What people say about us

Penningtons Manches LLP's 'excellent' intellectual property department is instructed by clients such as Roots Reggae Reggae Sauce and new client Joseph Giles. Anna Frankum heads up the practice, alongside Oxford-based Chris Shelley, and focuses predominantly on non-contentious IP matters, Alex Fox handles disputes, both at litigation and arbitration.

The team builds a ‘long-lasting trust and successful cooperation’ with its clients. Shelley is particularly renowned for his work in the life sciences, publishing and engineering sectors; in one recent highlight he advised new client Inkpath on various issues including data protection and the implications of the GDPR, negotiating contracts and drafting an evaluation agreement. Trade marks specialist Gavin Stenton provides strategic brand protection advice to brand owners in a wide variety of sectors including fashion, sport, drinks, publishing and professional services. Joanne Vengadesan, who splits her time between Basingstoke and Reading, is also highly regarded, as is associate Holly Strube.

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

Strong team well versed in both contentious and non-contentious IT work, which particularly stands out for its strength in complex and high-value transactional matters. Acts for an impressive array of both national and international clients. Well regarded for its ability and expertise handling large, complex matters for major businesses and governmental bodies.

Strengths: ‘They are efficient, responsive and reliable.’

‘They are highly responsive and knowledgeable lawyers.’ 

‘They're very efficient and proficient.’ 

Notable practitioners

Sources say Joanne Vengadesan's ‘flexibility and responsiveness are highly appreciated.’ She is well known for work acting for both suppliers and customers of technology across a range of transactional matters.

Chambers UK - 2017 edition

Strong team well versed in both contentious and non-contentious IT work, and which particularly stands out for its strength in complex and high-value transactional matters. Acts for an impressive array of national and international clients. Noted for expertise on hi-tech manufacturing agreements.

Strengths: One client states: ‘They're definitely a strong firm with a wide area of expertise in IT matters, whether it's the IP aspects of technology deals or data security and privacy.’

Another client says: ‘They are excellent, very committed to the work and always available when needed.’ 

Notable practitioners
Joanne Vengadesan is highlighted by clients for her negotiation skills, with one saying: ‘She is calming and able to work through complex issues to get a positive resolution for both sides.’ She is highly regarded for her work advising both suppliers and customers on technology contracts and data protection issues.

Chambers UK - 2018 edition

Strengths: One client describes the team as ‘consistently good across the board.’

Notable practitioners
Joanne Vengadesan acts for suppliers and customers of technology on transactions of all kinds and associated regulatory compliance. In the words of one client, ‘she is smart and always responsive when needed, so teaming with her is always a pleasant experience.’

Chambers UK - 2019 edition

Strengths: 'Smart people with broad international experience,' a client reports.

Notable practitioners
Joanne Vengadesan advises tech companies and corporate customers on development and licence agreements of all kinds, often concerning products at the very frontiers of computer science and machine learning. 'Joanne is smart and always responsive, so teaming up with her is always a pleasant experience.'

Chambers UK - 2021 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP’s group is noted for its ‘strong commercial acumen, market knowledge, drafting skills and attention to detail’. Joanne Vengadesan acts primarily for IT and technology suppliers.

The Legal 500 - 2016 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP is recommended for handling technology transactions and cross-border hi-tech manufacturing agreements, among other matters. Splitting her time between Basingstoke and Reading, Joanne Vengadesan has been advising BluepointLondon on its SmartCity project to invest £100m in upgrading London’s electric vehicle point infrastructure, which saw the firm negotiate contracts with London boroughs, airports, supermarkets and other partners of the scheme. The practice is now led by London-based Anna Frankum and Oxford partner Chris Shelley.

The Legal 500 - 2017 edition

Data protection and IT transactions specialist Joanne Vengadesan heads the team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, which is known for its work with the firm's corporate team on technology transactions in combination with its abilities on IT contracts and its cross-border capabilities. The highly regarded Vengadesan has a 'solid background in technology matters'.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

Mark Lewis is admired as 'an excellent commercial litigator' and described as 'very clever'. He is also renowned for his attention to detail and clients highlight his 'powerful intellect and applied pragmatism'.

Chambers UK - 2013 edition

Mark Lewis has expertise in franchising, IP, media and IT as part of a broader general commercial litigation practice.

Chambers UK - 2014 edition

I have found them to be extremely commercial and practical. They have also been both flexible and transparent on costs. I have always enjoyed working with them.

General counsel, Sony

I would have no difficulty in recommending Mark Lewis as an excellent provider of legal services.

General counsel, Applebee's

Mark will always have an opinion - as well as alternatives. More importantly, these opinions have, with the benefit of hindsight, been shown to be insightful, appropriate and extremely valuable.

CEO, Hamleys

Phillip D'Costa consistently provides measured advice...I hold his performance in very high regard...his perseverance and attention to detail resulted in a breakthrough to resolve the case...he was technically aware in dealing with the major issues.

Senior financial officer, global insurance company

I think I would find it hard to find an adviser who could better understand a client's key concerns so quickly...Phillip was excellent, thorough, fast to understand the entire context, and to provide a practical solution.

Managing director, investment company

Phillip has advised both my clients and my companies in various contentious matters. He is a consummate professional - highly knowledgeable, clear in thinking and practical in approach.

Managing director, corporate relocation company

Data protection specialist Joanne Vengadesan, who leads the IT & telecoms team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, is also co-chair of the data protection committee at international tech law association iTech Law. The wider practice's expertise includes structuring and negotiating transactions, data protection for new technologies, international manufacturing agreements, blockchain and artificial intelligence projects. Oliver Kidd is a specialist in IT, technology and outsourcing while Dan Lovett is renowned for his work in complex data protection matters.

Joanne Vengadesan is smart, focused, with a wide international background that allows her to liaise and connect easily with clients and peers.

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition

The 'very experienced and knowledgeable' Sam De Silva is an expert on non-contentious IT matters and is particularly noted for his 'expert knowledge in IT procurement.' Clients appreciate that he 'pays attention to the detail and is robust in his advice and in discussions,' as well as praising his 'understanding of the industry and its players'.

Chambers UK - 2014 edition

Strengths: ‘Penningtons Manches Cooper have a good understanding of IT business practices.’

‘Their lawyers provided practical and pragmatic advice in relation to all matters. Penningtons Manches Cooper produce fantastic work. They are collaborative and always professional.’

Notable practitioners

‘Joanne Vengadesan is a wonderful lawyer and a great partner for our business.’

Chambers UK - 2023 edition

The 'dynamic' Sam De Silva demonstrates 'very impressive' speed, efficiency and knowledge, and is 'technically brilliant'. New client wins include Williams F1 and DX Group, and the team continues to advise Fujifilm UK.

The Legal 500 – 2013 edition