South West lawyers in Hong Kong mission

Two lawyers from a leading South West law firm will fly the flag for the region at a major international trade marks event in Hong Kong in May.

Ben Travers and Tom Moore, from the intellectual property and information technology law (IP & IT) team at Stephens Scown LLP will attend the International Trade Mark Association annual meeting – the biggest international trade mark event of the year.

Taking place in Hong Kong from 10-14 May, the event sees over 8,500 attendees from 140 countries gather to discuss the latest developments in this fast moving area of law. Attendees will include intellectual property professionals, government officials and businesses from around the world.

Ben Travers, partner and head of IP & IT at Stephens Scown said: “Anyone who is anyone in the IP world will be attending this key event. We are proud to be the only law firm from the South West attending and it is a privilege to represent the region. Intellectual property law is growing in importance as businesses recognise the need to protect and exploit their designs, products and brand.

“This is the first time the International Trade Mark Association has held its annual meeting in Hong Kong, which is very significant. As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, there are many opportunities for ambitious firms like ours to do business in Asia.

“Many of our clients are growing overseas, with connections in China. This trip gives us the opportunity to help our clients as they grow in this market.”

Stephens Scown set up its IP & IT team in April 2012. Since then the team has grown from strength to strength attracting over 100 clients and growing to three staff, with further expansion in the pipeline. Ben Travers who heads up the team was recognised as a leader in his field by independent guides to the law Chambers 2014 and Legal 500 and has recently been promoted to partner.

Stephens Scown offers a free IP MOT to businesses who want to ensure that they are complying with the complex regulations in this area. This covers trademarks, intellectual property protection, data protection, website review and e-commerce contracts.

Stephens Scown has over 40 partners and 250 staff across its offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell. For more information visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk