Intellectual Property | UK Bar

11 South Square is a highly regarded set which is regularly instructed in technically heavy patent cases involving medical devices, pharmaceuticals and telecoms technology. The "technically excellent" barristers' noteworthy trade mark practice also sees them act for well-known clients active in the fashion, leisure and technology sectors. Among other notable work, members have acted for Autostore in its multi-patent litigation in relation to warehousing technology. In addition, members have represented Philips in its patent litigation opposite Oppo. Barristers at the set have also represented Tesco in high-profile trade mark, passing-off and copyright infringement litigation opposite Lidl. A solicitor comments: "This is a great group of distinguished KCs as well as very capable senior juniors you can rely on." Another remarks: "They handle the highest-value matters for us comfortably and are second to none in the level of expertise they offer."

8 New Square is an outstanding IP set, home to top-flight barristers who are consistently instructed in the biggest cases in the field. A market commentator states:"It is the number one set for complex IP disputes." The chambers has extensive patent expertise ranging from matters concerning key innovations in pharmaceuticals to major TMT FRAND cases, with Sandoz & Teva v Bristol-Myers Squibb, Nokia v Oppo, Interdigital Inc v Lenovo, and Optis v Apple serving as notable examples. Members are also well equipped to handle trade mark, copyright and design disputes for their impressive client list. One solicitor notes: "Their strength in depth, collaborative approach and technical knowledge mean that they are able to quickly take a step back to identify the critical issues in a case."

Three New Square IP has a formidable presence in the IP field and is home to a deep bench of barristers with a "wealth of talent" instructed in many of the leading patent and trade mark cases. One client notes: "They are true specialists who are able to handle the most legally and factually complex patent matters." The barristers regularly represent top life sciences, telecoms and manufacturing clients in high-profile patent litigation. Examples include Abbott Diabetes Care v Dexcom Inc, Optis v Apple, and Moderna v Pfizer and BioNTech. The set also has a strong practice in important trade mark and design rights work.

Hogarth Chambers offers a highly regarded practice in trade mark, copyright and designs, and can boast a particularly impressive roster of specialist juniors active in the field. The set is regularly instructed in widely publicised disputes in various industry sectors including media, fashion and manufacturing. The barristers have additional capability covering patent cases, including those arising in the context of cutting-edge TMT technology. The set has recently been involved in some notable cases involving trade marks and branding such as Lidl v Tesco, Skykick vs Sky plc, and Swatch vs Samsung.

Blackstone Chambers has a high-quality IP practice, offering a full range of "very sophisticated" services with a notable focus on the media and entertainment industry. The chambers, described by one solicitor as "one of the go-tos", is regularly instructed in high-profile copyright and trade mark disputes, as well as FRAND litigation. Recently, barristers at the set represented Lenovo in its global FRAND licensing litigation opposite InterDigital. They also represented Xiaomi in a similar action opposite Panasonic.

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."