Intellectual Property
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 4
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7329 4422About
Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP
We advise our clients on a complete range of IP issues. Whether you are looking to determine the extent of your intellectual property rights, exploit their value or protect their integrity, we have the expertise and commitment to ensure that your business' assets are nurtured and protected.
Our team has considerable experience advising clients on both domestic and international issues. We advise on patents, copyright, databases, designs, trade marks, domain names, trade secrets and confidentiality. We have particular strengths in life science and in luxury and consumer brands, building a formidable reputation and client base within these sectors.
Our work is split into three key areas:
IP strategy
- global IP protection and enforcement strategies
- IP audits of a company’s existing IP
- international freedom to operate
- brand and design clearance and advising on registration of rights
IP exploitation
- IP licensing, assignments, collaborations, R&D, technology transfers, joint ventures
- IP in corporate and finance transactions
IP dispute resolution
- pre-action advice on whether the use of technology, designs and/or brands infringe third party rights and practical steps to avoid legal proceedings
- IP litigation in the UK and cross-border litigation, alternative dispute resolution options
- opposition/revocation proceedings before the trade mark and patent registries
- domain and company name disputes
Chambers Review
Stephenson Harwood acts for market-leading brands in financial services, energy, fashion, life sciences and luxury goods. The practice is rated for its powerful trade mark litigation offering and recommended for licence agreements involving all core rights. The team is regularly instructed to assist with the coordination of IP disputes with parallel proceedings in multiple jurisdictions, and is acclaimed as a leading destination for anti-counterfeiting and passing-off disputes.
Work Highlights
- Stephenson Harwoodacted for Haleon in trade mark infringement proceedings against Teva. This involved the appearance of the packaging of its pain relief Voltarol products and Panadol trade mark.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Stephenson Harwood has go-to lawyers for complex and intricate cases, especially in the field of life sciences. They combine a no-nonsense approach with meeting high client expectations."
"One of the core strengths of this team is that the advice always aligns with the client's commercial interests. The team is very strong, quick and to-the-point in IP strategy and cross-border work."
"Stephenson Harwood has a very hands-on, very sharp and bright team. They are absolutely stellar and can handle the most complex and international, high-stakes matters."
"This is a great team able to address complex problems with speed and agility. Their advice is super cost-effective has a great commercial focus."
"Stephenson are our entrusted, go-to firm for all complex litigation cases. The team's spirit is unmatched and they are always willing to go the extra mile if the case needs it."
"Stephenson Harwood has go-to lawyers for complex and intricate cases, especially in the field of life sciences. They combine a no-nonsense approach with meeting high client expectations."
"One of the core strengths of this team is that the advice always aligns with the client's commercial interests. The team is very strong, quick and to-the-point in IP strategy and cross-border work."
"Stephenson Harwood has a very hands-on, very sharp and bright team. They are absolutely stellar and can handle the most complex and international, high-stakes matters."
"This is a great team able to address complex problems with speed and agility. Their advice is super cost-effective has a great commercial focus."
"Stephenson are our entrusted, go-to firm for all complex litigation cases. The team's spirit is unmatched and they are always willing to go the extra mile if the case needs it."
Notable Practitioners
Alexandra Pygall's IP practice has an impressive ambit, taking in commercial agreements and also disputes concerning all core rights and also non-traditional trade marks. She represents a varied client base of household names in industries such as fashion, children's toys, pharmaceuticals and luxury goods.
"Alexandra is extremely intelligent yet humble. It is always enriching and a real pleasure to work with her."
"A top tier lawyer. Alexandra has got amazing and strategic judgement."
"A very experienced and knowledgeable practitioner, bringing a wealth of experience to any situation; a great source of innovative and successful strategies."
Rob Jacob is noted for his brands practice. He represents clients in cutting-edge trade mark disputes and advises on portfolio management. His clients are notable brands in the consumer goods, fashion, sports sectors and life sciences.
"Rob is thorough, stress-resistant and brilliant at mastering the most complex issues."
"Rob is absolutely exceptional. He is one of the most insightful solicitors in IP and he has a detailed knowledge about trade mark law."
"Rob is incredibly diligent and on top of everything: there is no stone left unturned."
Ranked Lawyers at
Stephenson Harwood LLP
London (Firms)
Members
Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP
Head of Department
Eibhlin Vardy
Head of Department
Mark Kramer
Rob Jacob