Gunnercooke

Firm overview:

Gunnercooke is a UK full-service firm with multiple partner-led IP teams working with clients on trademark matters. The team’s strength lies in contentious matters, advising on trademarks and passing off matters often against top ranked firms for trademark litigation. The practice manages global portfolios and all related opposition and invalidation actions to protect a client’s brand. With connections to foreign counsel in all corners of the world, Gunnercooke’s lawyers take on large, multi-jurisdictional matters. In one ongoing case working alongside US lawyers in Texas for gaming app developer Space Ape, Gunnercooke coordinates the related actions in the UK, Europe and numerous other jurisdictions worldwide. The firm has industry specialisms in the fashion, retail and technology industries with clients such as dog walking bag brand Barking Bags made famous by Dragon’s Den, cryptocurrency client Attestant and home hardware company Andcrafted.

Team overview:

Gunnercooke members operate out of 12 offices worldwide, including the UK, Scotland, US, Germany and CEE, with further plans for growth. The majority of the IP team works in London, including partner Rosie Burbidge. “A great leader to her team,” says foreign counsel, “I can attest she is an excellent trademark lawyer, very knowledgeable and pragmatic.” A key part of the firm’s success, Burbidge brings experience from fellow-ranked firms CMS and Fox Williams, expertise in fashion law and strong links with international firms. Burbidge leads on the ongoing and high-value Space Ape matter.

Key matters:

Gunnercooke acts for Space Ape, a gaming app developer, creator of the games Chrome Valley Customs, Transformers, Earth Wars and Rival Kingdoms, in an ongoing global dispute concerning its mark ‘Beatstar’ for its music simulator game. The case was brought by Texas music company BeatStars, and heard in the Texan Court. Rosie Burbidge’s team is directly involved in the opposition and invalidation actions concerning the mark brought in the UK, EU, Brazil, Jamaica, Canada, Australia and Vietnam, coordinating with lawyers in each jurisdiction. During the proceedings, the client was successful in blocking an interim injunction brought by BeatStars.

Clients:

Andcrafted, Attestant, Barking Bags, Space Ape