The Patent 1000 focuses exclusively on patent practice and has firmly established itself as the definitive 'go-to' resource for those seeking world-class legal patent expertise.
Silver - Firms: prosecution
Touted as “the biggest UK patent firm without a London office”, Appleyard Lees operates out of five offices strategically located in Manchester, Leeds, Halifax, Cambridge and the BioHub at Alderley Park. The team is made up of both patent attorneys and solicitors, so while prosecution remains the focus, the firm can address issues from every angle and intervene in litigation when needed. Lately it has been growing its life sciences practice, and a key driver behind this is Simon Bradbury, whose academic background in genetics and time spent working in the biochemistry field pay dividends. Working on the polymer and organometallic chemistry side meanwhile is Bobby Smithson, who combines his technical knowledge with client-retaining people skills and a collaborative outlook. Joining the pair in the IAM Patent 1000 this year are Richard Bray, Howard Read and Julia Louise Gwilt. Manchester-based Bray counts several fast-moving consumer goods players among his clientele, who include everybody from university spin-outs to global corporations, while Read – who speaks fluent Portuguese – has degrees in natural sciences and a Cambridge PhD in metallurgy as well as work experience in industry and academia. In Cambridge, Gwilt makes good use of her 20 years’ experience by offering bespoke training to patrons and coaching them through all manner of complex issues, both contentious and non-contentious.
Bronze - Firms
Appleyard Lees is a leading IP law firm, with approximately 60 patent attorneys, trademark attorneys and specialist solicitors.
The firm offers a commercially intelligent approach to client service, incorporating flexibility and adaptability. Appleyard Lees responds to specific client requirements in an agile way, providing a service tailored to clients’ needs.
With a global reach and local knowledge, Appleyard Lees are specialists in patents, trademarks, IP strategy, designs, copyright, contentious proceedings and disputes.
Appleyard Lees is positioned to give clients strategic IP advice in the United Kingdom and across the globe, from offices in UK innovation hotspots.
Strong client relationships
The firm has a fantastic track record of working with some of the world’s most exciting innovators, largest companies and household names, with a number of clients belonging to elite groups including the Fortune 500, Fortune Global 2000, FTSE 100, FTSE 250 and Forbes Global 2000.
Appleyard Lees’ clients operate across a diverse collection of industries, including chemicals, retail, consumer goods, electronics, software, bio and life sciences, pharmaceuticals, metals and heavy industry, higher education and hospitality, leisure and tourism.
Appleyard Lees is equally proud of the role it has played in the development of high-growth start-up businesses.
Appleyard Lees supports a broad range of IP owners and creators, including in-house teams, R&D specialists, owner-managers and branding professionals. Appleyard Lees helps clients protect and monetise their IP assets and manage pre and post-grant challenges, should they arise.
Appleyard Lees firm has a collegiate ethos. It strives to fully understand its clients’ IP goals specifically, as well as their commercial goals generally. Appleyard Lees is recognised for fostering and maintaining close-knit, longstanding client relationships, particularly with large multinational organisations.
Highly specialised and commercial legal team
Appleyard Lees is a market-leading firm with an impressive roster of professionals that include patent attorneys, trademark attorneys and specialist IP solicitors, some of whom are dual-qualified. Appleyard Lees has great credibility within the market as attorneys are able to assess and anticipate clients’ comprehensive needs across the full spectrum of IP matters, including prosecution, litigation and transactional work.
The Appleyard Lees patent team comprises professionals with hybrid academic backgrounds, PhDs and industry experience. Attorneys’ specialisms cover a range of the latest technologies.
Appleyard Lees’ team of accomplished trademark attorneys serves one of the most diverse client rosters in the market. The firm’s clients operate across a broad range of industries, including chemical, retail, consumer goods, electronics, software, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, medical, metals and heavy industry.
Driving and supporting innovation
As a firm, Appleyard Lees is proud to drive innovation and to give back through the Appleyard Lees Growth Fund. The fund has been created to allow high-potential start-ups to grow commercially and allow their products and ideas to reach the market. Grants from the Appleyard Lees Growth Fund are awarded on a case-by-case basis to companies with winning ideas, a track record of innovation and a sound strategic approach.
Firm culture
The firm recruits the very best professionals who have a passion for their individual areas of specialism. All of Appleyard Lees’ people are supported to develop in their roles with the objective of continuously improving client service.
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