Commercial law firm, Muckle LLP has extended the expertise within its highly-respected Dispute Resolution Group with the appointment of a new partner.

George Festing joins Muckle as a partner with a wealth of experience in resolving Intellectual Property (IP) disputes for national and international clients.

His experience has been gained helping to protect clients on a wide range of contractual disputes involving copyright and trademark infringement, design and brand identity.

George’s appointment in this specialist role positions Muckle’s Dispute Resolution Group with leading contentious IP capability based locally in the north-east.

George’s experience is not limited to contentious IP. He has also advised clients in relation to disputes involving commercial contracts, partnerships, and company and directorship issues.

Originally from Hexham in Northumberland, having studied at Durham University before heading to London where he developed his career for 11 years, George has now returned to his north-east roots.

Prior to his appointment at Muckle LLP, he qualified as a litigator with The Simkins Partnership (now Michael Simkins LLP) in London. George then moved to Forbes Anderson Free in 2005, a London practice specialising solely in litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution.

George said: ‘I am thrilled to be working for Muckle LLP which provides me with a great opportunity to develop the firm’s IP dispute resolution practice.

‘I was already aware of Muckle’s reputation for winning complex litigation so am pleased to enhance their capabilities in continuing to provide commercially astute advice to clients.’

Susan Howe (pictured, left), partner and head of the Dispute Resolution Group at Muckle LLP, added: ‘I am delighted to welcome George to the team. His experience and skills in pursuing and resolving IP disputes are extensive and unique to the region.

‘He significantly strengthens the ways we can help clients across the north-east including in sectors such as technology and engineering where R&D investments and innovations need protecting and defending.’

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