Praised for its ‘specialised expertise’ in trade mark portfolio and enforcement actions, Browne Jacobson LLP has in-depth knowledge of the retail, automotive, and tech sectors. On the hard IP side, the team is well versed in assisting clients with their UK and European patents; practice head Mark Daniels is an expert in patent, database rights, and copyright claims. Nick Smee is highly knowledgeable in transactional IP matters, while Cat Driscoll primarily focuses on outsourcing and R&D projects. Jess Zareh stands out for her work in copyright disputes, and Bonita Trimmer is highly regarded for her advertising regulation offering, particularly in the retail and beauty spheres.

Spearheaded by the Birmingham-based duo of Richard Taylor and Gareth Stokes, DLA Piper leverages its multi-jurisdictional capabilities when advising clients on the full range of litigious and non-litigious IP work. The firm specialises in handling complex trade mark infringement cases and strategic pursuits of online infringers, with a primary focus on the tech and retail sectors. Taylor is knowledgeable in the life sciences field, Stokes stands out for his expertise in collaboration agreements, while Ryan Harrison has experience in the fashion and consumer goods industries. Satnam Sahota is highlighted for his brand protection work, and both Dan Cowley and Michael Stead are also cited as integral members.

Hailed for its ‘top-notch level’ of IP knowledge, Gowling WLG is well versed in both transactional and contentious IP issues, spanning from patents and design proceedings to trade mark infringement claims. The firm’s cross-sector coverage is extensive, with telecoms, life sciences, and advertising being key areas of focus. The team leader Kate Swaine routinely supports clients in the creation and enforcement of their IP rights. Paul Inman is a patent dispute specialist, whilst Patrick Duxbury concentrates on antitrust and regulatory matters. Nick Cunningham is a copyright claim expert, and Michael Carter is also cited as a key IP litigator. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Specialising in IP rights protection and misuse of trade secrets claims, the Pinsent Masons LLP practice is praised for ‘providing pragmatic and clear advice’ to clients in the fintech and sports fields. The team is experienced in copyright infringement and brand protection strategy matters, regularly leveraging its multi-jurisdictional expertise. Based in Birmingham, Tom Nener and Cerys Wyn Davies head the outfit, with the former predominantly focusing on copyright disputes, while the latter is knowledgeable in the AI field. Jo Alderson concentrates on the IP aspects of M&A and private equity, Katy Bourne is a commercialisation expert, while Nicky Pereira is also highlighted as key.

With a strong track record in managing trade mark portfolios and design invalidity disputes, Shoosmiths LLP consistently acts for clients across the brands, tech, and life sciences industries. The firm’s lawyers offer guidance to global brands on strategic, enforcement, and prosecution matters, with Birmingham-based lead Andrew Brennan primarily focusing on the commercialisation of IP assets. Dominic Murphy is an experienced European trade mark attorney, Nicola Jenkins is knowledgeable in the licensing of key patents, while Eloise di Pasqua concentrates on IP infringement matters. The practice consistently works alongside the venture capital division on early-stage investments into disruptive tech companies and diagnostics.

With extensive experience in defending trade mark and copyright infringement claims before the Court of Appeal and High Court, Freeths LLP is highly renowned for its ‘practical and clear advice’. The firm routinely manages trade mark and patent portfolios. Practice head Simon Barker is an expert in complex IP and database cases.  Martin Noble is a dispute resolution expert, and Kishan Pattni specialises in defamation and reputation management matters. Michaela Selvester is also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Drawing on the capabilities of multiple offices across the region and beyond, HGF Law has considerable expertise in infringement of designs disputes and brand protection proceedings. The firm’s offering is broad, covering various aspects of copyright, designs, and patents work. Supporting clients across the retail, chemistry, and life sciences fields, Birmingham-based team lead Marie McMorrow is often involved in patent litigation and breaches of confidentiality cases. Christie Batty is also recommended.

Mills & Reeve LLP has in-depth knowledge of complex patent claims and design rights infringement disputes, primarily concentrating on the tech, software, and education industries. The firm has expertise in trade mark portfolio management proceedings, while the ‘very professional’ co-head Claire O’Brien is well versed in patent litigation. Also in Birmingham, David Hall specialises in the exploitation of IP rights and data supply chain issues, while Vyara Yordanova is highlighted for her commercial law insight.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP fields a team of specialists focused on the IP aspects of commercial deals, corporate transactions, and joint ventures, chiefly focusing on the manufacturing and telecoms industries. With vast expertise in patent and trade mark infringement claims, the Birmingham-based head of IP Nicholas Briggs routinely acts on behalf of national and international clients. Mauro Paiano concentrates on advertising disputes, while Stewart Argo is a commercial contract expert. Daniel Kelly is well versed in designs, copyright, and IP rights proceedings.

Described by clients as ‘very friendly, supportive, and proactive’, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has strong expertise in R&D agreements, IP contracts, and image rights issues associated with the advertising sphere. The group also has experience assisting with venture capital funding work for therapeutics start-ups. The team is led from Birmingham by Lisa Page, who specialises in the life science and biotech industries.