Intellectual property

In a tough financial climate it is all the more important to create, protect and enforce intellectual property rights (IPRs) in all forms. Despite the inevitable squeeze on budgets, IPRs can be a valuable means to protect revenue as well as a potential source of revenue.

By acting as business advisers we can work with you to develop a strategy to expand your business through exploitation of your IPRs. For example, in difficult economic times it may not be appropriate to grow your business through opening new capabilities and/or expanding into new geographical areas. But there are other alternatives that can be considered such as franchising and/or licensing.

Our sector approach provides us with a deep understanding of the environments in which you operate, and the commercial issues that you are faced with. Sectors where we have a particular focus include: technology and communications; media and entertainment; life sciences; advertising; retail; hotels and leisure; and sport.

Our services

We have specific IP experience in:

• anti-counterfeiting / anti-piracy (creation and management of global anti-counterfeiting programmes for client brands)
• copyright – both technical (e.g. computer software) and artistic (e.g. music and films)
• designs – both registered and unregistered, UK and Community
• domain names – registration, monitoring and enforcement
• franchising, licensing and distribution (including dispute resolution and avoidance)
• patents – infringement, litigation, validity counselling and strategic advice
• IP disputes
• promotions, marketing and sponsorship
• trade marks – clearance, prosecution, brand portfolio management, renewals, enforcement and litigation
• online infringement
  
  

Whatever your IP needs, whether you’re looking to consolidate your portfolio, leverage its value for growth and expansion or protect your rights with litigation, we have the specialists and the experience to help you make the right commercial decisions. Our combination of commercial knowledge and legal experience means we can provide you with a well-rounded service that takes into account the strategic aims of your business as well as the relevant legal position.