Protecting the unique value of intellectual property is critical to just about any business – large or small.
Fox Williams’ Intellectual Property (IP) team advises clients on the full spectrum of IP rights, including trade marks, passing off, copyright, database rights, registered and unregistered designs, patents and confidential information.
We act for clients across a range of sectors including fashion, technology, publishing, sport and media, helping them to protect, commercialise and enforce their IP in the UK and internationally. The broad nature of our IP practice covers the following:
Protecting IP
We work with clients to identify and secure their IP rights. This includes tailored audits that highlight gaps and opportunities, securing comprehensive UK and global registrations for key registerable IP rights (trademarks, patents, and registered designs) and even drafting IP assignments and non-disclosure agreements. Securing IP protection enhances business value, supports investment and financing, and strengthens competitive position.
Commercialising IP
Once protected, IP becomes a valuable business asset. We help clients considering or entering into licensing, assignment and franchise agreements and drafting such agreements, and advise on using IP as security or collateral.
Disputes and enforcement
Our specialist IP litigators handle disputes commercially putting your best interests first, including letters before action, settlement discussions and UK Court or tribunal proceedings. This includes the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC), High Court (including the Shorter Trials Scheme), the Court of Appeal, the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), and Dispute Resolution Services for domain name disputes. We represent both Claimants and Defendants, including household names and SMEs. Many of our matters have included high profile, cross-border or precedent setting disputes. Throughout all matters we balance the interests of cost, speed and commercial objectives.
Ongoing protection
We monitor and defend our clients’ rights through trade mark watching services. We also provide strategic advice on pre-action dispute resolution, pre-action letters, registry oppositions or cancellations, online takedowns and anticounterfeiting and customs measures. We also advise on protecting confidential information, advertising law, competition law, domain names disputes and reputation management issues connected to IP protection.
Our international reach allows us to coordinate with trusted local counsel worldwide, providing clients with proactive, seamless and commercially grounded advice.
Legal Directories
Fox Williams’ Intellectual Property team is ranked in IP Stars (Notable Firm), Chambers (Band 6) and Legal 500 (Intellectual Property: trade marks, copyright and design – Band 3, PATMA: Trade mark Attorneys – Band 4).
Key Contacts
If you require assistance or need advice, please don't hesitate to reach out to the following key contacts:
