The value of IT experience

Sep 26 2003 By The Journal

Dickinson Dees has a top-quality bespoke IP practice, headed by Mark Pearce, and a number of its corporate partners have vast IT experience.

It is making a push in IT at the moment, having recently hired David Marsh from Wragge & Co LLP to head its IT unit.

Until now, the 'incisive and insightful' corporate head Nigel Bellis headed the IT group.

The firm advised on the sale of ViewFrom brand to Marks & Spencer and launched an in-house trade mark prosecution service.

On the IT side, it advised Govia on two domain name disputes and Yorkshire Electricity on outsourcing its data management services.

Sean Nicolson heads the firm's dedicated e-commerce unit.

Ward Hadaway's new head of IP Niall Head-Rapson ensures its continued status as Dickinson Dees' major rival.

Head-Rapson, previously of Martineau Johnson in Birmingham, is the region's foremost biotech specialist.

The firm also hired Matt Collen from Taylor Vinters. In 2002, the firm gained a stream of top-quality work from Sage.

IP specialists Colin Hewitt and Bob Elliott are among Newcastle's highest-profile figures.

Although Eversheds LLP is not so well resourced at partner level as its rivals, it is extremely popular with clients.

Rising star Anthony Brown, who specialises in contentious technology disputes, has outstanding 'quality of service and efficiency'.

IP experts Elizabeth Speed and Jenny Sinclair are also recommended.

The firm advised Greggs on new brand development and trade mark portfolio management. Lindsay Boulin advised Alnwick District Council on software procurement issues.

For IT matters, Robert Muckle punches well above its weight; however it is less strong on non-contentious IP.

Mary Anne Macharg wins effusive client praise: 'She's absolutely fantastic, I couldn't praise her more highly.She knows exactly what she's doing and leads us through things immaculately.'

Gillian Hunter has been promoted to partner. The firm acted for longstanding client One NorthEast on its regional database project, comprising 77,000 business records.

The two Watson Burton partners in this field, Gillian Hall and Allan Henderson, have significant profiles in the market.

Shelley Hill is a recognised expert. The firm advised Lionweld Kennedy Ltd on its MBO involving patent and trade mark issues.

It was also involved in a number of domain name disputes.

Clients include Rezolve IT Consultants and Premier Direct Group plc.

Hay & Kilner's senior partner Martin Soloman and head of corporate Nick James are experienced in IP and IT.

The firm has provided an increasing amount of non-contentious advice to e-businesses over the past year, particularly on Internet trading and website creation.

It also has experience of software licensing, franchise agreements, patent transfers and trademark or domain name registration.

Karen Simms heads Sinton & Co's four-fee-earner practice, which acts for Internet service providers including Zebra Communications and Liveroom.

The firm set up a joint venture company with a chartered accountancy and Liveroom during 2002 to provide a full website development service.