Intellectual Property
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 5
Contact number
+44 20 7600 1200About
Provided by Slaughter and May
We seek to manage and mitigate risk and to maximise the return from intellectual property (IP) assets for the benefit of our clients. We advise on all aspects of the creation, exploitation and enforcement of IP rights.
Our clients operate in a wide range of industry sectors including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare, financial institutions, technology, telecoms, media, sport, consumer goods and retail.
We advise on:
- Disputes covering the full spectrum of intellectual property rights – ranging from complex patent actions to all forms of dispute relating to trade marks, passing off, copyright, database rights, design rights and breach of confidence claims. Our experience encompasses multi-jurisdictional and domestic disputes at every level including proceedings in the High Court, Court of Appeal and the registries including the European Patent Office and the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM). We regularly advise on cross-border litigation strategy.
- IP related agreements - includes trademark licensing, distribution agreements, sponsorship agreements and franchising deals. Our specialist Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and Healthcare team deals with licensing, collaboration and research and development agreements.
- Transactional work - includes advising on M&A, disposals and joint ventures where technology or brands are integral to the transaction, structure or value.
Chambers Review
Slaughter and May advises on the treatment of IP rights in complex corporate transactions, licence agreements and sponsorship deals. The firm has a strong track record in trade mark litigation, and represents household names in the life sciences, retail, sports and media sectors. It also offers a programme advising innovators on the protection and exploitation of fintech rights.
Work Highlights
- Slaughter and May represented Authentic Brands Group on its acquisition of Ted Baker. This involved carrying out due diligence on Ted Baker’s brand-related arrangements and systems.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Slaughters team's diligence and approach ensures no stone is left unturned and no nuance or complexity is not considered. The lawyers are well-versed in all IP related matters."
"They are a team of problem-solvers who think internationally and are easily able to bring in various skill sets. Their advice is very commercial and very quickly provided."
"Slaughter & May combines high-quality service with expertise. They have in-depth knowledge of our business."
"From top to bottom, the team is very efficient, communicative and sophisticated in their work with top-notch responsiveness."
"The Slaughters team's diligence and approach ensures no stone is left unturned and no nuance or complexity is not considered. The lawyers are well-versed in all IP related matters."
"They are a team of problem-solvers who think internationally and are easily able to bring in various skill sets. Their advice is very commercial and very quickly provided."
"Slaughter & May combines high-quality service with expertise. They have in-depth knowledge of our business."
"From top to bottom, the team is very efficient, communicative and sophisticated in their work with top-notch responsiveness."
Notable Practitioners
David Ives leads the firm's IP and technology practice stream and is recommended for all manner of IP licensing arrangements. He receives regular instructions from household-name brands for international portfolio management and disputes.
"David is very astute and knowledgeable. He is all over the issues and will do all he can to achieve the result needed."
"David provides the highest possible level of advice and client service, regardless of the complexity or value of the project."
"He is always extremely helpful, insightful and able to cut through commercial complexities to deliver sound advice directly."