Business Details
21 Years
experience
Specialist Intellectual Property Lawyers in Gateshead
At McDaniels Law, we are dedicated to protecting intellectual property with meticulous attention to detail. Established in 2005 by Niall and Rozanna Head-Rapson, our firm has grown to become a trusted partner for businesses seeking robust IP protection. In 2023, Kelly Hudson assumed leadership, building on our legacy of excellence. Our team combines legal expertise with technical understanding, serving clients across the UK and internationally from our head office in Gateshead and a satellite office in the North West. We specialise in all aspects of intellectual property law, including design rights, trademarks, patents, and copyright, with a proven track record in high-profile cases. Our approach is client-centric, offering tailored strategies to safeguard innovations and brands.With graduate-level scientists on staff and dual-qualified chartered trade mark attorneys, we bridge legal and technical complexities seamlessly. Our experience spans advertising, art and design, creative industries, furniture, online media, science, and fashion sectors. We provide cradle-to-grave advice, from initial concept protection to dispute resolution, ensuring comprehensive IP management. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our work with leading furniture designers, fashion brands, and technology innovators, addressing challenges from counterfeiting to international brand protection.
Services
Design Rights Protection
Trademark Registration
Patent Applications
Copyright Enforcement
Brand Management
Anti-Counterfeiting
Dispute Resolution
IP Audits
Online Infringement
Licensing Agreements
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We have 18 years of specialist IP law experience since 2005
- Our team includes dual-qualified chartered trade mark attorneys
- Proven success in high-value IP disputes and reported court cases
- Graduate-level scientists provide technical expertise in science sectors
- International network ensures global trademark protection coverage
Services
Trademark Registration
We specialise in trademark registration and brand management, ensuring your business identity remains protected from infringement. Our services include brand audits, international registration through our global network, and enforcement against unauthorised use. With expertise in domain name challenges and court proceedings, we provide comprehensive brand protection strategies tailored to your market position.
Patent Applications
Our patent specialists guide clients through the complete invention protection process, from initial concept assessment to application filing. We handle technical complexities across science and engineering sectors, ensuring your innovations receive maximum legal protection. Our dual-qualified attorneys combine legal expertise with technical understanding to navigate UKIPO and EUIPO procedures effectively.
Design Rights
We protect your product designs through registered design rights and unregistered design protection strategies. Our services cover design audits, infringement assessments, and licensing arrangements. With experience in furniture and fashion sectors, we address both domestic and international design protection needs, including anti-counterfeiting measures for manufactured goods.
Copyright Enforcement
Our copyright specialists protect artistic, literary, and digital works through strategic enforcement and licensing arrangements. We handle disputes involving software, film, photography, and written content, offering practical solutions for creators and commercial users. Our team manages take-down notices, licensing negotiations, and litigation in traditional and digital media contexts.
Dispute Resolution
We resolve intellectual property disputes through negotiation, mediation, and court proceedings. Our track record includes high-profile cases in trademark infringement, patent disputes, and design right violations. With experience in interim injunctions and international enforcement, we deliver practical solutions to protect clients' commercial interests while minimising business disruption.
People
Kelly Hudson
Managing Director, Solicitor and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney
Kelly leads our IP practice with dual qualifications in law and trademark management. With extensive experience in brand protection and international trademark registration, she provides strategic IP guidance to businesses across creative industries and technology sectors.
Niall Head-Rapson
Consultant
Founding partner Niall established our IP practice in 2005 after Magic Circle experience. He continues advising on complex IP matters, leveraging his expertise in trademark litigation and brand management for national and international clients.
Seb Reece
Solicitor
Seb specialises in copyright and design right protection, assisting clients with infringement claims and licensing agreements. His practice focuses on creative industries, providing practical solutions for artists, designers, and digital content creators.
Luke Gwillym
Solicitor
Luke handles patent and trademark disputes, with particular expertise in science and engineering sectors. He advises on IP strategy and enforcement, supporting technology companies to protect their innovations through tailored legal solutions.
Molly Potts
Solicitor
Molly focuses on brand management and anti-counterfeiting strategies. She works with fashion and retail clients to protect trademarks and designs, implementing enforcement programs against online and physical infringement activities.
Questions
What areas of intellectual property do you specialise in?
We specialise in trademarks, patents, design rights, copyright, brand management, and anti-counterfeiting strategies across creative industries and technology sectors.
How do you handle international IP protection?
Our global network enables trademark registration and enforcement in multiple jurisdictions, with specific expertise in coordinating international brand protection programs.
Can you assist with urgent IP disputes?
Yes, we regularly obtain interim injunctions and provide emergency response for IP infringement cases to protect clients' commercial interests.
What experience do you have in court proceedings?
We have extensive litigation experience, including High Court cases and reported decisions in trademark, patent, and design right disputes since 2005.
How do you protect online intellectual property?
We monitor and enforce IP rights across digital platforms, handling domain name disputes, website take-downs, and social media infringement cases effectively.
Do you work with startups and established businesses?
Yes, we support businesses at all stages from concept development through to mature brand management, adapting our services to different growth phases.
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