Simmons & Simmons
Firm overview:
International law firm Simmons & Simmons is recognised for its innovations in AI such as ‘Rocketeer’, billed as “the world’s first AI trademark lawyer”. The brands group of lawyers and trademark attorneys assists with all forms of trademark needs. These include brand clearance and advice on filing programmes, IP portfolio management, watch services and transactions affecting trademarks and other IP rights. Simmons & Simmons’ non-contentious practice has solid reach for its long-standing clients, with trademark applications filed in the UK, Europe and Asia.
The firm is acknowledged for its litigation talent, with the team advising on registry disputes and those before the English courts.
Team overview:
Partner Darren Meale is highly regarded for his trademark practice which spans IP litigation in the UK courts, registry disputes and prosecution. A deputy district judge in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, Meale has been recognised for his innovative solutions to legal problems. These include developing Simmons and Simmons’ AI tool Rocketeer which predicts the outcome of a conflict between trademarks in seconds using a dataset of over 11,000 EU and 2,000 UK trademark cases.
The firm recently recruited senior partner Joel Smith, formerly at Hogan Lovells, with nearly 30 years of experience in IP practice in both contentious and non-contentious matters and an impressive client list, to grow out its trademark and copyright dispute practice. Accordingly the firm also hired James Marsen, formerly at Dentons, as a trademark specialist associate and Elinor Cavil, from DLA. Since recruiting Marisa Broughton and several other new associates, the firm has grown into an 11-partner strong IP full-service team over the past two years.
Key matters:
Contentious
- Acting for De Beers in trademarks disputes
Acting for De Beers (Anglo American) on a number of trademark disputes in the UK and globally for this luxury brand. Joel Smith leading on this matter.
Clients:
Abercrombie & Fitch, Bank of London and the Middle East, E&J Gallo, Etsy, Hermès, Hugo Boss, Major League Baseball, Paw Patrol, Petsure, TK Maxx.
