Law firm marks milestone with new IP service

A North East law firm is marking its 150th anniversary by launching a specialist intellectual property service following investment in the development of one of its lawyers.

Jacksons, which has offices on Teesside and in Newcastle, has expanded its offering after associate Charlotte Barugh completed a postgraduate certificate in intellectual property at Bournemouth University with merit.

The new service will provide advice across trade marks, copyright, designs and patents, covering both disputes and non-contentious matters.

Its launch coincides with another 150th anniversary, with 2026 marking a century and a half since Bass Brewery’s Red Triangle became the first trade mark registered in the UK.

Jacksons has advised clients on intellectual property matters for decades, but Charlotte’s qualification strengthens its ability to provide specialist support spanning protection, registration and disputes.

The course, accredited by the Intellectual Property Regulation Board, covered the commercial and practical application of intellectual property law.

Charlotte will also work alongside associate solicitor Samantha Higgins, from Jacksons’ corporate and commercial team, on trade mark services and registration renewals.

Charlotte said: “I’m delighted to have achieved a postgraduate certificate in intellectual property with merit from Bournemouth University.

“Completing a postgraduate qualification in just five months alongside practice was a challenge, but one that was incredibly rewarding.

“IP is a growing and exciting area of law, and I’m looking forward to putting what I have learnt into practice and spending more time working in this area.”

Her latest qualification follows her earlier achievement in becoming one of the first people nationally to qualify as a CILEX lawyer through the six-year alternative route.

Charlotte began her career at Jacksons as a legal secretary in 2020 before progressing through the firm.

Richard Flounders, Jacksons’ dispute resolution partner, added: “As a firm, we support our team members to identify new opportunities and achieve both personal and professional development goals – and Charlotte is a great example of this.

“Charlotte is passionate about helping our clients through any IP challenges or preventing future issues relating to IP law, including copyright, trade marks, patents, and designs.

“Through her work in practice at the firm, Charlotte is running with her qualification, and we are very proud to see her succeed.”

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