Expertise
Michael advises clients in relation to disputes involving commercial, IT and in particular intellectual property matters. This includes trade marks, passing off, copyright, databases, designs, patents, confidential information, privacy and disputes involving IT contracts.
Michael is experienced in all forms of IP dispute resolution including litigation in the High Court and IPEC including the obtaining of urgent injunctive relief. His practice includes anti-counterfeiting work (including in the online space) and advising on parallel imports. He also advises on brand protection generally and conducts trade mark prosecution work and domain name dispute resolution.
Recent Experience
- Bringing claims for trade mark infringement and passing off against online-based financial services company.
- Obtaining urgent injunctive relief for an overseas based client to restrain breaches of confidential information by a former employee.
- Defending claims of trade mark infringement against a telecommunications provider.
- Bringing claims for breach of contract on behalf of a web development company against its customer.
- Bringing and defending trade mark opposition proceedings before both the UK and European Union Intellectual Property Offices.
- Defending retailer against registered and unregistered design infringement claims.
Career History
Michael joined Wedlake Bell in 1993 and qualified as a solicitor in 1995. Prior to it, he obtained degree in Modern History and International Relations from the University of Reading. He also passed the Common Professional Examination in 1992.
Michael became a partner in 2001 and head of the IP team in 2005.
Publications
Michael is author of The Bright Idea Handbook published by Which? – a guide for would-be entrepreneurs on how to protect IP rights, author of the IP chapters in the advertising industry’s trade publication AdLaw published by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.
""Knowledgeable and effective litigator""
— Chambers UK, 2018
Insights
Ed Sheeran Facing Another Lawsuit For Copyright Claim
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Black cab shape not distinctive enough to be trademark, say judges
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“A tale of two Mercks — what the Big Pharma dispute teaches us” Michael Gardner has article published in Spear’s Magazine
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Colour trade marks and branding – The struggle continues
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“Experts Suggest 3M Push For ‘Settlement Fee’ In F1 Logo Row” – Michael Gardner comments for Forbes
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Brexit negotiations: cart before horse?
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Victory for UK broadcasters against march of digital
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Vidal-Hall v Google – potential headache for data controllers
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“SUPREME” pet food no longer” and “no Deluxe for Lidl”
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Interflora v M&S – the saga continues
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Camilla Wallace and Michael Gardner’s joint article is published in Spear’s
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Michael Gardner’s comments are published in City A.M. – Brexit Case
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Michael Gardner’s comments are published in The Times – December 11, 2018
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