Boutique IP law firm Brandsmiths has acquired the UK business of specialist IP practice Sipara, in a move it says puts it into the top 10 UK firms for trademark filings before the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
The acquisition brings expertise in trademark portfolio management, protection, strategic IP advice and enforcement. Brandsmiths said Sipara’s team, which includes directors Rebecca Kaye and Robert Furneaux alongside four attorneys and two paralegals, according to its website, has a strong reputation for commercially focused advice and longstanding client relationships.
Brandsmiths’ founder and CEO, Adam Morallee, said the acquisition gave the firm’s trademark prosecution service “real scale in the UK”, adding it accelerated the firm’s aim to become the UK’s top IP law firm.
He added: “Rebecca and Rob have built a practice known for clarity, commercial judgement and technical excellence. Together, we’re shaping a stronger presence in the UK market with the scale to match it.”
Sipara will continue operating under its established name and leadership for the immediate future, with its team now supported by the IP capabilities and resources of Brandsmiths.
London-based Brandsmiths has worked with clients including Microsoft, BMW and DAF Trucks.
Stephen Lowry, partner and head of trademarks, copyright and designs at Brandsmiths, said the firms’ combined portfolio included “significant international work, which means we will work closely with our foreign partners. We expect to work together more as the practice continues to grow”.
The timing of the acquisition is notable ahead of the International Trademark Association’s (INTA’s) annual meeting, which is taking place in London this year, from 2-6 May. Both teams will present an expanded UK IP capability to the international market.
Brandsmiths has acquired the UK business of Sipara only and has no plans to expand into the EU, the firm said. It will continue to use its existing relationships with local counsel for European matters.
Sipara co-founder, Kaye, commented: “We founded Sipara to provide commercially driven IP advice that supports clients’ business goals. Brandsmiths shares that ethos. Joining a firm with this level of ambition and specialist expertise means we can continue delivering the work we’re known for, backed by a broader platform that amplifies what we do best.”
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