RPC

Firm overview:

Full-service firm RPC, formerly known as Reynolds Porter Chamberlain, is frequently up against top firms in trademark disputes. The team litigates before the Court of Appeal, High Court, Intellectual Property Enterprise Court and the UK and EU Intellectual Property Offices for industry-leading clients in technology, fashion and food & beverage. RPC is particularly strong in issues relating to technology, acting against an AI company for client Appy Pie. In the highly reported Bitcoin matter, the team represents Kraken in passing off proceedings brought by Craig Wright, who claims to be the inventor of the widely used cryptocurrency. In addition to clients in technology, the team advises sportswear brands Skins and Sports Direct, and SSP, owner of snack brand Millie’s Cookies.

Team overview:

RPC has recently increased its IP practice with associate hires and newly-qualified former trainees, and has seen growth in revenue. The firm has offices in Hong Kong and Singapore, and in the UK in Bristol and London. Partner Ciara Cullen is based in London and advises a number of famous drinks industry clients, including InBev, the owner of beer brands Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona. Fellow London partner, Sarah Mountain is a litigation specialist with experience before the Court of Appeal. Mountain’s practice includes advising in the technology space, acting on cases related to cryptocurrency and AI, such as the Kraken matter against Craig Wright.

Key matters:

• Sarah Mountain leads the team in the high-profile Bitcoin case brought by Craig Wright. RPC represents Kraken, a cryptocurrency exchange and one of the defendants facing claims by Wright that its Bitcoin currency is invalid and infringes his intellectual property. The matter came about after Wright’s claim that he is the reclusive inventor of Bitcoin under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.
• RPC’s client has succeeded in obtaining security for its costs and awaits the results of a hearing which will determine whether Wright is in fact Satoshi Nakamoto. The widely-reported matter could have huge repercussions for the client, fellow defendants and Bitcoin users. RPC works closely with Allen & Overy, which represents another leading cryptocurrency exchange.

Clients:

Appy Pie, Kraken, Skins, Sports Direct, SSP