Intellectual Property Disputes

Intellectual Property Litigation Solicitors in London

Intellectual property disputes can threaten the value of a brand, product, technology or commercial relationship, particularly where ownership, infringement or misuse is contested.

Barnes Law acts in complex IP litigation involving trade marks, passing off, copyright, design rights, patents, confidential information and trade secrets.

Our IP litigation solicitors advise on urgent injunctions, enforcement strategy, defence of infringement claims and proceedings before the High Court, IPEC and UKIPO, with a focus on protecting the commercial value of the rights in dispute.

Barnes Law ranked in Chambers and Partners UK 2026
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Intellectual Property Disputes Experience

Our IP litigation team advises on disputes concerning the full range of intellectual property rights, including trade marks and passing off, copyright, design rights, patents, confidential information and know-how.

We act for claimants and defendants at an early stage of a dispute and in proceedings before the High Court, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court and the UK Intellectual Property Office and the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

Our experience also includes mediation, arbitration and negotiated settlements, including agreements dealing with IP licences, coexistence arrangements and the future use of disputed rights.

We also advise on IP disputes with an international element, including matters involving rights, parties or infringement across more than one jurisdiction.

As the preferred choice for clients seeking IP disputes lawyers, premium service and a commercially focused approach, we thrive where complexity and pressure meet.

Our intellectual property team has established a strong reputation in successfully representing businesses, business owners and high-net worth individuals throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Intellectual Property Litigation Services

Our IP litigation lawyers act across the principal forms of intellectual property dispute, including infringement, validity, ownership and enforcement issues. We also advise on related commercial disputes where IP rights are central to the relationship between the parties.

Trade Mark Infringement

We advise on registered trade mark infringement, passing off, oppositions, cancellation and invalidity proceedings, including disputes before the UKIPO and EUIPO. Our work also includes disputes over confusingly similar branding, comparative advertising and the unauthorised use of names, logos and other brand assets.

Copyright

We act in copyright and database-right disputes involving written content, software, imagery, designs and other protected works. This includes infringement claims, ownership disputes and applications for injunctive relief where continued use of the material needs to be stopped quickly.

Confidential Information and Trade Secrets

We act in disputes concerning the misuse or disclosure of confidential information, trade secrets and know-how, including claims arising from employment, consultancy and commercial relationships. These matters often require urgent action to prevent further disclosure or exploitation of sensitive information.

Related Intellectual Property Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is intellectual property infringement?

Intellectual property infringement occurs when protected rights such as trade marks, copyright, patents or design rights are used without the rights holder’s permission. Our intellectual property lawyers advise on protecting, managing and enforcing those rights.

What should I do if someone is infringing my trade mark?

Act quickly to preserve evidence, assess the scope of the infringement and determine whether urgent relief is required. Trade mark infringement claims can be pursued through correspondence, UKIPO or EUIPO proceedings, or commercial litigation and dispute resolution proceedings.

Can I stop someone using my copyright without permission?

Yes. Copyright owners can seek injunctions to stop unauthorised use and pursue damages or an account of profits for infringement.

Who owns intellectual property created by an employee?

Intellectual property created by an employee in the course of employment will generally belong to the employer, subject to the specific right involved and the terms of the employment relationship. Ownership issues can also arise alongside wider commercial law arrangements involving contractors, consultants and licensing.

Can I obtain an injunction in an IP dispute?

Yes. The courts can grant interim or final injunctions to prevent continued infringement, misuse of confidential information or other unlawful use of intellectual property rights.

What is passing off?

Passing off protects the goodwill of a business where another party makes a misrepresentation that causes or is likely to cause damage. It is commonly used where a brand, trading name or get-up is copied but no registered trade mark provides complete protection.

Can an IP dispute be resolved without going to court?

Yes. Intellectual property disputes are frequently resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, coexistence agreements, licensing arrangements or other negotiated settlements.

How are intellectual property issues handled in corporate and commercial law?

Intellectual property issues in corporate and commercial law commonly arise in acquisitions, shareholder arrangements, licensing, assignments, joint ventures and commercial contracts. Barnes Law is recognised by Chambers & Partners for its work with SME-focused firms, and our corporate and commercial teams regularly advise on the ownership, use and commercialisation of IP rights.

A client-first approach to IP litigation

IP disputes lawyers

We offer an experienced team of intellectual property lawyers with exceptional track records and strategic foresight

Trusted business partner

Barnes Law is proud to be recognised as a market leader in the prestigious Chambers & Partners UK 2026 guide.

High-net worth adviser

We act for high-net worth individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners who value discretion, responsiveness and trust.