Aaron Hetherington

I am a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney in our London Intellectual Property team, specialising in brand management.

I advise on a broad range of legal issues relating to brand protection and enforcement, including:

• The suitability of a trade mark or design for registration.
• Conducting clearance searches to identify problematic earlier rights owned by others.
• Global filing projects, including dealing with any obstacles that arise before registration.
• Contentious matters, including oppositions and infringement actions.

I am experienced in assisting clients with diverse needs, from smaller start-ups to large high-profile organisations. On a day to day basis I assist clients across numerous sectors, including telecoms, media, finance, food and beverage, aviation, and more. We understand the importance of recognising the specific commercial interests of each client, including the wider sector they operate in, to provide tailored, clear legal advice.

Aside from assisting my clients, I regularly contribute to legal publications. I am the primary editor of Bird & Bird's monthly contribution to the CIPA Journal, which serves to provide updates on recent trade mark related case law. I have also contributed to the CITMA Review, reporting on legal developments and how these may have practical implications for our clients.

• I specialise in advising clients on the prosecution, maintenance and enforcement of global trade mark portfolios across a range of sectors, including aviation, retail and entertainment.
• I have particular experience working with clients in the field of technology.