Intellectual Property

Brandsmiths enters 2026 as one of the UK’s most active and well-known IP disputes practices, representing major consumer brands, Premier League football clubs, entertainment companies and high‑growth FMCG and digital businesses. The firm operates a national contentious IP team, with senior litigators across London and Manchester working seamlessly on High Court, IPEC, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court matters.

Over the last 12 months, the team has continued to act in significant contentious IP matters, including high‑value trade mark, copyright and design disputes, licensing and commercial IP conflicts. The department has a particularly strong presence in sports IP, advising Premier League clubs on trade mark enforcement, licensing and commercial disputes, and the protection of cultural and heritage assets. Alongside its contentious strength, the department advises on complex non-contentious IP matters that directly intersect with disputes, including brand licensing, exploitation and commercialisation agreements, and IP-driven contractual negotiations. This work is led in the North West by Michael Forrester and Tom Keane and frequently runs in parallel with litigation or is triggered by contentious issues, giving clients joined-up advice.