Manufacturing and engineering

Fast-paced development in the manufacturing and engineering sector is driven by technological innovation, increasing global competition, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Businesses are witnessing significant prospects for growth, especially in the areas of automation, sustainable technologies, and cross-border expansion. They must, however, confront complex issues, such as intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance, and maintaining competitive advantage in an agile market.

A fully integrated, client-focused approach

At Penningtons Manches Cooper, we are particularly well-positioned to help businesses thrive by providing expert, strategic advice tailored to the evolving demands of the sector. Our highly regarded team has extensive experience in supporting manufacturing and engineering clients across diverse areas, from automotive, aerospace, and chemicals, to advanced manufacturing. Our lawyers understand the complexities of your industry and offer commercially astute advice to help you successfully navigate each stage of your business life cycle.

We also assist clients who need their products to be manufactured, and our understanding of the businesses in this sector ensures that any relevant legal agreements are fully fit for purpose.

With a deep specialisation in intellectual property, our lawyers – top ranked in the main legal directories – advise clients on protecting and monetising their innovations. We provide expert guidance on IP licensing, technology transfer agreements, R&D collaborations, and resolving disputes such as infringement litigation, safeguarding our clients’ vital assets in increasingly competitive markets.

Our commercial team assists clients with a broad range of agreements that are essential for business growth and operational efficiency, including distribution, manufacturing, supply and purchasing, and agency agreements. We regularly manage intricate negotiations on domestic and cross-border joint ventures, enabling our clients to expand their global reach effectively.

Recognised for its prowess across a full range of matters, including structuring and negotiating complex technology transactions, artificial intelligence projects, high-tech manufacturing agreements and work among novel and emerging technologies.

We are also trusted advisers on corporate matters, facilitating domestic and international acquisitions, disposals, management buy-outs, and securing investments. Our tax specialists offer guidance on advantageous schemes, including the ‘patent box’, to optimise clients’ tax positions, and support sustainable business growth.

Additionally, our expertise covers employment and immigration issues, product liability, property and construction matters, including scale-up and design of manufacturing plants, and strategic dispute resolution services. Our integrated, client-focused approach ensures you receive comprehensive support that aligns seamlessly with your strategic objectives.

How we help our clients

Commercial agreements, including for R&D, collaborations, distribution, agency, manufacturing, supply and purchasing

IP licensing, acquisition and technology transfer agreements

Competition law

Domestic and cross-border acquisitions, disposals and general corporate finance

Investments and management buy-outs

Dispute resolution services, including intellectual property infringement actions

Employment and immigration

Product liability

Property and construction matters including scale-up and design of manufacturing plants

Tax issues including ‘patent box’

Recent work highlights

Large-scale framework agreement

Acting for an international manufacturer on a large-scale manufacturing and supply framework agreement, including leading detailed negotiations around minimum volumes, KPIs and limitations of liability.

Software-as-a-service solution contracts

Advising an international manufacturer and distributor on the contractual structure of its SaaS solution, which allows customers to schedule maintenance, inspection and repair activities, and complete legally required checks online.

Predictive maintenance technology

Acting for an AI provider of predictive maintenance technology in its negotiations with an international automotive manufacturer, implementing this technology in several of its global factories.

Trade mark and copyright advice

Acting for a multinational engineering and technology company, including its subsidiaries, on trade mark and copyright infringement issues, as well as dealing with online fraud, domain name recoveries and trade libel issues on its behalf.

Consumer product trade marks

Managing an international consumer product manufacturer’s trade mark portfolio, including prosecuting UK trade mark applications, co-ordinating international applications, and successfully defending trade mark oppositions against third parties.

European automotive dealership project

Advising a major automotive manufacturer on the funding and overall property development of one of its largest new dealerships in Europe, including on commercial aspects and all dealership agreement matters.

Patent licence and collaboration agreement

Assisting Alloyed Limited on a patent licence and collaboration agreement with leading French metals producer and processor Aubert & Duval.

Food tech trade secrets protection

Assisting a food tech start-up on a development and manufacturing agreement for the manufacture of a novel formulation for its product, which had to be protected.

Clinical development and manufacturing

Advising Grey Wolf Therapeutics on a clinical development, supply and manufacturing agreement for the large-scale manufacture of its product.

Patent licence and collaboration agreement

Assisting Alloyed Limited on a patent licence and collaboration agreement with leading French metals producer and processor Aubert & Duval.

Food tech trade secrets protection

Assisting a food tech start-up on a development and manufacturing agreement for the manufacture of a novel formulation for its product, which had to be protected.

Clinical development and manufacturing

Advising Grey Wolf Therapeutics on a clinical development, supply and manufacturing agreement for the large-scale manufacture of its product.

Leading corporate practice with an international presence and strong cross-border capabilities.

An absolutely first-rate firm. They are commercially realistic and their advice is always tailored to get what the client needs.

Fully flexible, informative and professional in all of their dealings. The ability of Penningtons to provide quick and practical advice and guidance… has been exemplary.