Stephenson Harwood
Firm overview:
Full-service international firm Stephenson Harwood obtains, protects, enforces and monetises trademarks, with its main strengths lying in litigation. The team is frequently in the UK courts advocating for clients in trademark-related matters, and also handles cases before the EU Intellectual Property Office and EU courts in conjunction with its Paris office. Gap, Marks & Spencer, easyGroup and GSK have all been assisted by the team with matters pertaining to their brand rights.
Team overview:
Described as “really good” by a peer, UK partner and litigator Rob Jacob handles many of the firm’s contentious matters across the UK and the EU, as well as facilitating amicable settlement when necessary. Jacob’s clients span numerous industries, including leading players in retail, healthcare and confectionery.
Managing associate Joshua Cunnington has particular experience assisting clients in sectors including retail, energy transition, oil and gas, and marine technologies, with a number of high-profile cases among his work highlights.
Key matters:
- Swatch Group v Samsung: Damages phase of trademark litigation
Joshua Cunnington acts for the Swatch Group in the damages phase of trademark infringement proceedings against Samsung relating to infringing smartwatch faces available on the Samsung Galaxy App Store.
Swatch is reportedly pursuing Samsung for $170 million in damages.
- Athleta: Court of Appeal trademark proceedings
In December 2025, the Court of Appeal of England and Wales partially upheld an appeal by Gap-owned athleisure brand Athleta, concerning a trademark and passing-off action brought against Denmark’s Sports Denmark Group.
Stephenson Harwood represented Athleta in the proceedings.
Clients:
Athleta, easyGroup, Swatch Group
