IP Disputes
Intellectual Property
- Resolving intellectual property disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation.
- Representation in trademark, copyright, patent, and trade secret cases.
Commercial IP Dispute Advice for Business Owners and SMEs
When your intellectual property is threatened, the commercial consequences can be serious. Gurve Legal is a London-based commercial law firm that advises SMEs, owner-managed businesses, and growing companies on the full range of intellectual property disputes, from trademark infringement and copyright claims to trade secret misappropriation and licensing disagreements.
We act for both claimants and defendants, giving us a practical, commercial perspective on IP disputes from both sides. Whether you are enforcing your rights against an infringer or defending a claim brought against your business, our approach is to resolve disputes efficiently and on the best possible terms for you.
Where litigation is necessary, we can represent you in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC), which offers a cost-capped route well suited to SMEs, as well as in the High Court for more complex or high-value matters. We always explore negotiation, mediation, and other alternatives first to avoid unnecessary cost and disruption to your business.
Our IP Dispute Services
Trademark Infringement
Your brand is one of your most valuable commercial assets. If a competitor is using your registered or unregistered trade mark, or a sign that is confusingly similar, we can take swift action to stop them and recover damages. We also defend businesses facing infringement claims, including passing off allegations.
- Registered and unregistered trade mark disputes
- Passing off claims and defences
- Applications for urgent injunctions to stop infringing use
- Proceedings before the Intellectual Property Office and courts
Copyright Disputes
Copyright infringement can affect businesses in almost every sector, from technology and software to creative industries and retail. We advise on disputes involving unauthorised copying, reproduction, or distribution of original works, as well as disputes over copyright ownership and authorship.
- Software and digital content copyright disputes
- Ownership disputes between employers, employees, and contractors
- Database rights claims and defences
- Infringement of literary, artistic, and musical works
Trade Secret and Confidential Information Disputes
When a departing employee, contractor, or business partner takes or misuses your confidential business information, the damage can be immediate and severe. We act for businesses seeking to protect their trade secrets and confidential information, including obtaining emergency injunctions where necessary. Our commercial contracts team can also help you put robust contractual protections in place to prevent future disputes.
- Breach of confidence and misuse of trade secrets
- Post-employment restrictions and enforcement
- Emergency injunctions and search orders
- Disputes involving departing employees or contractors
Patent Disputes
Patent disputes are often complex and technically demanding. We advise businesses on both bringing and defending patent infringement claims, as well as disputes over patent ownership and entitlement, including claims by employee inventors under the Patents Act 1977.
- Patent infringement claims and defences
- Ownership and entitlement disputes
- Employee inventor compensation claims
- Validity challenges and revocation proceedings
IP Licensing Disputes
Disputes arising from IP licensing agreements are a common source of commercial conflict, particularly following business sales, partnerships, or joint ventures. We advise on disputes where the terms of a licence are unclear, where royalties have not been paid, or where a licensee has exceeded the scope of their rights. Our IP licensing and transfer team can also review or renegotiate licensing arrangements to reduce the risk of future conflict.
- Breach of licence terms and scope disputes
- Royalty and revenue disputes
- Termination and post-licence obligations
- IP disputes arising from business acquisitions and joint ventures
Design Rights Disputes
Registered and unregistered design rights protect the visual appearance of products and are particularly important in retail, fashion, and manufacturing sectors. We advise on disputes involving design right infringement, registration challenges, and the overlap between design rights and other IP protections.
- Registered and unregistered design right infringement
- Validity and registration challenges
- Design copying and imitation disputes
- Overlap with trade dress and trade mark rights
Domain Name Disputes
Unauthorised registration of domain names that are identical or similar to your brand can damage your business and mislead customers. We advise on domain name disputes through the Nominet dispute resolution process and court proceedings, as well as disputes involving cyber-squatting and bad-faith registrations. For preventative steps, our domain name protection service can help you secure and monitor your brand online.
- Nominet and ICANN dispute resolution proceedings
- Cyber-squatting and bad-faith registration disputes
- Domain name recovery actions
- Cross-border domain name disputes
Why Choose Gurve Legal
We Act for Both Sides of IP Disputes
Most law firms specialise in either claimant or defendant work. Gurve Legal regularly acts for both sides of intellectual property disputes, including businesses enforcing their rights and those defending claims brought against them. This dual perspective means we understand the strengths and weaknesses of each position and can give you an honest, commercially grounded assessment of your situation from the outset.
A Commercial Approach Built Around SMEs
IP disputes can be costly and disruptive for smaller businesses. We focus on achieving results that make commercial sense, not just legal ones. Our advice is tailored to the realities of owner-managed businesses and SMEs, including practical guidance on costs, timelines, and the best forum for your dispute, whether that is IPEC, the High Court, or an alternative resolution process.
Wider Commercial Law Capability Under One Roof
IP disputes rarely exist in isolation. They often arise from employment relationships, business sales, licensing deals, or commercial contracts. Gurve Legal’s broader expertise across commercial contracts, employment law, and mergers and acquisitions means we can advise on the full picture, not just the immediate dispute.
Resolving Disputes Without Unnecessary Litigation
Litigation is rarely the first or best option for a business. We take a pragmatic approach to IP disputes, always exploring negotiation, cease and desist correspondence, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution before recommending court proceedings. When litigation is necessary, we are experienced in IPEC and High Court proceedings and will manage costs and risk throughout.
Speak to Our IP Disputes Team
IP disputes can move quickly. If your business is facing an infringement claim or needs to enforce its intellectual property rights, getting the right advice early can make a significant difference to the outcome. Contact Gurve Legal today for a free initial consultation with our commercial IP disputes team.
Call us: +44 207 566 1188
Email us: info@gurvelegal.com