McDaniels Law, sponsor of the 2023 GCA Conference and AGM. We asked Kelly Hudson, Director (Solicitor and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney) to give us the lowdown…
How long have you been a GCA Member?
Since 14 May 2023. We are really looking forward to getting involved with the association.
What services do you provide that would be of interest to GCA members?
We are specialist intellectual property lawyers, very experienced in working with creative industries. We offer the full range of intellectual property services from protection of you and your products via trade mark and design registrations through enforcing your rights and helping you to commercialise your products by way of licensing and other commercial agreements. We also provide IP audits in compliance with IPO guidelines in order to allow clients to obtain funding of the same. We are currently top ranked for IP advice in both the Legal 500 and Chambers directory and work with the full spectrum of businesses, from sole traders and SME’s through to PLC’s.
We have long supported the greetings card sector and have acted in notable reported cases in this area. We are happy to offer GCA members a free initial consultation in respect of any intellectual property issues or queries that members may have. This consultation would provide GCA members with the information and advice that they need to make an informed decision on how to proceed in respect of the particular issue or business need and the likely costs that would be involved. Similarly, if members just want to find out more about the rights they have, so they can better plan for the future of their business, that is also something we are happy to help with.
Intellectual property is a complex and daunting area and we find that clients, understandably, always have concerns about costs spiralling, which of course is, and should be, a key consideration for all businesses. We aim to provide cost effective advice which adds a genuine value to our client’s business, there is little point in doing something if there is no commercial viability to it, and we recognise that.
We have also provided expert commentary on the area for local and national radio and have been featured in a TV series in respect of our specialist work.
Why are you so good at what you do?
Intellectual property is all that we do, we are not general solicitors who will just have a go. We are specialists who deal with intellectual property issues all day, every day and we are recognised as experts in our field by the relevant legal directories, Chambers Guide and the Legal 500, as mentioned above. We have over twenty years’ experience in handling all manner of intellectual property matters and have worked with trade organisations for many years and understand the needs of their members. We pride ourselves on providing excellent client service and in assisting clients to make the most of their intellectual property, which is often one of, if not the most, valuable assets in a business. Our focus is on making connections and working with client’s on a long term basis. We want clients to trust us and to come back to us when they need advice on separate issues, that is very important us. The best marketing a law firm can have is clients who are willing to refer others, so you will never be just a number to us. Most of the firm’s clients are very longstanding and we promote those relationships by seeking to assist clients in the most cost effective way possible, giving honest advice taking into account your commercial goals and because we genuinely want our client’s businesses to succeed.
Are there any innovations in your field that you want to share?
Though not specifically an innovation we feel the key thing for GCA members in respect of intellectual property is to be aware of the rights they have in their product and how they can maximise their protection and commercialisation of the same. This education is key for any business which has IP as its core asset, which will be the case for the majority, if not all, GCA members, and can make a world of difference to a business if intellectual property is properly managed and dealt with. For example, there are many myths and misconceptions about intellectual property which can easily be dispelled. Members should know that the cost of protecting designs and also their brand, is significantly cheaper than most people would expect. If you are launching a new range of cards it is possible to obtain registered design protection (the best level of protection you can get) for £50 for one design and if you are registering an entire range you can register up to ten designs for only £70. The process is also quick and relatively easy and is something all members should consider utilising. Also, we want to educate members on the rights they already have in their work which they can rely upon without cost. Copyright is the key right applicable in the greetings card industry. It is an incredibly strong right which is also generally very long lasting and the key to utilising this is simply to have good knowledge of the rights vested in products and designs.
Who would you like to meet at the GCA Conference?
Designer members who create the products, as undoubtedly they would benefit from our expertise but also anyone involved in the industry from either side, designer or publisher, as we can assist with contractual negotiations and, for example with preparation and completion of license agreements, for either party. We also looking to learn more about the industry generally. Please do come and have a chat with us.
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You can meet McDaniels Law at the GCA Conference and AGM on 28th September 2023 in Leeds. Click here for more details and to book your ticket.