IP & Commercial
Our IP & Commercial lawyers are skilled at helping UK-based and international clients navigate this increasingly complex area of law to achieve their commercial goals.
Our highly experienced IP & Commercial group provides a ‘one stop shop’ for UK and overseas clients. We have considerable expertise in handling contentious and non-contentious work relating to intellectual property, information technology, commercial, media, data protection and competition law matters.
We are proud that we have been able to build long-term commercial relationships with clients ranging from well-known multinationals and FTSE 100 businesses through to SMEs, entrepreneurs and celebrity individuals. Many of these clients have chosen to instruct us over a period of years and never hesitate to come back to us whenever they need help.
The law in this area is constantly changing. So our task is to help clients find a way through the legal minefield, exploiting any opportunities that arise to achieve their commercial objectives – whether that’s in relation to a piece of litigation, a licensing scheme, a commercial agreement or the protection of a new brand.
Regardless of the brief, we always approach our job in a practical and commercial manner which delivers genuine value for money.
Bulletins
Cartels and Cover Pricing
1. What is a business cartel and what are cartel activities? A cartel exists when rival businesses agree to act together instead of competing. This agreement is usually secret and… Read more →
Bulletins
Guitars and golf clubs: How to infringe competition law and collect a large fine
What do guitars and golf clubs have in common? They share the same initial; they are both used for play; and they were both the subject of landmark competition law… Read more →
News
“Rights…and wrongs: When collaboration ends up in court” – Jonathan Cornthwaite writes for Bloomsbury Online
IP & Commercial Partner, Jonathan Cornthwaite, has written an article on the “collaborative minefield” of IP in creative industries, for Bloomsbury Online. Jonathan, who recently co-authored a book entitled “Copyright:… Read more →
News
IP & Commercial Partner, Jonathan Cornthwaite, co-authors a new book on Copyright
Jonathan Cornthwaite, Partner in our IP & Commercial team, has co-authored a new book, entitled A User’s Guide to Copyright (Seventh Edition). The book has been described by it’s publishers, Bloomsbury, as “one… Read more →
Bulletins
Black cab shape not distinctive enough to be trademark, say judges
Appeal court rules against London Taxi Company, which claimed exclusive right to shape of its cars in order to thwart rival firm Please click on the links below to read… Read more →
Bulletins
Price comparison websites – 8 out of 10, but could do better
From the consumer standpoint, price comparison websites save time and effort by simplifying the tiresome task of shopping around for the best deal. But they can also be very good… Read more →
Bulletins
Ed Sheeran Facing Another Lawsuit For Copyright Claim
Michael Gardner talks to Sky News regarding Marvin Gaye’s estate suing Ed Sheeran for stealing core elements of Marvin Gaye’s 1973 hit ‘Lets Get It On’. Click the link below… Read more →
Bulletins
Keep taking the tablets: Flynn Pharma v DrugsRUs
This article summarises a recent trade mark judgment in the English High Court illustrating the legal problems that can arise when branded goods are traded and/or advertised across the internal… Read more →
Comprehensive IP practice, equally expert on commercial and contentious matters involving all core IP rights. Advises clients large and small on IP issues connected with business on the internet. Additional expertise in copyright matters concerning royalties.
— Chambers UK, 2022
Wedlake Bell have a good range of skill sets to draw on. They're comfortable with open and uninhibited discussion of the issues.
— Chambers UK, 2022
Wedlake Bell LLP has a diverse client base which includes political parties, household name retailers and comparative websites. Michael Gardner has a track record of successfully pursuing domain name and trade mark infringement claims through WIPO. In the retail sector, the team provides strategic advice on parallel trading. Adrian Heath-Saunders leads on commercial IP and licensing matters.
— Legal 500, 2022
Wedlake Bell is a very good example of a partner-led firm. It is very much focused on its clients’ needs.
— Legal 500, 2022
Consistently reliable and efficient.
— Legal 500, 2022
They are very responsive and their key strength is an ability to contextualise their knowledge, thus making it easy to understand.
— Chambers UK, 2021
The team is highly capable and delivers depth of expertise in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious IP.
— Chambers UK, 2020
'Wedlake Bell stands out for its attention to detail and willingness to properly understand the commercial dynamics to not only effectively advise but also support the client on a personal level.'
— Legal 500, 2020
Adrian Heath-Saunders leads a team of IP, IT and commercial specialists, including Jonathan Paul Cornthwaite, who has particular expertise in large-scale projects and services agreements.
— Legal 500, 2020
"They know their stuff and are good at managing litigation teams."
— Chambers UK, 2018
"Wedlake Bell LLP’s clients include Tesco, Jaeger and Jumeirah Group. Practice head Michael Gardner represented Lacoste in successfully opposing Chanel’s application to registering the trade mark 11.12, and is acting for Which? in a dispute with the owners of Which Law pertaining to the alleged infringement of a trade mark."
— Legal 500, 2017