Tomkins & Co is a firm of patent and trade mark attorneys that practices IP law only. The firm is led by Cathal Lane, deputy managing partner, who has been involved in drafting legislation governing ownership of government-funded research including work developed in various government bodies. The team at Tomkins & Co includes council members of EPI and ECTA, members of EPPC, AIPPI, LES and MARQUES as well as INTA Committees.
The firm has a strong ICT department with clients including Qualcomm, one of the world's top filers of patent applications. Olivia Catesby, a patent partner, has been active working on successfully overcoming a number of tricky applications before the European Patent Office. Other clients include British Sky Broadcasting Group, Pepsico, RTE, Dunnes Stores and the Irish Dairy Board, all of which are long-standing clients.
Other work includes the firm's representation of Danone concerning genuine use in relation to a trade mark. The subject matter related to whether or not the use of the trade mark was genuine in relation to yoghurt products when it was used in relation to the culture of the yoghurt. The client was successful in this respect. The firm is highly regarded in the market and its commitment to IP law has allowed it to grow its client base, creating a strong reputation among competitors. One says: "The firm should be in Tier 1, I have dealt with them in the past in relation to a lot of matters and certainly on cases we are doing now. Tomkins is one of the top firms in Ireland."