Lake is at once an established, venerable name in the UK IP market and a dynamic, forward-looking global patent and trade mark attorney firm. It has offices in Bristol, London, Munich, The Hague and Guangzhou. All soft IP work is handled adroitly, as are chemistry, electronics, engineering and life science patents.

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

This firm, located in the heart of East London's financial and technological centre, has been in operation for just three years but is already making a strong impression on the market. It is concerned almost exclusively with the prosecution of patents in electronics, and the firm has a particular depth of expertise in computing and software. Clients include Enigma Electronics.com, GeneForge and UCL Business.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ben Snipe is a key contact.

Urquhart-Dykes & Lord has offices in London, Cardiff, Leeds, Milton Keynes and Newcastle. Its team of over 30 patent and trade mark attorneys has expertise in applied science relating to all industry and research sectors, while its branding offering is a comprehensive filing, registration and protection service.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin Vinsome is a patent attorney skilled in electronics, software and telecommunications. He works in the Newcastle office.  

This esteemed firm, with offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Chesterfield and London, is perfectly equipped to deal with the most technically taxing copyright, design right, patent and trade mark problems across the creative and technology industries. Clients include Kraft/Cadbury, Manchester United, Polo Ralph Lauren and Raleigh Cycles.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Goodwin is the firm's senior partner.

Operating from London, Liverpool and Munich, WP Thompson offers services in all IP rights relating to technologies and brands in the fields of chemistry, food science, aerospace and automotive engineering, as well as electronics, life sciences, software and telecoms. Clients include Innovia Films, Hewlett-Packard, International Financial Data Services and Seven Seas.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Gill is an IT and engineering expert who handles the range of IP rights.