Or Legal theory or Business practice

Intellectual property

Intellectual property is of vital importance for commercial clients in all fields of activity.

We cover all aspects of IP law, including patents, copyright, designs and databases, trade marks and passing off, domain names, performing rights, collective licensing disputes and plant breeder rights.


Head of division | Nick Gardner

Key clients include | Apple | BSkyB | easyJet | Eisai | Geox | Google | Nokia | Tata Motors | Unilever | Vodafone | Yell |  

Recent work includes:

  • GeoX in successfully defending proceedings brought by Gore concerning the infringement and validity of GeoX's patents protecting footwear with waterproof and breathable soles
  • Daiichi Sankyo, the major Japanese pharma company, in co-ordinating multi-jurisdictional and patent litigation across Europe concerning its broad-spectrum oral antibacterial agent Tavanic (Levofloxacin)
  • Abbott in a patent dispute with GlaxoSmithKline for non-payment of royalties in relation to 5 patent families, including US and German advice, relating to Abbott's blockbuster arthritis treatment, Humira.
  • Nokia in co-ordinating aspects of their worldwide litigation against Qualcomm over essential patents concerning standards for 3G mobile handsets
  • Unilever in defending a claim by a former employee claiming compensation in respect of a patented technology invented by the employee which generated licence fee revenue for Unilever
  • Eisai, the pharma company in co-ordinating multi-jurisdictional patent litigation across Europe concerning it’s "block-buster" drugs Aricept (an Alzheimer's treatment) and Pariet (an Anti-ulcer drug)
  • Apple on a trade mark dispute over the launch of the iPhone
  • BSkyB in successful proceedings against Satellite Direct for passing itself off as Sky in selling warranties to Sky customer's
  • easyJet in the high-profile litigation issued by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou's easyGroup, the owner of the easyJet brand over the scope of the brand licence for use of the easyJet brand
  • Tata Motors on the extensive patent and technology licensing required in its acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford




IP Open Day | How to apply

Herbert Smith is running an Intellectual Property Open Day on Tuesday 8 December 2009 for students studying science, technology, engineering, electronics and maths courses who have an interest in IP. The programme will include application hints and tips, workshops and a case study, as well as the chance to find out about IP in practice from partners and associates. Applications are particularly welcomed from penultimate year students and finalists. To apply, email to graduate.recruitment@herbertsmith.com  with a CV and brief cover letter detailing why you are interested in the day and a career in IP