Welcome to my web site
I am head and founder of NIPC Law.
I was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln's Inn in July 1977.
For most of my career I have practised intellectual property, information
technology, media and entertainment and competition law in the North of
England. I specialize in helping start-ups and other small businesses
protect and exploit their investment in brands, design, technology and
creative works ("intellectual assets").
SME (small and medium enterprises) need intellectual property (or legal
protection for their intellectual assets) at least as much as multinationals
but their means are much more limited. Using the law to maximum advantage
for such clients requires special skills and knowledge that have taken me
years to learn. The priority is to keep out of litigation as much as
possible. Consequently, most of my work tends to be advice and
drafting nowadays rather than court work.
When a dispute does arise I try to settle it early through negotiation or
mediation. If that does not work I look for fast and inexpensive procedures
such as the UDRP for domain name disputes or seeking an advisory opinion on
whether a patent is valid or infringed from the IP Office rather than
litigation.
However, where an interim injunction, security for costs, summary judgment
or some other remedy is needed and there is a good chance of getting it
quickly and cheaply I don't hang around. My services are not limited to
appearing in court and presenting my case. I guide my solicitor or other
litigator every step of the way. I prepare the paperwork specifying the
information and documents I need. I prepare skeleton arguments. I advise on
bundles and get them to court on time. I keep the client and insurer as well
as their solicitor fully informed as to what is happening. I tell them what
is likely to happen next In other words, I make it as easy for a
nervous client as anyone possibly can.
You can come to me directly for most types of work or through a solicitor,
patent or trade mark attorney or other professional intermediary, if you
prefer. I give up to 2 hours of my time free of charge at IP clinics between
10:00 and 12:00 on the first Wednesday of the month at Halifax, between
15:00 and 17:00 on the third Thursday in Bradford and between 09:00 and
11:00 on the last Friday.
Some of my advisory and drafting services are
funded by
Bradford KickStart. I have also achieved full Quality Assured Standard
from YHSuppliers and EMDA and can therefore accept vouchers from
Business
Link Yorkshire and
Business Link East Midlands.
If you are without funding you may find my hourly rate to be higher than most other local
lawyers but I am told that my bottom
line usually works out lower because I am not on a learning curve and can
work quickly and accurately. I also allow an automatic 40% discount on my
normal hourly rate for start-ups and 25% for businesses with less than £1
million a year turnover. Complete the
estimate request form if
you would like an idea of fees.
I also mediate, arbitrate and adjudicate other intellectual property and
information technology disputes. I am a member of the WIPO, Consensus
Mediation, NCC and of course NIPC arbitration and mediation panels.
For more information, see my
FAQ.
