Lawyers experienced in the Jewellery and Luxury Goods Sector

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Royds has a significant number of clients – in the UK and overseas – in the jewellery, watch and luxury goods markets. The work we do spans from advising small and growing businesses on their agency and distribution agreements through to domestic and multi-state litigation cases defending the intellectual property rights of global brands.

Intellectual property rights
Royds has supported leading global luxury watch brands in complex arbitration/litigation lasting several years as well as small businesses in their local markets. We accept instructions on Conditional Fee Agreements where appropriate. Our intellectual property and commercial lawyers regularly attend the main exhibitions – whether this is the Spring Fair in Birmingham or International Jewellery London each year (where we operate the successful CopyWatch service for the British Jewellers’ Association), Stephen Welfare at The Spring Fair 2011, 6-10 February, where we provide on-the-spot immediate advice to exhibitors and visitors who are concerned about design and copyright infringements. Royds provides advice to all 900 members of the British Jewellers’ Association and is a contributor to the BJA section of the Jeweller Magazine and the BJA website. Royds together with Reed Exhibitions are responsible for the IP Initiative, PIPR TM.

In March we attended at BaselWorld, International Watch and Jewellery Trade Fair in Switzerland.

Agency and distribution agreements
Agency and distribution agreements – and other methods of accessing the UK market for overseas jewellery and luxury goods companies – are managed by our commercial lawyers who have produced an easy to read, plain English guide covering:

• Direct or indirect entry into the UK market?
• The differences between agency and distribution
• Deciding on the best arrangement to suit your business needs
• What to do once you have found an agent/distributor
• Key issues when negotiating agency and distribution agreements
• Typical problems with agency and distribution agreements

You may request a copy of our complimentary agency and distribution guide via email.

Real estate
Our leading team of real estate lawyers is well known for its experience and substantial client base in the UK retail sector – particularly in the fashion segment. So jewellery and luxury goods companies – whether looking to open a single outlet in a prime West End site or establish a chain across the UK – can be assured of a knowledgeable and responsive service whether they are purchasing, leasing or sub-letting retail space.

Other areas
Our employment lawyers are frequently called upon to advise on issues relating to contracts for directors and employees and our commercial lawyers frequently advise on supplier and technology agreements – both here and in the UK.

Clients in the jewellery and luxury goods sector that we have permission to mention include:

• British Jewellers’ Association
• British TravelGoods and Accessories Association
• Christie & Co
• Design Council
• Gecko Trading
• Rotary Watches

Renowned jewellery designers and former UK jewellery designers of the year:

• Shaun Leane
• Paul Spurgeon
• David Marshall
• Sarah Jordan

Please contact Stephen Welfare for further information.