Intellectual property

Penningtons Manches Cooper’s leading IP team specialises in all aspects of intellectual property law. Our in-depth knowledge and experience enable us to give clear, practical guidance in this complex and rapidly evolving area. We help our clients to acquire, protect and monetise their valuable IP, and assist when disputes arise.

Patent and design protection

Our lawyers advise across the full range of IP rights including patents, designs, trade marks, copyright and rights in confidential information, providing support that is relevant, pro-active and commercially astute. Many of our IP experts are City trained or have technical backgrounds.

We are involved in all types of transactions and agreements with a strong IP element, including licences of patents, know how, trade marks and copyright; collaboration agreements; and research and development agreements. In addition, we handle large-scale acquisitions and disposals of IP assets. We provide IP strategy advice that is carefully tailored to business goals and plans for the future.

Our clients range from small and medium sized businesses to larger PLCs across a broad range of sectors, including life sciences, IT, manufacturing, publishing and retail. We also advise a number of public sector and charitable institutions, including in the higher education sector.

We have a substantial international trade mark practice, managing the portfolios of major brand owners in a variety of sectors such as fashion, food and beverage, consumer goods and professional services. Our lawyers file trade mark and design applications in the UK, the EU and beyond, as well as handling oppositions, cancellation actions and domain name disputes.

The individuals at Penningtons Manches Cooper are not just legal professionals; they are trusted advisors committed to delivering exceptional results for their clients. We value their responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex legal issues.

In contentious matters, our expertise encompasses patent litigation, trade mark and passing off litigation, design right infringement, copyright infringement and breach of confidentiality. We also have significant experience in cross-border IP litigation. Our lawyers are well-known for their copyright, design and trade mark infringement work in the fashion, retail and publishing sectors, and for patent disputes work in the life sciences sector.

Against a challenging economic backdrop, successful marketing campaigns are essential to maintain a competitive edge. We regularly advise our clients on advertising and sponsorship agreements and on how to comply with the relevant codes and regulations. Our specialists also assist on legal issues linked to social media campaigns, minimising risk and non-compliance.

How we help our clients

Strategic IP advice

Brand management and protection

Copyright, database and design right protection

Patent, know-how, trade mark and copyright licensing, acquisition and sales

IP disputes and litigation including patent revocation and infringement actions

Domain name disputes

Advertising, publishing and sponsorship

Technology transfer advice

Confidentiality agreements

Collaboration agreements and revenue share agreements

Securing IP ownership

IP due diligence

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Useful resources

Navigating the journey of growth: Key legal considerations for scaling up

Emerging Companies Workshops

Doing business in the UK

Life sciences conference 2024

The IP team at Penningtons offer a client-centred approach which is built on trust, empathy and clear communication…The team are always accessible to us, promptly responding to any requests that we may have.

The entire team at Penningtons exhibits exceptional expertise in their respective specialisations. Regardless of the individual we interact with, we consistently receive high-level service at a reasonable price.

The team at Penningtons Manches Cooper are approachable, responsive and always willing to go the extra mile. Their extensive knowledge and practical approach, especially in cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters, is truly impressive.

They are excellent technically and have great commercial awareness.

Penningtons’ team has extensive experience in both contentious and non-contentious sides. They always try to come up with the most cost and time-effective solutions for clients.

Recent work highlights

Financial sector sponsorship agreements

Assisting a financial research provider with the drafting and negotiation of a number of sponsorship agreements under which a third party – usually a large financial institution – will sponsor programmes and events hosted by our client.

Biotech vaccine development

Acting for a biotech company which was developing a novel needle-free vaccine delivery platform, in an agreement with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to advance the development of two vaccine candidates.

Cipla’s UK victory in patent dispute

Representing Cipla and leading the pharmacology evidence preparation in its UK patent dispute with Bayer over the blockbuster pharmaceutical rivaroxaban, resulting in a victory for Cipla which paved the way for the UK launch of its generic product.

IP matters for UK R&D funding agency

Assisting a UK R&D funding agency on IP matters, including grant funding agreements, R&D contracts, clinical trials regulations, and trade mark filings.

Global IP portfolio management

Managing the IP portfolio of a global professional accounting body, including trade marks and domain names, IP litigation, and brand protection actions worldwide.

Fibre optic tech partnerships

Advising a developer and manufacturer of cutting-edge fibre optic technology on commercial and R&D partnerships, and on its eventual acquisition by Microsoft.

Manufacturer’s technology licensing

Advising an Oxford University spin-out and pioneering valve manufacturer on a technology licence with a Swiss company and the IP aspects of a US$25 million Series C funding round.

Website blocking order to prevent rebroadcasts

Obtaining a website blocking order to protect the rights of various copyright holders whose content was being rebroadcast without authorisation by a pirate website.

Licensing in scientific journls

Assisting a not-for-profit publishing organization in the life sciences sector with licensing copyright in scientific journls to universities and research institutes globally, including in the US, Australia, and EU.

Baby food brand IP portfolio

Managing the global IP portfolio for a leading baby and child food brand, including trade mark oppositions.

IP enforcement and brand management

Advising a leading provider of power tools on its IP enforcement and management of its online brand.

Manufacturer’s technology licensing

Advising an Oxford University spin-out and pioneering valve manufacturer on a technology licence with a Swiss company and the IP aspects of a US$25 million Series C funding round.

Website blocking order to prevent rebroadcasts

Obtaining a website blocking order to protect the rights of various copyright holders whose content was being rebroadcast without authorisation by a pirate website.