The intellectual property team at Allen & Overy LLP attracts praise for its 'outstanding ability, client awareness and total commitment to the cases it handles'. The group assists with a combination of contentious and commercial matters relating to the full range of IP rights. Recent work highlights include representing Huawei in Conversant’s high-profile claim for a declaration that it has offered FRAND terms relating to its SEP portfolio, as well as acting for Eli Lilly in its appeal to the Supreme Court against an order for the revocation of its patent for its Tadalafil product. Global head of IP, litigator David Stone, has particular experience in EU design law, while Jim Ford heads the commercial IP practice. Other names to note include patent litigator Mark Ridgway, who focuses on the telecoms, pharmaceuticals and biotech industries; life sciences and consumer products patents litigator Marc Döring;  Mark Heaney, who has expertise in the hi-tech sector, and life sciences sector specialist Marjan Noor, who 'brings a unique combination of client care and detailed involvement to a case'. Nicola Dagg departed to Kirkland & Ellis International LLP.

With specialisms in the the technology and life sciences sectors, the intellectual property team at Bristows LLP provides 'a first-class service at a real-world cost' and clients praise it as 'the best all-round IP team in the UK'. The group has broad expertise and 'excels not only in UK IP litigation but also in pan-European IP matters'. Brian Cordery and the 'hugely experienced' Myles Jelf, who 'successfully brings first-class strategy and oversight to cases, whilst inspiring and harnessing the abilities of the firm's fantastic associates', jointly head the patent litigation team, while Matthew Warren, Simon Clark and Ian Gruselle lead the commercial IP team, brands practice and trade mark portfolio group respectively. Other names to note include Andrew Bowler and Robert Burrows, who handle a range of contentious IP matters; telecoms and high-tech patent litigator James Boon; Liz Cohen, Dominic Adair and Gemma Barrett who focus on life sciences patent litigation; Richard Pinckney, who acts in IP disputes in the TMT, engineering and electronics sectors; and brands expert Jeremy Blum.

The intellectual property team at Powell Gilbert LLP is recognised for its strength in patent litigation, but also has brand protection expertise and trade mark and copyright experience. The group's sector expertise encompasses the life sciences and biotechnology, telecoms and electronics, chemicals, engineering, energy, consumer goods and media and entertainment industries. In recent high-profile matters, the group defended Actavis against patent infringement allegations brought by Warner-Lambert relating to the use of Pregabalin, and represented Huawei in high-profile standard essential patents litigation including FRAND elements. The 'absolutely stand out' Penny Gilbert heads up the practice and focuses on patent litigation in the life sciences sector, while Simon Ayrton leads on trade mark and copyright matters. Name partner Tim Powell specialises in multi-jurisdictional litigation, particularly relating to patents; Ari Laakkonen has telecoms and technology sector expertise, and Alex Wilson handles strategies for exploiting and enforcing IP rights across Europe. Peter Damerell and Bethan Hopewell are also key names for IP litigation focusing on the technology and life sciences sectors respectively.

Gowling WLG's intellectual property team is spread across the firm's London and Birmingham offices and has expertise across contentious and non-contentious patent, brand and design matters, particularly in the life sciences and advertising and marketing spaces. Other sector specialisms include the telecoms and IT, retail, automotive and aviation engineering, and food and drink industries. Practice head Gordon Harris focuses on engineering and technology patent disputes, David Barron is highlighted for his SEP expertise, Paul Inman handles life sciences litigation, and Alexandra Brodie is 'developing a niche strength in telecoms work'. In Birmingham, key names to note include transactional IP specialists Patrick Duxbury and Luke Kempton, and head of brands and design, Kate Swaine, while, in London, 'stand out' director Matt Hervey is 'absolutely superb' for patent disputes. The group has continued to add to its team with the recruitment of the 'very able, responsive and commercially minded' Huw Evans and 'very experienced patent litigator' Jonathan Ball from Norton Rose Fulbright.

The intellectual property team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is 'commercially focused and able to provide concise advice under pressure' and combines substantial commercial IP expertise, spanning transactions, projects, risk management and strategic advisory work, with notable strength in patents, trade marks and copyright disputes. Practice head Joel Smith handles a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, with particular experience across the consumer, retail, media, technology, agribusiness and energy sectors, while global head of intellectual property Mark Shillito focuses on the life sciences, TMT and consumer goods industries. Other names to note include pharmaceutical patent litigators Sophie Rich and Sebastian Moore (Moore splits his time between London and Milan), and hi-tech patent expert Andrew Moir.

The 'highly knowledgeable' practice at Taylor Wessing LLP 'provides practical business solutions and advice' across trade mark and design, patent and copyright matters, with particular experience in the consumer goods, fashion and luxury brands, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, technology and media sectors. Niri Shanmuganathan heads up the group and has particular experience assisting media and entertainment sector clients, while Nigel Stoate leads the patents practice, Mark Owen heads up the trade mark, copyright and designs team and Graham Hann leads the transactional IP team. Other names to note include Simon Cohen and Matthew Royle for life sciences sector patents disputes, 'formidable strategist' Charles Lloyd and Roland Mallinson, who specialises in soft IP.

The 'knowledgeable, personable and efficient' team at Baker McKenzie has a breadth of expertise across brand protection matters, patent litigation and transactional advice, with particular experience in the consumer goods and retail, TMT, healthcare and industrials sectors. The team also benefits from a strong media and technology practice, led by Ben Allgrove, which handles copyright and online provider liability issues. Practice head Michelle Blunt assists clients with a range of IP transactions, while recently promoted partner Jessica Le Gros leads the trade mark team. Other names to note include Michael Hart , who handles soft IP matters, and patent litigator Hiroshi Sheraton, who focuses on the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

CMS 'always delivers high-quality advice' across contentious and non-contentious matters, and is noted for being 'good on complex multi-jurisdictional trade mark issues'. Following Joel Barry's departure, trade mark specialist Sarah Wright heads up the IP team, which includes Gareth Morgan, who leads the group's patent litigation offering; head of patent prosecution Robert Stephen, and co-head of the firm's international group Tom Scourfield, who 'is user friendly, technically sound and very good on strategy'. 'Excellent, technical and very commercially savvy lawyer' Joel Vertes is also recommended and has 'a robust and decisive approach to franchising, breach of confidence and technology cases'.

Boutique IP firm EIP 'hits far, far above its weight' and is comprised of 'experienced and expert IP litigators' who are recognised for medical device, life sciences and mobile telecoms patent disputes. The team is 'involved in some of the highest profile IT disputes on both technical and legal issues' and is instructed by Unwired Planet International in standard essential patent litigation against Huawei, which includes complex competition and FRAND licensing considerations; it is also advising Conversant Wireless Licensing on similar litigation against Huawei and ZTE. 'Very savvy IP litigator' Gary Moss heads up the practice, which includes Robert Lundie Smith and Matthew Jones. The team also benefits from the addition of managing associate Tom Brazier from Allen & Overy LLP.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP's practice combines 'technical proficiency, commercial insight, legal depth and excellent organisational capacity' and utilises the 'remarkably seamless cooperation between the team in London and US colleagues'. The arrival of the 'fantastic' Nicola Dagg and her team, including Katie Coltart and Daniel Lim, from Allen & Overy LLP 'created a new force in what is actually quite a small pool of choices at the top level in London' for patent litigation. Since their arrival, the group has continued to be instructed in high-profile disputes, particularly in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals sectors; it is instructed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in an upcoming Supreme Court patent claim against Kymab relating to its proprietary transgenic mouse platform for therapeutic antibody development. The practice also benefits from transactional IP expertise led by Emma Flett; it is advising a consortium led by EQT and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority on the acquisition of Nestlé Skin Healthcare. Newly promoted partner Jenny Wilson is recommended for transactional IP and technology matters.

The 'excellent' and 'commercially astute' practice at Simmons & Simmons attracts praise for its 'fantastic legal and technical knowledge' and capabilities in national and international disputes and transactions, particularly in the healthcare, life sciences and technology, media and telecoms sectors. Practice head Michael Gavey is a healthcare and life sciences sector expert, while Angus McLean focuses on the fintech industry. Other names to note include patent litigators Michael Burdon, Richard Binns and Andrew Hutchinson; Scott Parker, who frequently acts for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and Darren Meale, who 'is well-versed in UK and EU trade mark law'.

The 'first-class' practice at Wiggin LLP is highlighted for its expertise across brand and online content protection and design law matters, in addition to its experience in patent litigation and commercial IP advice. 'Trade mark expert' Anna Carboni heads up the team and handles a range of trade mark, design and copyright disputes and strategic advice. Litigator Sara Ashby combines design law expertise, significant experience in patent disputes and knowledge of parallel imports, while Simon Baggs focuses on the protection of online content. Other names to note include commercial IP partner Simon Chalkley, and Rachel Alexander, who 'has an in-depth knowledge of UK and EU jurisprudence in the area of copyright'.

The team at Fieldfisher is noted for its soft IP experience, and is jointly led by trade mark and brand protection expert Leighton Cassidy and Nick Rose, who handles enforcement of rights including copyright, trade mark, passing off and trade secret litigation. Other name to note include John Linneker, who handles a range of trade mark, copyright, patent, design and confidential information disputes; while 'super focused IP litigator' Beatriz San Martín has particular expertise in the life sciences and disruptive technologies industries.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP 'has an excellent understanding of the media industry and the client's commercial needs'. The group handles a range of contentious matters including brand protection and copyright enforcement work, as well as non-contentious issues relating to corporate transactions, licensing and other agreements. The team is jointly led by the 'simply brilliant' Shireen Peermohamed, who handles a range of brand management matters; and Andy Millmore who focuses on disputes. Senior associate and litigator Kostyantyn Lobov, who counts technology and entertainment among his sector specialisms, is also a name to note.

The practice at Lewis Silkin LLP is recognised for its expertise across contentious IP matters, trade mark and design portfolio management work, commercial and transactional mandates, and domain name management issues; and has notable sector specialism in the retail, technology, media, entertainment, manufacturing and engineering industries. The group is jointly led by Jo Farmer, who handles a range of non-contentious matters including advertising and marketing issues; trade mark practice head Dominic Farnsworth; Simon J Chapman, who heads up the dispute resolution team, and brand management expert Giles Crown. Chris Hayes departed to an in-house role at GW Pharmaceuticals.

Linklaters LLP has a breadth of experience across contentious and non-contentious matters encompassing a range of sectors including the healthcare, telecoms and technology, consumer goods, financial and insurance, and industrials arenas. Practice head Ian Karet, who attracts praise for his 'unique intellectual focus', has expertise spanning patent and trade mark disputes and commercial transactions, while Nemone Franks focuses on transactional and advisory work. Recently promoted counsel Natalie Ellerby is a name to note for trade mark disputes and licensing issues. Nigel Jones retired.

Marks & Clerk Law has been highlighted by clients as 'one of the leading IP boutiques in the UK' and attracts praise for its 'broad range of sector expertise that other IP firms struggle to compete with'. While primarily recognised for its strength in intellectual property disputes including patent and trade mark litigation, the team also has experience in non-contentious matters. Mike Gilbert leads the life sciences sector group, while Kirsten Gilbert is head of the trade mark and brand team, Michael Moore heads up the commercial IP offering and Dafydd Bevan leads the TMT practice. Other key practitioners include patent litigator Graham Burnett-Hall and recently promoted partner and brand protection specialist Gina Lodge. William Cook stepped down from the partnership to take a senior counsel role and Will James departed to Osborne Clarke LLP.

Mishcon de Reya LLP's team has experience across patent, trade mark, design and copyright disputes, and also advises on non-contentious matters. The group has particular expertise in the technology, automotive, pharmaceuticals, betting and gaming, sport, retail, fashion, media, and food and beverage industries. Practice head Jeremy Hertzog handles a range of IP protection and enforcement matters and counts anti-counterfeiting issues among his specialisms. 'Robust and experienced litigator' David Rose is recommended for trade mark litigation, while Sally Britton heads up the brands team.

Pinsent Masons LLP is instructed in contentious and transactional matters with a particular strength in life sciences work and further experience in the technology, media, telecoms, financial services and retail sectors. Practice head Clare Tunstall is 'impressive in patent litigation, particularly for generics pharmaceutical companies', while Iain Connor leads the soft IP team, which specialises in software copyright disputes. Charlotte Weekes and Deborah Bould handle patent disputes in the life sciences and technology sectors respectively; Catherine Drew is a life sciences patent and regulatory expert, and Florian Traub focuses on trade mark and brand protection matters. The team has added life sciences patent attorney capabilities with the addition of legal director Nick Finnie who joined from Novartis.

The 'extremely capable' intellectual property group at RPC is 'strong all round', with capabilities across a range of disputes and transactional work and particular experience in the retail, food and drink, technology, media and sport sectors. The 'dedicated and hard-working' team is led by Jeremy Drew, who handles both contentious and non-contentious matters; and includes the 'very clever, thorough and thoughtful' David Cran, food and drink sector specialist Ciara Cullen, and Paul Joseph, who 'provides clear targeted advice, which is delivered quickly even in complicated situations with many uncertainties'. The team has further strengthened its practice with the addition of commercial technology and IP lawyer Paul Joukador, who joined from Hogan Lovells International LLP. Legal directors Ben Mark and Georgia Davis are also highlighted; Mark specialises in trade marks and passing off issues, while the 'conscientious and detail-oriented' Davis has a particular focus on trade mark and design litigation.

The 'very reliable' practice at Stephenson Harwood has 'excellent legal skills and sharp commercial awareness' and 'excels at coordinating multi-jurisdictional litigation'. With 'excellent strength and depth in life sciences and pharmaceuticals work', the team attracts praise for being 'unique in its ability to switch its approach from big pharma to small biotech'; other strong sectors for the group include the retail, luxury brands, oil, gas and shipping industries. 'Stand-out litigator' and 'formidable negotiator' Eifion Morris is 'absolutely brilliant strategically' and leads the practice alongside the 'technically and legally superb' Alexandra Pygall. Rob Jacob has 'exceptional practical experience coupled with a commercial approach' and handles a combination of contentious and non-contentious matters for life science and energy sector clients, while recently promoted partner Naomi Leach focuses on transactional matters in the life sciences sector.

The 'excellent team of litigation specialists' at Carpmaels & Ransford LLP has 'access to the top-flight patent attorneys, which is particularly beneficial for technical cases'. The group handles a wide range of patent and trade mark litigation as well as non-contentious advice, and has particular expertise in the life sciences sector. David Wilson handles patent disputes in the pharmaceutical and telecoms sectors, while managing partner Richard Jackson has experience advising on engineering and technology sector patents. Camilla Balleny is 'a superb life sciences litigator'; Ian Kirby is instructed in multi-jurisdictional disputes, Roger Lush heads the trade mark practice, and Jake Marshall is the name to note for transactional matters. Clients also praise senior associate and 'excellent litigator' Jennifer Antcliff, who focuses on biotechnology and pharmaceutical patent litigation and 'is already a star and has a phenomenal future ahead of her'.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's department is singled out for its brand management and disputes expertise, which spans soft IP matters including trade marks, copyrights, designs and internet and advertising issues. Practice head Mary Bagnall has developed notable expertise in the protection and enforcement of non-traditional trade marks including colour or shape marks; she is advising Cadbury on its efforts to protect 'Cadbury purple' as a registered trade mark. Other names to note include Nick White, who excels in the sports, food and beverage, and retail sectors, and Jennifer Pierce, who focuses on technology and brand issues. Trade mark expert Kate O’Rourke left to Mewburn Ellis LLP.

Cooley (UK) LLP has the capacity to handle a range of contentious and non-contentious instructions, with particular expertise in trade mark matters. Practice head Nick Bolter is a key name to note for trade mark, copyright and advertising work; and Chris Coulter is highlighted for his transactional advice, particularly in the technology sector. Nicola Maguire and John Wilkinson focus on life sciences issues.

D Young & Co LLP's 'dedicated and careful team' has 'notable depth of insight and experience in IP' and is highlighted for its litigation expertise. The group counts a number of large corporates among its client roster and is also 'a perfect partner for cost-conscious mid-sized TMT companies'. The group benefits from its ability to handle a range of intellectual property disputes; practice head Tamsin Holman and recently promoted partner Anna Reid 'always provide solid and clear advice' on contentious trade mark, passing off, copyright, design and domain name matters; while Antony Craggs  is a name to note for patent litigation.

The 'proactive, friendly and knowledgeable' team at Dechert LLP provide 'a strong commercial view' and 'clear answers and solutions' to intellectual property matters. The 'commercially astute' Paul Kavanagh heads up the practice and has a breadth of experience in contentious and non-contentious matters, while 'first-rate associate' Nathan Smith focuses on litigation.

Technology boutique Kemp Little LLP 'demonstrates outstanding market and sub-sector knowledge' and has the ability to provide 'commercially pragmatic and considered legal advice' in intellectual property matters. The team is noted for its expertise in software and data licence disputes, handling patent strategies for tech businesses, and design disputes. Practice head Paul Garland focuses on complex patent and software disputes, Jeremy Harris specialises in copyright and database right infringements relating to software and data licences, and senior associate Emily Nuttall-Wood is a name to note for trade mark disputes. Litigator Rachael Barber, who has a particular focus on the luxury, fashion and retail sectors,  joined the team from Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. Rebecca Halford-Harrison joined Keystone Law.

The practice at Dentons handles the full range of litigation, advisory, transactional and prosecution matters, and benefits from the ability to leverage the firm's extensive global network in international matters. Patent litigator Campbell Forsyth heads up the team, which also includes separate patent and trade mark prosecution teams led by patent attorney Justin Hill and Anna Copeman respectively. Other key names include associate James Marsden, who focuses on patent and trade mark litigation.

Jones Day is strong in IP-related disputes with notable expertise in the pharmaceutical, biotech and chemicals sectors; it also has experience assisting with transactional matters. Practice head Alastair McCulloch is a key name for patent litigation, while Rebecca Swindells focuses on trade mark and copyright matters in the technology, media, telecoms, retail and financial services sectors. Associate Indradeep Bhattacharya is also singled out for his knowledge of contentious issues in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, consumer technology and electronic industries.

The group at Reed Smith LLP has 'an extremely high level of service and advice' and 'works hard to understand client's needs and craft legal solutions accordingly'. Gregor Pryor focuses on the digital media industry while the 'very bright and engaged' Jonathan Radcliffe has experience handling patent ligation and strategies for life sciences, medical devices, high-tech, and manufacturing clients. 'Clever and resourceful' litigator Michael Skrein is frequently instructed in a range of intellectual property disputes, and Carolyn Pepper, who is 'excellent with clients', has notable media sector expertise and handles trade mark, copyright and breach of confidence disputes.

Slaughter and May is 'always on top of the legal issues' and benefits from 'an excellent network of foreign advisers, who are able to provide top-notch support in multi-jurisdictional cases'. Practice head Susie Middlemiss has experience in contentious mandates, particular in the technology and life sciences sector, while David Ives and Cathy Connolly focus on commercial IP arrangements and transactional advice. Newly promoted partner Duncan Blaikie also assists clients in the technology and life sciences industries with strategic commercial matters.

The intellectual property litigation team at WilmerHale has an 'incredible wealth of experience in high-value patent litigation' and complex trade mark disputes, and attracts praise for its 'understanding of the law and ability to work with expert witnesses of the highest caliber'. Key names to note include group head Justin Watts, Anthony Trenton and Matthew Shade, who all have particular expertise in the life sciences, pharmaceuticals and technology industries.

The ‘results-oriented’ digital economy team Ashurst is highlighted for its expertise in intellectual property litigation, particularly relating to trade mark and copyright issues, and knowledge of licensing matters, transactional IP work and portfolio management mandates; it also has notable strength in the technology sector. The team was enhanced by the arrivals of the ‘sharp and practical’ David Wilkinson, who leads the group, and ‘bright and knowledgeable‘ senior associate Don McCombie from Clyde & Co LLP.

Baker Botts (UK) LLP's intellectual property and litigation practice acts in disputes and handles strategic non-contentious IP matters for clients in the energy, natural resources and technology sectors. Practice head Neil Coulson is 'an excellent , intelligent and practical lawyer' with experience across the oil and gas, engineering, chemicals, electronics, and pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries.

Intellectual property boutique Briffa is well-placed to assist individuals and small to medium-sized businesses with a range of contentious matters and non-contentious and strategic advice. The group has particular experience in design right protection and enforcement work and counts fashion and product designers among its clients; it is also instructed by technology sector businesses and start-ups for brand protection and commercial advice. Margaret Briffa, who has experience across design, patent and trade mark disputes and anti-counterfeiting operations, heads up the practice alongside recently promoted partners William Miles and Éamon Chawke.

Brown Rudnick LLP's team assists clients with a range of matters encompassing strategic commercial advice and disputes. Mark Lubbock has particular expertise in the life sciences, IT, hotel, gaming and leisure sectors, while Steven James focuses on new technologies and innovation, predominantly in the financial services, technology and media spaces. Former practice head Alexander Carter-Silk joined Keystone Law with associate Claire Blewett.

The team at Browne Jacobson LLP is 'very knowledgeable in all aspects of IP, giving strong sound advice' and has particular retail sector expertise; it also has significant experience in the automotive, construction, telecoms, banking and engineering sectors. Declan Cushley leads the team and has a notable focus on brand work, while Giles Parsons handles a range of trade mark and patent litigation. Former head of patents Kathleen Murphy Fox joined EIP.

Burges Salmon LLP provides 'London-quality representation from its Bristol base'. The group has an impressive client base including well-known national and international brands, and has particular experience advising on trade mark, passing off and copyright matters. Jeremy Dickerson, who handles a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, jointly leads the team with commercial partner Helen Scott-Lawler.

Clifford Chance LLP provides advice that is 'good value for money' across a range of transactional and contentious IP matters with a particular strength in handling UK and EU trade mark invalidation and opposition matters. With 'a breadth of experience and high-quality business acumen in the field' Stephen Reese has 'a commercial appreciation of the risks combined with a solid grasp of the issues when set in the legal framework'; he is notably active in the life sciences sector.  Reese jointly heads up the practice with Vanessa Marsland, who focuses on brand matters in the technology, media and consumer goods sectors.

The 'flexible, professional and reliable' practice at Clyde & Co LLP provides 'sensible and pragmatic advice' on patent disputes in the life sciences sector.  Patent litigator Ralph Cox heads up the practice, which includes legal director Rebecca Costen, who focuses on IP litigation and brand protection matters and counts retail, hospitality and e-commerce among her sector specialisms. David Wilkinson joined Ashurst.

Collyer Bristow LLP's departent is comprised of commercial lawyers and 'excellent all-round IP litigators, with a particular strength in trade mark work'. The team is led by Patrick Wheeler, who has 'exceptional experience' in soft IP disputes, while Tim Bamford, who has 'encyclopaedic knowledge', focuses on patent litigation. Charles Braithwaite is a key contact for commercial IP matters including licensing issues.

The 'practical, realistic, efficient and trustworthy' practice at Edwin Coe LLP has experience in a range of transactions and disputes. Simon Miles, who has particular experience handling trade mark disputes, leads the team, which also includes the 'extremely responsive and knowledgeable' Nick Phillips, who focuses on the IT sector, and trade mark attorney Maggie Ramage.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's IP team, which is particularly experienced in trade mark matters, portfolio and brand management, and advertising issues, counts well-known national and global brands among its client roster. Andrew Terry, who focuses on brand protection issues, heads up the team, which includes individuals across its national office network including Cambridge-based Adrian Toutoungi, who specialises in trade mark and patent litigation, and Manchester-based legal director and trade mark attorney Kate Ellis. Neil Mohring left to an in-house role at Apple Corps and Harrisongs.

The 'smart, timely, efficient, responsive and creative' team at Fox Williams LLP is noted for its capabilities in copyright and trade mark strategy, licensing matters and disputes, with particular experience in the fashion, retail, consumer and technology sectors. Practice heads, Simon Bennett and Stephen Sidkin, are 'outstanding lawyers'; Bennett counts design law among his specialisms, while Sidkin focuses on IP licensing matters. Other names to note include Sarah Redmond for trade mark portfolio management, prosecution and opposition work; and senior associate Alex Woolgar, who joined from Allen & Overy LLP and provides brand management advice.

Howard Kennedy LLP's department, which is recognised for its representation of clients in the media and entertainment and creative arts industries, handles a range of trade mark and copyright matters including brand management work, disputes and licensing issues. Robert Lands heads up the practice and assists clients in the technology and creative industries. Other names to note include Mark Stephens for media and regulatory work, defamation, privacy and data protection advice; Jonathan Sellors for IT, software and media regulatory work, and Daniel McClean, who frequently assists artists and photographers with IP agreements and disputes.

Irwin Mitchell is a key name to note for international brand management and IP strategy advice and litigation, with particular experience in the media and entertainment, professional and financial services, food and drink, and retail and leisure sectors. Practice head Georgie Collins handles a range of cross-border instructions relating to the full breadth of intellectual property rights, with a focus on risk and reputation management issues.

The 'pragmatic, creative and business-oriented' intellectual property practice at K&L Gates LLP is strong across a range of brand management, copyright, design law and trade mark matters and is regularly instructed by a range of high-profile clients. 'Outstanding lawyer' Arthur Artinian heads up the practice and has particular expertise in the fashion, luxury goods, design, architecture, consumer electronics, food and beverage industries.

Keystone Law‘s team benefits from ‘a great roster of talent’ and provides ‘responsive, cost-effective advice and robust litigation support and execution‘; the group's expertise spans a range of disputes, non-contentious matters and transactions. Anthony Misquitta is a name to note for SME companies and software, technology, fashion, media and entertainment sector clients, while Jeremy Schrire is highlighted for his commercial IP expertise. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of the ‘outstanding’ Rebecca Halford-Harrison, who focuses on patent litigation for chemical industry clients, and ‘absolutely excellent‘ trade mark specialist Karen Fong; they joined from Kemp Little LLP and Collyer Bristow LLP respectively.

Locke Lord LLP has the capabilities to advise on a range of commercial, advisory and contentious IP matters, with particular experience assisting clients in the technology and AI, financial services, consumer goods and life sciences industries. Practice head John Olsen is singled out for his trade mark expertise, while Ben Hitchens focuses on trade mark and copyright disputes. Andrew Shindler is noted for his experience in the commercialisation of life sciences IP assets.

Norton Rose Fulbright leverages its position as 'a high-quality international law firm with global reach' with a 'technically strong' intellectual property team. Michael (Mike) Knapper is a key name to note, particularly for commercial arrangements involving intellectual property elements, while Clare Jackman, who is qualified as a lawyer and a chartered trade mark attorney, specialises in brand and trade mark portfolio management. Jonathan Ball and Huw Evans left to Gowling WLG.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has particular experience in trade mark and design rights matters, with clients spanning the technology, retail, consumer goods, food and drink, and education sectors. Anna Frankum and dual-qualified solicitor and trade mark attorney Christopher Shelley jointly lead the team and are based in London and Bristol respectively. Frankum focuses on non-contentious matters, while Shelley has experience across the full range of trade mark, design and brand protection matters. Alexander Fox is a name to note for IP disputes in the technology, manufacturing and retail sectors.

Squire Patton Boggs is highlighted for its expertise in commercial and contentious soft IP matters. Names to note include Carlton Daniel, who handles advertising, marketing and media sector instructions, and Robert Wegenek, who assists with commercial IP and licensing matters.

The 'approachable, pragmatic and commercially-aware' Guildford-based practice at Stevens & Bolton LLP acts for national and multinational companies and start-ups, with particular expertise in the technology and life sciences sectors. The team handles a range of contentious and non-contentious matters spanning all IP rights. 'Outstanding lawyer' Tom Lingard heads up the practice and focuses on contentious work, while the 'bright and sparky, and very able' Charlotte Tillett handles issues in the life sciences sector. Senior associate Elaine O'Hare is a name to note for brand management work in the fashion and retail sectors.

The practice at TLT provides 'exemplary' advice on IP matters relating to software, technology and digital rights. Other areas of specialism include assisting with IP strategy, particularly for healthcare and fintech sector clients, and handling brand management and enforcement matters across a range of industries including the retail, consumer goods and leisure sectors. 'Superb' practice head Nick Fenner specialises in IP and technology disputes, while Daniel Lloyd focuses on commercial matters.

'Excellent IP boutique' Waterfront Solicitors LLP 'punches well above its weight' in IP litigation. The group is instructed by its impressive client roster in a range of contentious matters spanning licensing disputes, passing off actions, and copyright, trade mark, design right and patent infringement disputes. Matthew Harris, who 'always give his all'' and attracts praise for 'doing a lot of the heavy lifting and analysis' in litigation, jointly heads the team with Piers Strickland.

The ‘committed and reliable’ team at Wedlake Bell LLP has experience advising on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious IP; its expertise includes trade mark prosecutions, strategic advice and opposition and infringement proceedings. Practice head Michael Gardner is a name to note for IP disputes, while Adrian Heath-Saunders focuses on commercial and transactional matters and Jonathan Paul Cornthwaite handles a range of non-contentious IP and IT advice.