CMS

Firm overview:

Boasting a client roster of some of the UK’s most valuable brands, CMS is a key player in the trademark arena for both contentious and non-contentious matters. “Client-centric and business-oriented”, say clients, the full-service firm “constantly delivers” and is a one-stop shop for trademarks, collaborating across its global offices to bring solutions to industry giants including Sky, Microsoft, Costco.

A longstanding client’s “go-to for trademark portfolio management”, CMS is “thorough and commercial”, assisting both consumer and business brands with thousands of trademark records worldwide. Meeting the needs of brands requiring the full range of international trademark services, such as Valeo Snackfoods and YNV Group, CMS handles new filings and clearance as well as oppositions and disputes. 

With a “deep understanding of trademark issues and expertise in contentious matters”, the team “views issues through a litigation lens and can anticipate potential issues before they arise”, says a peer. CMS acts on cases up to the Supreme Court, represents A-list clients in infringement litigation across Europe, and has obtained favourable settlements in multi-jurisdictional disputes.

Team overview:

The “impressive-sized team” has more than 30 trademark attorneys, solicitors and lawyers in the UK. Tom Scourfield, co-head of the IP group, “is excellent”. Known for his contentious practice, he advises on a range of legal issues, including dilution and acquired distinctiveness for CMS’s key clients.  

Fellow litigator Joel Vertes has advised on over 200 copyright actions for Microsoft in addition to managing the tech company’s European trademark portfolio. Ben Hitchens has a “strong reputation” in disputes and brings expertise in emerging trends in technology, NFTs, AI and the metaverse.

On the non-contentious side, partners Sarah Wright and Anna Brackenbury “are both very good and capable”. Wright has strong relationships with impressive names, such as Sainsbury’s, ITV and financial services and asset management company Legal & General. Brackenbury is focused on global brand management and handles trademark disputes for Sky in multiple countries. 

Trademark attorney Eleanor Merrett “is one to watch”—“there’s a great future for her”, say peers. Merrett advises on the day-to-day running of portfolios through to enforcement matters, as well as being actively involved in the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA). 

Dual-qualified attorney and solicitor Kelly Saliger “exceeds expectations in terms of professionalism, proactiveness and support”, says a client. In addition to sitting as vice president for CITMA, Saliger advises on prosecution and strategy and has previously filed before the European Court of Human Rights on a trademark infringement matter.

Key matters:

• Kelly Saliger collaborates on a global level on behalf of Cypriot multi-sector company YNV. Operating across hospitality, technology and real estate industries, the client’s international portfolio and contentious matters span 19 jurisdictions. CMS advises on the full life cycle of YNV’s brands, including prosecution, disputes and litigation.

Clients:

Booking.com, CostCo, The Crown Estate, eBay, ITV, Legal & General, Microsoft, Sainsbury’s, Sky, Valeo Snackfoods, YNV Group