Anti Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting, piracy and other breaches of intellectual property rights in the EU are on the rise.  The European Commission Report on EU Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights 2010 found that the number of cases of goods suspected of infringing intellectual property rights in the EU almost doubled (to 79,112) in 2010.

Our Intellectual Property department offers a comprehensive solution to cover every need in this area, including:

  • Advising on internal client policy and procedures
  • Working with private investigators to carry out test purchases
  • Liaising with members of An Garda Síochána (Irish Police) at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Customs Division of the International and Trade Security Branch.
  • Customs watching
  • Applying for and executing search and seizure orders and all other civil and criminal remedies
  • Prosecution and litigation matters

We are focused on delivering results including by working with the authorities and via dispute resolution, whether by arbitration, mediation or in the Courts.  Our commitment to providing clients with an unrivalled intellectual property professional service has seen us recognised by Managing Intellectual Property as Irish Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year 2011.

We act for major domestic and international clients in all sectors.  Recent matters include acting for:

Abercrombie & Fitch, in assisting Garda (Irish Police) raids of premises warehousing/selling infringing products as well as advising on and assisting in civil actions.

Jacob Fruitfield Foods Limited, on the issue of parallel imports and infringements of its leading brands including, FIG ROLLS and MIKADO from the UK and Northern Ireland and the consequent enforcement of its rights. 

Jacob Fruitfield Foods Limited, District Court applications for and executing search and seizures orders.

Gowan Group (Kitchen Accessories Limited), on parallel importation and effecting customs watch procedures.

Members of our Intellectual Property department have acted on anti counterfeiting matters for leading domestic and international clients such as Microsoft, Nike, Adidas, Levi Straus, Reebok, Harley Davidson, Calvin Klein, Manchester United, Callaway, Pepe, Tommy Hilfiger and Doc Martens for over 15 years.

We are consistently ranked as one of the leading Intellectual Property law firms in Ireland.

Department

Irish Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year 2011 - Managing Intellectual Property.

William Fry is ‘head and shoulders above the rest’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2011

Clients are always delighted with the high standard of work that the firm provides, saying: 'You can see why a judge would be impressed with William Fry. Its work is always well researched and cleverly set out'.
Chambers Europe, 2011

'……this firm’s excellent IP practice represents the best in Ireland'.
Chambers Europe, 2010

'William Fry boasts invaluable expertise in patent litigation, speedy reaction times and excellent commercial care'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010

'There was no needless bureaucracy and there were no issues with red tape'.
Chambers Europe, 2009

'Communicative and responsive team'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2009

Team

Carol Plunkett
'Carol Plunkett complements her reputation as one of the leading IP litigators in the market with a substantial regulatory practice, and comes highly recommended by her clients.'
Chambers Global, 2012

Carol Plunkett is ‘a leader in IP enforcement, with a caring touch’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2011

Lead litigator Carol Plunkett is hailed as 'a leader and pioneer in IP in Ireland for many years'. She is credited as having 'excellent industry and legal knowledge' and is widely praised for her pragmatic approach.
Chambers Europe, 2011

'Carol Plunkett is considered a go-to-lawyer for IP because her relaxed approach sets her apart; she secures results in a seemingly stress-free way'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010

'a long-time leading light on IP matters', 'extremely smart and client-focused'.
Chambers Europe, 2010

Carol is ‘unanimously described as “a leading light”'.
Chambers Global, 2010

'William Fry fields an all-round IP specialist in contentious expert Carol Plunkett'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2009

“She knows the industry inside-out and has a great, user-friendly style”.
Chambers Europe, 2009

David Cullen

David Cullen is ‘one of the best in the business’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012

David Cullen has ‘surgical trademark prosecution skills'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2011

'David Cullen is praised as outstanding'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010

'…approachable, pragmatic lawyer with strong commercial acumen'.
Chambers Europe, 2010

'…excellent'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2009

'He managed to steer us through a minefield of issues and…has a great strategic sense'.
Chambers Europe, 2009

Leo Moore

'Leo Moore is building an active practice in IT and IP'.  He garners praise from clients for 'his grasp of technical issues, as well as his efficient and responsive manner'. 
Chambers Europe, 2011

Ann Henry

The 'innovative and determined’ Ann Henry is recommended.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012

Ann Henry is recommended as a ‘leading lawyer’ in Intellectual Property Law in Ireland.
European Legal Experts, 2011

Recommended as a 'leading lawyer' for Intellectual Property in Ireland.
European Legal Experts, 2010