The Patent 1000 focuses exclusively on patent practice and has firmly established itself as the definitive 'go-to' resource for those seeking world-class legal patent expertise.
Recommended - Individuals: prosecution
Hailed as “a go-to firm for high-quality drafting and prosecution services”, Appleyard Lees is home to attorneys who “deliver a first-rate customer service. They have an extensive knowledge of their clients’ products and an understanding of the requirements of their businesses, enabling them to provide useful support. The team provides prompt responses to requests for expert input at short notice and is great at meeting demanding deadlines.” Leading the outfit’s life sciences sector, Barbara Fleck is “an outstanding patent attorney with expert knowledge in the biotechnology IP space. She is impressive in her ability to manage large portfolios containing a multitude of patent families spanning several jurisdictions, each at different stages of prosecution. Barbara is always absolutely clear on the actions required to move the process forward and makes clear recommendations on the best strategy to adopt when responding to office actions. She summarises highly complex arguments with great clarity and is particularly impressive when appearing before the Opposition Division of the EPO. Barbara’s preparation is always meticulous, anticipating the other side's approach and arguing persuasively against it. She has also established a trusted network of associates in all major territories to advise on the best prosecution strategies in non-European jurisdictions.” Fleck supports biotechnology company Owlstone Medical with devising a robust IP strategy that will maximise the protection of its intangible assets and place it in a strong market position. Simon Bradbury is another life sciences and biotechnology expert; his speciality is supporting start-ups, spin-outs and SMEs, crafting strong IP strategies that set them up for commercial success. Leading the engineering and physics group, Richard Bray has “the ability to simplify complex legal jargon, making the prosecution process easy to understand for those not well versed in the field. He is diligent, reliable, meets every deadline without fail, understands what clients need and adjusts his approach to ensure those needs are met. His expertise, professional advice and guidance have been invaluable.” Adam Tindall also brings expertise in the engineering sector and draws on his industry experience to speak the language of inventors to quickly get to grips with their inventions and ensure all vital points are covered. Focusing their practice on the electronics side are Ean Davies and Julia Gwilt. Davies is a safe pair of hands for valuable inventions and does not shy away from complex instructions; he drafts and files with purpose and ensures each patent is commercially relevant. Gwilt is the resident AI expert whose mathematics background and understanding of software-implemented inventions makes her a hit with cutting-edge technology companies. She understands what makes a strong patent application to optimise her patrons’ chance of success in a tricky landscape. Bobby Smithson is popular among chemical companies and earns warm plaudits this year: “Bobby is professional, knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. The expert advice and guidance he provides throughout the prosecution process and subsequent opposition proceedings is invaluable and often secures favourable outcomes. He keeps clientele fully informed of developments and responds to queries quickly and with clarity.”
Adam Tindall is a qualified European and UK patent attorney, and a partner in Appleyard Lees' Halifax office. Adam joined the partnership in 2019.
Prior to entering the intellectual property (IP) profession, Mr Tindall completed his PhD on combustion in spark ignition engines at the University of Leeds.
Having previously worked with Rolls-Royce plc, the Ford Motor Company, Harland and Wolff and Shell Research UK, Mr Tindall's expertise lies in the understanding of engineering, the way engineering companies operate and how engineers like to work.
Mr Tindall now provides IP services to multi-national engineering companies which produce a large range of high technology products such as power systems, medical equipment and manufacturing equipment.
Quaifications: BEng(Hons), PhD, CPA, EPA
Appleyard Lees is a leading IP law firm, with approximately 70 patent attorneys, trademark attorneys and specialist solicitors.
The firm offers a commercially intelligent approach to client service, incorporating flexibility and adaptability. It responds to specific client requirements in an agile way, providing a service tailored to clients’ needs.
With a global reach and local knowledge, Appleyard Lees attorneys are specialists in patents, trademarks, IP strategy, designs, copyright, contentious proceedings and disputes.
Appleyard Lees is positioned to give clients strategic IP advice in the United Kingdom and across the globe, from offices in UK innovation hotspots.
Strong client relationships
The firm has a fantastic track record of working with some of the world’s most exciting innovators, large companies and household names, with a number of clients belonging to elite groups including the Fortune 500, Fortune Global 2000, FTSE 100, FTSE 250 and Forbes Global 2000.
Appleyard Lees’ clients operate across a diverse collection of industries, including chemicals, retail, consumer goods, electronics, software, bio and life sciences, pharmaceuticals, metals and heavy industry, higher education and hospitality, leisure and tourism.
Appleyard Lees is equally proud of the role that it has played in the development of high-growth start-up businesses.
Appleyard Lees supports a broad range of IP owners and creators, including in-house teams, R&D specialists, owner-managers and branding professionals. It helps clients protect and monetise their IP assets and manage pre and post-grant challenges, should they arise.
The firm has a collegiate ethos. It strives to fully understand its clients’ IP goals specifically, as well as their commercial goals generally. Appleyard Lees is recognised for fostering and maintaining close-knit, longstanding client relationships, particularly with large multinational organisations.
Highly specialised and commercial legal team
Appleyard Lees is a market-leading firm with an impressive roster of professionals, including patent attorneys, trademark attorneys and specialist IP solicitors – some of which are dual-qualified. It has great credibility within the market, as its attorneys can assess and anticipate clients’ comprehensive needs across the full spectrum of IP matters, including prosecution, litigation and transactional work.
The Appleyard Lees patent team comprises professionals with hybrid academic backgrounds, PhDs and industry experience. Attorneys’ specialisms cover a range of the latest technologies.
Appleyard Lees’ team of accomplished trademark attorneys serves one of the most diverse client rosters in the market. The firm’s clients operate across a broad range of industries, including chemical, retail, consumer goods, electronics, software, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, medical, metals and heavy industry.
Driving and supporting innovation
As a firm, Appleyard Lees is proud to drive innovation and to give back through the Appleyard Lees Growth Fund. The fund has been created to allow high-potential start-ups to grow commercially and allow their products and ideas to reach the market. Grants from the Appleyard Lees Growth Fund are awarded on a case-by-case basis to companies with winning ideas, a track record of innovation and a sound strategic approach.
Firm culture
The firm recruits the very best professionals who have a passion for their individual areas of specialism. All of Appleyard Lees’ people are supported to develop in their roles with the objective of continuously improving client service.