The firm’s intellectual property (“IP”) group advises on the protection, exploitation and litigation of IP rights.  Our team has advised multinational corporations, other organisations and individuals on the most effective methods of getting the most out of their IP rights. We have substantial expertise in: Trade marks and passing off: Copyright, design right and registered designs: Database right: Confidential information: Data Protection. We provide practical assistance on commercial agreements including advising on and negotiating: Licensing, exploitation, and research and development agreements: Manufacturing, supply, distribution and franchise agreements: Marketing, promotion and advertising agreements. We regularly carry out IP reviews and audits for new and existing clients, as we have found that many companies and individuals do not utilise their IP rights to their ultimate potential.  Once we have appraised the clients' rights portfolios and made recommendations based on a sensible balance between best practice and commercial realism, most clients find the review to be an invaluable and cost effective service. In terms of IP dispute resolution, our aim is to avoid disputes where possible, and to find creative solutions to problems at the earliest possible stage. Our litigators have been involved in some of the most important cases and developments in IP law over the last ten years, and we have advised clients in cases in the UK and European Courts, at the Trade Marks Registry and the Copyright Tribunal.  We also routinely provide advice to clients in the fields of information technology, e-commerce and m-commerce. This includes the drafting and negotiation of contracts covering the supply, support and maintenance of software and hardware and ancillary services. In the e-commerce sphere, we are able to address all legal issues related to the design, development, maintenance and operation of websites. The rapid pace of developments in m-commerce results in us being involved with content providers and users in providing advice in relation to a constantly expanding range of mobile applications. Primary contact: Nicola McCormick