Intellectual Property
UK Guide 2025 : South West
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0117) 321 8000About
Provided by Ashfords LLP
Unlike most law firms in the UK, the team has both in-house chartered patent and trade mark attorneys, in addition to solicitors.
We manage large worldwide trade mark portfolios for clients, including Penhaligon's, J W Anderson, Fontaine (owner of CREED), The Roald Dahl Story Company, Aardman Animations (famous for “Wallace & Gromit” and “Shaun the Sheep”), Facegym, Majestic Wine, Pancho Music Inc. (Michael Bublé’s music company), What3words Limited and many other major companies.
We have 5 Chartered Trade Mark Attorneys within our team and undertake all legal work relating to trade marks - clearance, filing, prosecution, registration, renewal and maintenance, licensing, assignments, commercial exploitation agreements, oppositions and infringement.
We have our own patent drafting, filing and prosecution service covering many technology disciplines, but is specifically focussed at the engineering and information technology sectors. The work is inherently international by nature because patent rights are territorial.
We undertake IP transactional work assisting clients looking to sell and exploit their IP assets and clients investing into IP heavy companies.
We have advised various regional, national and international businesses on a broad range of contentious matters, including trade mark litigation and oppositions and copyright and design disputes. We are currently acting for Shazam Productions Limited, the owner of IP rights relating to the scripts of “Only Fools and Horses”.
Chambers Review
Ashfords in Exeter offers expertise in trade mark prosecution, licensing and litigation. The firm manages international trade mark portfolios for a number of well-known brands. It also has a patent prosecution service specialising in information technology and engineering.
Work Highlights
- Ashfords advises The Roald Dahl Story Company on the management of its trademark portfolio in the UK and globally. Recently, the team assisted in a domain name and trade mark dispute.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Ashfords have a proactive and incisive grasp of all commercial aspects. They deliver practical solutions to problems."
"Ashfords are extremely up-to-date on all legal developments. They are very responsive, communicate clearly and work seamlessly together."
"The Ashfords lawyers are responsive, knowledgeable and sensible tacticians. They are responsive and provide excellent service levels."
"We highly appreciate the transparency, the fluid communication and thoroughness. Their professionalism is very evident as they quickly adjust to changes in our commercial vision and strategy."
"The IP team has a deep bench with very sophisticated practitioners who are nimble, responsive and reasonably priced."
"Ashfords have a proactive and incisive grasp of all commercial aspects. They deliver practical solutions to problems."
"Ashfords are extremely up-to-date on all legal developments. They are very responsive, communicate clearly and work seamlessly together."
"The Ashfords lawyers are responsive, knowledgeable and sensible tacticians. They are responsive and provide excellent service levels."
"We highly appreciate the transparency, the fluid communication and thoroughness. Their professionalism is very evident as they quickly adjust to changes in our commercial vision and strategy."
"The IP team has a deep bench with very sophisticated practitioners who are nimble, responsive and reasonably priced."
Notable Practitioners
Carl Steele is dual-qualified as both a solicitor and a trade mark attorney based in Ashfords' Exeter office, where he is head of department. He advises on registry strategy, international portfolio management and trade mark infringement disputes. He is also recommended for contentious copyright and design matters.
"Carl is a great advocate with a solid team behind him. It's a pleasure working with Carl."
"Carl is a trusted advisor. I would happily go to him any time and know I would receive pragmatic, accurate advice."
"Carl knows IP very well, takes commercial factors into consideration and provides solid and practical advice. He is also excellent at negotiations and communication."
"Carl Steele is attentive and constructive on the commercial aspects."
"Carl is approachable and gives effective, timely and commercial advice within clearly defined budgets."
Clare Jackman is dual-qualified as both a solicitor and a trade mark attorney. She has considerable expertise advising on trade mark portfolio management, filing strategies and oppositions.
"Clare is a steady, knowledgeable and sophisticated attorney and partner to our team."
"Clare is unstoppable and definitely the person you want on your side. Her capacity of resilience in any negotiation, no matter how tough, is admirable and she always ends up with a positive result."
"Clare is a dedicated and reliable IP partner."
"Clare provides effective and commercial advice."
"Clare is always available and is very responsive."
Ranked Lawyers at
Ashfords LLP
South West
Clients
Provided by Ashfords LLP
Aardman Animations
Facegym
Fontaine (owner of CREED)
JW Anderson
Majestic Wine
Naked Wines
Penhaligon’s
Shazam Productions Limited
The Brand Architekts
The Roald Dahl Story Company
Industries
Provided by Ashfords LLP
Clothing
Entertainment
Financial Services
Footwear
Luxury Goods and Services
Perfumes, cosmetics and toiletries
Software and IT
Toys & games
Wines, Spirits and Beers