Expertise

Ian is a recognised expert in trade mark, designs, copyright and merchandising law, both in the UK and internationally, who has worked with leading brands from all sectors of the economy and has a particularly extensive following of media and entertainment businesses. The consummate litigator, he is valued by clients for his great communication skills, excellent judgement, creative thinking and for always going beyond the call of duty.

The perfect choice for novel contentious work, Ian Bartlett “is in his element when disputes ratchet up, giving him the opportunity to showcase his perfectly pitched advocacy” according to commentators. Having trained as a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn, his background in High Court litigation, coupled with 30 years’ experience of trade mark prosecution, make him much in demand for trade mark, copyright and design hearings before the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and Appointed Person. He also runs cases before EUIPO (the EU trade mark and designs office) and their Board of Appeal, and works on cases referred to the General Court.

Much of Ian’s work comes from large, well-known multinationals, including international publishers, major cosmetics brands, and some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. He also represents significant numbers of small businesses. His experience spans fields as diverse as accountancy, telecommunications infrastructure, domestic flooring, pharmaceuticals, price comparison websites and highway maintenance.

As well as prosecuting and enforcing his clients’ intellectual property rights, Ian also helps them to maintain and build their portfolios, providing practical, commercial, legal advice that is carefully tailored towards their individual interests. Responsive and tenacious, he is noted as being “brilliant at adjusting his advice to the unique circumstances of each client.”

Ian teaches on the tribunal practice module of the Chartered Trade Mark Attorney (CITMA) course at Nottingham Law School. He sits on The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys Council and also chairs CITMA’s Law & Practice Committee and its Litigation Working Group.

Recommendations

Ian is listed as a band one individual in Chambers & Partners 2023, noted as a key lawyer in The Legal 500 2023, and recommended as an IP Trade Mark Star by Managing Intellectual Property 2023 and as a global leader for trade marks in Who’s Who Legal 2022 and WIPR Leaders 2022 as well as being ranked in World Trademark Review 1000 2023.

According to CITMA Review, Issue 448, Ian is the 3rd most regularly instructed of all trade mark attorneys and solicitors before the UKIPO.

“Ian’s knowledge of the law and his business sense makes him an outstanding adviser. He is a great negotiator and he handles matters quickly and efficiently.”
World Trademark Review 1000 2023

“Ian Bartlett is a trusted adviser and is always a first port of call.”
Client testimonial, Chambers & Partners UK 2023

“Ian Bartlett has been a rock star for us. He has been immediately responsive with frank and extremely competent counsel and outstanding results. I cannot recommend his services enough.”
Client testimonial, Legal 500 UK 2023

“Ian Bartlett and Kashif Syed are creative, knowledgeable, flexible, and easy to get along with. They are always on the ball and their results are excellent.”
Client testimonial, Legal 500 UK 2023

“Ian is extremely good to work with – he gets on very well with clients and has a deep understanding of trademark and related law and process.”
World Trademark Review 1000 2022

“High reputation for trade marks all across Europe. Ian knows all the laws and the best practices. I have yet to find an issue or question that has stumped him, so I am very confident in his advice.”
Senior Intellectual Property Counsel, US-based manufacturing conglomerate

“Ian Bartlett looks after our work and is outstanding! Communication is excellent and often proactive, thus ensuring any statutory deadlines are always met. Basically, we are totally satisfied with all aspects of this firm’s operations.”
Client testimonial, Legal 500 UK 2022

“Ian Bartlett is very creative, thorough, and careful. He has assisted with tough problems through thinking of solutions that are not always the most obvious.”
Client testimonial, Legal 500 UK 2021

“Bartlett is in his element when disputes ratchet up, giving him the opportunity to showcase his perfectly pitched advocacy.”
World Trademark Review 1000 2021

“He is known for being ‘superb at gaining clients’ confidence, understanding their commercial needs, and exceeding expectations’.”
Legal 500 UK 2021

Awards

The Legal 500 UK, 2023, Individual

Ranked

Chambers, 2023 Ian Bartlett

WTR 1000

MIP IP Stars

WIPR Leaders, 2021