DLA Piper

Firm overview:

With its enviable international footprint, DLA Piper offers clients a global platform for trademark registration, portfolio management and litigation. The firm’s services include worldwide anti-counterfeiting and antipiracy programmes, and strategic enforcement for well-known multinational brands. A trademark industry peer notes DLA Piper as being active in the market for High Court trademark litigation.

Team overview:

DLA Piper’s team lost two significant members with brand expertise in April 2026, with Ruth Hoy and Huw Cookson leaving for Eversheds Sutherland.

Hoy, who previously led DLA Piper’s London IP & Technology practice group and the UK IP sub-group, has deep experience across all contentious IP matters, excluding patents. Cookson’s practice focuses on brand protection, enforcement and complex IP disputes.

Claire Sng resigned from the partnership in 2025 after 17 years with the firm, during which time her roles included legal director in the IP, Media & Sport group.

The current bench includes John Wilks, whose practice focuses on a range of IP issues as well as advertising and marketing law, breach of confidence and data protection work. His representative matters include advising one of the world’s largest motor manufacturers on trademark acquisitions and global registration programmes.