Jim Davies

Intellectual Property Solicitor

Jim Davies

Intellectual Property Solicitor

Office: 0333 772 7736

Summary

Jim trained and qualified in a Lincoln’s Inn firm, focussing in intellectual property law. His early career highlight was representing the French wine industry, including the successful protection of the word champagne in a leading Court of Appeal decision. Jim then left law to organise UK government funded legal training events in Romania; while also running an IT security business in London.

Jim combined his IP and IT skill sets to return to law, specialising in internet and domain name law, along with trademarks and more general commercial advice. Jim lived and worked in Perth, Western Australia for around 15 years. He is now back in London and is one of the most experienced and highly regarded domain name law specialists in the UK.

Outside of law, Jim was teammates with people who played cricket and rugby to a good standard! He is now a qualified rugby referee. He ran an entertainment business while he was a student and still loves seeing live bands and comedy, especially in more intimate venues. He is the very proud father of three children.

Admissions & Year Qualified

Solicitor (England and Wales)

Employment History & Practice Areas

Monier-Williams and Bell Dening, London;  Wrays IP and Elevation Legal, Perth, Western Australia

 

Former Non-Executive director of NominetUK.  Company Secretary of OpenUK.

Career Highlights

Court of Appeal

  • “Elderflower Champagne Case” – Extended passing off law. Part of team successfully representing Taittinger and the Champagne wine association.

Domain Name Disputes

Jim has acted in dozens of domain name disputes, both in online dispute processes and also in court in both the UK and Australia. Examples include the following, mostly appeal, cases:

  • MySpace.co.uk – Defended the domain name, which was registered and used before the well known social media network became famous.
  • Bounce.co.uk – Identified flaws in the dispute process that resulted in a public apology and settlement.
  • ThePhoenixGroup.co.uk – Client retained domain name from challenge by one of the UK’s largest financial services groups, FTSE 100 The Phoenix Group PLC
  • ProductReviews.com.au – successfully resisted a claim from a Product Review, a leading consumer review website.

Trademark Proceedings

  • FURNITURELAND – successfully removed trademark for non-use, appearing in both hearing and appeal against specialist counsel for the other party.
  • CASINO DINO – resisted claim of bad faith in trademark opposition proceedings against an international gambling company.
  • WOODLAND – opposed registration of a trademark that clashed with the client’s existing mark and brand.

Practice Areas