Overview
Our 12-strong intellectual property (IP) transactions team understands the investment that goes into developing the brands, products, technology and creative works that make a business tick. So it knows how important it is to keep this IP protected and exploited to its full potential.
With dedicated IP teams in the UK, Germany and China, and the support of a wider team of 40 lawyers, led by 17 partners, as well as a global best friend network of lawyers, the team provides practical advice to some of the world's biggest companies and some of the most exciting start-ups.
The team has gained extensive collective knowledge across many industry sectors around the world. Many are scientists. Others have experience working as lawyers or business people in leading enterprises like Unilever, Hasbro, Aston Martin, the Forensic Science Service, British Airways, BP, E.ON, AstraZeneca, Dyson, GSK and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). They know the law and understand the business context in which advice is given.
International highlights include advising arGEN-X (a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company) on two strategic deals that completed in a week and AstraZeneca on a licence with two Belgian research organisations. In addition, our team advised on the complex IP aspects of the sale Williams Hybrid Power Limited to GKN which related to the design and manufacture of composite flywheel-based energy storage systems. From household names to multi-nationals to entrepreneurs, we can advise on a diverse range of IP transactional and cross-border matters, including:
- IP transfer, coexistence, joint ownership, licensing and recordals
- technology transfer and R&D deals, as well as qualification for the UK Patent Box regime
- securitisation of IP
- merchandising
- brand clearance
- sponsorship, endorsement and product placement agreements
- franchise contracts
- collaboration and consortium agreements
- confidentiality contracts
- agency, advertising and marketing agreements;
- IP aspects of corporate transactions (including M&A, joint venture and hive offs), as well as life sciences, IT, competition/antitrust and employment transactions
Members of the team speak at various international and local forums on IP transactional issues such as a one day seminar for Management Forum on "Avoiding Pitfalls in Patent/Know-How Licences and R&D Collaborations", the Advanced Business Development course at the US BIO conference and the University College London IP Transactions course. The team also provides talks and training to keep clients up-to-date with pressing IP issues, whether it be legal updates, drafting workshops and risk management sessions for in-house lawyers and officers, or best practice guidance for employees at all levels.
Audit service
Not sure whether you're as well protected as you could be, or whether you're monetising your IP portfolio to its maximum potential? We can provide an IP Audit Service. This can include: a business objective and costs review; portfolio strength assessment; suggestions for contract creation, amendment and management; IP portfolio pruning and enhancement; and options for monetisation.
