Client testimonials published in this edition of The Legal 500 include the following comments:

• The D Young team stands out for its strong focus on de-risking the business, combining technical excellence with a highly commercial and pragmatic approach.
• A key differentiator is the close partnership between D Young & Co and our internal IP team, operating as a seamless extension of the business rather than as traditional external counsel. 
• The team distinguishes itself through its openness, flexibility, and willingness to challenge assumptions. The emphasis is not simply on achieving a technical 'win', but on securing outcomes, and managing risk.
• The DYC group is particularly strong in EPO opposition and appeal work, where it consistently aligns legal strategy with wider commercial objectives. Rather than pursuing purely legalistic arguments, the team is willing to adapt its approach to support a product de-risking strategy, including developing tailored arguments that can draw out remarks from patent proprietors that can assist in either invalidating a patent or often arguments that can be used to create a FTO position based upon, e.g claim interpretation, etc. 
• They don't just explain the legal position; they try to understand the business context and give practical advice. 
• The team is responsive, easy to work with, and consistently delivers high-quality trademark support. Communication is clear and straightforward, which makes even complex matters easier to manage. 
• Compared to many firms, they feel more accessible and collaborative. I have always found them proactive and willing to find solutions rather than simply identifying problems. 
• They also have strong international experience and coordinate cross-border matters efficiently, which is particularly valuable for businesses managing trade mark portfolios in multiple jurisdictions.
• The attorneys at D Young [& Co] are experts in their field. I have worked with numerous attorneys there for many years and have been universally satisfied with their advice and counsel. It is always forward-looking and client/business-focused. 
• They always seek to get to the desired outcome of the client, whether that be litigation or a fair settlement. 

Charles Harding again features in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame (one of just two UK patent attorneys to have received this prestigious accolade) and Anthony Albutt, Rachel Bateman, Matthew Dick, Tamsin Holman and Gemma Kirkland are all highlighted as leading partners. 

We would like to thank our clients and peers for their participation in the Legal 500’s research.

The Legal 500 UK editorial comments for each practice area ranking are shown below.

Legal 500 2024 PATMA Patent attorneys – tier 1

With a presence in both London and Southampton, the team at D Young & Co LLP has noteworthy experience assisting its roster of clients with a range of complex patent matters, including contentious EPO opposition and appeal cases, as well as due diligence and freedom-to-operate matters. Patent drafting, prosecution, and portfolio management are all key features of chemical sector specialist Rachel Bateman's workload. Anthony Albutt assists a varied client roster, which features well-known names across various sectors, with a focus on engineering and mechanical-related patents, as well as energy and aviation. Robbie Berryman is well-equipped to handle European and foreign patent applications, and has sector specialisms in microelectronics, computer architecture, and telecoms. Life sciences specialist Charles Harding is also a key name in the department. David Alcock retired from the team in March 2026.

LEGAL 500 2025 PATMA Trade mark attorneys – tier 1

D Young & Co LLP‘s team has well-established capabilities in handling an array of contentious trade mark matters, including oppositions before the UKIPO and enforcement litigation. It also has experience in assisting with non-contentious advisory and strategic cases, including portfolio development and management. The team’s workload spans sectors including cosmetics, fashion, and technology. Key practitioners include Matthew Dick, who is well-equipped to assist with high-value opposition and dispute cases relating to brand protection and trade marks, and Gemma Kirkland, who advises on portfolio management and filing strategies. Portfolio management and prosecution are key aspects of Richard Burton’s practice, while Anna Reid is well-equipped to handle copyright, design, and domain name cases. Charlotte Duly and Jackie Johnson are also noteworthy names in the team. Tamsin Holman spearheads the group and has noteworthy experience in handling complex contentious cases for well-known clients. The team has a presence in Southampton, as well as London.

LEGAL 500 UK 2025: Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design – tier 4

D Young & Co LLP regularly acts in trade mark litigation before the High Court, UKIPO and EUIPO for clients in the beverage and manufacturing industry. The practice is led by Tamsin Holman, with longstanding experience in trade mark enforcement and litigation. Matthew Dick focuses on trade mark litigation and opposition matters, while Charlotte Duly is well versed in managing trade mark portfolios, domain name disputes and enforcement strategies.