CMS continues IP growth with two new hires

International law firm CMS is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Sweeden and Melissa Li Trenta to the firm’s IP practice in London. Paul and Melissa will join the firm as associates later this month. Their arrival further strengthens CMS’s Band 1 IP team.

Paul trained at Bird & Bird and has experience of working on cases across the full spectrum of IP rights. His practice focuses principally on trade mark, copyright and design disputes, brand protection and clearance, and commercial IP issues. Paul has acted in cases before the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, UKIPO, EUIPO and General Court. He has extensive experience in the fields of tech and fintech in particular, where he has advised multinational corporations and start-ups alike. Paul’s practical experience further enhances the firm’s sector expertise in those areas. 

Melissa Li Trenta is a registered European Lawyer and a qualified Italian avvocato. She has significant experience in the field of trade marks, working on numerous cases before the UKIPO, EUIPO and General Court. Melissa is equally comfortable advising companies on brand clearance and prosecution strategies, as well as in contentious trade mark disputes. In addition, she is well-versed in copyright and design law, augmenting CMS’s existing strength in those fields. In addition to representing tech companies, Melissa also has significant experience of working for clients in areas of FMCG, luxury goods and fashion. 

Sarah Wright, Head of IP at CMS UK, says: “We are delighted to announce the further strengthening of our IP practice with the addition of two standout lawyers. Paul and Melissa bring valuable expertise, particularly across trade mark and copyright disputes, which will complement our existing offering and ensure that we are well positioned to meet the demands of our clients on all their complex IP disputes work.”