Osborne Clarke

Firm overview:

One of the “big names”, Osborne Clarke has a diverse list of powerhouse clients—advising the likes of JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the world by market capitalisation, and technology goliath Meta. The firm’s trademark attorneys and lawyers are primed for technology advancement in IP, advising on AI, NFTs and the metaverse for both non-tech and tech-focused clients. The non-contentious practice manages vast, global portfolios and related disputes for its top multi-brand clients. One client, hairdresser Toni & Guy, has nearly 500 salons worldwide. Contentious matters are a substantial portion of the firm’s trademark practice, and are often high-value and multi-jurisdictional. Recent matters include successful recovery of domain names for clothing brands Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Peacocks and Jaeger, including an application for urgent interim relief. In the High Court, Osborne Clarke acts for the fertility and pregnancy platform Peanut App against the owners of the Peanuts/Snoopy comic strip.

Team overview:

More than 25 fee earners work on trademark matters across Osborne Clarke’s London and Bristol offices. The firm continues to maintain its strong position in the trademarks market, with internal promotions and recent lateral hires from ranked peer Kilburn & Strode. Arty Rajendra, a litigation specialist recommended by her peers, is the head of IP disputes. Advising on all aspects of IP, Rajendra’s trademark work includes prevailing over Nike in a trademark and passing off matter and advising popular Dutch beer brand Amstel.

Key matters:

• A team of Richard May, Arty Rajendra, and Daniel Ramos advises FTSE 100 company Howdens, a kitchen product supplier. The company, supplying worktops, floors, sinks, taps, and lighting, has more than 700 depots in the UK. Focusing on brand strategy and protection, Osborne Clarke assists the client with trademark infringement by competitors, portfolio management, registration of marks and when necessary, acting on disputes.
• Osborne Clarke manages the global ‘WePay’ trademark portfolio, a brand now owned by leading financial service firm JPMorgan Chase. The advice encompasses trademark protection and enforcement in the UK and beyond for the JPMorgan brand, and its subsidiaries Chase, Nutmeg and WePay. Currently, the team of Robert Guthrie, Roshani Muniweera and Leanne Gulliver advise on a potential refiling project for the new WePay logo. Osborne Clarke is one of six trademark counsel with access to JPMorgan Chase’s internal trademark database.

Clients:

Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Howdens, JPMorganChase, Meta, Peanut App, Toni & Guy