Stephenson Harwood
Firm overview:
Industry peers recommend Stephenson Harwood’s IP department as a reliable choice for complex trademark matters. The team handles non-contentious trademark work as well as IP-related transactions and related disputes when they arise, with particular expertise in trademark litigation. They advise on both domestic and cross-border infringement matters, representing a roster of industry-leading brands in various forms.
Stephenson Harwood is frequently in court and has commenced more trademark infringement claims before the High Court this year than any other UK firm. Working closely with its Paris office, the firm also handles cases before the EU Intellectual Property Office and EU Courts.
The firm has been entrusted by clients to enforce trademark rights for iconic brands such as the famous Percy Pig sweets, Voltarol pain relief gel and easyGroup’s family of ‘easy’ brands including easyJet. Stephenson Harwood’s highly active and successful trademark litigators have also advised on a vast number of lookalike claims for clients in the consumer healthcare and food and drink sectors. Regarded by a peer as one of the “IP departments that we know and recommend”.
Team overview:
Stephenson Harwood operates from two offices, located in London and Paris, which collaborate closely on cross-border trademark cases. UK partner and litigator Rob Jacob, handles many of the firm’s contentious matters across the UK and the EU, as well as facilitating amicable settlement when necessary. Jacob’s clients span numerous industries, including leading players in retail, healthcare and confectionery. Joshua Cunnington has also been noted by a peer on contentious and non-contentious trade mark matters.
Key matters:
Contentious:
- easyGroup v Premier Inn Hotels
Stephenson Harwood represents easyGroup in an ongoing matter concerning the trademarks ‘easy’, ‘easyHotel’ and ‘Rest Easy Apartments’. The matter was brought against rival hotel company Premier Inn, following its use of the sign ‘Rest Easy’. The team handling the matter includes Rob Jacob, Laura Elliott, Brian Hartnett-Cabeza and Annabelle Klimt and is listed for trial in April 2025.
- Trademark infringement proceedings enforcing Gap’s Athleta brand
Stephenson Harwood serves as the sole UK IP counsel for Gap. Recent work includes enforcing the client’s house mark ‘Athleta’ which represents Gap’s fitness and lifestyle brand Athleta. In 2022, the firm initiated proceedings against Sports Group Denmark, which offers sportswear under the Athlecia brand, and one of its UK-based distributors.
Judgment was handed down in September 2024 and Athleta was successful in its reliance on its ‘Athleta’ and ‘pinwheel’ logo. The UK High Court proceedings form part of a wider global dispute between Athleta and Sports Group Denmark in relation to the registration and use of the Athlecia brand.
- Trademark opposition for Katjes Fassin
The firm advised Katjes Fassin, a German manufacturer of various confectionary products (including the sweet sold as Percy Pigs in the UK), in relation to a dispute against UK manufacturer Art Confectionary. Art Confectionary applied for a trademark for ‘Chooee’ which Katjes opposed on the basis of its earlier registration for ‘Chooey’. A decision in favour of the client was handed down in January 2024.
Clients:
Dr Wolff, Duracell, easyGroup, Gap, Haleon, Katjes Fassin, Marks & Spencer, Moët Hennessy, Wonderkind Innovations.
