We regularly advise leading consumer brands, designers and retailers on how they can best protect, manage and exploit their brands, designs, trade marks and copyrights.
Our 'one stop' service includes all aspects of trade mark and design registration, opposition and cancellation proceedings, both in the UK and in the EU ourselves, and elsewhere through our overseas network. We are also very active in taking or defending court proceedings to enforce or defend IP rights, again both in the UK courts and the EU courts ourselves, as well as coordinating international litigation in other countries. We also draft and negotiate licences, franchising and other commercial agreements. We also specialise in advising clients on all aspects of the advertising, marketing and promotion of their assets as well as on property, corporate, employment and tax-related issues.
We advise leading national and multi-national companies within the consumer products sector, always taking account of a retail landscape that is continually being shaped by issues such as ongoing technological innovation, environmental considerations, globalisation, regulatory considerations and effective brand management.
For example, our specialist understanding of the needs of companies bringing food and drink products to the market has enabled us to build long-established relationships with a number of leading players in the market including Associated British Food and Cadbury.
We help with legal issues across the board, from product launches and promotion through to consumer law, brand protection, supply chain management, product liability and M&A. We also advise on the food and drink regulatory framework and have in-depth experience acting for suppliers in their dealings with major multiple retailers.
The fashion industry is a good example of a sector which constantly struggles with the overlap (and sometimes gaps) between the various different IP rights which apply to clothing and accessory designs. We regularly advise clients on these issues, particularly with the unique challenges that Brexit has added to the rights position in the UK.
