White & Case

Firm overview:

New York-headquartered firm White & Case presents a truly global IP offering, routinely fielding a team before both the US Patent and Trademark Office and English High Court. The team includes dual-qualified US lawyers and English solicitors who provide strategic, cross-border legal advice to a high-calibre client base. Specialising in IP-rich businesses, particularly in the technology sector as well as pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and digital health, the firm guides through all aspects of brand strategy and trademark portfolio management.

Over the past year, White & Case has made significant strides in strengthening its IP and disputes practice. Notably, in February 2025, the firm welcomed a trio of IP litigators from A&O Shearman, led by the widely acclaimed David Stone. Describing the new additions, London office executive partner Inigo Esteve stated that they are a “great team that can hit the ground running advising clients on the full spectrum of their contentious intellectual property matters”. Based in London, the team’s capabilities span trademark matters before the UK and EU registry offices, the High Court of England and Wales, and the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Team overview:

Expressing a consensus opinion, one peer acknowledges solicitor advocate and London partner David Stone as “outstanding, I don’t think anyone is going to disagree with me on that”, adding that Stone was “great to have on the other side”.

Stone specialises in trademarks, registered, and unregistered designs, and copyright, with his practice further enriched by his in-house experience at Coca-Cola. In addition to his client-facing work, Stone serves part-time as a Deputy High Court Judge, hearing cases in the Chancery Division.

Karla Hughes and Adrian Dykes joined Stone at White & Case from A&O Shearman. A specialist in trademark and design law, Hughes advises on portfolio management, clearance, and multi-jurisdictional disputes. Alongside David Stone she has been described as a “prosecution powerhouse” by a peer. Dykes focuses his practice on both contentious and non-contentious IP matters, including trademarks, passing off, copyright, and advertising law.

The firm also added ex-Clifford Chance tech counsel Michael Evans to its London office in December 2024.