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Intellectual property dispute solicitors in Staffordshire and the West Midlands

 

Protect the brand, ideas and content your business has worked hard to build.

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Early advice usually means a quicker, cheaper outcome. Tell us what has happened and we will set out your options.

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Protect and enforce your intellectual property

Your brand, your designs, your content and your know-how are valuable business assets. When someone copies them, trades off your name or walks off with your confidential information, it can cost you customers, revenue and reputation. The aim is to stop the infringement quickly and protect what is yours.

We act for businesses across Lichfield, Cannock, Sutton Coldfield, Dudley and the wider West Midlands, both enforcing rights against others and defending businesses accused of infringement.

We focus on the commercial outcome, whether that is a firm letter that ends the problem or formal action where it is needed.

Make an enquiry

What our intellectual property solicitors can help with

From a copycat competitor to a former employee taking your know-how, we help you respond.

Trade mark infringement and passing off

Copyright infringement

Registered and unregistered design rights

Misuse of confidential information and trade secrets

Cease and desist letters

Defending infringement claims

Disputes over ownership of IP

Breach of licence and IP agreements

Domain name and online infringement

Employee and ex-employee misuse of IP

Settlement and undertakings

Court proceedings, including in the IPEC

Make a confidential enquiry

Tell us what has happened and we will put you in touch with the right person. 

How a dispute is resolved

 

Most disputes settle long before a courtroom. The courts actually expect both sides to try to resolve things first, so a structured, commercial approach is usually the fastest way to a result.

1

Early advice

We review the position, the evidence and your goals, then set out your options and the likely cost.

2

Letter before action

We set out your claim clearly to the other side, which often opens the door to settlement.

3

Negotiation

We try to agree a sensible outcome without proceedings, protecting your position throughout.

4

Mediation and ADR

Where it helps, a structured settlement process can resolve matters faster and at lower cost.

5

Issuing a claim

If settlement is not possible, we issue court proceedings and manage the case for you.

6

Resolution

The dispute ends in a negotiated settlement or, where it goes the distance, a court judgment.

How intellectual property disputes work

Intellectual property covers several different rights, including trade marks, copyright, designs and confidential information, and each is protected and enforced in its own way. Some rights need to be registered, such as trade marks and registered designs, while others, such as copyright and unregistered design right, arise automatically.

Many infringement problems are resolved with a well-judged cease and desist letter, setting out the right infringed and what needs to stop. Where that does not work, court action can include orders to stop the infringement, deliver up or destroy infringing goods, and pay damages or account for profits.

There is also a specialist court, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, designed to handle smaller IP claims more quickly and with controlled costs, which can make enforcement realistic for smaller businesses.

Key things you should know

  • Some IP rights must be registered to be enforced, such as trade marks and registered designs, while copyright and unregistered design right arise automatically.

  • A cease and desist letter resolves many infringement problems without the cost of court action.

  • The Intellectual Property Enterprise Court offers a faster, more cost-controlled route for smaller IP disputes.

  • Confidential information and trade secrets can be protected, but moving quickly is essential once a problem comes to light.

  • Acting fast matters, both to limit damage and to keep the strongest remedies available.

  • Good records of when and how you created or registered your IP make enforcement far easier.

Why getting the right advice matters, and why Ansons

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Commercial advice

We keep one eye on the outcome and the other on the cost, so the strategy always makes business sense.

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We aim to settle

Court is a tool, not the default. We push for the sensible outcome wherever we can.

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Experienced disputes team

A team that handles commercial disputes day in, day out.

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Plain English

Clear advice without the legal jargon, so you always know where you stand.

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Costs explained clearly

You will understand the likely cost and the options before you commit to anything.

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Local offices

Offices in Lichfield, Cannock, Sutton Coldfield and Dudley, with clients across the West Midlands.

Ready to talk to a dispute resolution solicitor?

Tell us about your dispute and we will explain your options before you commit to anything

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Frequently asked questions

Someone is copying my brand. What can I do?

If they are using a name, logo or branding similar to yours, you may have a claim for trade mark infringement or passing off. The first step is usually a cease and desist letter, and we will advise on the strength of your position and the best route.

Do I need to have registered my rights?

It depends on the right. Trade marks and registered designs need registration to give the strongest protection, but copyright and unregistered design right arise automatically. Either way, there is often action you can take.

What is passing off?

Passing off protects the goodwill in an unregistered brand. In broad terms, it stops a competitor presenting their goods or services in a way that misleads customers into thinking they are connected with you.

Your Dispute Resolution Team

Our Dispute Resolution team helps individuals and businesses deal with conflict quickly, proportionately and with as little stress as possible. From contract and property disputes to inheritance claims, neighbour issues and workplace disagreements, they focus on practical solutions, explaining your options clearly, weighing up risk and cost, and working towards the outcome that best protects your interests, whether through negotiation, mediation or the courts.

Latest Insights.

Explore Ansons Insights for the latest legal updates, case reviews, and practical advice from our team across commercial, property, family, and private client law.

Serving clients across Staffordshire and the West Midlands

 

Ansons has offices in Lichfield, Cannock, Sutton Coldfield and Dudley, supporting clients across the wider region including Tamworth, Burntwood, Rugeley, Walsall, Birmingham and beyond.

St Mary's Chambers, 5-7 Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LQ

T: 01543 263 456
E: info@ansons.law

Commerce House, Ridings Park, Eastern Way, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 7FJ

T: 01543 466 660
E: info@ansons.law

316-318 Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 2UG

T: 0121 716 3716
E: info@ansons.law

Unit 10, Castle Court 2, Castlegate Way, Dudley, DY1 4RH

T: 0121 550 0010
E: info@ansons.law

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Ansons Solicitors Limited (trading as Ansons Solicitors and Ansons) is a UK law firm registered in England and Wales as a limited liability company No. 09425410 whose registered office is at St Mary’s Chambers 5-7 Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LQ. Ansons Solicitors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA No. 627635.

A list of directors and their professional qualifications is available for inspection at the registered office. The term director in relation to Ansons Solicitors Limited is used to refer to a director of Ansons Solicitors Limited or an employee of equivalent standing and qualification.