Fox Williams

Firm overview:

Fellow law firms view Fox Williams as “an increasingly prominent firm” in the trademark arena. Providing across-the-board trademark services, clients of the London-based firm also benefit from its wider commercial services where legal issues arise.

On the non-contentious side, the growing team of attorneys and solicitors handles large portfolios for household names, including the 200+ UK trademark portfolio for SharkNinja. The team also manages the trademark portfolio for Ferrara Candy in the UK, which covers over 35 iconic brands such as Jelly Belly and Nerds. Peers acknowledge the firm’s “good client list”, as it represents long standing clients across a spectrum of industries including fashion, technology, food and more.

The full-service firm has become a recognisable player on contentious matters with “interesting cases” and “noteworthy work”, having grown its IP offering over the last 15 years. Fox Williams takes on both domestic disputes against highly ranked firms, handles numerous cases outside the UK and has seen an increasing amount of inbound work from abroad. Though known for its trial experience, the team will obtain a favourable settlement where needed, even at the last minute.

Team overview:

Simon Bennett is the head of Fox Williams’ IP team, leading its solicitors and trademark attorneys whilst litigating on the firm’s biggest cases. With a history of handling High Court matters, years-long cases, and notably obtaining permission to serve a court order via Instagram, Bennett is equipped to assist his renowned clients. 

Sarah Redmond, trademark attorney and partner, handles the prosecution side, bringing expertise in both the UK and EU. Redmond’s client list ranges from fashion to finance.

Key matters:

Non-Contentious:

• Trademark prosecution and portfolio management for SharkNinja

Sarah Redmond and Daniella Garvey assist well-known household brand SharkNinja with trademark matters. The firm was instructed to take over the representation and management of the SharkNinja trademark portfolio in the UK, which contains over 200 marks.

Since taking over the work the team has assisted SharkNinja in the UK with several new filings and oppositions. It has also recently succeeded in getting a third party to amend their specification so that it does not include conflicting goods.

• Glanbia Performance Nutrition

The team manages the trademark portfolio for Glanbia and related companies (including Body & Fit Sportsnutrition) globally, including the UK, EU, and key international markets. As part of a recent brand refresh, this involved filing new applications for ‘BSN’ and ‘Optimum Nutrition’ brands.  Fox Williams has also been handling complex cross-border enforcement and anti-counterfeiting actions in countries like Norway, Russia, Poland and Romania. The team also manages ongoing disputes, oppositions, and filing strategies, securing two favourable UK outcomes this year by having conflicting applications withdrawn.

Contentious:

• Trademark infringement matter for Blockchain Game Partners

The team defended a seven-figure High Court claim for trademark infringement and passing off brought by Ladbrokes against tech blockchain game and cryptocurrency provider Blockchain Game Partners in relation to the use of ‘Gala Games’. The case successfully settled on confidential terms in November 2024.

Led by Redmond and Simon Bennett, the team continues to advise on post-settlement matters and on the client’s trademark portfolio in the UK and EU.

• Trademark infringement of ‘Superdry’

Fox Williams has acted as preferred IP counsel for Superdry for over a decade. The team represented the brand in the high-profile High Court litigation against Manchester City (City Football Group) for trademark infringement and passing off, related to the use of ‘Super Dry’ on the team’s training kit, which stemmed from the Asahi Super Dry sponsorship.

The action received considerable publicity in both the legal and mainstream media. The case, which was scheduled for trial in January 2025, settled on the day the trial was due to begin following Fox Williams’ successful application for a Court-ordered mediation. That order has been reported as being the first successful application for Court-ordered mediation following the October 2024 amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules.

The team included Bennett, David Nickless, Scott Steinberg and Ashkon Camyab.

Clients:

Blockchain, DKH Retail (Superdry), Ferrara Candy Company, Fox Brothers, Glanbia Performance Nutrition and Body & Fit Sportsnutrition, Nosy Crow, Seraphine, SharkNinja, Superdrug Stores, The Perfume Shop and Savers, UK Finance