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Blackstone Chambers

Intellectual Property

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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Blackstone Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

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Intellectual Property - London (Bar)

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Blackstone Chambers has a high-quality IP practice, offering a full range of services with a notable focus on the media and entertainment industry. One source says: "Blackstone Chambers is always our go-to for complex media cases." The chambers is regularly instructed in high-profile copyright and trade mark disputes, as well as FRAND litigation. Recently, barristers at the set defended BioNTech at a High Court trial concerning a well-publicised patent infringement claim brought by Moderna, and acted for Tesla against Avanci and InterDigital in a FRAND licensing dispute relating to 5G technology.

Derek Sutton and Adam Sloane are senior clerks at Blackstone Chambers.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerking team are very efficient and effective.

    Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar

  • They have an excellent set of clerks there. Derek Sutton is brilliant and very straightforward.

    Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are always helpful.

    Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • James Segan
    James Segan

    James Segan

    James Segan KC has an impressive patent litigation practice. He represents clients in complex hi-tech and FRAND matters. He also handles copyright matters. He is reputable for his commercial approach to issues and creativity.

    • James is a brilliant commercial silk. He is a real pleasure to work with. He is great with clients and terribly smart. His advocacy is silky smooth.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar

    • James Segan KC is an excellent barrister who provides clear, direct and thorough advice.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar

    • A go-to person for intersection between IP and areas of law like competition and contract, James has a laser-sharp intelligence and can present in very clear terms even the most complex of cases.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar
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  • Ian Mill
    Ian Mill

    Ian Mill

    Ian Mill KC operates a broad IP practice. He undertakes high-profile copyright work in the music industry as well as patent licensing and contractual matters.

    • Ian is excellent and easy to work with. He has the voice of authority that you really need in some situations, and is especially good at guiding clients.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar

    • Ian has great knowledge and authority. Judges really listen to him. He is a big name and they respect him. He's a big beast but not beastly.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar

    • Ian's advocacy is amazing and his clarity of thought is brilliant.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar
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  • Michael Bloch
    Michael Bloch

    Michael Bloch

    Michael Bloch KC is an incredibly bright, tactical and commercially aware silk recommended for complex trade mark litigation. He has substantial experience in opposition actions and infringement claims involving digital retailers. His practice also takes in pharmaceutical patent disputes and cases that concern licensing agreements and joint venture royalties.

    • Michael Bloch is an impressive advocate and he is good on FRAND strategy.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar

    • He is a great advocate and strategist.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar
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  • Robert Howe
    Robert Howe

    Robert Howe

    Robert Howe KC is a high-calibre advocate widely regarded for the quality of his advocacy and his proficiency handling contentious copyright matters. He has a distinguished background in media and entertainment.

    • I appreciate his pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to litigation and the way he sets realistic expectations for the clients.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar

    • He is extremely experienced, extremely bright and great at managing court. He is a real all-rounder really.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar

    • Robert is one of the very few barristers who is exceptional in all categories, which is why he would always be my number one choice if available.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Blackstone Chambers (4)

London (Bar)

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