I have a dispute I need to resolve

We have advised hundreds of clients on their patent opposition and appeals strategies and have a deep understanding of this area. Not only do we have the technical expertise and knowledge of the subject matters under scrutiny, but also a forensic understanding of the evolving procedural aspects of the various processes involved. Our proven track record in successfully defending intellectual property rights for our clients, means we are the firm of choice for some of the most opposed companies in the world. We also have an enviable reputation for successfully attacking third party rights that cause concern.

Sometimes a dispute cannot be resolved without issuing proceedings. We can help with all aspects of IP litigation in the UK, whether in our specialist IP & Enterprise Court or the High Court, from filing the claim to trial at first instance and beyond. We also have experience of project managing international disputes in key jurisdictions, and a network of trusted IP firms to provide critical local legal advice and support. Around 65% of litigation in the UK doesn’t end in trial but settles. We can advise on all aspects of settlements, from tactics to drafting and negotiation, including providing an international dimension when needed.

95% of IP disputes settle before a claim is filed. But a lot of work can be hidden behind the scenes to achieve an amicable outcome. We can advise on the IP relating to the dispute, the strength of the case, immediate tactics including correspondence with the other side and leveraging proceedings to achieve settlement as well as the wider strategy to maximise your outcomes in a dispute situation. Disputes are also often multi-jurisdictional and we have experience of project managing international disputes in key jurisdictions and a network of trusted IP firms to provide critical local legal advice and support.

In the UK there is a strong onus on alternative dispute resolution (ADR). We have experience of handling mediation from the initial approaches and tactics, preparing statements of case and making the necessary oral presentations, to the mediation itself and negotiating the settlements. Other forms of ADR are also available, including arbitration and expert determination.

We can help you use the EU and UK regimes for Unregistered Design Rights effectively where registered protection has not been obtained. Sometimes we may advise against filing for registration where products are short-lived or are made in so many variations that registered protection is not effective.  Unregistered rights often prove useful as part of a dispute situation.

We can help you use the EU and UK regimes for Unregistered Design Rights effectively where registered protection has not been obtained. Sometimes we may advise against filing for registration where products are short-lived or are made in so many variations that registered protection is not effective.  Unregistered rights often prove useful as part of a dispute situation.

We have an excellent reputation for prosecuting oppositions and cancellation actions on behalf of clients at the UKIPO, as well as at EUIPO for clients with EUTMs covering the EU. Of course, should the boot be on the other foot, we also have great experience in successfully defending our clients’ applications against oppositions brought by others, and so helping the mark to become registered. 

Where a party deliberately or unintentionally offers goods or services similar to yours and you don't have a registered trade mark, we can use the common law of passing off to establish a claim. Misrepresentation can create confusion and cause you both financial damage and damage to your goodwill. Having a registered trade mark is always preferable but if you don't, we are experienced in successfully dealing with these scenarios. 

Many companies consider their domain names to vitally important and thus very valuable commercial assets. They are often heavily promoted and used to signpost customers to both ecommerce platforms and websites where more information can be obtained about the company or brand. We can help when another party sets up an internet domain name that is identical or similar to your existing brand or name, with the aim of profiting from pretending to be that brand, including so-called ‘cybersquatting’, or else to divert business away from you.