Last month, Mewburn successfully secured summary judgment for Banham Patent Locks Limited in the Patents Court in Banham Patent Locks Ltd v Rogers (t/a J Rogers & Sons) [2026] EWHC 528 (Pat), bringing the proceedings to an early conclusion following a half‑day hearing.
The Court found that the defendant locksmith had infringed Banham’s patents by copying its protected “Mark III” keys, breached undertakings given by the defendant to cease that activity, and infringed Banham’s trade marks through advertising those services. Mrs Justice Bacon held that the defendant had no real prospect of defending the claims and rejected reliance on the “honest use” defence, providing helpful clarification on the limits of honest use where patent and trade mark rights overlap. The court confirmed that trade mark use cannot be honest where it is bound up with unlawful conduct.
The Court granted summary judgment, a penal notice, and awarded costs, underscoring the Patents Court’s willingness to dispose of IP disputes without a full trial where infringement is clear and any defence lacks substance.
This was a cross-practice group case with technical elements being analysed by Lucy Coe and Alex Burns (Engineering) and Rebecca Anderson-Smith, Joe McAlary and Jacqueline Pang (Trade Marks). Caroline Hart led the Legal team, supported by Fred Steele, Liam Batty and Jess Uwakwe.
This case showcases Mewburn’s strength in handling complex, multi-disciplinary IP disputes, combining deep technical expertise with strategic legal insight to deliver decisive outcomes.
This blog was co-authored by Liam Batty and Caroline Hart.
Liam is an associate and solicitor in the Legal Services team and advises clients across all elements of Intellectual Property. He is passionate about helping clients protect and enforce their IP rights, offering clear, practical advice tailored to complex legal challenges. Liam has experience in handling a wide range of intellectual property disputes, from copyright matters to complex patent litigation. He has assisted clients across multiple forums, including the newly established Unified Patent Court (UPC), and has particular expertise in managing and coordinating pan-European enforcement strategies within the life sciences sector.
Email: liam.batty@mewburn.com
