Awards
HGF continues to be highly ranked in Chambers and Partners UK 2021 guide
October 2020
HGF is delighted to be ranked in Band 1 for National Leaders, Yorkshire and North West. The firm is also ranked Band 2 for UK-wide Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys and Band 3 for Midlands.
We are also delighted to have Martyn Fish, Antony Gold, Marie McMorrow and Janet Knowles as ranked individuals.
Chambers UK highlights the best law firm departments and solicitors across the country, with rankings across all regions of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales in more than 70 different practice areas. It ranks leading law firm networks around the world, by region and practice area.
National Leaders (outside London): Intellectual Property
Band 1
What the team is known for Sophisticated commercial and contentious brands and patent work, complemented by strong links to sister patent and trade mark attorney firm HGF. Key offices in Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester.
Notable practitioners Key contacts include Marie McMorrow in Birmingham, Martyn Fish in Leeds, and Antony Gold and Janet Knowles in Manchester.
Yorkshire: Intellectual Property
Band 1
Martyn Fish Band 1
What the team is known for Excellent service geared towards sophisticated contentious and non-contentious IP matters in a range of sectors, notably consumer products, engineering, manufacturing and life sciences. Particularly skilled at patent and trade mark infringement disputes, and a go-to for design right matters of all kinds. Able to co-ordinate comprehensive patent prosecution and trade mark filing with its sister patent and trade mark attorney firm, HGF.
Strengths A client says: “They are excellent – always readily available when urgent matters arise.”
Work highlights Acted for Emirates, obtaining an interim injunction in Switzerland against a music festival using the Emirates name in promotions without the client’s consent.
Notable practitioners Head of the firm’s legal offering Martyn Fish is an IP litigator accomplished in cases involving all core rights. He also advises brand and technology-based businesses on all manner of licence agreements.
“Martyn is very quick and efficient.”
North West: Intellectual Property
Band 1
Antony Gold, Band 1 and Janet Knowles Band 2
What the team is known for Sought after for expertise in commercialisation and enforcement matters involving all core IP rights. Acts for clients in sectors including retail, life sciences, higher education and technology, and enjoys strong links with its sister patent and trade mark attorney firm. Frequently instructed on matters of multi-jurisdictional scope.
Strengths A client says: “A fantastic team, they are proactive and very quick at responding to our enquiries.”
Another adds: “They are very knowledgeable and approachable.”
Work highlights Advised Extruded Pharmaceuticals on the review and redrafting of a patent application which involved renegotiating the deal that the client had with a research university.
Notable practitioners Antony Gold stands out as a leader of the North West intellectual property legal market. Frequently acting for a diverse client roster across trade mark and patent disputes, he is active across sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals to retail.
“A brilliant litigator and strategist.””Very pragmatic and commercial.””Antony is highly experienced and frequently brings to our attention the nuances of issues that others with less experience might not pick up on.”
UK-Wide: Intellectual Property: Patents and Trade Mark Attorneys
Band 2
What the team is known for One of the UK’s largest patent and trade mark firms with the resources to handle complex and international mandates, including litigation support. Impressive client base in numerous sectors including hi-tech, life sciences and universities. Also advises on the IP implications of technology-driven corporate deals as well as licensing and R&D agreements. Has offices in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Munich.
Strengths A source says: “They are always willing to do what is required to provide a winning level of quality.”
Work highlights Assisted SUDA Pharmaceuticals with the filing of a patent for a new medical use of a known pharmaceutical compound, anagrelide.
Notable practitioners Senior partner Harry Hutchinson is a key contact.
Midlands: Intellectual Property
Band 3
Marie McMorrow Band 1
What the team is known for Full-service IP practice which works closely with its sister patent and trade mark attorney firm. Counsels clients on patent, design and trade mark registration. Deep well of experience in IP litigation, including before the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court and High Court.
Strengths A source says: “A really good outfit with a competitive offering. They are commercial, pragmatic and responsive.”
Another adds: “Their client service is fantastic, particularly the speed at which they work.”
Work highlights Advised Spirit AeroSystems in relation to Airbus’s Fuselage of the Future project. This includes licence and supply arrangements to Airbus.
Notable practitioners Marie McMorrow is highly sought after for her experience in trade mark, copyright and patent disputes. She is frequently instructed on complex cross-border IP matters and regularly appears before the High Court and IPEC. The quality of her advice is superb and always commercial.
For more information on Chambers and Partners see here.
