Felicity Hide

My practice focuses primarily around dispute resolution, handling conflicts before the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), and settlement agreements. I’m experienced in preparing evidence if an amicable resolution can’t be reached, and in providing submissions to the Trade Mark Registry.

I advise on the clearance process around the selection of marks, including the search work and related activities around clearing one for use, such as revocations, invalidity applications, domain name disputes and co-existence agreements. I aim to ensure that my clients’ rights are strong enough so that they don’t have to go to court at all. However, when it is necessary, I want my client to be in a position to win through a combination of the right portfolio and the approach I’ve taken.

I participate in the interview process for new candidates: one of the things I enjoy most is making sure we hire good people and allow them to develop to their maximum potential. I’m also heavily involved in training fee earners of all levels, from starters right up even to discussions with partners. The training aspect is probably the most rewarding area of my job.

My involvement in training means I have exposure to a wide range of cases and matters the firm handles from inception, say a cost estimate for a new client, to a dispute for an established client which might end up in court.

I’ve been involved in chairing an external provider’s conference directed at administrators, which is a particular area of interest because having good support staff makes such a difference to fee earners.

I was delighted to be recognised as one of the Top 250 Women in IP by IP Stars, and especially pleased to be shortlisted as one of twelve for the ‘Practitioner of the Year’ award by ManagingIP.

“I aim to ensure that my clients’ rights are strong enough so that they don’t have to go to court at all. However, when it is necessary, I want my client to be in a position to win through a combination of the rights portfolio and the approach I’ve taken.”