Palmer Biggs IP

Firm overview:

Palmer Biggs IP is a cost-effective boutique firm with “a good grasp of trademark law with a firm eye on commercial realities”, says a peer. The Gatwick-headquartered firm advises recognisable European and US brands, and fellow lawyers comment it “provides an excellent service, comparable to that of smaller City and West End firms, at a fraction of the cost”. Particularly strong in trademark enforcement and litigation, the specialist firm has a largely international workload with a client list of famous names such as automotive manufacturer BMW, fashion client Ralph Lauren, and entertainment and media company Sony and has recent wins to further diversify its industry reach.

Team overview:

PBIP’s team of nine includes qualified solicitors, barristers and trademark attorneys based near London in Gatwick, Southampton and Buckinghamshire. Steve Palmer is the firm’s founder and key partner. Dual-qualified as a solicitor and trademark attorney, Palmer opened PBIP in 2006 and has since represented the firm’s top clients before the UK courts and assists with a range of IP issues, including anti-counterfeiting, domain name issues, non-contentious trademarks, and licensing and acquisition matters.

Key matters:

• Steve Palmer advises BMW on a range of brand-related issues and recently assisted in an infringement matter through the Company Names Tribunal. The case was brought by the client after the defendant registered BMW as a company name on UK Companies House. On behalf of the client PBIP contacted the defendant, which did not respond, and submitted an application to the Company Names Tribunal. The Tribunal concluded in favour of PBIP’s client, ordering the company name to be changed and awarded costs to the client.

Clients:

BMW, Ralph Lauren, Sony