Birmingham law firm to open in Manchester

BIRMINGHAM-based law firm Clarke Willmott is to open an office in Manchester.

The firm, which will open on November 1, said the expansion was part of a move to increase the number of its clients seeking intellectual property (IP) advice.

Chief executive Stephen Rosser said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Clarke Willmott as we are entering a new market and strengthening our national and international IP offering and client base.

“Our ambition is to become the firm of choice for IP outside of London and provide a cost effective, first class service.”

The Manchester office will be led by intellectual property specialist Roy Crozier who trained and practiced at the London office of global law firm Baker & McKenzie.

More recently, he has worked for Walker Morris and been head of intellectual property at JMW Solicitors since February 2008. His experience covers all aspects of contentious and non-contentious IP law and has particular focus on anti-counterfeiting.

He will lead the national IP practice alongside Paul Cox who is a partner in the IP practice at Clarke Willmott’s Southampton office.

The firm recently acted for Ben Collins – otherwise known as The Stig from BBC’s Top Gear – in his successful legal battle to publish his book against the TV channel’s wishes.

Mr Cox added: “Having Roy and his team join Clarke Willmott is a huge boost to our offering. Our work style and strengths compliment each other and we are delighted to be working together again.”

The firm also has operations in Bristol, London, Southampton and Taunton alongside its headquarters in Newhall Street, central Birmingham.