Gowling WLG

Firm overview:

Full-service international firm Gowling WLG is “technically able and very commercial” on trademark matters, say peers. Offering the full range of services coupled with global reach, the team advises on international trademark prosecution, enforcement and litigation to huge organisations in a range of sectors. For industry-leading clients, such as multinational consumer brand Unilever and toy manufacturer Hasbro, Gowling WLG has previously obtained favourable judgments in trademark infringement cases. Working with its international offices, the firm handles global portfolios, including for breakfast cereal favourite Weetabix, and implements widespread enforcement programmes in key trademark jurisdictions such as China and Dubai. The firm’s offering extends to domain name issues, brand auditing and exploitation.

Team overview:

The 12-person team in the UK includes “very sound lawyers” says a peer, and has connections to trademark practitioners located in its European, Canadian, Middle East and Asia offices. In the UK, litigator John Coldham leads the brands and design practice and co-leads the retail and leisure sector. Coldham advises on a range of IP, handling cases before the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court up to large multi-jurisdictional litigation. His previous experience includes succeeding on behalf of Hasbro in an infringement matter, protecting its ‘Play-Doh’ trademark, and obtaining an emergency injunction for Unilever following the use of Marmite in a British National Party political broadcast. Associate Jasmine Lalli advises on protection, enforcement and exploitation of IP. Lalli’s experience includes working on a trademark portfolio spanning 20 jurisdictions for a food and beverage client.

Clients:

Hasbro, Unilever, Weetabix