Intellectual Property | UK

On 1 May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman. The firm has a powerful patent litigation arm and deep resources for IP-heavy corporate deals. The firm is recommended for licensing transactions in high technology and life sciences, and for trade mark, copyright and designs litigation.

Baker McKenzie stands out for its international presence and management of global trade mark portfolios. Its team is often called on to handle complex IP-driven joint ventures, acquisitions and disposals, and is highly experienced with regard to licensing agreements. The team is noted for expertise on AI and issues at the bleeding edge of digital technology.

Fieldfisher provides expert counsel on IP portfolio matters such as brand strategy, trade mark registrations and oppositions. The team is often called on for advice on and litigation concerning digital copyright, confidential information, database rights and trade marks. It offers additional capabilities in patent litigation.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has a high-quality life sciences and TMT patent litigation practice. The firm is highly regarded for its assured handling of complex licensing and IP-rich corporate transactions, and is also recommended for trade mark, copyright and database rights litigation on behalf of media and fast-moving consumer goods companies. Members of the team are known to be highly adept at advising on pan-European dispute strategy.

Brandsmiths is recognised for its expertise in trade mark and copyright litigation concerning infringement, domain name disputes and counterfeit goods. The team is regularly instructed by household-name brands in media, technology, sports, fashion and leisure sectors.

Freshfields is a magic circle firm with the corporate and commercial power to lead on the weightiest, most sophisticated IP-rich transactions. Its clients include global giants in the fields of finance, life sciences, telecommunications, media and hi-tech. The team has additional strength in patent litigation, particularly disputes concerning medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

Marks & Clerk is a dedicated IP firm noted as a regular presence in the patent courts, fighting cases for leading electronics, engineering and pharmaceutical companies. Clients benefit from the firm's strong relationship with its sister patent and trade mark attorney firm.

Reed Smith has deep sector knowledge of media, technology and luxury brands. The team is strong on copyright and trade mark disputes and also technology licensing. The IP practice is also recommended for anti-counterfeiting campaigns and litigation involving digital platforms and internet service providers, with additional expertise in patent litigation.

Stephenson Harwood acts for market-leading brands in financial services, energy, fashion, life sciences and luxury goods. The practice is rated for its powerful trade mark litigation offering and recommended for licence agreements involving all core rights. The team is regularly instructed to assist with the coordination of IP disputes with parallel proceedings in multiple jurisdictions and is acclaimed as a leading destination for anti-counterfeiting and passing-off disputes.

Charles Russell Speechlys is highly regarded for trade mark prosecution and IP-led transactions such as licence agreements and joint venture formations. The team also assists with the treatment of IP assets in M&A deals. The team is also well known for misuse of confidential information disputes and particularly litigation concerning non-traditional trade marks.

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.

Browne Jacobson's team covers the full span of IP, taking in trade marks, copyright, database rights, designs and patents. They have deep expertise in UK and EU trade mark protection, enforcement and licensing. The team advises on all manner of commercial and contentious matters.

Keystone Law is well-known for bringing partner-level expertise into its IP matters. The firm represents clients on complex disputes across IP rights and advises on commercial transactions with an IP focus.

Wedlake Bell is noted for its comprehensive IP practice, and is equally expert on commercial and contentious matters involving all core IP rights. The team advises clients large and small on IP issues connected with business on the internet and has additional expertise in copyright matters concerning royalties.