Our expertise
Intellectual Property & Brand Protection
Advice on protecting and using brands, content and confidential information, and resolving disputes over intellectual property rights.
Discuss your enquiryWho we help
Businesses, founders, rights holders and professionals developing, licensing or protecting commercial brands and creative work.
How we can help
Trade marks and brand protection
We advise on the legal issues involved in selecting and protecting a brand, including trade mark protection and passing off. Searches, filing strategy and specialist registration work are scoped at the outset, with trade mark advisers involved where required.
Ownership and commercial agreements
Drafting and review of licences, assignments, collaboration agreements and the intellectual property provisions in employment, consultancy and supplier contracts. We consider ownership, permitted use, territory, payment and what happens when an arrangement ends.
Copyright and confidential information
Advice on the use of content, software and other protected materials, confidentiality agreements and the handling of commercially sensitive information. We assess the rights relied on and the evidence supporting ownership or misuse.
Disputes and enforcement
Support with allegations of infringement, passing off, unauthorised use and breaches of confidentiality. We consider proportionate correspondence, negotiation, settlement and proceedings, including specialist advice where needed.
Our approach
We start with the relevant right, its owner, the commercial use and the countries involved. We review the supporting records and agreements, then agree the work needed to protect or enforce your position. Overseas protection requires consideration of the relevant local law.
Common questions
Does registering a company protect its name as a trade mark?
Company registration and trade mark protection are different. A company name alone does not establish that you are free to use a brand or that you have registered trade mark rights.
Does a UK trade mark cover overseas markets?
No. A UK registration protects the mark in the UK. Protection in other markets needs separate consideration, which may involve national, regional or international filing routes.
Can you review a letter alleging infringement?
Yes. Preserve the relevant correspondence and evidence, and identify any response deadline. We assess the rights asserted and possible responses before you make admissions or agree undertakings.
Your next step
Discuss your matter
Tell us about your circumstances, the parties involved and any important dates. We will explain the next step and the scope and fees for any work we agree to undertake.
Contact our teamWe act for privately funded clients and do not undertake legal aid work.