Recommended for its ‘strength in depth’, Browne Jacobson LLP has particular strength in the beauty, retail and automotive sectors, alongside a notable involvement in heavyweight litigation cases. The practice acts for clients in the influencer and social media sphere, as well as advising on music industry copyright issues, author agreements and merchandise deals, among other areas. ‘Strategic and methodical thinker’ Mark Daniels heads the practice, with a specialism in contentious IP, routinely handling trademark, patent, database right and copyright cases. Nick Smee is vastly experienced in the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing sectors, while Bonita Trimmer bolsters the practice with a focus on brands and design disputes. Jess Zareh is capable in both the contentious and transactional spaces.

A team of ‘savvy tactical thinkers’, DLA Piper offers advice on the full range of litigious and non-litigious work, from domain name disputes to IP portfolio management. It routinely handles matters in the media, sport and hospitality sectors, among others. The practice is jointly led by Richard Taylor, who is considerably experienced in leading on litigation and transactional work, and Gareth Stokes, whose expertise encompasses licensing, exploitation and collaboration agreements; he works with clients in the automotive and software sectors. Key contact Satnam Sahota, recommended for her ‘tenacity and calmness’, has vast experience in handling IP litigation, with notable strengths in the media and sports spaces. Ryan Harrison strengthens the practice with particular retail and consumer goods expertise, operating in the non-contentious space.

‘Leading IP practice’ Gowling WLG’s broad offering covers both transactional and contentious issues, with a predominant emphasis on patents and brands/designs, as well as litigation matters. Its client roster includes businesses in the life sciences, retail and high-tech sectors, to name a few. The practice is spearheaded by the ‘top-notch’ and ‘highly competent’ Kate Swaine, whose expertise involves international brand strategy and the enforcement and management of global IP portfolios. Patrick Duxbury is well regarded for his expertise in the life sciences sector, while Luke Kempton is experienced in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, engaging in various kinds of deals. Both are recommended for being ‘experienced, skilled and committed’. Legal director Michael Carter bolsters the team with strengths in the automotive sector, especially in regard to licensing.

A team of ‘outstanding insight and patience’ that is capable of handling high-value and complex mandates, Pinsent Masons LLP are centrally involved in innovative technologies, ranging from AI and autonomous vehicles to green technologies that address climate change. Cerys Wyn Davies helms the practice; she has vast expertise in the fields of technology, life sciences, manufacturing and education, particularly in regard to cutting-edge technologies. Tom Nener is active in various sectors including retail, sports and life sciences, among others, while Jo Alderson‘s capabilities include handling technology-related developments, licensing and transactions, as well as open source software issues. Senior associate Katy Bourne is considerably experienced in litigation matters.

Freeths LLP‘s key area of expertise is in handling IP disputes, notably for consumer-facing brands and retailers. Other areas of expertise for the team include anti-counterfeit expertise, trademark filing and defamation cases, to name a few. Simon Barker leads the practice, acting on lots of high-profile IP disputes. Iona Silverman is another key contact at the firm. Martin Noble joined the team from Shakespeare Martineau LLP in August 2022.

HGF Law provide a ‘common sense approach’ to a wide array of IP matters, including both contentious and transactional matters, with a focus on the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, retail and food and drink sectors. The team routinely advises on IP protection, strategy and litigation. Practice head and ‘great collaborator’ Marie McMorrow is active in litigation and on transactions, often advising clients in the food and drink sector. Other key names in the team include Holly Lovack and Christie Batty.

The ‘very efficient team’ at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is active in the IP litigation space, with particular experience in patent, design and brand-related work, often with an international element. The team handles a considerable amount of IP matters for universities, as well as working for clients in an array of other sectors, including telecoms, consumer products and transport. Nicholas Briggs spearheads the practice, routinely advising on contentious work, especially patent litigation, while Mauro Paiano‘s broad expertise includes cross-border matters and social media-related cases. Other names to note include Kerry Russell, whose strengths lie in litigation. Martin Noble departed for Freeths LLP in July 2022, while Daniel Goodall left the firm for an in-house role in April 2023.

A team that provides ‘commercial and business-focused advice’, Shoosmiths LLP‘s practice covers the full spectrum of matters, ranging from commercial IP transactions to litigation in the brands, technology and life sciences sectors. Its clients include FTSE companies and brand owners, from various sectors such as well as biochemistry, pharmaceutical and software development. ‘Standout’ Andrew Brennan leads the team, with experience in handling complex contentious issues, trademark infringement actions and enforcement actions, to name a few. Victoria Bentley‘s expertise includes patent disputes in the telecoms space, while Dominic Murphy advises clients in a broad array of sectors including biotechnology and fashion, among others. Nichola Jenkins further strengthens the team with experience in the non-contentious side of IP, routinely advising on issues relating to disruptive technologies.

A firm that provides ‘top-quality advice’, Mills & Reeve LLP works for clients in various sectors, including healthcare, automotive and technology under the leadership of the ‘excellent’ practice head Claire O’Brien, who specialises in contentious IP, with a focus on trademark, design, copyright and patent litigation. Senior associate Natalie Welch‘s capabilities include IP protection, exploitation and enforcement, as well as domain name disputes.

Wright Hassall LLP‘s ‘strong team of individuals’ is particularly active in the manufacturing and technology sectors, handling both contentious and non-contentious branding and trade mark matters. Rhys Jarman leads the team, specialising in the protection and enforcement of IP rights, as well as advising on technology disputes. Iain Colville is particularly experienced in trade marks and branding, while Luke Moulton is active in the advanced manufacturing and engineering, technology and media and entertainment arenas.