Intellectual Property
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7583 2000Chambers Review
One Essex Court is a"high-quality"chambers offering barristers who regularly act for claimants and defendants in complex trade mark cases, particularly those that cross borders both in and outside the EU. The set also offers considerable expertise in pharmaceutical patent disputes. Notably, the set recently acted for Sky in the Supreme Court opposite Skykick. The set also represented Quantum Advisory Limited in a trade mark dispute opposite Quantum Actuarial LLP in the Court of Appeal. A solicitor notes that its members' "depth of expertise, commitment and attitude sets them apart."
Darren Burrows is the senior clerk at One Essex Court.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Jackie Ginty is always helpful and tremendously organised."
"All of the clerks are fantastic: very responsive, willing to assist and honest about a barrister's prior commitments."
"The clerks are very easy to deal with and ensure a smooth process. Rob Smith and Jackie Ginty are both excellent deputy senior clerks."
"Jackie Ginty and Adam Wheeler are great clerks. They are very responsive, and good at keeping you updated and finding space in the diary."
"The clerking here is one of the best in the business. Jackie Ginty, in particular, leads an excellent team."
"Jackie Ginty is always helpful and tremendously organised."
"All of the clerks are fantastic: very responsive, willing to assist and honest about a barrister's prior commitments."
"The clerks are very easy to deal with and ensure a smooth process. Rob Smith and Jackie Ginty are both excellent deputy senior clerks."
"Jackie Ginty and Adam Wheeler are great clerks. They are very responsive, and good at keeping you updated and finding space in the diary."
"The clerking here is one of the best in the business. Jackie Ginty, in particular, leads an excellent team."
Notable Practitioners
Geoffrey Hobbs KC is an exceptionally talented IP litigator. He is particularly highly thought of for his work in trade mark disputes, having acted in numerous infringement claims for clients that are household names. He also practises in patent cases and has experience acting for pharmaceutical companies in matters arising from the marketing of 'skinny label' products.
"Geoffrey is deeply impressive in his delivery of very practical and well-regarded advice."
"The doyen of the IP Bar. He is so expert, straight as a die and incredibly persuasive on his feet."
Guy Hollingworth is a popular barrister among instructing solicitors for his composure, polished courtroom presentation and first-rate knowledge of trade mark matters. He regularly handles infringement and opposition claims, with additional expertise in copyright and design rights disputes. He is also experienced in handling cases concerning contentious licensing agreements and possesses additional expertise in database rights claims.
"Guy is an incredible advocate. An amazing junior but with the silk experience."
"Guy is incredibly knowledgeable, very good on both the law and the strategy, and creative."
"Guy is a detailed and meticulous barrister. His advocacy is very clear, direct and persuasive."
Emma Himsworth KC is recognised as an expert on trade mark law, with a strong work ethic and a user-friendly approach. As well as handling high-end and technically complex trade mark and copyright litigation, she is effective in digital platform infringement claims, invalidation attempts and licensing disputes.
"Emma is brilliantly forensic with devastating, immaculately plotted cross-examination."
"Emma is magnificent and has vast knowledge of trade mark law. She is extremely good in court with precise and convincing advocacy where she is never rattled."
"Emma is very impressive and user-friendly."
Philip Roberts KC is known for his technical background and his skill representing clients in contentious trade mark proceedings involving media clients and retailers. He is also experienced in design rights infringement claims and disputes concerning deprivation of IP, and possesses expertise in the registration of EU trade marks.
"Philip is perspicacious, sensible and principled. He is always a joy to work with."
"Philip is an excellent strategist, extremely effective and persuasive advocate. Our go-to silk for IP disputes."
"Phil is an absolute pleasure and dream to work with. He is incredibly strategic and sees things before they happen."
"Philip is one of the leading trade mark silks. He adds real value to cases and is very good on his feet."
Alaina Newnes is a well-respected barrister who is noted for her strength in trade mark, passing-off and design rights disputes. She handles matters before the IPO and the courts.
"Alaina is practical, down to earth and very easy to deal with."
"She is an expert at getting on top of complex facts quickly and is very responsive, easy to work with and great on strategy."
"Alaina is approachable and very detail-oriented."
Andrew Lomas has a broad IP practice spanning passing-off, trade mark and patent disputes. He represents clients in complex disputes involving computing and life sciences.
"Andrew is very pragmatic and commercial."
"A breath of fresh air, Andrew is very contactable and very knowledgeable on complex IP issues, getting to grips with things quickly."