Intellectual Property & Information Technology

This is a key area of our practice and we are one of only a few firms in the country outside of the major commercial centres to provide specialist intellectual property and information technology legal advice. The services we offer are relevant to all businesses not just those in the technology sector. Our clients range from large technology companies and owners of leading world brands to small digital media companies and Internet businesses.

Our Intellectual Property and Technology team has three key practice areas:

Intellectual Property

We are experienced in advising with regard to all types of intellectual property, including trade marks, patents, copyright, design rights, database rights and confidential information. Our intellectual property services include:

• Intellectual property portfolio management
• Development and implementation of enforcement strategies
• Branding and advertising
• UK and EU Trade Mark and Design registration
• Trade mark searching and clearance checks
• Commercial exploitation of intellectual property through licensing and joint ventures
• Ownership and protection of intellectual property rights
• Collaboration and research and development agreements
• Disclosure of confidential information

E-Business

Businesses are benefiting from the ability to promote themselves nationally and globally using Internet technologies. We are experienced in offering practical advice as to how the risks associated with the use of Internet technologies can be minimised and how businesses can comply with the numerous regulatory requirements related to websites and Internet trading. Our E-Business services include:

• Website legal compliance audits including preparation of website legal content
• Policies on monitoring employees’ use of Internet technologies
• Email notices and disclaimers
• Website development, hosting and application service provision agreements
• Domain name ownership issues and disputes

Information Technology

Our information technology services focus on both the provision and acquisition of computer systems and include:

• Software development contracts and licensing
• Systems acquisitions and outsourcing of IT facilities
• Systems maintenance and service agreements
• Data protection audits, compliance advise and privacy policies

What the Legal Press say …..

The Legal 500 - 2007 Edition

This department headed up by Bob Elliott and John Wilson :
“Forms a significant part of the practice and the firm is recognised both locally and further afield as a specialist firm”.

Please contact John Wilson or Bob Elliott for any further information or enquiries regarding this work area.