Jesmond law firm competes with big names

North East law firm, McDaniels & Co, have been acknowledged as one of the top practices in the UK, based on the number of cases it has concluded.

McDaniels’ specialist IP team were ranked alongside significantly larger practices such as national firm Withers, and Lupton Fawcett, which has offices in Leeds and Sheffield.

The Jesmond-based team completed the same number of cases as these practices, through the Patents County Court (PCC) which specifically deals with claims relating to IP.

Typically McDaniels deals with companies who design and manufacture bespoke furniture, seeking advice on design infringement, registering designs across Europe and secured registered trade marks for their brands.

Nial Head-Rapson leads the IP team which has recently been appointed by the likes of Devonshire Pine; Bradford’s Knightsbridge Furniture; and Manchester’s Ideal Furniture.

He said: “We have worked hard to establish ourselves with businesses nationwide and have a realistic approach to working with clients. The PCC has a cost ceiling and we are the only firm as far as we are aware of nationally which work within that ceiling.

“We travel the country attending various furniture fairs meeting new and existing businesses. Copying in this sector has been prevalent for some time and we are raising awareness.

“With the introduction of the PCC, coupled with a general increase in knowledge of the mechanisms which are in place to protect designs, more manufacturers are seeking help from companies like us who specialise IP.”