Chris McLeod Director of Trade Marks

Chris McLeod is the director of trade marks based in Squire Sanders' London office.  He has over twenty years’ experience in the field and his particular expertise covers advice in relation to all aspects of trade marks from pre-filing searches and clearance, through filing and prosecution, to post-registration matters and third-party conflicts.  He also advises in relation to registered and unregistered designs and copyright.

He was described by the 2008 edition of The Legal 500 UK as “clear, excellent” and ”rarely unavailable”. He is also listed in the 2011 edition of The Legal 500 UK. Chris is a WTR 1000 2012 Recommended Individual and is praised for being a "very capable and committed lawyer who has established a well-regarded and varied practice".

He is second vice-president of the Council (board of directors) of the UK Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) and sits on several of its committees.  He is an active member of INTA and the Pharmaceutical Trade Marks Group (PTMG). 

He is a regular contributor to the ITMA Review, Intellectual Property World Magazine, Entertainment Law Review and EIPR (European Intellectual Property Review).  He is a listed contributor to WTR Daily and a frequent contributor to World Trademark Review.  He provides free trade mark advice to members of the public as part of the ITMA clinics which are hosted by the UK Intellectual Property Office.

Chris’ practice covers a very wide range of clients, including motor racing, high fashion, homewares, brewing, mineral water, engineering, games software, gaming, recycling, communications, utilities, financial services, advertising and branding.

Representative Experience

• Clearance and registration of trade marks and designs prior to recent launch of ISKLAR mineral water.
• Strategic advice in relation to rebranding of global hotel chain.
• Representation of Formula One motor racing in relation to trade mark registration and disputes.
• Clearance and registration of BLINK and related trade marks in relation to “air taxi” private jet service.
• Ongoing IP advice to clients such as Champneys, Late Rooms, Panasonic and Theakston’s.