The Commercial Department is headed by Partner, Michael
Sandys, who has over 11 years' experience
as a commercial lawyer. Together with Senior Partner
David Kirwan, a Higher Court Advocate (Civil), and a
team of qualified solicitors, we handle a wide range
of commercial, corporate and general civil matters affecting
individuals and businesses both large and small.
The Commercial Department offers a broad range of commercial services and is able to provide tailor-made agreements for your business as well as advice on various types of business arrangements and business disputes. The team is experienced in advising on matters involving intellectual property rights, media and libel, agency law, alternative dispute resolution, employment, insolvency, property and contractual disputes.
Intellectual Property
We have extensive experience of dealing with intellectual
property matters across several industries including
media, music, chemicals, engineering and information
technology.
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Development including collaboration and research
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Identification and auditing of intangible rights
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Protection (UK and worldwide)
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Exploitation including use, management, licensing
and transfer of copyright, design rights, patents,
trade secrets, know how, confidential information,
trade marks and brands
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Defamation and Media
We offer expertise in dealing with all types of defamation
claims, including libel, slander and malicious falsehood.
Michael has acted for various organisations and high
profile individuals in respect of such matters and has
advised professionals such as teachers, as well as local
newspapers such as the Manchester Evening News.
His current case load includes a case brought by a
professional regarding defamatory allegations made on
BBC Watchdog as well as acting for Patricia Tierney
in her case against the Sun Newspaper regarding a famous
footballer. He is also acting for a local politician
in a slander and libel case. Michael has special expertise
in internet libel cases, one of his key cases being
in relation to BBC News Online's defamatory story regarding
Stephen Bennett and Starchaser Industries Ltd.
He also has experience of media law in the context
of publishing, fashion promotions and music contracts.
Michael is currently working with the ex-members of
The Smiths on a new DVD about the band as well as Dave
Roylance, composer of the Brookside theme tune.
In addition, Michael has managed licence agreements
for a Liverpool produced film.
Commercial Agreements
We are able to provide tailor made written agreements
for your business as well as advice on various types
of business arrangements, including:
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Agency and distribution
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Supply contracts
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Franchise
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Sponsorship and merchandising
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Joint venture
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Terms and conditions of sale
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Intellectual Property licenses and assignments
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Commercial Disputes
We are experienced in acting for parties involved in business disputes. We pay particular regard to alternative dispute resolution, including mediation. Our aim is to find a speedy and cost effective solution.
We can act for parties involved in:
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Contractual disputes
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Computer/ IT disputes
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Shareholder and partnership disputes
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Breach of fidelity/fiduciary duties
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Agency disputes
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Defamation
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Intellectual Property disputes
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Product liability issues
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Injunctive relief
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Property disputes
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Employment Law
Our team advises employers and employees with workplace
issues. Employment law is increasingly complicated with
new laws being introduced all the time.
Our comprehensive service includes:
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Contracts of employment, policy documents and
staff handbooks
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Equal pay, discrimination, victimisation and
harassment
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Disciplinary, dismissal and grievance procedures
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Maternity and parental rights
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Working time
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Pay, benefits and pensions
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Trade Unions and industrial action
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Transfers of Undertakings
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Representation at Employment Tribunal proceedings
and dispute resolution
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Corporate
Whatever your stage of business life, we can help you make the right decisions. Whether you are planning a new enterprise, wanting to grow your business or contemplating selling up, we can guide you through the complex legal maze.
Insolvency and Personal Bankruptcy
It is a fact of business life that some companies or individuals will find themselves unprofitable,
short of cash or facing issues which threaten their future. We act for companies and individuals during insolvency proceedings, whether these are contentious or non-contentious.
By acting quickly and in close cooperation with a client's accountant, we focus our efforts on restructuring finances in an effort to avoid administration/receivership.
Competition
We are able to offer help on UK and EU competition law and to advise on the likely impact of such regulations on your business arrangements in order that you can take an informed view of your current business practices. We also advise on partnership law and other business structures.
Information & Communications Technology
Our team can provide written agreements as well as advice and support in relation to legal matters concerning IT services and your IT systems, whether in relation to supply or regulatory issues. Such matters may include:
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Hardware and Software Contracts
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Security
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Consultancy, Development and Outsourcing
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Advertising and Marketing Contracts
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Data Protection
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Website and Domain Name issues
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E-Commerce and Distance Selling
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Professional Negligence
Kirwans is a member of the Law Society Professional Negligence Panel. We act for claimants who have suffered loss due to the alleged negligence of any professionals, including lawyers, accountants and surveyors, as well as acting for defendants.
For more information, or to arrange a meeting, please call Michael Sandys on 0151 229 5600 or email him at msandys@kirwanssolicitors.co.uk.
Commercial Department Staff: Liverpool
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Michael Sandys
– Partner & Head of Commercial Department
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John Tuson – Partner
& Head of Commercial Property Department
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Michelle Stewart
– Solicitor
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Mallika Nair –
Solicitor
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Philip Gray – Trainee
Solicitor
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Moreton
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David Kirwan – Senior Partner |
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