Expertise

Known for his broad ranging expertise and practical advice, Duncan handles all aspects of trade mark and design work, from advising before applications are filed, right through to registration and enforcement before both the IPO and the courts. He serves clients in a variety of industries, from software developers, fashion designers and musicians, through to medical suppliers and computer manufacturers, regularly handling opposition, revocation and invalidity actions as well as infringement proceedings.

Duncan is a senior trade mark attorney with over ten years’ post-qualification experience. In addition to providing a full range of attorney services, he is also a qualified IP Litigator with enhanced rights of audience before the High Court, allowing him to offer clients a more comprehensive and rounded service. He regularly handles opposition, revocation and invalidity actions in relation to trade marks, and advises on the infringement and enforceability of both registered and unregistered trade marks and designs in the UK and EU.

Alongside enforcement work, and the day-to-day filing and prosecuting of trade mark and design applications, Duncan has extensive experience of negotiating and drafting settlements in a wide range of intellectual property disputes. He also regularly drafts and advises on licences, assignments and other commercial IP transactions.

Duncan has represented a wide range of clients, including manufacturers and developers of computer software and hardware, publishers, clothing designers, bathroom manufacturers, medical suppliers, and some of the most famous names in the music industry. He has an extensive client portfolio, ranging from international companies to small start-ups and sole traders, who appreciate his “thorough, comprehensive analysis of complex legal problems” approachability, technical skill and “practical advice”.

While the majority of his work is in the field of trade marks, Duncan has a growing practice in copyright, as well as in registered and unregistered designs law. Alongside his extensive practice in the field of UK designs, Duncan is an expert in prosecuting International design applications under the Hague Agreement through the World Intellectual Property Office in Geneva.

Within Beck Greener, Duncan is responsible for coordinating IP News and updates, and regularly writes articles on all aspects of trade mark and design law around the world.

Recommendations

Duncan is recommended in both The Legal 500 UK 2024 and World Trademark Review 1000 2023.

“Ian Bartlett and Duncan Morgan are strategic problem solvers that know how to win when winning is what’s most important and otherwise know how to reach positive solutions for clients.” Client testimonial, Legal 500 UK 2024

“Duncan is extremely knowledgeable, responsive and pleasant to deal with.”
World Trademark Review 1000 2023

“Duncan Morgan is simply tremendous. He knows his subject inside and out, and has the ability (and willingness) to explain matters in simple terms to our non-legal colleagues. Nothing is ever too much trouble. We are happy to leave all our trade mark requirements in his very capable hands.”
Client testimonial, The Legal 500 UK 2023

“Duncan Morgan is always available and has extensive knowledge of trade mark law and practice. He regularly takes calls from us on short notice, and is able to utilise his extensive knowledge and understanding of our business to provide us with expert advice within the short deadlines we give him.”
Client testimonial, The Legal 500 UK 2023

“Duncan Morgan has provided us with comprehensive, yet practical advice on a wide range of matters, including contentious work. He has the ability to work at speed when necessary and is easily approachable. Managing intellectual property requires a uniform approach as it can be all-consuming, Duncan understands this clearly and tempers his recommendations to ensure that protection is given without unreasonable expense.”
Client testimonial, The Legal 500 UK 2023

“In addition to being a qualified trademark attorney, Morgan benefits from qualification as an IP litigator and enhanced rights of audience before the High Court. His clients include not only some of the biggest stars in music, but also everyone from software developers to publishers and fashion houses; and he also has a growing copyright practice.”
World Trademark Review 2022

“Managing intellectual property requires a uniform approach as it can be all-consuming, Duncan understands this clearly and tempers his recommendations to ensure that protection is given without unreasonable expense.”
Client testimonial, Legal 500 2022

“Duncan is noted for his “responsive, timely, swift and efficient service.”
Client testimonial, World Trademark Review 1000 2021

Awards

The Legal 500 UK, 2024, Recommended Lawyer

WTR 1000

Career

Duncan trained and qualified at Beck Greener between 2008 and 2011. In 2014 he went on to pass the Intellectual Property Litigation and Advocacy course at Nottingham Law School in 2014, gaining enhanced rights to conduct IP litigation in the UK courts.