White & Case
Firm overview:
Historically, White & Case possessed a strong international platform but lacked the market visibility enjoyed by the UK’s established trademark leaders. Recent lateral hires have rapidly changed that perception, and the firm now has breadth and depth across non-contentious trademark matters as well as litigation and registry disputes. Its extensive international footprint, with established IP litigation capabilities across the US, Europe and Asia, provides a compelling proposition for clients seeking coordinated cross-border strategies.
Team overview:
White & Case has significantly expanded its UK trademark offering following new arrivals since February 2025. The additions of David Stone, Karla Hughes and Adrian Dykes from A&O Shearman, alongside the appointments of Dan Reavill and Michael Evans, have elevated the firm’s market position, creating an integrated trademark practice spanning contentious, prosecution and transactional work.
Stone is held in high regard by industry peers, who describe him as a “great judge” of strategy and “one of the most impressive lawyers in our space that I’ve ever worked with”. Stone is a distinguished IP litigator specialising in trademarks, designs and copyright.
On the non-contentious side, new hire Reavill is global co-head of the firm’s Technology Transactions Practice, focusing on the exploitation and protection of technology, data and IP.
Key matters:
- Premier Inn: Trademark dispute with easyGroup
The firm represented the hotel chain in High Court trademark infringement proceedings against easyGroup concerning its ‘Rest Easy’ branding, alongside parallel disputes before the UK and EU Intellectual Property Offices.
The High Court dismissed all three of easyGroup’s claims that Premier Inn had infringed its marks, in what was a significant and high-profile UK trademark case.
- Samsung: Landmark trademark dispute with Swatch
White & Case is defending Samsung in a landmark trademark infringement case brought by Swatch concerning digital watch faces on Samsung Galaxy Apps, with a damages inquiry trial scheduled for summer 2026. The case is significant as it dealt with the liability of an “information society service” provider under the E-commerce Directive.
- The Coca-Cola Company: Strategic portfolio work
The team advises The Coca-Cola Company on UK trademark and design matters. This has recently included clearance and protection advice, filing a new sound mark, and various enforcement actions.
Clients:
Amazon, CVC, Fontem Ventures (Imperial Brands), Goldman Sachs, Mattel, NBCUniversal, Novartis, Premier Inn, Samsung, Smiths’ Group, The Coca-Cola Company
