Intellectual Property - Branding
The ways brands can used have never been more varied than they are today. Understanding brands requires an appreciation of the way relationships with consumers are evolving, of the new channels through which those communications are being made and of the concerns that society expresses through regulation. We provide advice on all aspects of brand law, from advising on the protection of a brand concept, through to exploitation and enforcement of rights in that brand, whatever the perspective might be.
Brand Acquisition
Our services include advising on the initial choice and acquisition of brands. We help with trade mark clearance and avoiding potential infringements. We provide advice on registrability and registration strategies and the comparative benefits of the available registration systems in the UK, in Europe and internationally. We also assist our clients in maintaining their brand portfolios.
Maximising Brand Value
We advise on all transactions in brands and on how best to achieve value from a brand. This entails working with our clients on their strategies for brand extensions and advising on their commercial arrangements. We have particular specialist knowledge of sponsorship agreements, merchandising agreements and the use of brands in advertising. Our clients include a range of major brands across a truly diverse range of industries. We advise on a wide range of activities within those fields, from advising on advertising consumer products to drafting agreements for the manufacture and distribution of clothing, from advising on exploiting rights in music to the sale of toys.
Anti-Counterfeiting
We also work with clients to prevent the dilution of their brands through anti-counterfeiting activities. Counterfeit goods are a massive global business and our anti-counterfeiting team is well placed to act swiftly and decisively using our international network of lawyers and working in conjunction with local customs and law enforcement officials.
Brand Enforcement and Dispute Resolution
We advise our clients on the avenues open to them to prevent infringements of their rights and to defend allegations made against them, on how to resolve contractual and other disputes about their brands and on how to obtain the necessary redress and compensation. Where possible, we assist our clients in avoiding or resolving difficult situations sufficiently early that Court proceedings can be avoided. We represent our clients in arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution procedures where dialogue is not possible or our clients require emergency injunctions, we represent our clients in Court proceedings. Whatever the dispute, however, our goal is to deliver to our clients the best result in the most effective manner relying on legal knowledge, industry expertise and creativity.
For further information, email Mark Owen.
