HGF Highly Ranked in Legal 500 2026

The Legal 500 UK 2026 rankings have been released and HGF has once again been ranked across several regions and practice areas.

HGF continue to be ranked in the Top-Tier in UK PATMA – Trade Marks.

We also continue to be highly ranked in Tier 2 in the regions of:

• PATMA – Patents – Tier 2
• North West – Tier 2
• West Midlands – Tier 2

The firm is also ranked Tier 6 for London – Intellectual Property: Trade Marks, Copyright, and Design.

We would also like to congratulate the following attorneys on their individual rankings:

• Jennifer Uno – Leading Individual, PATMA Patents
• Marie McMorrow – Hall of Fame, West Midlands
• Michelle Davies – Next Generation Partner, North West
• Janet Knowles – Leading Individuals, North West

These rankings reflect the expertise and commitment of our teams, and the recognition of our colleagues highlights the strength of HGF’s offering globally. Thank you to our clients and peers for their continued feedback and support.

Testimonials

PATMA: Trade Mark Attorneys

The ‘top-notch team’ at HGF Law is well-versed in handling the gamut of trade mark cases, with a noteworthy specialism handling European IP matters as well as those in the UK, across its offices in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France and Ireland. Filing and registering trademarks, managing significant portfolios for renowned clients, and handling oppositions, appeals and litigation are all key elements of the collective’s workload. Tech, travel and leisure and automotive are amongst the industry sectors its workload spans. David Potter works from the office in Leeds and assists with strategy and management in particular, while Birmingham’s Rigel Moss McGrath is a brand protection expert; the pair co-head the practice. In London, Jonathan Thurgood handles registration and enforcement matters, Stephanie Loeffler-Reading has 30 years’ experience in the IP field, and Geoff Smith is a name to note. Lee Curtis is the key name in Manchester. Harpreet Dhaliwal and Harriet Berridge joined the London office in February and March 2025, respectively. Both Dhaliwal and Berridge joined the team from Stobbs IP.

• ‘A top-notch team of professionals at the forefront of legal practice in the IP field in the UK.’
• ‘Lee Curtis and Lauren Somers as outstanding individuals, true professionals in their area, possess deep knowledge of the law as well as business acumen and profound understanding of clients’ needs.’

PATMA: Patent Attorneys

HGF Law‘s group is experienced in handling the breadth of patent matters for its portfolio of clients which spans various industries, including biotech, chemistry and IT and software, amongst others. Martyn Fish and Lucy Johnson are key names in Leeds. In Manchester, Andrew Wells and Chris Benson are the key practitioners; Wells is a pharma and chemistry matter specialist, while Benson acts for clients from start-ups to academic institutions. Jennifer Uno is based in York and is experienced handling IP portfolios, strategy and EPO oppositions. Kate Taylor, at the same office, is another key name. London’s Rachel Fetches is experienced handling the remit of contentious work, and Birmingham’s Chris Moore has chemical and engineering expertise. All mentioned co-head the practice.

• ‘HGF’s team distinguishes itself through a client-first philosophy.’
• ‘Combines deep legal expertise with a very agile approach to problem-solving.’

England, North West

HGF Law’s IP team is led by Michelle Davies and advises across contentious, transactional and commercial IP issues, alongside data protection mandates. The firm is known for its strong focus on the life sciences, education, retail, and healthcare sectors. Davies has specific expertise in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries and advises on licensing transactions and acquisitions, as well as supporting educational institutions and spin-outs. Janet Knowles is also a key figure in the team.

• ‘They are the best at what they do and they have a holistic view of securing intellectual property and how it influences every aspect of how we do business.’
• ‘Everyone was very personable and listened to what we wanted. Michelle Davies in particular came up with some creative solutions to our requests.’

England, West Midlands

Drawing on the capabilities of multiple offices across the region and beyond, HGF Law has considerable expertise in infringement of designs disputes and brand protection proceedings. The firm’s offering is broad, covering various aspects of copyright, designs, and patents work. Supporting clients across the retail, chemistry, and life sciences fields, Birmingham-based team lead Marie McMorrow is often involved in patent litigation and breaches of confidentiality cases. Christie Batty is also recommended.

Intellectual Property: Trade Marks, Copyright, and Design

The practice at HGF Law has a pan-European outlook, specialising in brand protection disputes and the healthcare sector. Practice lead Rachel Fetches focuses on life sciences and pharma disputes, and firm CEO and litigator Martyn Fish handles contentious and non-contentious work in the pharma and consumer brands market. Christie Batty is well-versed in litigation, enforcement, and licensing agreements, while Sian Hope, who arrived in March 2024, focuses on pharma patent litigation.

About Legal 500

Legal 500 is the leading guide to law firms and solicitors in the UK. It offers all of those buying legal services in the UK reliable and up-to-date information on the very best firms and individuals operating in a dynamic legal market.