Venner Shipley

Venner Shipley is one of the UK patent and trade mark attorney firms that has recently transformed into a full-service IP firm. The firm has strong teams in mechanics, electronics, software and biotechnology. “Venner Shipley has been doing an excellent job for us, managing and developing a portfolio of assets,” says a client in the computer technology sector. Managing partner Jan Walaski, Siân Gill and Ian Grey are the patent practice leaders in the firm. Other notable senior European patent attorneys in the firm are Richard Kennedy, Paul Derry, Tim Russell, Pawel Piotrowicz, Anton Hutter and Simon Taor.    

“Richard is sharp, responsive and diligent. He has demonstrated a solid knowledge of a complex portfolio of assets,” a client explains, adding: “More than that, he is genuinely enthusiastic and passionate about the technology he protects for us which gives me great peace of mind about the quality of his work.” According to a client, Derry provides a “very effective and efficient service” and he is “extremely friendly and easy to work with”. The client also notes that Derry is “formidable” in patent oppositions: “He handled the defence of several oppositions and succeeded on all.” Piotrowicz impresses with his “creative thinking” and ability to deliver services at “reasonable costs”.  He is also commended for “good communication and being a team player”.

This year’s rising stars to watch are Katherine Dainty, Tom Leanse and Matthew Handley. The firm recently expanded the number of partners in its electronics and engineering practice with the hire of Gary Whiting, who was previously an IP consultant at Danfoss, Peter Thorniley, who joined from a rival firm, and the promotion of Robert Cork. Oliver Anderson, a rising star noted in IP STARS (2017), was promoted to partner in the summer of 2017. The firm’s legal department is headed up by James Tumbridge. Another notable lawyer in the department is Paul Harris. Ashley Roughton has left the firm. Patent case studies show the firm assists well-known software and telecoms companies with European patent prosecution and advises SMEs such as Neuro-Bio on IP strategy. The firm handled EPO proceedings on behalf of companies such as NKT Photonics and Epizyme. It also advised Ice World, Navico, Renesas Electronics Europe and Howorth Air Technology in their respective patent disputes in the UK.

Venner Shipley is one of the UK patent and trade mark attorney firms that has recently transformed into a full-service IP firm. Although best known for its patents practice, the firm is also recognised for its protection and portfolio management work in the field of trade marks. David Birchall is in charge of the practice. He is supported by a team of associate trade mark attorneys such as Camilla Sexton and Yoann Fouquet. The lawyers in the firm, notably James Tumbridge and Kate Woolhouse, are involved in trade mark disputes. “I find them very responsive and attuned to innovative ways to tackle new issues,” says a brand owner, who also appreciates that the team “manages costs effectively”. Fouquet is singled out for praise: “Yoann is a very bright lawyer who is very capable in handling client relationships and ensuring that in each case the client is a winner.” Trade mark case studies show the team advised Stanley Black & Decker on a brand licensing agreement dispute and represented Norfolk Dinosaur Park in a UK IPO opposition over the DIPPY mark. The firm manages the trade mark portfolio of companies such as Clinigen Group, FxPro and Aviva.