Brabners secures B Corp recertification
We've retained our B Corp certification, resulting in a notable improvement on our assessment framework score.
Brabners appoints intellectual property partner due to growing demand in Yorkshire
2 min read
Leading independent law firm Brabners has appointed a new partner in its commercial law practice in Leeds to support growing demand for its intellectual property (IP) specialism in Yorkshire.
Sara Ludlam brings 25 years’ experience to the firm, having worked with leading brands including Lacoste, Berghaus, Kickers and Sports Direct. She advises on all areas of IP including trade mark, patent and design right registrations and litigation, as well as a full range of commercial agreements and GDPR compliance.
Sara joins Brabners’ 85-strong partnership from 3volution in Leeds. Prior to that, she ran her own independent specialist practice, having trained at boutique IP firm Llewelyn Zietman in London.
Her arrival marks the ninth partner appointment at Brabners’ Leeds office since its launch in May last year, and the firm expects to continue to expand its team in Yorkshire throughout 2023.
Brabners was the first law firm outside London to achieve B Corp certification, employing 470 colleagues across its four offices in Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Lancashire.
Sara Ludlam said: “Brabners has an excellent reputation in the profession as a top employer with a major commercial practice. Joining the firm is an exciting opportunity for me to help enhance its existing services in IP law by further strengthening the team.
The fact that Brabners also has B Corp certification perfectly aligns with the needs of businesses looking to enhance their proposition via ESG programmes, which may also require legal advice on trade marks for brands, slogans or logos.”
Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, said: “There’s great strategic value in further strengthening our commercial and IP services, with specialist support frequently needed by the hundreds of businesses we represent across the UK.
Sara’s unrivalled expertise and entrepreneurialism will add to our niche expertise, while enabling us to start new conversations with clients on how we can help protect their intellectual assets.”
Brabners featured on the UK’s Best Companies to Work For in 2022. The firm launched its new Leeds office at 1 City Square in May 2022 and has since grown a 30-strong team in the city.
Related insights
How athletes are protecting their brand identity against commercial & AI‑driven misuse
We explore how athletes like Cole Palmer and Luke Littler are using trade marks and outline the legal standards that they must meet.
The rise of sustainable tech — opportunities, challenges & the role of AI
We discuss the key opportunities and considerations shaping the future of sustainable AI and quantum‑powered technology.
Supreme Court unlocks the door to UK patents for AI & computer-related inventions
We explain the importance of the Supreme Court decision and what it means for innovators looking to gain patent protection for computer-related inventions.
Making Places Work — new study reveals the most improved places in the North of England
Our award-winning regeneration team has launched a new report that uncovers how life and work across the North of England has changed since the millennium.
Brabners delivers fourth consecutive year of dealmaking growth
We’ve delivered another strong year of dealmaking, achieving 16% growth and advising on more than £900m in transactions.
Brabners secures favourable policy construction judgment for Acasta
Our award-winning litigation team has secured a High Court judgment in favour of Acasta European Insurance Company Limited.
London expansion & record revenues drive next phase of growth at Brabners
We’re delighted to announce the opening of a new office in London, marking a major milestone at the end of a year defined by strong financial performance.
AI, intellectual property & game development — key insights from Games Tech Connect
We outline the key takeaways from our Games Tech Connect session on how generative AI is being used in video game development.
UKIPO proposes significant fee rises — what rights holders need to know
We outline what you need to know about the UKIPO's proposed fee increases across patents, trade marks and designs.
Retail’s battle with ‘dupe’ culture — how brands like Lululemon are fighting back
We explore recent examples of how brands are responding to dupe culture and outline practical steps that retail businesses can take to protect their brand.
Brabners lines up support for historic Lancaster rugby club with shirt sponsorship
We’re proud to be supporting Lancaster’s Vale of Lune RUFC by sponsoring the team’s away shirts for the next two seasons.
Brabners advises shareholders of Rural Solutions on strategic acquisition by Celnor Group
Our corporate team advised the shareholders of Rural Solutions on its acquisition by Celnor Group, an investor in businesses across the TICC sector.
Is your AI patentable? Lessons from the Court of Appeal’s landmark ruling
We explore the key issues from the case and consider the practical implications for those operating in the tech, creative and data-driven sectors.
AI Growth Zones — what the £31bn tech investment means for the North
We explore the potential of AI Growth Zones to transform the region through investment and job creation while also highlighting ongoing environmental concerns.
Getty Images v Stability AI — key intellectual property lessons for AI developers
We break down the key takeaways from the final ruling and consider what they mean for the evolving relationship between IP law and AI development.
Brabners in the UK’s Top 10 Best Large Companies to Work For 2025
We’re the eighth Best Large Company to Work For in the UK and #1 Best Company to Work For in Yorkshire, according to the latest Best Companies rankings.
The Times Best Law Firms
We're thrilled to have been commended in three separate categories in The Times Best Law Firms 2026.
Brabners & We Love MCR extend Maurice Watkins social mobility bursary
We’ve renewed our support for the Maurice Watkins Bursary — pledging a further £45,000 over the next three years.
Restrictive covenant dispute — Brabners secures successful judgment for Docutech Office Solutions Ltd
Our litigation team achieved a successful outcome for Docutech Office Solutions Ltd in a major claim against a former employee and his new employer.
Getty Images v Stability AI — what it means for the future of AI & intellectual property
We explore the potential impact of AI on existing copyright laws and delve into the other IP and cross-border issues that arise from the use of global AI tools.
UKIPO says goodbye to series trade marks — is your businesses ready?
The UKIPO is discontinuing the option to file series trade mark applications. Take a closer look at what this means for businesses and deadlines before the rule changes.
The EU Data Act — a new era for data governance in Europe
The EU Data Act is a regulation designed to reshape the European data economy by establishing harmonised rules for data access, sharing and portability.
Online marketplaces set for increased scrutiny under UK Product Regulation & Metrology Act
The Product Regulation and Metrology Act is ushering in a new era for consumer protection and market oversight, laying the foundations for significant regulatory change.
EUIPO design reform — a new era for EU design rights
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has ushered in a new chapter for design protection with reforms to the legal framework governing design rights.