Lewis Silkin acquires Ablett & Stebbing

Lewis Silkin has announced the acquisition of patent and trademark firm Ablett & Stebbing to its brands and IP practice.

The acquisition will see eight staff members from Ablett & Stebbing join Lewis Silkin. This includes Graham Ablett, Paul Williams and Tom Gaunt, who join as partners, along with senior trademark associate Helene Whelbourn.

Ablett & Stebbing, which was formed by Ablett and Peter Stebbing in 1993, advise on patents, trademarks, designs and copyright.

The team has particular expertise in the technology, engineering, life sciences and chemistry fields.

Lewis Silkin said the deal “significantly enhances” its IP offering and creates a “one-stop-shop capable of servicing all IP needs from creation through to protection, management and enforcement”.

Giles Crown, Lewis Silkin’s joint managing partner, said the firm was continuously exploring ways to “adapt and enhance” its offering in line with the needs of its clients.

Crown added: “We have seen a definite uptick in demand for specialist patent expertise and an extension of our services to incorporate patent capability was the logical next step for us as we continue to solidify our position as the go-to law firm for innovative and creative businesses.”

Ablett said his team was excited about the move.

He added: “Patents have never been higher on the agenda with, on the one hand, their value increasingly acknowledged by boards as an asset on the balance sheet to be managed and deployed strategically and, on the other hand, more firms owning patentable ideas and properties—particularly driven by technological advancement.”

Did you enjoy reading this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.