2026

"While we have fortunately avoided heavy litigation to date, Appleyard Lees has been instrumental in handling contentious matters and third-party observations to keep our path clear. Their team is tenacious and commercially minded; they don't just quote the law, they understand our strategic need to protect our core technology against potential infringers. We have complete confidence in their ability to defend our portfolio should the need arise."

"I like the sound, pragmatic advice with an accessible explanation of the context and realistic expectations of success. It is based around an understanding of our business and situation, and not about their profit or desires."

"They are more than just patent filers; they are strategic partners. They have guided us for over a decade, from early-stage university spin-out to a publicly listed PLC. They helped us design a global IP strategy that supports our licensing business model, ensuring we have 'freedom to operate' in key markets. Their advice is always pragmatic, budget-conscious, and aligned with our boardroom goals."

"The advice from Appleyard Lee is always considered in the context of our company and situation. They have broad expertise that we call on from filing software patents to challenging copyright restrictions, plus have an extensive network to support other areas such as other jurisdictions. Again, it's like having a broad flexible in house team of experts."

"Appleyard Lees provides careful and thorough handling of IP filing and prosecution matters. Their team maintains close, timely communication and collaboration with clients throughout the process. They handle applications and official responses effectively, and they always discuss and align with clients on the scope of protection, drawing on their professional experience, up-to‑date knowledge of examination trends, and market insights to deliver practical and client‑focused outcomes."

"Appleyard Lees provides clear, commercial‑minded advice tailored to our business needs, combining deep legal expertise with strong industry and market knowledge. They are responsive, reliable, and focus on delivering actionable strategies that truly protect and add value to our IP assets."

Richard Bray

"Richard is the rare patent attorney who genuinely understands quantum physics...His advice is always two steps ahead, he didn't just get us patents; he built a defensive moat around our entire business model."

"Richard is professional, responsive, and detail‑oriented. He is also very encouraging and a pleasure to work with."

Barbara Fleck

"I do not see any other companies producing the robust and tight patents that Barbara craft for us. She world leading in our field. She is an absolute pleasure to work with and has the patience of a saint."

2025

"Reliable, prompt, and accurate"

"They give us a full service from proactive freedom to operate searches to managing our patent portfolio. They never miss a deadline. The advice is always factual but the context demonstrates a deep appreciation of our specific company needs.

"The breadth of knowledge across the [patent] team, from software to genomics, is just incredible, and this is across all key jurisdictions. 

"The team is always personable and a joy to work with."

2023

"They are straightforward to work with and experts in their field."

"We appreciate that they have always kept us informed on all the transactions and issues related to our trademarks."

"We value the team's quick response and good quality. The people are professional, funny and easy to communicate with."

"They are responsive, knowledgeable, good strategists and cost-effective."

"They are always available and add so much technical advice, particularly regarding inventive steps and other innovative ideas, which build a stronger framework around any patent application."

2021          

A patent client appreciates the firm’s “dedicated team” and “fast adaptation to new technology areas”

Another client said the firm’s practitioners demonstrated “attention to detail” and its “tight deadlines were met with great efficiency”.