Firm overview
Specialist IP firm Brandsmiths has carved out a unique space in the legal landscape. Known for its fearless approach to technical litigation, the firm’s involvement in some of the most significant intellectual property cases of recent years underscores its ability to tackle even the most intricate and high-stakes disputes.
What sets Brandsmiths apart, however, is not just its legal expertise, but the straightforward and personable way in which that expertise is delivered. Clients appreciate the firm’s approachable style and how they provide opinion, not options, balancing cutting-edge legal acumen with a clear, transparent communication style.
The firm’s team is a blend of experienced senior lawyers, dynamic associates, and proactive paralegals, all of whom are committed to providing outstanding client service. This winning combination not only fosters strong client relationships but also makes Brandsmiths a formidable opponent in the courtroom. The firm’s ability to deliver results with a practical, user-friendly touch makes them a go-to choice for businesses, ranging from innovative start-ups to multi-national giants.
Main Areas of Practice
Intellectual Property (IP): At the heart of Brandsmiths' expertise lies a deep understanding of IP. The firm has extensive experience in high-profile litigation across various courts, including the Appellant Courts, High Court, and the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC). Their proficiency encompasses litigating cases related to trademarks, designs, passing off, copyright, and confidential information. Notably, Brandsmiths represented clients in the Supreme Court case of Lifestyle Equities v Amazon, which has become a leading case on the interaction between territorial trademark rights and global internet trade. Additionally, Brandsmiths successfully represented the owners of the iconic UMBRO brand in a trademark infringement case in the Court of Appeal, and more recently, the Supreme Court.
Litigation: The firm’s litigation team is renowned for handling high-profile cases in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. They adeptly manage high-value breach of contract disputes, director’s duties, and employee claims. The team also possesses considerable experience in media, harassment, and privacy actions, particularly those related to clubs, agents, and talent in the sports industry.
Trademarks: Brandsmiths’ Trade marks, copyright and designs team has collaborated with some of the most globally recognised brands. By offering a full-service solution, clients work with the same team to prepare and file applications along through to handling commercial exploitation and enforcement against infringements. Combining the expertise of solicitors, trademark attorneys, and international advocates, Brandsmiths has cleared and registered thousands of trademarks and designs in the UK, Europe, and worldwide.
Commercial & Corporate: Brandsmiths' commercial and corporate department focuses on IP-intensive businesses and contracts. They work with household names such as Umbro, Speedo, and The Fragrance Shop, as well as emerging brands such as Dirtea and Here We Flo. The team assists clients with fundraising, advising venture capital investors and businesses on investments, particularly in IP-rich sectors like technology and media.
Sport: The Brandsmiths Sports Group regularly advises clubs, agencies, athletes, and global brands across various sports, with a strong emphasis on football and boxing. Their services encompass player transfers, regulatory issues, media and privacy matters, commercial deals, and a full range of litigation services, including seeking urgent injunctive relief. Notable clients include Manchester United, Everton, Burnley FC, Joe Joyce, YMU, Wasserman, Ben Foster, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Top Rank, Umbro, and Speedo.
International Work
The firm regularly undertakes international work, serving both UK clients abroad and overseas clients in the UK, with particularly strong connections in the EU and the United States. The team includes fluent speakers of Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Greek, and French, enhancing their ability to navigate complex international legal landscapes.
Firm Details
In the last year, Brandsmiths has received several notable award wins, including ‘UK Impact Case of the Year Award’ at this year’s Managing IP Awards, awarded for their outstanding work in the Lifestyle Equities v Amazon case. At the same awards, Andy Lee, Brandsmiths Head of Intellectual Property won UK Soft IP practitioner of the year, for the second time.
In addition to the above, Brandsmiths were nominated for both ‘Boutique Law Firm of the Year’ and ‘TMT Firm of the Year’ at the British Legal Awards.
Brandsmiths also has a strong reputation across fashion and entertainment, which features particularly heavily in our portfolio with one of our largest ongoing cases featuring Peppa Pig. which sits alongside licensing deals with the likes of David Guetta and international footballers and clubs. Finally, Brandsmiths has been involved in several retail and FMCG cases this year including cases involving AGA and the Fragrance Shop.
This UK firm has built a reputation for delivering tailored legal solutions to some of the world's leading brands. In addition to those mentioned above, their client roster includes notable names such as Microsoft, BMW, Broken Planet, Christian Dior, Mo Farah, and Vinted.
