Intellectual Property & Brand Protection

Intellectual property and brand protection forms a fundamental part of much of the work carried out by the Media & Technology team. Work in this field is undertaken not just in relation to clients operating in the media and entertainment industries but across the full spectrum of commerce.

The Media & Technology team advises on brand protection and content rights, registration and maintenance of domain names and any associated trade marks.

In addition to advising on specific matters that may arise in the commissioning and use of copyright, trade marks, design rights and other intellectual property, the Media & Technology team is also frequently retained by clients in all sectors of industry to undertake intellectual property audits. Very often such a process may be important if a company is looking to raise investment from a venture capitalist or bank or is in the process of merger and/or acquisition activities. An audit will extend not only to an analysis of the extent of the rights that attach to the use of intellectual property but also to ensure that the intellectual property may be lawfully used.

Recent work in this area includes:

• Representing Frank Smythson in relation to protecting its trade marks and its design rights.
• Advising the beneficiaries of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman on a whole range of rights’ clearance matters.
• Protecting the trade marks of the bands that we represent including negotiating merchandising agreements with various companies including Bravado, Firebrand and Cinder Block.
• Registering and protecting trade marks for our film clients including Carnaby.
• Acting for “For Goodness Shakes!” drinks manufacturer My Goodness Limited protecting its various drinks brands.