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Iain is head of our trade marks group. He handles all aspects of trade mark work, with a particular focus on trade mark strategy and counselling, anti-counterfeiting and dispute resolution. Iain's focus on contentious matters is reflected in his appointment as Principal Editor of the INTA International Trade Mark Opposition Guide. He has extensive experience in worldwide portfolio management and multi-jurisdictional disputes. Iain is routinely sought out to coordinate work across the European region and further afield. Clients appreciate his hands-on, creative, and pragmatic approach to strategic issues.
 
Iain has extensive experience of handling other contentious matters, such as domain name disputes, company name disputes, and social media take downs. He also regularly advises on the protection of registered designs, both in the traditional sense of product shape and configuration and also in respect of the interplay with trade marks.
 
His clients range from SMEs through to blue-chip multinational corporations, which are involved in all manner of business activities.

'IP Star' for Trade Marks - Managing IP, IP Stars, 2024

Ranked as a Global Leader: Private Practice - WTR 1000, 2024

‘The extremely experienced and pragmatic Iain Stewart is always a pleasure to deal with. He has managed a large number of opposition proceedings and invalidity actions for the likes of BlackBerry, who benefit immeasurably from Stewart’s expertise and attention to detail when gathering evidence.’ - WTR 1000, 2024

"Iain Stewart and his team are phenomenal. They are a go-to team for all trade mark prosecution and enforcement matters in the EU and UK. Clients appreciate their responsiveness, their consideration of business concerns, and their ability to present holistic solutions to issues." - The Legal 500, 2023

Iain has been recognised as one of the 'Global Leaders' within the trade mark practice in the 2023 edition of WTR Global Leaders.

“Iain is my go-to attorney in the UK and EU for both contentious and non-contentious matters. I can say with confidence that he is my most consistently effective foreign associate worldwide. Iain is pragmatic, creative and a joy to work with on difficult problems. He is a cut above the rest.” - WTR 1000, 2023 

Managing IP has acknowledged Iain as an ‘IP Star’ for Trade marks in their 2022 and 2021 IP Stars Handbooks.

Iain has been recognised as one of the 'Global Leaders' within the trade mark practice in the 2022 edition of WTR Global Leaders.

Iain Stewart is praised for his knowledge “on all aspects of trade mark prosecution; while multi-jurisdictional oppositions and disputes also fall within his wheelhouse”. Stewart’s client feedback speaks for itself: “Iain is one of the most competent attorneys I have had the pleasure of working with.” - World Trademark Review, 2022

Iain has been ranked in the top tier of UK individuals for ‘prosecution and strategy’ in The World Trade Mark Review's WTR 1000 for several years running and has received a number of recommendations:

“He is genuinely brilliant, both at managing complex portfolios and at fighting office actions.” “Thorough, professional and tenacious, the quality of his advice is always good – a premier UK and EU trademark attorney.” - WTR 1000, 2020

“It is imperative for us to have creative, unique and solid recommendations from a professional who can provide unfailing advice in a foreign market. Iain is this individual. Responsive, ingenious and compelling, he has helped us to register marks we thought would be impossible.” - WTR 1000, 2020
 
“He is nothing short of a powerhouse of ideas on how to succeed before the UK trademark office. Our number-one, favourite attorney worldwide.” - WTR 1000, 2020

“He is the absolute best of the best for global strategy. He leads a high-calibre team cast in his own image – a true star.” - WTR 1000, 2020

''Iain is easy to partner with thanks to his practical and commercial approach. He is generous with his time and is always looking for ways to add value.” As one US associate proffers: “Iain is the best barometer for how things may go in Europe, and just generally in the world; he is great to use as a strategic sounding board when you’re making big global decisions. He has an excellent and sophisticated sense of humour too.'' - WTR 1000, 2019

Iain is also recommended by Chambers and Partners 2018, as a trade mark and designs specialist with a client list comprising international household-name brands. 

Iain is described a "key figure" by The Legal 500, 2018. 

The Legal 500, 2017 notes that Iain Stewart is "particularly experienced in handling trade mark opposition and dispute resolution" and comments on his skill with "trade mark portfolio management." 

WTR 1000, 2017 notes that "virtually no other trademark professional gets as much – or as positive – feedback as Iain Stewart." Quoting clients, the publication highlights his "to-the-point, business-focused advice" that is informed by "strong written and verbal communication skills and exceptional knowledge of all issues relating to European and UK trademark practice."

Chambers and Partners, 2017 quotes sources saying "He is very responsive and always tries to find creative responses to technical issues."

WTR 1000, 2016, awarding Iain top tier status, commented: "commercially switched on and practical", Iain Stewart "offers solutions based not only on what you can do under the letter of the law, but also on what would suit your business. He won’t incur any unnecessary costs. He is a senior guy, but someone who is easy to talk with; an excellent communicator, he always keeps calm and never gets frazzled."

Iain Stewart is highly regarded for his work concerning trade marks and industrial designs. One source says: "He is always a first-choice strategist to tackle global problems that have a UK or EU angle and has all the best traits - a creative mind, a strong work ethic and a sense of humour." – Chambers and Partners, 2016

Iain Stewart is ‘the crème de la crème of EU trade mark lawyers’, and is ‘always a first-choice strategist to tackle global problems that have a UK or EU angle’. ­– The Legal 500, 2015

Managing IP has recognised Iain as an 'IP Star' for Trade Marks in their 2014, 2015 and 2016 IP Stars guides.

"Iain Stewart is hailed for his 'excellent creative and strategic advice'; his aptitude for oppositions in particular is showcased in his contributions to INTA’s International Trademark Oppositions Guide, although he also excels at anti-counterfeiting and the negotiation of co-existence agreements." - The World Trade Mark Review's WTR 1000, 2015

Iain is part of our "‘impressive' trade mark practice which had a strong year on both the transactional and opposition fronts" - The Legal 500, 2014. He has also been 'recommended' individually.

"'The wonderfully creative' Iain Stewart is a key figure in prosecution and enforcement."– The World Trade Mark Review's WTR 1000, 2014

"Iain Stewart is equally popular for his 'creative, outside-of-the-box advice', and comes recommended by his peers, who appreciate his ability to team with brand owners and other advisors." – The World Trade Mark Review's WTR 1000, 2013

Qualifications

Chartered Trade Mark Attorney (UK)
IP Litigator - Trade Mark
PhD - University of Edinburgh
MA Hons - University of Dundee

Memberships

International Trademark Association (INTA)
The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA)
Pharmaceutical Trade Marks Groups (PTMG)
UNION - Union Trade Mark Commission