Highlighting the impact of the firm’s work in defending our client Thatchers against supermarket giant Aldi, Stephens Scown has been shortlisted in the Legal Business Awards.
Nationally Recognised
The firm has been nominated in two categories, for Regional/Offshore Firm of the Year, and for Commercial Litigation Team of the Year. The shortlistings are recognition for the outstanding work done and the global impact of the Thatchers case.
The awards celebrate excellence across the legal industry and comes as Stephens Scown has celebrated another record-breaking financial year, plus its place on The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 list.
Named on the Regional/Offshore Firm of the Year list, the award is for firms that have taken the market by storm and achieved more than their direct competitors and peers. Across the last 12 months, Stephens Scown has successfully built on its existing foundations to achieve its best results. Alongside the formation of the new Strategy Board, the rollout of its AI policy, and creation of an Associates Group, among other new innovations, the firm has demonstrated that it is future ready, embedding its strategy with clear leadership.
Establishing a Precedent
In a significant legal victory, the combined hard work of our Intellectual Property and Data Protection (IP DP) and Dispute Resolution (DR) teams saw their work in support of our client Thatchers reach the Supreme Court. The Court refused Aldi’s permission to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s decision in favour of Thatchers. It marked the end of a determined and fruitful journey for Thatchers, thanks to the firm’s help, in its fight against supermarket “dupes”.
The victory demonstrated the important work done by the IP DP and DR teams in protecting brand identity and in enforcing the same. With other brands taking this approach, Thatchers v Aldi marks the end of the dupe/copycat business model, and no longer can supermarket products be “like brands, only cheaper”.
It was a momentous result, with a global reach. Details of the win featured in publications and websites in Canada, Africa, New Zealand, and other countries around the world, such is the importance and impact of the result. It’s the hard work and expertise of the teams, with work carried out by Thomas Chartres-Moore and Becky Pickford from the IP DP team, plus Richard Slater and Isabella Kershaw in the DP team, which has been spotlighted in these awards for Commercial Litigation Team of the Year.
It sees Stephens Scown rightfully take its place on the list alongside some of the biggest legal names in the UK and globally, including Weil Gotshal & Manges, Freshfields, Hogan Lovells, and Mishcon de Reya amongst others.
Demonstrating Expertise
Thomas said of the shortlisting, “It was the biggest legal decision for brands in the last 30 years, and one we worked hard to achieve for our client, Thatchers. We’re delighted to have changed the conversation about brand protection and shown what’s possible with the right legal team. To see the coverage the case received demonstrated the significance of the result, and I’m thrilled to see that recognised in the Legal Business Awards.”
Managing Partner Richard Baker added, “I’m thrilled to see the firm recognised in these prestigious awards. The growth of Stephens Scown across the last year has been remarkable, and with our new office in Taunton about to open, plus our expansion into Dorset, we’ve shown that we’re not planning to rest on our laurels. Huge congratulations to our IP DP and DR teams too, for their success at the Supreme Court and for showing the strength of our offer and the expertise of our lawyers. I’m excited about the firm’s future and look forward to a great year to come.”
Speaking about the firm’s success, the Legal Business Awards judges said, “Your submission stood out among the many we received, congratulations to you and your team. Making the shortlisting at our Legal Business Awards is a fantastic achievement. These awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and dedication across the legal profession. Your recognition is a powerful testament to the impact of your work and your commitment to the industry.”
If you want to know more about protecting your brand then talk to our Intellectual Property and Data Protection team or call us on 0345 540 5558.