Leading independent law firm Burness Paull has been named Scotland’s market leader in intellectual property at the Managing IP “IP Stars” Awards 2022, which took place in London on 15th June 2022.
Taking home the title for both UK (Scotland) Contentious Firm of the Year and UK (Scotland) IP Transactions & Advisory Firm of the Year, the firm’s full service IP offering was recognised.
With one of the largest IP teams in Scotland, Burness Paull advises high profile clients on UK-wide contentious and non-contentious matters, safeguarding the IP of household names across sectors including technology, food & drink, financial services, life sciences and the arts.
The contentious side of the practice manages an ongoing spread of patent, trade mark, copyright, confidential information and trade secrets disputes, many of which are part of ongoing enforcement campaigns for the likes of Sky, PPL, PRS for Music and PicRights. During the year, the team secured a landmark interim interdict for a leading drinks brand which was threatened by a copycat product created by a major discount supermarket. They also act as custodian for international brands such as Harris Tweed®, protecting their brand across the globe.
The non-contentious practice advises on the full spectrum of commercial contracts and projects, from high profile sponsorship, franchising and licensing agreements, to bespoke IP audits and due diligence in significant M&A transactions.
Colin Hulme, Head of IP and shortlisted for Practitioner of the Year said: “To be named as Contentious Firm of the Year (Scotland) for the third year running is testament to the hard work of the team, protecting the valuable IP assets of our clients throughout Scotland, the UK and beyond.
To also be named IP Transactions & Advisory Firm of the Year recognises the non-contentious work Colin Miller, David Goodbrand, Callum Sinclair and their team do, advising some of the UK’s most well known brands on key strategic projects, contracts and licence agreements. The strength in depth of our teams in both contentious and non-contentious IP areas sets us apart.
We have the privilege of working with truly innovative and creative clients with IP at the heart of their businesses, and we’re proud to be able to ensure they protect and exploit these assets. We’re grateful they trust us to do this and look forward to continuing to act as their brand guardians.”
In addition to this recognition by Managing IP, Burness Paull is ranked Tier 1 for IP in Chambers UK and Legal 500, and is gold ranked by the World Trade Mark Review.