Hogan Lovells

Firm overview:

Global operation Hogan Lovells occupies a solid position among UK trademark firms. Taking a commercially-focused IP approach to its clients, its advice spans all corners of brand strategy, from familiar non-contentious trademark work to complex licensing matters and franchising arrangements.

Hogan Lovells is stronger on the contentious side of trademark matters and has acted on significant cases for market-leading brands. Some of the firm’s representative highlights include advising Merck & Co in connection with major cross-border litigation concerning rights in the ‘Merck’ trademark and trade name, and acting for Walkers in a High Court trademark litigation to protect its widely recognised packaging.

Team overview:

Sahira Khwaja leads the brands practice in London and is co-head of the firm’s Fashion & Luxury Brands group. Khwaja has advised Skype, Mars and Walkers on brand-related matters, and has in-house experience at a major UK terrestrial broadcaster. A peer acknowledges her as “a standout individual at Hogan Lovells with a strong reputation for her practical approach to trademark and branding matters”.

Key matters:

Contentious:

• Thom Browne v Adidas

Hogan Lovells instructed representation for Adidas in one of the top UK trademark decisions from 2024.

Clients:

Mars, Merck, Walkers