Intellectual property and information technology
Dickinson Dees LLP, Newcastle
Ward Hadaway, Newcastle
Watson Burton LLP, Newcastle
Eversheds LLP, Newcastle
Muckle LLP, Newcastle
Hay & Kilner, Newcastle
Sintons LLP, Newcastle
Baines Wilson Solicitors, Carlisle
Crutes Law Firm, Newcastle
McDaniel & Co, Newcastle
Mincoff Solicitors LLP, Newcastle
TBI, Wynyard
Dickinson Dees LLP has been advising the likes of Fox International, Cedardell and Loadhog on contentious IP matters, while the financial services sector has remained a strong source of activity for IT practice head Andrew Scott. Clients include M&G. Mark Pearce leads the IP team.
Ward Hadaway handles both contentious and non-contentious IP and IT matters for private sector clients such as Sage (UK) Limited, although it has a particularly strong foothold in the public sector. Alex Shiel heads the team, with the 'practical and responsive' Judy Baker also recommended.
Watson Burton LLP's team is 'outstanding on IP and IT contract issues', and has recently gained new clients such as Misys plc and Nimsoft. It acted for the former on the preparation of standard contract templates for the provision of software licence, support and maintenance services. Ed Meikle and Mark Whitehead are recommended.
Eversheds LLP's sector expertise spans telecoms, IT and health, handling IT and data protection issues for a number of household names in these areas. Brian Clayton 'provides very practical and commercial advice on trade mark issues', while Anthony Gold has 'an excellent client manner'.
Muckle LLP's team 'never fails to meet a deadline', with team head Gill Hunter noted for her 'responsive and customer-focused' advice. It provides advice to NHS Surrey and Coastal Productions Limited on IP and contractual technology matters, and advised Palringo Limited on drafting and negotiating partnering and reseller arrangements relating to a mobile instant messaging application.
Transactional highlights for Hay & Kilner's IT practice included advising on the negotiation and restructuring of an established joint venture between two major national companies involving complex web trading and database management and ownership issues. Martin Soloman is recommended.
IP is the core focus for Sintons LLP. 2009 saw the practice successfully oppose a well-known hotel group's trade mark application on behalf of T & G Allan Limited. It is also picking up an increasing number of IT mandates, including drafting website terms and software licence agreements for NHS Innovations North. Pippa Aitken leads the team.
Baines Wilson Solicitors' expertise ranges from advising on software development contracts and licensing agreements for telecoms companies through to IP work including trade mark and design right registration and portfolio management. John Wilson is the key contact.
Crutes Law Firm has been steadily developing its IP profile through Bob Elliott's expertise, particularly with regard to domain name disputes. It acted for Eco-Power Group Limited in a trade mark dispute and two domain name disputes.
Niche firm McDaniel & Co. is for some 'without doubt the best firm in the North for IP litigation'. It recently acted for Drive Assist (UK) Limited in an infringement action against Europ Assistance in respect of its 'Drive Assist' trade mark. Practice head Niall Head-Rapson 'knows his IP thoroughly and is very commercially aware'.
Mincoff Solicitors LLP receives praise for its 'well-versed and exceptional' IP practice, which is retained by niche magazine publisher Fighters Only and Emailvision on branding, licensing and contractual issues. Paul Hughes is recommended.
TBI's Amanda Mitten advises on licensing and trade mark disputes for a client base that includes Wearside Footwear and Zodiac Training.
