Appleyard Lees is recommended for IP protection and portfolio management. It is one of the traditional patent and trade mark attorney firms in the UK that has a legal practice. The firm has European patent attorneys in technical fields such as biotechnology, electronics, chemistry, and computer technology.
Notable patent attorneys: Richard Bray, Dick Waddington, Bobby Smithson, Paul Beynon, Julia Gwilt, Ean Davies, Barbara Fleck, and David Walsh.
Notable trade mark attorneys: David Moy, Graham Johnson and Paul Brandon.
Notable lawyers: Chris Hoole, Amritjot Jethwa, and Robert Cumming.
2025
"Reliable, prompt, and accurate"
"They give us a full service from proactive freedom to operate searches to managing our patent portfolio. They never miss a deadline. The advice is always factual but the context demonstrates a deep appreciation of our specific company needs.
"The breadth of knowledge across the [patent] team, from software to genomics, is just incredible, and this is across all key jurisdictions.
"The team is always personable and a joy to work with."
2023
"They are straightforward to work with and experts in their field."
"We appreciate that they have always kept us informed on all the transactions and issues related to our trademarks."
"We value the team's quick response and good quality. The people are professional, funny and easy to communicate with."
"They are responsive, knowledgeable, good strategists and cost-effective."
"They are always available and add so much technical advice, particularly regarding inventive steps and other innovative ideas, which build a stronger framework around any patent application."
2021
A patent client appreciates the firm’s “dedicated team” and “fast adaptation to new technology areas”
Another client said the firm’s practitioners demonstrated “attention to detail” and its “tight deadlines were met with great efficiency”.
Patent case studies show patent protection and office proceedings work in different technical fields. Clients include Smith and Nephew and Clasado Biosciences. In 2024, life sciences patent attorney Simon Bradbury joined a rival firm in the UK, while health and tech specialist Howard Read left to join an IP firm in Norway.
Case studies show the firm protecting brands, managing trade mark portfolios and handling disputes. Clients include PUMA. IP solicitor Bill Lister retired from the partnership in 2023.