Intellectual Property – not just for intellectuals

We build on LBMW’s longstanding reputation in the enforcement, licensing and protection of intellectual property to help IP-based businesses find effective and pragmatic solutions. In fields as broad as licensing software, designs or merchandising rights, to protecting wines, spirits and food products, we combine years of relevant experience with our energy and commitment to keep clients’ rights protected, enforced and exploited to their best advantage.

The different forms of IP are the foundations of forward-looking businesses. Producers –including film producers and growers and distributors of household name wines, spirits or foodstuffs - develop, protect and exploit the value of their project or product. They value our expertise in controlling and licensing the marketing of their products and restraining those who trespass on their rights. Designers, publishers and software houses look to us to negotiate the licences which generate the income which is their lifeblood.

Our work covers UK and international

• Design licensing and royalty arrangements
• Film & Television production & distribution arrangements
• ICT licensing
• IP and IT acquisitions and due diligence
• Merchandising licensing
• Nominet & WIPO UDRP domain name recoveries
• Software licensing
• Trade Mark oppositions
• Trade Mark registrations
• name & brand protection litigation

We work on cost-effective solutions for our clients so we are as much involved with unregistered rights – confidential information, copyright, design right, passing off – as registered rights – patents, registered design right or trade marks in cases where the costs justify the extra protection available. Acquiring an intellectual property right is only worthwhile if owners are prepared to invest in the legal cost of enforcing the right, as those we represent understand. Just as important is to establish what potentially conflicting rights potential competitors possess – including exclusive registered rights. Our role includes monitoring cost versus benefit, to point out the red light when the risks are too high and to give a green light when the chances are good.

LBMW’s team of both young and experienced lawyers draws on the firm’s experience from many years active engagement on the field. Steeped in that knowledge, we keep at the cutting edge as technology, practice and transactions continuously develop. The fundamental terms of media contracts remain but the modes of exploitation continuously evolve: non-theatrical rights were once low value “Cinderella” add-ons to valuable cinema and TV rights. Now as DVDs are supplanted by new forms of online exploitation and the Internet multiplies opportunities for the unscrupulous to piggyback on the value created by legitimate owners of household names and brands, our team is constantly developing how we deliver efficient and swift remedies to our clients’ problems.