Eversheds Sutherland’s UK Branding Group joins Konexo

Konexo UK, a division of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, has strengthened its client offering with the transfer of the firm’s UK Branding Group to its practice.

Previously part of Eversheds Sutherland’s Corporate and Commercial capability, the eight-strong team, headed by Legal Director Kate Ellis, comprises specialist trade mark and design lawyers, attorneys and paralegals. The team provides a dedicated service and acts as ‘one stop shop’ for clients throughout the full lifecycle of a brand.

In addition to trade mark and design portfolio management services, the UK Branding Group, advises on clearance search strategies, international filing strategies and the subsequent exploitation and protection of those brands around the world.

Graham Richardson, Head of Konexo, said:

“Kate’s leadership and her experienced team is a key part of our strategy as we broaden our expertise and enhance our presence in the market. We see a number of synergies between Eversheds Sutherland’s IP practice and Konexo, especially in delivering innovation and technology-driven solutions for our clients.”

Kate Ellis, said:

“I am thrilled to be joining the Konexo team, an exciting and ambitious part of the business. The collaboration between the two teams will be a huge benefit to our clients and I look forward to combined growth.”

Pete Pappas, Global Co-Head IP, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“Konexo provides the power for Eversheds Sutherland’ Global IP practice to provide our clients comprehensive global IP solutions even more efficiently.”

Thera Adam van Straaten, Global Co-Head IP, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“It’s a great move for the UK Branding Group and enhances Eversheds Sutherland global IP practice.  I look forward to working closely with Kate and the team in Konexo.”

Since its launch in 2019, Konexo has seen a significant period of growth and investment including:

• Cutting-edge technology: launched the Konexo Hub, a legal-tech-based portal designed to support in-house counsel
• Strategic hires: Babar Hayat, Head of Technology and Transformation; Brett Aubin, Managing Director, Regulatory Response; and Trystan Richards, Legal Services Director
• International footprint: a managed service centre opened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and we now offer interim legal resourcing in Singapore (in each case through our unregulated subsidiaries), with a presence already in Hong Kong and Singapore. Konexo also launched in the US through Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP.