Harbottle & Lewis

Firm overview:

Peers say Harbottle & Lewis is “very good”, and one of the firms that “knows what it’s doing with trademarks”. The UK full-service firm covers the range of IP protection, and for trademarks, advises on clearance, filing and oppositions and overall portfolio management. Harbottle & Lewis’ recent filings before the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) include for the mark ‘Freddie Mercury’ on behalf of the singer’s associated publishing company and numerous for leading video game developer Electronic Arts, better known as EA.

The firm’s highlights include enforcing trademark rights combatting unauthorised merchandisers for the estate of the famous fantasy novelist Terry Pratchett as well as advising charities and FTSE100 clients on brand protection. The contentious practice handles oppositions and matters in the Intellectual Enterprise Court, High Court and Appeal Courts. Its trademark protection offering includes tackling parallel imports of goods, takedown procedures and domain name issues.

Team overview:

Headquartered in London, Harbottle & Lewis’ trademark group is composed of specialist lawyers and trademark attorneys. Recognised by peers is partner Shireen Peermohamed. Covering IP generally, Peermohamed’s experience includes advising a well-known author on brand protection and a media company on a trademark related licensing dispute.

Key matters:

Harbottle & Lewis files trademarks before the UKIPO for world-recognised multi-platform gaming company EA, owner of the famous and recently rebranded FIFA video game and life-simulator Sims. Harbottle & Lewis has successfully registered the marks ‘EA Sports FC’ and ‘EA Originals’ in the UK for the US client.

Clients:

EA, Mercury Songs, The Estate of Terry Pratchett