Richard is a Partner in Osborne Clarke’s intellectual property team. He is an expert in all aspects of brand protection and IP disputes, with an emphasis on trademarks, copyright and designs, covering various sectors with a focus on tech, gaming, retail and life sciences.
Richard is a dual qualified solicitor and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and has a unique blend of in-house (British American Tobacco, Diageo and B&Q) and private practice (boutique IP and full service law firm) experience, which gives him a real client-focused edge. He offers a genuinely integrated brand protection and IP disputes practice, combining the management of large global portfolios with representing clients in the High Court, IPEC, UKIPO and EUIPO. He has expertise in obtaining protection in difficult markets such as China, Russia and the Middle East.
Richard May is knowledgeable, always available and always up to date with our portfolio. He recently represented us at the UKIPO against a huge third party. His handling of the matter and his performance at the hearing was exemplary and we won on all grounds, together with a costs award.
Richard May is aggressive and smart.
Helping you succeed in tomorrow's world
As an OC Social Mobility Ambassador, I have a keen interest in creating opportunities and exploring barriers in the legal profession to help everyone with an interest in law thrive.
Shell
Represented Shell in a trade mark dispute over the term Shell Go+. Read more.
PA Consulting
Represented PA Consulting in a trade mark dispute over the tag line Bringing Ingenuity to Life. Read more.
BNP Best Natural Products
Represented BNP Best Natural Products against the Indian government in a trade mark dispute over the Khadi cosmetics brand. Read more.
Insights
App stores warned as Samsung found liable for third-party content
The UK High Court denies the eCommerce Directive 'safe harbour' defence in decision on infringing third-party apps
Court of Appeal says overseas online sales of trade marked goods to UK consumers is infringement
IP basics: what to think about when entering the UK and EU markets (trade marks, copyright, designs)
Russia Retaliates Against Sanctions by Curtailing Foreign Owners’ IP rights
The Russian government has responded to western sanctions with new legislation designed to undermine the intellectual property (IP) rights of...
General Court confirms UK trade marks can still be asserted in EUIPO proceedings against EUTMs filed before Brexit
Russia retaliates against sanctions by curtailing foreign owners' IP rights
Vagisil versus Vagisan and prefixes: takeaways for healthcare brand owners
High Court provides clarity for brand owners on interpreting Brexit-related legislation
EUIPO trade mark decision makes protection for medical devices harder to achieve
Skykick: Court of Appeal endorses broad terms and clarifies the scope of bad faith
Ruling confirms that brand owners can continue to rely on broad terms and a lack of intention to use is...
Monopoly: General Court narrows Hasbro's trade mark protection and vetoes evergreening
Ruling confirms that brand owners who, without good reason, have re-filed a trade mark that is already protected, are likely...
Retail brands during lockdown: the winners and losers
Which brands and areas of retail will emerge from the Covid-19 crisis ahead and which will have fallen behind?