WTR 1000 2022: "one of the most versatile practices in the top tier"

In addition to the trade mark team's top-tier rankings, all individual partners in the team also feature as "recommended experts" in the 2022 survey.

We are delighted to receive such positive feedback from our clients and colleagues and are grateful to those who participated in the directory research process.

WTR writes:

Home to trademark attorneys and solicitors who work together like clockwork, D Young & Co is one of the most versatile practices in the top tier of the UK trademark market. Almost all UK firms have had to re-strategise in recent years as a result of Brexit; but D Young & Co’s Munich office – led by Jana Bogatz – is highlighted by German practitioners as one of the most successful examples of a UK outfit setting up shop on the continent.

LUSH, Sega, Instagram and Procter & Gamble are just four of the A-listers which have sought out its support this year, and each has been well served by its all-star practitioners. Managing LUSH’s COSMETIC WARRIORS trademark portfolio – and representing it on 30 to 40 enforcement and registry matters at any one time – is a team which includes Tamsin Holman, Anna Reid and Gemma Kirkland.

Holman comes with “state-of-the-art commercial understanding”, and has also been busy representing Sega in High Court litigation against Manchester United FC and advising Procter & Gamble on a wide range of contentious matters.

Solicitor Reid made partner in 2018 and ably tackles both opposition proceedings and High Court disputes. Jointly, the pair are hailed as “exceptional IP lawyers of the highest calibre”: “They always deliver high-quality legal work and advice at a very reasonable price. They are very practical, understand their clients and are extremely responsive to their needs. They and their colleagues are a cut above the rest and do not disappoint.”

Trademark attorney Kirkland brings hands-on experience from her time in-house at BP and receives similarly illustrious reviews: “I have enormous confidence and trust in Gemma’s professionalism and ability to faithfully protect our brands and trademarks throughout the world. She is a huge asset to her firm and her clients.”

Tackling Instagram’s UK oppositions work – which has included more than 35 separate matters since the start of 2020 – is solicitor Matthew Dick, who handles brand-related contentious matters of every flavour. “In every instance, Matthew provides efficient and practical legal recommendations aligned with clients’ overall enforcement philosophy and objectives.”

Spearheading the trademark attorney side of the practice is Jeremy Pennant, who was one of the first independent experts appointed by Nominet to adjudicate on UK domain name disputes. “Jeremy always provides wise counsel combined with in-depth knowledge of UK and EU trademark law and practice. His and his team have scored some high-profile trademark victories for Fortune 500 companies.”

The hotshot trademark attorneys working alongside Pennant include Jackie Johnson, Helen Cawley and Richard Burton. During a decade with the firm, Johnson has acted in myriad oppositions before the UKIPO and the EUIPO. Cawley’s clients include clothmaker Fox Brothers & Co; while trademark attorney litigator Burton assists the likes of Zoopla Property Group, Adele, Heineken and Lenovo. “Helen is reliable, clear, thorough and shows strong business sense, subject-matter expertise and judgement.” “Richard understands the specific challenges facing a business and provides thoughtful, innovative solutions to complex problems.”