Briffa

Firm overview:

A firm that emphasises creativity over corporate culture, Briffa offers the full spectrum of trademark services. From its offices in London and Dublin, the firm provides trademark filing and watching services that sit alongside its licensing and exploitation offerings. However, Briffa is more widely known for its contentious work, and has earned a reputation for fighting and winning ‘David vs Goliath’ cases. The firm is acknowledged for its high-quality work in assisting SMEs and those in the creative industries.

Team overview:

Founder Margaret Briffa left the firm in 2023 after nearly three decades, during which time she helped to set legal precedent in a number of cases concerning trademarks and designs.

Éamon Chawke is a key team member focused on trademarks, copyright and design as well as technology and artificial intelligence (AI), data protection, and commercial contracts. He advises industry leaders and innovative startups in various sectors including cosmetics, fashion, food and drink, furniture and product design, publishing and AI/emerging technologies.

William Miles is best known for his contentious work but also adept at managing large international trademark portfolios and drafting commercial contracts.

Ramsay Monime also has an accomplished disputes practice and has considerable litigation experience in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Associate Cassine Bering, who particularly specialises in supporting SMEs in drafting, reviewing and negotiating IP-rich contracts, is singled out for her work by a client who says they are “highly satisfied” by her work.

Key matters:

• easyGroup v Easyfeetstore and others

Briffa represented Easyfeetstore and an individual defendant in successful defence of a trademark infringement claim brought by easyGroup. The case was heard in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC), where the judge found that there was no relevant similarity between the Easyfeet brand and easyGroup’s trademarks.

Clients:

Easyfeet