Palmer Biggs
Firm overview:
Boutique IP firm Palmer Biggs operates on a quality over quantity basis and has cultivated strong international partnerships to build up a client base that includes BMW, Converse, Hugo Boss, Nike, SanDisk and Versace. Over 80% of the firm’s clients are based outside the UK and it has established links with European law firms which rely on Palmer Biggs as a specialist in UK IP matters. Strategically based in Gatwick, the firm benefits from close connections to London while maintaining lower overheads, enabling it to offer competitive client fees.
Around 40% of Palmer Bigg’s trademark practice is focused on prosecution, which the firm offers alongside services including portfolio management, advice on licensing agreements and other transactions and the protection of merchandise.
Litigation is the firm’s hallmark, particularly its expertise in brand enforcement work. Over the past 18 years, Palmer Biggs has handled a growing volume of IP infringement and dispute work, establishing its reputation as a go-to partner for such matters in the UK. In addition to being deeply involved in anti-counterfeiting, the firm assists clients with dispute resolution across a diverse range of industries, from automotive to food production. Peers have praised the firm for its “very thorough advice” and “deep knowledge of the markets of its clients”.
Team overview:
Palmer Biggs has a team of six qualified solicitors, barristers and trademark attorneys as well as legal assistants and paralegals, totalling 11 staff. Steve Palmer founded the firm as an alternative to the more traditional, corporate model he had experienced in his early career. He is widely regarded as an authority on IP and brand protection, particularly in contentious matters. One peer refers to Palmer as a “class act”, able to handle domain name or trademark issues skilfully and cost-effectively.
Solicitor Charles Lawless supports Palmer in high-profile litigation cases and has contributed to some of the firm’s major wins, combining broad IP expertise with the ability to remain calm in pressurised situations.
Key matters:
Contentious:
● Litigation work for SanDisk
Palmer Biggs represented flash memory company SanDisk in a matter involving counterfeit SanDisk SD cards. After correspondence with the other side regarding an eBay account selling fake SanDisk items, a second or linked eBay account was discovered also selling counterfeits. The firm was instructed to write to the other side alleging trademark infringement and passing off.
● Litigation for Hugo Boss
The firm was instructed to take action on behalf of client Hugo Boss Trademark Management against a Wowcher account, website and registered company involved in the sale of counterfeit Hugo Boss watches. A test purchase was conducted, which transpired to be counterfeit. The firm obtained signed undertakings and disclosure from the other side, and the counterfeit sales have stopped.
● Opposition and litigation work for BMW
Steve Palmer led the team in a Company Names Tribunal case for Hugo Boss, in which the defendants incorporated a company name on the UK Companies House register under a name that included the client’s registered trademark ‘BMW’ without its authorisation. The tribunal’s decision was in BMW’s favour for the company name to be changed and the client’s costs to be paid.
Clients:
The Absolut Company, BMW, Cluse Watches, Converse, HMD Global (Nokia phones), Hugo Boss, Liverpool Football Club and Athletic Grounds, lululemon athletica Canada, Merck & Co, Minotti, Nordemann, Nike, Pirelli Tyre, Ralph Lauren, Richemont brands (including Cartier, Montblanc, IWC), Rolls Royce, Sandisk, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, SuperDry, Tiffany and Company, Veja, Versace, Western Digital
