Business Legal Services

Intellectual Property

Protect, exploit and defend your intellectual property with holistic legal advice tailored to your business goals.

We’ll help you identify the best way to protect and exploit your IP portfolio and shape the most profitable IP strategy for your business. Whatever stage you’re at – we’ll help commercialise your intellectual property so that you take full advantage of your most valuable business assets.

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Benefits

What are the benefits of actively managing your intellectual property portfolio?

Know your portfolio
to refine your strategy and maximise your benefits

Understanding what IP you have in your portfolio will help you take the right steps to protect your IP assets and ensure that you unlock your portfolio’s potential to maximise your profits.

Create new revenue streams

Licensing your IP to other organisations is a great way to generate additional revenue.

Protect your IP

Using state of the art technology, we actively monitor third-party trade mark applications to prevent them from registering trade marks which are similar (or worse, identical) to yours.

Utilise third party IP

Identifying where you could tap into existing third-party IP will help you reduce the amount of time and money spent on research and development and get you to market quicker.

Ensure your house is in order

Registration of IP rights is one of the most effective ways of protecting your IP. We can advise you on what rights you can register and support you in completing and maintaining your registrations.

Manage disputes effectively and efficiently

Efficient and effective management of IP disputes will help save stress, time and money. We explore all available options to secure the best outcome possible for you.

Improve your ability to move into other markets

Taking advantage of licensing arrangements with third parties will give you the opportunity to break into territories and markets that would otherwise be challenging to get into.

Clear concise IP agreements
will protect your IP and investments

Ensuring you have clear, concise and robust IP agreements in place will protect your IP, reduce your risk and ensure that you have the rights you need to use third-party IP in the way you envisage.

Who we help

Intellectual Property advice for small businesses, SMEs, start-ups, spin-outs and large companies

Every single business utilises IP in some way and our IP lawyers support a broad range of UK-based clients in innovative businesses where the effective protection and utilisation of IP is crucial. We’ve worked with clients in creative industries, e-commerce, retail and luxury brands, life sciences and healthcare, manufacturing and engineering, IT, telecommunications, and emerging technologies.

We advise clients of all shapes and sizes, from university spinouts and start-ups to SMEs and large multi-nationals. Whether you’re ready to start-up, scale up or exit, and whatever the nature of your business, we’re confident we can support you.


Intellectual Property Solicitors

Support with every aspect of your business’s intellectual property

Our IP solicitors support your business every step of the way, from audits, drafting paper work, creating a strategy to achieve your business goals to managing your intellectual property portfolio, responding to challenges, and even offering training to support success.

Our IP solicitors can offer you tailored and comprehensive support with:

IP audits

A comprehensive IP audit will help you understand what IP you own, what steps you need to take to protect it and how you can commercially exploit it, unlocking value in your business.

IP strategy

Our IP solicitors take a holistic approach to help you identify a strategy that ties in with your broader business goals, capitalises on your existing IP, assists you in meeting your commercial objectives, and supports expansion in the UK and further afield.

IP dispute resolution

Our expert negotiators will guide you through your IP dispute, using methods of alternative dispute resolution where appropriate to help manage your costs. When litigation is necessary, we make full use of the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) and its cost-effective and streamlined procedure to get you the best possible outcome.

IP licensing

Licensing in or out, nationally and across borders, supports new routes to market and revenue generation. Licensing in enables you to make the most of third-party innovations, reduces your risk when expanding into new territories, and saves you time and money. Our IP solicitors can also assist with intra-group licensing and other sub-licensing arrangements, including in the context of franchising.

IP clauses

We can advise and draft clauses in contracts on how employees and 3rd parties can use your IP and make it clear who owns your IP. This can include clauses in contracts of employment, commercial contracts and agreements, and corporate documents

IP agreements

Our IP solicitors are skilled in drafting a wide range of clear and concise IP agreements, from simple NDAs to complex R&D agreements. Having well-drafted agreements in place helps protect your interests, provides certainty and reduces risk.

IP registrations

We will identify which aspects of your IP may be registered and support you with making registration applications, including patents, trade marks, designs and utility models. We can also help you maintain your registrations by monitoring the status of your registrations and submitting timely renewals.

Unregistered IP rights

Our IP solicitors will help you identify and understand what unregistered IP rights you may have, including copyright and unregistered design rights, and how to protect and defend these rights.

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Testimonials

What our clients say

The on-demand service we get from Harper James allows us to combine their expertise with that of our own in-house counsel. It means we can get quick and trustworthy legal advice from specialists in every legal area, as and when we need it. There are no hidden extras and the service we have received has always demonstrated an awareness of our fast-moving commercial requirements.
Amelia Guilfoyle Head of legal, Zoopla
It was difficult to find suitable support for my IP problem and such a relief to find Harper James Solicitors. Lindsay was fantastic at guiding me through the process and I couldn’t have been happier with the result.
Mariani Robinson Founder, Naturally Lady
Toby and his team have done such a fantastic job providing support across fundraising, IP, employment, GDPR and option pool establishment. Harper James has helped us get solid legal advice, often at short notice relating to a number of common start-up hurdles.
Julian Cook CEO and Co-Founder, Howamigoing
What I’ve been most impressed with is the way Rob and Ed have dug deep, independently, into our website and made sure every base is covered. They’ve looked under the surface of the website and highlighted areas where we need to ensure we have correct terms and policies in place. That’s first-class support.
Lameece Nagib Head of Operations, Hopin
I was looking for intelligent, fast feedback on things I couldn’t do myself. Every step of the way, Harper James have fulfilled that promise – they’ve been so responsive. It’s run as a business, not as a law firm. Anyone who’s been near a law firm knows the difference. It’s a real pleasure.
Geeta Sidhu-Robb CEO and Founder, Nosh Detox
Harper James has been the ideal law firm for Paragraf because of the flexibility that’s built into the on-demand subscription package. With HJ, I have all the legal expertise and answers I need at the end of an email. We have ambitious plans to fulfil, pushing our product lines overseas and bringing graphene electronics to the masses. There’s no better partner to help us get there than Harper James.
Cathy Cranton Financial Director, Paragraf
Prior to joining the Enterprise Scheme, I was attempting to manage all the firms’ legal issues myself and finding it a huge struggle. Being part of the Enterprise scheme allows Mama Bamboo to access legal advice at an affordable rate. Something which is always worry for a small firm when considering seeking legal support. The scheme allows us to protect our business whilst we focus on our growth plans.
Laura Crawford CEO and founder, Mama Bamboo
How engaged, knowledgeable and personal HJ lawyers are. They offer pragmatic and practical advise with a quick turnaround.
Barbara Opala General Counsel, Norton Motorcycle Co.
I was referred to Harper James and told that they were the law firm for entrepreneurs. As a start-up, the Enterprise Plan works very well for us. It allows us to quickly access the legal services we need without spending a fortune.
Judith McMinn CEO, Rezon
One of the key factors as to why we went with the enterprise plan was how inexpensive and flexible the service is, the idea that you can pay monthly and get an hour of free advice gives us the reassurance that we’ll always have legal support on hand as the business continues to grow. The breadth of knowledge Emily has and the transparency of knowing exactly how much it’s going to cost is invaluable. It makes us feel as if we’re in control of how much we’re spending.
Sam Stockman COO, Guide Education
The subscription based model of the Enterprise Plan almost pays for itself and is great value for money, especially compared to the hourly rates of other law firms. Spreading the cost of legal support helps with cash flow and there is no trepidation or fear around costs when contacting Harper James for legal support
Steve Carroll Founder, Porterdale Ltd - Clearview
We looked at four different firms of solicitors before choosing Lindsay at Harper James for our growing business. After considering all the input, we chose Lindsay because she demonstrated great insight into how our opponent would be thinking. We've been really happy with that decision.
Ryan Bromley Commercial Director, Avantis International
The on-demand service we get from Harper James allows us to combine their expertise with that of our own in-house counsel. It means we can get quick and trustworthy legal advice from specialists in every legal area, as and when we need it. There are no hidden extras and the service we have received has always demonstrated an awareness of our fast-moving commercial requirements.
Amelia Guilfoyle Head of legal, Zoopla
It was difficult to find suitable support for my IP problem and such a relief to find Harper James Solicitors. Lindsay was fantastic at guiding me through the process and I couldn’t have been happier with the result.
Mariani Robinson Founder, Naturally Lady
Toby and his team have done such a fantastic job providing support across fundraising, IP, employment, GDPR and option pool establishment. Harper James has helped us get solid legal advice, often at short notice relating to a number of common start-up hurdles.
Julian Cook CEO and Co-Founder, Howamigoing
What I’ve been most impressed with is the way Rob and Ed have dug deep, independently, into our website and made sure every base is covered. They’ve looked under the surface of the website and highlighted areas where we need to ensure we have correct terms and policies in place. That’s first-class support.
Lameece Nagib Head of Operations, Hopin
I was looking for intelligent, fast feedback on things I couldn’t do myself. Every step of the way, Harper James have fulfilled that promise – they’ve been so responsive. It’s run as a business, not as a law firm. Anyone who’s been near a law firm knows the difference. It’s a real pleasure.
Geeta Sidhu-Robb CEO and Founder, Nosh Detox
Harper James has been the ideal law firm for Paragraf because of the flexibility that’s built into the on-demand subscription package. With HJ, I have all the legal expertise and answers I need at the end of an email. We have ambitious plans to fulfil, pushing our product lines overseas and bringing graphene electronics to the masses. There’s no better partner to help us get there than Harper James.
Cathy Cranton Financial Director, Paragraf
Prior to joining the Enterprise Scheme, I was attempting to manage all the firms’ legal issues myself and finding it a huge struggle. Being part of the Enterprise scheme allows Mama Bamboo to access legal advice at an affordable rate. Something which is always worry for a small firm when considering seeking legal support. The scheme allows us to protect our business whilst we focus on our growth plans.
Laura Crawford CEO and founder, Mama Bamboo
How engaged, knowledgeable and personal HJ lawyers are. They offer pragmatic and practical advise with a quick turnaround.
Barbara Opala General Counsel, Norton Motorcycle Co.
I was referred to Harper James and told that they were the law firm for entrepreneurs. As a start-up, the Enterprise Plan works very well for us. It allows us to quickly access the legal services we need without spending a fortune.
Judith McMinn CEO, Rezon
One of the key factors as to why we went with the enterprise plan was how inexpensive and flexible the service is, the idea that you can pay monthly and get an hour of free advice gives us the reassurance that we’ll always have legal support on hand as the business continues to grow. The breadth of knowledge Emily has and the transparency of knowing exactly how much it’s going to cost is invaluable. It makes us feel as if we’re in control of how much we’re spending.
Sam Stockman COO, Guide Education
The subscription based model of the Enterprise Plan almost pays for itself and is great value for money, especially compared to the hourly rates of other law firms. Spreading the cost of legal support helps with cash flow and there is no trepidation or fear around costs when contacting Harper James for legal support
Steve Carroll Founder, Porterdale Ltd - Clearview
We looked at four different firms of solicitors before choosing Lindsay at Harper James for our growing business. After considering all the input, we chose Lindsay because she demonstrated great insight into how our opponent would be thinking. We've been really happy with that decision.
Ryan Bromley Commercial Director, Avantis International

Our Intellectual Property Experts

Why choose our Intellectual Property solicitors?

We’ve guided numerous companies from start-up and scale-up through to exit, helping them create value through their innovations. Our understanding of the investment and the venture capital sector is also second-to-none. We make sure you get the best IP protection and management that fits with your long-term strategic objectives.

As High Court litigators for top 50 private practices, our lawyers have in-depth experience taking patent and trade mark cases through to the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

We’ll gladly work alongside your in-house counsel and current intellectual property solicitors or adopt a full-service approach if you prefer.


Pricing plans

Legal support designed
to fit your business needs

Our three transparent pricing packages are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:

City

Straightforward access to senior solicitors at a competitive rate.

An affordable solution for businesses needing one-off legal support. Receive ‘City’ partner-level expertise at a fraction of ‘City’ prices.

On-Demand

Providing you with priority access to a dedicated panel of highly experienced solicitors.

Fully account managed quarterly subscription service for businesses with more complex legal needs.




Get in touch

If you would like to discuss your intellectual property matter, please leave us your details and we’ll contact you to discuss your situation and legal requirements.

There’s no charge for your initial consultation, and no obligation to instruct us. We aim to respond to all messages received within 24 hours.

Your data will only be used by Harper James Solicitors. We will never sell your data and promise to keep it secure. You can find further information in our Privacy Policy.

Our offices

A national law firm

A national law firm

Our commercial lawyers are based in or close to major cities across the UK, providing expert legal advice to clients both locally and nationally.

We mainly work remotely, so we can work with you wherever you are. But we can arrange face-to-face meeting at our offices or a location of your choosing.

Floor 5, Cavendish House, 39-41 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5PP
Stirling House, Cambridge Innovation Park, Denny End Road, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CB25 9QE
13th Floor, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BT
10 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 5HP
Harwell Innovation Centre, 173 Curie Avenue, Harwell, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QG
1st Floor, Dearing House, 1 Young St, Sheffield, S1 4UP
A national law firm

To access legal support from just £145 per hour arrange your no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your business requirements.

Make an enquiry