Open Plan Law

Firm overview:

Open Plan Law was founded by two highly regarded ex-City lawyers who had previously been running their own successful practices. Based in Oxford, the firm boasts an international outlook, with a strong US referral network. Just three years in operation, the firm has an enviable inventory of clients that appreciate the excellent service provided by the team and the reputation of the firm’s founders. Open Plan Law takes a holistic approach to IP rights, focusing on supporting corporate innovation through all available IP vehicles, and is often brought into strategic discussions with clients’ C-level decision makers.

Unusually for a small firm, Open Plan Law handles contentious matters including cases at the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) and High Court. The team has been entrusted to protect the competitive edge of market-leaders in industries such as food, fashion, and toys.

Team overview:

The practice was set up with a goal of creating a working environment cultivating mutual support and a sense of belonging, and has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.

Sarah Hadland—who trained at Bird & Bird and spent a decade at Eversheds (now Eversheds Sutherland)— joined forces with former White & Case IP expert Anna Skurczynska to create Open Plan Law, where they now lead a team of four.

In her 25 years of practice, Hadland has acted for a number of high-profile clients including Gü Desserts, Ty (the makers of Beanie Babies) and Next Retail. She is widely respected within the industry and trusted by clients to handle a broad range of IP matters.

Skurczynska’s practice includes advising on complex agreements relating to IP rights, and copyright disputes particularly in the photographic and film industries. Her legal expertise is informed by both private practice and in-house experience, having spent time as the head of the EMEA legal team for Branded Entertainment Network (previously Corbis Images).