Member Article

Niche law firm picks up a national leading industry award

A niche north-east law firm which specialises in advising clients on intellectual property matters (IP) has received the accolade of UK Leading IP Advisory of the Year from the ACQ Global Awards.

Jesmond-based McDaniel and Co, one of the only law firms in the region to have a dedicated IP team, is headed up by Niall Head-Rapson, who trained in the City of London and was involved in the first ever patent case held outside the City. The ‘City-styled but without City prices’ firm offers a full service in the area of IP law including trademark, patent, copyright and design matters.

Since 2008, the ACQ Global Awards have been celebrating achievement, innovation and brilliance in their annual awards. It is an independent nomination process with the award winners chosen by the industry itself. All category winners in the ACQ Global Awards 2014 represent this ethos.

Speaking about the award, a delighted Head-Rapson commented: “I am led to believe that the quality of this year’s entries was extremely high and a testament to the fact that the profession continues to innovate and deliver high-quality services even in economically challenging times, so it is all the more pleasing to have been recognised in this way.”

The McDaniel’s team continues to enjoy strong demand for its services from around the country and in the last year, has advised clients such as the heritage brand, Mathmos, which manufactures the original iconic lava lamp, Barbour, the luxury country wear fashion brand and Burgon & Ball, the Sheffield-based manufacturer of high quality agricultural and gardening tools.

Head-Rapson is also a panel member of ACID (Anti Copying in Design), the national membership trade organisation created by designers for designers who uphold the value of original design: McDaniel & Co is one of only two law firms in England to originally acquire this accreditation.

Head-Rapson sits on ACID’s advice panel as its IP Doctor, a role which has provided unparalleled insight into the challenges of dealing with intellectual property issues and design matters in the fast paced commercial and retailing world.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rosie Bellerby .