Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) protects brands, creative works, and the innovations that give businesses a cutting edge.  JMW’s team advises on all areas of IP, including trade marks, passing off, copyright, designs, patents, and confidential information.

Our IP team works with innovators and brand owners, helping to protect IP rights, resolve disputes, and negotiate favourable deals in IP-related agreements.

Our IP team combines in-depth knowledge of the law with common sense.  We give straightforward advice in plain English, and take a pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to solving legal issues.

What we do

Our services include:

• UK and international trade mark filings
• Trade mark portfolio management
• Managing trade mark oppositions, cancellations and revocations
• Handling IP disputes and court proceedings
• Drafting and negotiating licences and agreements
• Advice on royalty arrangements and audits

Work examples

• Numerous successful trade mark oppositions, cancellations and revocations in the UKIPO, including AFFINITY (O/766/18), OLD JOHN (O/281/19), WILLIAM MORRIS AT HOME (O/0027/24), and WALLIS (O/0124/26).
• Managing extensive international trade mark portfolio for market-leading UK software business, including operating a watch service, trade mark filings, monitoring and handling renewals, brand enforcement, and advising on incorporating IP rights of new acquisitions into portfolios.
• Defending clients against allegations of trade mark infringement, passing off, copyright and design right infringement.  Acted for successful defendants in John Kaldor Fabricmaker UK v Lee Ann Fashions (a copyright and design case) and Gama Healthcare v PAL International (a passing off case).
• Drafting and negotiating brand licence agreements for an established UK retail licensee, and advising on royalty audits.
• Acting for defendants in IPEC claims relating to allegations of software-related copyright infringement.
• Advising on unlawful comparative advertising and trade mark infringement, including acting for claimants in High Court claims.

Meet the team

JMW’s experienced intellectual property team has a strong track record of resolving disputes, and effectively protecting and commercialising IP rights.  We act for brand owners, creatives, national and international businesses, and owner-managed businesses.