William Fry boasts Ireland’s leading Intellectual Property Group with dedicated Intellectual Property lawyers dealing on a full time basis with contentious and non-contentious cases for clients. The Intellectual Property team prides itself on its expertise and experience. The Firm’s commitment to Intellectual Property as a core practice area is recognised internationally with William Fry being consistently ranked as Ireland’s premier law firm in the area.
The Firm’s reputation in this field is evidenced by its experience. Whether in contentious or non-contentious matters it has represented clients in all key Intellectual Property deals and reported case law over the last five years.
Areas of Expertise Include:
- Patents
- Trade Marks
- Passing Off
- Copyright
- Designs
- Databases
- Confidentiality Agreements
- Franchising Agreements
- Licensing and Royalty Agreements
- Agency, Distribution and Merchandising Agreements
We are assertive and solution oriented in the boardroom and in dispute resolution, whether by arbitration, mediation or in the Courts. Our commitment to providing clients with an unrivalled professional service has made us Ireland’s leading practitioners in Intellectual Property. Our focus is always on delivering results for the client.
We act for major domestic and international clients in all sectors. Including:-
Jacob Fruitfield Foods Limited, in the protection of its Trade Marks and goodwill attached to its brand.
Aloys Wobben (Enercon), one of the world’s leading wind energy companies in patent litigation arising from various patents protecting its wind turbine design.
Pfizer, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, in patent litigation regarding the world’s largest selling drug Lipitor.
Keelings, one of Europe’s largest fruit and vegetable distributors, on the proceedings relating to the Plant Breeders’ Regulations.
Red Bull on the protection of its brand identity.
Aviva on intellectual property issues arising from the launch of the new Aviva Stadium website.
Nintendo, the world renowned provider of electronic gaming, on copyright matters relating to protection defeating devices.
Biancamed, a university spin-out company (now partnered with IBM), with patented technology in innovative health solutions including contact-free monitoring of heart and breathing.
IKEA on matters relating to its launch in Ireland, including all brand and marketing matters for its launch here.
The K Club, the internationally renowned Hotel and Country Club and former host of the Ryder Cup, on the licensing and exploitation arrangements relating to its trade mark.
Astra Zeneca on patent infringement actions relating to Nexium.
We are consistently ranked as one of the leading Intellectual Property law firms in Ireland.
Department
William Fry ranked "Tier 1" as a leading intellectual property law firm in Ireland for contentious patent lawsuits.
Managing Intellectual Property Patent Survey 2012
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
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