Kilburn & Strode LLP

Lacon London, 84 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8NL, United Kingdom

Firm's Overview

Kilburn & Strode LLP’s trademark team is well known for its client service and straight-talking advice, and its outstanding client base continues to grow. The firm’s exceptional attorneys have a strong commercial focus and expertise in global trademark portfolio management – their presence in the IP community is strengthened by regular involvement in numerous committees and contributions to high-profile publications. These aspects ensure the firm remains at the vanguard of trademark practice in Europe.

Key partners and an all-around excellent team

The firm’s partners consistently receive outstanding recognition as highly competent experts in their respective fields. The team is recognised for having excellent people from top to bottom. The WTR 1000 2017 noted that “virtually no other trademark professional gets as much – or as positive – feedback as Iain Stewart”. It went on to praise Mr Stewart’s “to-the-point, business-focused advice”, which is informed by “strong written and verbal communication skills” and “exceptional knowledge of all issues relating to European and UK trademark practice”. Partner Carrollanne Lindley is praised for her commercially sound and strategic advice. Regularly nominated as a leading woman in intellectual property, such praise is attributable to the breadth of Ms Lindley’s experience as a trademark attorney as well as her previous in-house roles as counsel to global luxury brands. In a recent edition of the WTR 1000, a brand owner stated that “[Ms Lindley’s] work ethic is astonishing and she goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure you get the best service”. Partner Ryan Pixton is noted for his growth and ascent in the profession – he was referred to as a “client magnet” in a recent edition of the WTR 1000. Mr Pixton handles some of the team’s most active clients and is well known for his understanding of clients’ needs and ability to go above and beyond on time-sensitive matters. The team have also brought on a number of trainee and patent attorneys to boost the team’s breadth of experience and expertise.

Clients and sectors

The team has a global reach and an extensive client base – operating in approximately 200 jurisdictions and managing over 27,000 trademark registrations. This makes the firm one of the largest filers of EU trademark applications. Their client base is drawn from a vast number of sectors, with particular strengths in publishing, entertainment, telecoms, fast-moving consumer goods, fashion, medical devices, finance and electronics.

Oppositions and cancellations

The team has enjoyed considerable success before the UK Intellectual Property Office, appointed persons, the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the EUIPO Board of Appeal. Their creative approach to such proceedings as well as their commercial and pragmatic advice are appreciated by clients. This has often meant they have been able to achieve amicable resolution of various proceedings, including where parties’ positions have been entrenched.

A commitment to continued development

Kilburn & Strode’s trademark team continues to grow – as does the firm as a whole – as it maintains its standing as a leading IP firm in Europe. The firm continues to employ new trainees and attorneys to support and bolster its different practice areas. The firm has also made considerable strides in recent years to offer new and easy-to-use client portals. Going forward it will continue to invest in operational excellence to ensure the best client experience.