Copyright protects your and your business’ original creations. This can include anything from software you have developed, to your goods, to your content in print or online. These rights do not need to be registered – the protection arises automatically, as do the rights.

Design rights are equally broad. They can be either registered or unregistered and the scope of protection depends on the features of the design that you’re protecting.

We have years of experience in working with large multinationals as well as smaller business to protect and enforce their copyright and designs.

At Brandsmiths, we have industry-leaders in copyright litigation, with a significant number cases reported in the UK High Court and IPEC. We also won IPEC Firm of the Year in 2023 at the Managing IP Awards.

We frequently represent clients on copyright disputes before the UK Intellectual Property Office, High Court, Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, as well as the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

We also work with brands to licence and monetise their IP rights. You can learn more about our IP licensing practice here – link to IP contracts section.

Some of our cases:

Peppa Pig
Brandsmiths is acting for the owners of rights of the household name cartoon Peppa Pig. The case is a multi-jurisdictional copyright case against a lookalike cartoon, Wolfoo.

Only Fools & Horses
This was the first case of its kind which established that copyright could exist in a fictional character and the first case in the UK to consider the defences or parody or pastiche.

Aga
Brandsmiths are currently awaiting for judgment for a case against Aga, the well known kitchen and oven brand. This case explored the issue around functional copyright works and Section 51 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act.

Vapes
Brandsmiths are currently defending allegations of registered design infringement in respect of the appearance of a vape. This case is ongoing.

Schuh
We are acting for the well-known shoe retailer in relation to the design of a number of women’s boots.


As technology develops, copyright, designs, and related rights have become more and more important to businesses and sometimes more and more complex to define and enforce. In an age of digitalisation, where the creation of new technologies, products, services, and content is easier than ever before, speak to our specialist lawyers about what you can protect and how you can enforce your rights.

Contact us to explore how we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs.