Our Intellectual Property Service
“Intellectual property rights” is a phrase used to cover a variety of legal rights which can either arise automatically or be registered in respect of creative works, whether that’s a brand identity, trade mark, know-how or confidential information or artistic/dramatic works.
These intellectual property assets must be protected from potential competitors, so you control how you exploit them. To do this, you will need the advice of specialist intellectual property lawyers to ensure legal recognition and enforcement of the ownership of your IP rights.
Our Intellectual Property Lawyers can advise on all aspects of intellectual property law, such as registering, protecting, and exploiting your IP, putting you in control of how your intellectual property is used.
We welcome the opportunity to review your IP portfolio and discuss your requirements in detail. Our IP lawyers will work with you to compile an intellectual property strategy to protect your IP.
We also advise on protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights across borders as part of our International Business Law services.
Why Choose Our Intellectual Property Solicitors?
- Our intellectual property experts advise clients on a broad range of intellectual property matters, from initial registration and exploitation to protection and enforcement.
- Our specialist IP litigation team is also highly experienced in handling business disputes involving intellectual property.
- Myerson is a member of the Intellectual Property Lawyers Association (IPLA), an association of law firms with an established intellectual property office. Our membership provides our clients and us with access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise in intellectual property.
- Through our many years of service, we have close working relationships with trade mark and patent attorneys and regularly liaise with them on a wide range of intellectual property issues, such as registering trademarks, patents and design rights, and when disputes arise concerning intellectual property rights. These working relationships are a key element of the service we offer to our clients.
- Myerson is also the Manchester and Cheshire law firm member for the MSI Global Alliance, a top 20 ranked international association of independent professional firms. As the IP matters we deal with often involve an international element, we can call upon the expertise and knowledge of our fellow MSI members to ensure that our client's global interests are protected.
Examples Of Intellectual Property Services
- Our intellectual property team have helped various businesses with specialist intellectual property services, such as trade mark litigation, trade mark registrations, and IP infringement cases.
- Acting for a Chinese frozen food manufacturer in a claim against one of its former employees concerning misuse of confidential information and copyright and database right infringements.
- Acting for a New York based pastry house and assisting it with policing its IP rights daily.
- Acting for a clothing supplier in a design rights dispute with a fashion brand which manufactured and sold maternity clothes.
- Acting for a start-up software development company and its directors in successfully defending injunctive proceedings relating to breach of contract, breach of confidence and copyright infringement.
- Acting for a supplier and retailer of tobacco products in a trademark infringement case against a US manufacturer and UK distributor.
- Advising a film production company about the ownership and licensing of various rights in connection with a film.
- A review of trade marks for a DIY trade centre, advising on the trade marks to be registered, possible classes of registration and cost analysis. We liaised with our trade mark agent over the merits of the applications, including filing international, EC and UK-only trademarks and whether a series mark could be applied for.
- Advising a technology company on the terms of a tri-party consortium agreement which involved divulging confidential information and intellectual property rights, resulting in the creation of jointly owned intellectual property.
- Working with a specialist patent attorney to obtain patent protection for a SaaS product.
- Assisting a client with analysing the market presence and intellectual property registrations from a legal perspective concerning potential new brand ideas.
Intellectual Property Case Studies
Supporting Safer Sphere Group Ltd with intellectual property
Client Intro
Safer Sphere Group Ltd is a national provider of health and safety, Building Safety Act and construction compliance consultancy services, including SaaS-based platforms supporting regulatory compliance.
Case Overview
We have advised Safer Sphere on a range of commercial and intellectual property matters relating to its core software platforms and wider business-critical systems.
A key focus of our work has been ensuring Safer Sphere has full ownership and control of the intellectual property in its platforms. This included negotiating assignments of IP rights from third-party developers and addressing complexities arising from the use of open-source components and third-party software.
We also advised on the contractual framework governing the ongoing development and support of Safer Sphere’s systems, ensuring the arrangements were robust, scalable and aligned with the business’s operational needs. This required careful drafting around service delivery, ownership of newly developed IP and commercial protections on termination.
By working closely with Safer Sphere, we have helped strengthen its legal position in respect of its technology assets and ensured its contractual arrangements support continued growth.
“When a business is built around its technology, clarity over ownership and control is critical. We worked closely with Safer Sphere to put the right framework in place for long-term growth.” – Richard Meehan, Partner
Helping educational institution disposing of intellectual property assets
Client Intro
Our client is an academic institution focused on research and publication, with a long-established journal as part of its activities.
Case Overview
We advised the trustees on the sale of intellectual property rights associated with an academic journal to a commercial publisher.
A key aspect of the transaction involved investigating and establishing the ownership and scope of the intellectual property being transferred, including rights in published materials and branding developed over many years. This required detailed analysis of historic arrangements to ensure the assets were clearly identified and capable of transfer.
We then negotiated a bespoke asset purchase agreement, advising on warranties, liabilities and indemnities in light of the findings of our review.
The matter involved close collaboration between our Commercial and Corporate teams, reflecting the combined intellectual property and transactional elements of the deal.
“Transactions involving long-established intellectual property require a clear understanding of how those rights have developed over time. We worked closely with the client to ensure the assets were properly identified and transferred.” – Richard Meehan, Partner
Intro To Our Intellectual Property Team
Testimonials
Julie L
Richard and Olivia were great to work with from start to finish. They took time to understand our industry, and how we worked as a company. This, mixed with their professional knowledge, allowed the process to be seamless, and produce specific documents for our business. I would highly recommend the team, and I am pleased that I have built this relationship so that if any services are required going forward, I will be able to contact them knowing I will receive a high level of service.
Nick
We had an outstanding experience with Myerson Solicitors. From start to finish, the team was professional, efficient, and approachable. Our solicitor, Olivia Whittaker, was particularly remarkable - her attention to detail, clear communication, and expert guidance made the entire process smooth and worry-free. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome and highly recommend Olivia and the firm to any business seeking expert commercial legal advice.
Richard
We needed to rewrite our online terms and conditions to ensure compliance with all legal aspects. Olivia and Richard were outstanding in their advice and assistance. They guided us through every step of the process, providing valuable insight and expertise. Their professionalism and clear communication made a complex task manageable, and we couldn't be happier with the service they provided.
Andrew
I engaged Richard Meehan, Myerson Solicitors, for the drafting of a complex multi-product exclusive supply agreement. He was thorough, explained in plain English and kept me updated consistently throughout. In addition, his after service communications were excellent, ensuring that we felt supported in our negotiations. Great service, before, during and after, which is the benchmark that I have come to expect from all my dealings with Myerson Solicitors. A great team.
Adrian
Richard and the team at Myerson were excellent. They guided me through a relatively complex legal situation and weren't afraid to admit when they needed to bring in other divisors to offer the best guidance which I appreciated. It was all done efficiently and for a fair price. A great experience.
Mo
I recently worked with Richard to draft an international supply agreement, and I couldn't be happier with the service I received. He was highly knowledgeable, easy to work with, and always responded promptly to any questions I had. I felt well-supported from start to finish and would highly recommend Richard to anyone looking for a reliable and experienced solicitor for commercial contracts.
Ben
Exceptional service, Richard and his colleagues were professional and personable not like other law firms we have worked with in the past. It was clear from the outset that Myerson were very down to earth and willing to put in the work to help us achieve our goals. They were a delight to work with on our contract negotiations. I would highly recommend them.
Aceplan Player Development Ltd
I worked with Richard Meehan and Olivia Whittaker, who helped me to build a comprehensive set of legal documents for my software business. This included terms and conditions for the different user types, privacy and cookie policies, and general website terms. Their legal knowledge and what was required for my business was very impressive. It left me feeling reassured and confident in the work they prepared. All the deadlines were met and I'm really satisfied with the end product.
Torram Ltd
I couldn't recommend Myerson Solicitors highly enough. Richard and Olivia were fantastic to work with, they were extremely professional and knowledgeable and knew how to get the best out of my contract. They were very responsive and ready to answer all of my questions whenever I asked them. They are a safe pair of hands for anyone starting out in business and don't have any personal recommendations for solicitors. They're very capable and very pleasant to work with and compared to other companies, fairly priced.
Peter
Myerson deserves more than 5 stars. I am exceptionally pleased with the work done by Richard M at Myerson who worked on the Terms for my startup. Incredible depth of knowledge and amazing turnaround time. Highly recommended!
Matt
As a start-up company, we needed specific advice, work and contracts drafting on key contracts. (Customer and Supplier) along with specific website and cookie policies. Myerson's completed this work on time and to a high standard. Importantly, they advised on which areas to focus on to spend time and money - very important for a start up. Every member of the team was very capable and if they did hand over, the person handover to was always fully briefed and up to speed with our account and work. Highly recommended.
Jason
We needed a flexible VAR agreement for our AI based software offering that could be easily adapted to a wide variety of partnerships, engagement models and go-to-market strategies. The Commercial team did a great job making sense of our sometimes confused and over-complicated requirements, and simplified it down to exactly what we needed. Soon after we successfully used the agreement with a large multi-national corporation. All in all a great result and a great experience.
Joe
Very pleased with the service received in updating T&Cs and other legal documents. Excellent communication and useful discussions, getting to understand our business and its requirements.
Emad Salib
The team were highly responsive, clear in their advice, and demonstrated a strong commercial understanding of our business and the sector we operate in. They provided practical, well-structured guidance and were proactive in highlighting potential risks while offering sensible solutions. It was a pleasure working with them, and we would not hesitate to recommend Myerson.
Steve Ridd
Rich Meehan at Myerson provided clear, pragmatic and highly effective support on a range of complex commercial matters. His advice was responsive, commercially focused and instrumental in helping us manage risk while progressing key initiatives. Richard worked collaboratively with the executive team, translating legal complexity into practical guidance, and I would have no hesitation in recommending him and Myerson for trusted commercial legal support.
Costs of an IP audit and eligibility for funding
We work with Innovate UK and have assisted clients in obtaining Tier 1 and Tier 2 funding from the IPO.
For UK companies (who meet the criteria set out below), the government, via the Intellectual Property Office, is offering grants for the cost of an IP Audit.
Eligibility for IP Audit Funding
To be eligible, your business must meet the UK government’s definition of a micro-entity or small or medium enterprise, including having fewer than 250 employees, an annual turnover of less than £36 million and a maximum balance sheet total of £18 million.
Once funding is approved, you must appoint a firm of IP professionals (such as Myerson) to conduct the IP Audit report.
Tier 1 IP Audit
If you are eligible, the cost of the IP Audit is fixed at £3,000, and the IPO will pay up to £2,250, meaning your business would only need to contribute the remaining £750.
Tier 2 IP Access
This usually follows the IP Audit, with the IPO making a further contribution for an IP Professional to progress and implement recommendations set out in the IP Audit Reports or to provide further professional advice relating to commercialising the business's IP assets (this can include drafting licensing terms and agreements or applications for registrations).
IP Access matches the business's contribution up to £2250 (incl VAT).
How to apply for IP Audit funding
You can apply for funding for your business by contacting the IPO’s regional partners via one of the links below:
- England – Innovate UK Business Growth
- Northern Ireland – Invest Northern Ireland
- Scotland – Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- Wales – Welsh Government
All applications for IP Audit funding are subject to assessment, and funding is not guaranteed.
Meet Our Intellectual Property Solicitors
Home-grown or recruited from national, regional or City firms. Our intellectual property lawyers are experts in their fields and respected by their peers.
Contact Our Experts
You can contact our lawyers below if you have any more questions or want more information:
0161 941 4000
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In May 2025, the General Court of the European Union ( GCEU ) delivered its judgment following an appeal made by Schmidt Spiele GmbH ( Schmidt Spiele ). The appeal challenged a decision of the Second Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office ( EUIPO ), which rejected Schmidt Spiele’s opposition to the trademark filed by...
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