Jones Day
Firm overview:
International firm Jones Day advises clients on the full spectrum of IP matters across the UK, Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific. The UK team taps into an integrated network of trademark practitioners to provide a comprehensive service to industry-leading clients. Like most of its practice, the firm’s non-contentious work is multi-jurisdictional, to meet the needs of multinational trademark clients such as Penguin Random House, Hims, Hangzhou Hikvision and Wikimedia.
Jones Day advises clients on all types of transactions involving IP in a wide range of industry sectors including life sciences, aviation, financial institutions, TMT and consumer goods. A particular strength is conducting IP due diligence and advising on the sale and licensing of IP rights, and the team was called in to assist with the sale and subsequent administration of The Body Shop with its huge brand portfolio.
For contentious matters, Jones Day finds itself against top firms in the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and High Court and is ready to take on appeals where needed. Notable matters the firm has acted on include a High Court passing off and copyright infringement claim on behalf of a videogames company and UKIPO cancellation proceedings and a trademark infringement and passing off claim for a global leading manufacturer of security devices.
Team overview:
Thirteen of Jones Day’s 40 offices have significant activity in the trademarks arena, with four of these based in Europe.
Recent hires into the London IP team include senior associate Sophie Burgess, who joined from Sheridans in August 2024 bringing a wealth of experience in trademarks, copyright, patent rights and more.
Based in London, Rebecca Swindells handles IP litigation for UK and international clients, with a particular focus on the technology, media, and telecommunications industry together with the retail and financial services sectors. Her clients include Penguin Random House, US-based healthcare company Hims and Alaska Airlines.
Associate Andrew Aistrup works closely with Rebecca Swindells on trademark matters. He has experience working with multinational clients in a range of sectors, including digital gaming, aerospace, e-commerce, IT, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals.
Key matters:
Non-Contentious:
- Sale and subsequent insolvency of The Body Shop
Jones Day advised the joint administrators of The Body Shop in connection with the trading administration and subsequent sale of the company’s businesses and assets; one of the largest trading administrations in the retail market in recent years. The Body Shop operates in over 30 countries globally, employing more than 3,000 people. The matter involved enacting a commercial turnaround plan and business and asset sale involving over 12 jurisdictions. Regarding IP, it involved extensive due diligence of The Body Shop’s vast trademark and wider branding portfolio.
Partner Rebecca Swindells and associate Liz Hatcher led on the matter.
- Investment by QSRP in Chopsix Noodle Bars
The team advised Kharis Capital-backed QSRP on the strategic investment into Chopstix Noodle Bars, a UK franchisor and operator of quick-serve noodle bars. The work involved carrying out due diligence in relation to the Chopstix brand and UK registered trademarks.
Associate Alex Exact was the key contact for IP matters regarding the deal.
Clients:
Aurelius, FRP, Hims, MadBox, Penguin Random House, QSRO
