Leading national law firm Freeths has appointed Martin Noble as Intellectual Property (IP) and Media Partner as it continues to grow the practice nationally. He joins from Shakespeare Martineau.

Martin has over 20 years’ experience advising businesses on a broad range of commercial matters, with a particular focus on intellectual property. His appointment will further strengthen Freeths’ growing national IP practice, led by Partner Simon Barker.

The firm’s practice is well known for its skill in handling high-profile IP disputes, and its trademark and designs practice. While Martin’s work covers all IP rights, he brings clients’ significant experience of dealing with copyright, design and patent disputes.

Martin has a Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Practice and has written and delivered an intensive IP course for legal practitioners wanting to learn more about IP. One of his recent accomplishments was successfully defending online platform eBUYgumm from a Nominet action brought by eBay and Gumtree.

His appointment follows the arrival of partner Iona Silverman to Freeths’ London office.

Martin’s appointment will further strengthen the 18-strong team nationally.

Simon Barker, Partner and Head of Intellectual Property Freeths, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Martin into the team. He is a great lawyer whom I have known for many years. His appointment will broaden our capacity and expertise in dispute work and help us continue to deliver the best service and advice to clients.”

Martin Noble added: “I am delighted to join Freeths to work within such an established national IP practice. The team has an enviable client base for whom the protection of IP is of paramount importance. I’m very excited to join a firm with ambitious growth plans and look forward to working alongside my new colleagues where I can continue to provide pragmatic legal advice to innovative businesses.”