I am a director in the Intellectual Property team where I specialise in brand and design litigation.

Tel: +44 (0)121 685 2982

Email: kate_swaine@wragge.com

Best brains in...

The enforcement and clearance of brands and designs. I ensure that my clients are free to maximise the potential of their intellectual property rights and prevent others from encroaching on those rights. I also have expertise in anti-counterfeiting work, both within the UK and internationally.

Highlight of your career so far?

The most gratifying was covering a client's much-needed holiday leave. I stepped into his shoes as head of legal at the last minute and dealt with all the day-to-day issues he faces. Not only did it give me a great insight into his role, it also meant I had a very happy client who returned to his desk without the usual mountain of queries and problems awaiting him!

Most challenging job you've ever done?

The longest and most factually complex was the Cinpres v Melea litigation. Over many years it involved numerous rounds of evidence and proceedings, both in the UK and the US. The final instalment of the case revolved around allegations of perjury and in the end, made new law.

What about outside the UK?

A great deal of my work has an international aspect, with many of my clients having operations in the US, Europe and the Far East. There is a constant need to ensure consistency in the approach to the client's IP portfolio regardless of which jurisdiction it is based in. At the moment I am co-ordinating enforcement issues with lawyers in Canada, Belgium, US, Hong Kong and Italy on behalf of a number of my clients.

What's your definition of going the extra mile… And when have you done it?

One of my clients was looking for a florist for her wedding but was frustrated that she couldn't find what she wanted. She liked the flowers in our reception in London and so I put her in touch with our florist and she booked them!

When have you ever given a client a real competitive edge?

The best example is the work I do for one of my retail clients. I go to its premises every three to four months and sit down with the design team to review all of the new products in the pipeline, discuss clearance and look at the opportunities to protect the designs. It's great to be involved with the creative process and also means that I can flag up any issues early on for the client and prevent unnecessary expense further down the line.

What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?

I support Breakthrough Breast Cancer and my daughter and I are about to do a sponsored brownie bake to raise money for them. My team's waistlines will probably be expanding as a result.

What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?

Managing Intellectual Property quoted me as being "a credit to the firm". That made me smile. Oh and my daughter says my brownies are the "best in the world".