Client reviews

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Outside UK

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

A production company used some of our copyrighted material under the "FAIR DEALINGS stature and we disputed it.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

all was explained as well as our risks if we chose litigation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, we settled with the client.

What could they have done better?

as we never really accelerated the dispute all went well

Review from verified client

September, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Advice setting up a new business including shares agreements, manufacturing agreements, trademarks etc.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Christine Zembrzuski has been very patient taking the time to understand the complicated nature of my business and the IP connected to my work. She is approachable and easy to talk to about my concerns and business planning in relation to legal matters. Briffa is a firm that are experts in legal advice for designers and I have found them to be excellent in their knowledge and advice. I highly recommend Christine, Margaret and Briffa.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have found their work to be excellent.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

September, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

business set up.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

resolved an issue.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

nothing

Review from verified client

August, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Buckinghamshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Copyright query.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Claire gave me good concise advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

June, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We needed a new trade mark to secure our know-how.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

They registered the trade mark and handled the dispute for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we got the trademark, with every needed category.

What could they have done better?

A bit more information about possible disputes would have been appreciated

Review from verified client

June, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Middlesex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Technology Startup.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Understood my requirements very well!.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

Everything was fine

Review from verified client

April, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Legal action regarding a patent.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Resolved issue with minimum stress and fuss.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, more than happy I contacted Briffa.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything, the service was first class.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Outside UK

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

My 'Gentleman's Agreement' business partner of 8 years wanted to take full control of the magazine we published together. He was offering me cash to walk, but I was not happy with his modus operandi which included trade-marking the name I came up with to himself and his wife.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Briffa kept me calm throughout the dispute for which I was not wholly aware of the relevant IP laws. I was feeling nervous wreck but Briffa gave me the confidence to stand up for my rights, and stand my emotional ground. My local solicitor had given me no such optimism when I had a brief free consultation with them. I considered it wise to spend a little more with a company that seemed more specialist.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Probably even better than expected. It was a poker game dealing with my (soon to be ex) business partner - a game I really don't like! Briffa taught me to rock with the pressure, & be patient & persistant for better settlement deal.

What could they have done better?

Admittedly the final settlement contract was not written by Briffa as the price of their bells-&-whistles version seemed excessive considering what was at stake (thousands not millions of pounds, and some relatively straight forward IP). I had proposed from the start of the dispute that my company/ex partner would pay for this contract, but he wasn't having any of it). So Briffa just checked a simplified version. However there was a detail about settlement payment terms to me that in retrospect I wasn't happy with, but in the stress of the moment I didn't notice. So always have a sit down & a cup of tea before signing on the line! (between me & my ex. Not between me & Briffa)

Review from verified client

February, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We needed advice on a potential trademark infringement.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Gave good advice and enabled us to address our concerns.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Shropshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We needed advice on an Intellectual Property Dispute.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

She guided me through the process of making an intellectual property dispute claim and clearly set out the potential costs of making a claim.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - The company we were claiming against were found to be acting in Bad Faith and Passing Off.

What could they have done better?

I was very satisfied with the service and do not think anything could have been done better.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

New product development.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

I was given the right amount of advice to begin an open collaboration with third parties, securely.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The service helped me share sensitive documents with confidence.

What could they have done better?

So far, nothing could have been done better.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northamptonshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Time and expert advice.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Quick response and accurate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

setting up a new business with a colleague and needed a standard client contract that was bespoke for our purposes.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

the team worked out what level of detail would be appropriate, suggested various alternate clauses (and extra services we might need now or later) and did the work for a fixed fee.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, all good.

What could they have done better?

slightly heavy on the pushing of other services we might need

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Copyright.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Offered advice on copyright of my designs for licensing project.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

No, the help was good and in line with what I needed

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Doing business globally in new product development and technology requires world-class specialist lawyers. Giving a speech at the Business Design Centre I was recommended Briffa. They have been every bit worth the investment.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

How much time do you have? Margaret Briffa combines world class experience and qualifications with the ability to listen, diagnose the right action for your aims and objectives, all of which save you time, energy and of course money. A brilliant combination which arises nearly two decades of experience dealing directly with Margaret and her team.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Every time.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lincolnshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Copyright, Intellectual Property issues and contract creation.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

The latest set of instructions requesting help were very complex but the expertise and knowledge in the fields required were very high and after a few conversations and e-mails the advice was very informative, concise and effective.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In every area but one - yes. The outstanding point is still an ongoing issue.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We needed general commercial advice on a variety of issues.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Margaret, fully understood both our business and our legal questions and was able to advise us effectively; most importantly her advice was always commercially grounded.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, all our initial questions/issues were dealt with effectively, and we will continue to use Briffa regularly for ongoing questions and work.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Looking to patent a device after clarifying my position on a potential IP dispute.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Reviewed all relevant information regarding the IP dispute. Started the process of patent certification in the UK.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. IP dispute has been resolved and we have just had some preliminary results back from a patent search.

What could they have done better?

The situation could not have been handled better. I was very well looked after through the whole of the process

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

I needed help to resolve a legal issue with a client.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

By providing efficient and personable advice to help us achieve a suitable agreement for all parties.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we received a positive outcome.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

IP and Copyright violations.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Revised Terms and Conditions and dispute intervention.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes but ongoing.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Needed partner law firm for IP advice service and to give clear. constructive and business astute advice and guidance to business start ups.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Brilliantly helpful, approachable and wise! Excellent service that was, at all times, strategic and commercially astute. Relevant experience that ensured a safe pair of hands that was looking after the clients' interests.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes!.

What could they have done better?

Nothing!

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

IP advice.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Full IP service.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We needed a contract to be written up for our developer.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

They were fantastic . They organised a contract for me which was a draft and then were in constant communication to suit my needed and we tailored the contract to what we needed .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

particular even prompted my company to see urgent legal advise.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

she quickly jumped onto a case, clearly explained position, and acted quickly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

case has been resolved to my satisfaction.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Trademark support.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Submitted and managed TMs's.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

A dispute about joint copyright ownership. A case of using softwrae without license. Ammending a consignment contract for a photoshoot, adding a clause about exclusion of liability.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Briffa helped with advise and setting up letters and contracts for us. During the process it felt like tey understood our needs and the case well and while the outcome wasn't in every case what we had hoped for, they did the best they could.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

What could they have done better?

I am not a specialist in this field so it's hard for me to tell if they could have done anything better, apart from seeming quite pricey. Bottomline: we have been hiring them in three different cases so far, so we are overall very happy with their service and will keep going back to them.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We are developing a new Licensing channel and needed a solicitor to draw up contracts and assist on trademark renewals and applications.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

I was given straight forward advice from an expert in the field at a very reasonable price.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have received all the advice I have needed in a timely and efficient manner. I feel I have the right level of support and expertise at hand.

What could they have done better?

Potentially meet at the businesses HQ to see the product in person to get a good understanding of the brand and IP.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Outside UK

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We had an international dispute involving an arbitration and patents in many countries. The issues were very complicated and the opposition was intelligent in both strategy and their knowledge of the domains involved. Margaret was referred by a very reputable source.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Margaret was our general and was our point person amongst all the other attorneys in other jurisdictions. She navigated us through the entire process and advised us as the scenario changed. She fought for us and was a true ally up to the final moment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We had adjusted our expectations through the process of the negotiations. Margaret delivered a better outcome than we had been willing to accept prior to the completion of the dispute.

What could they have done better?

We have very high expectations for those that work with us in business. It is extremely rare for us to admit this, however, we cannot make ANY suggestions for how she could have done better.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Middlesex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

IP is very complex and you need someone who understands the law and are able to advice you. Briffa does this very well.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Margaret is always at hand to help and has been involved or undertaken most of our work. She communicates clearly and in lay mans language and gives cost effective advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes we achieved what we wanted with one of our long cases and were very pleased with it.

What could they have done better?

in a commercial world sometimes speed is of the essence and although Briffa are very efficient generally there is room for improvement

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We were looking for help with one of the legal cases.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

The most important thing Margaret Did for us is set out clear processes , time frames and all cost implications which gave us the confidence to proceed forward and thereafter the way she handled our case was exceptionally good.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Berkshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We were starting a new Colour Cosmetics brand and needed assistance trademarking the brand name.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Briffa were really helpful and knowledgable. They were able to guide us through the challenges of setting up an international trademark and make the whole process simple and painless!.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are thrilled that we now have our trademark in place for the Markets we are trading in.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

I needed advice on IP issues.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Margaret provided good advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I haven't always seen the outcome I wanted but I feel that I have always achieved the best outcome in the circumstances.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We needed to protect our brand.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

We were provided with clear and accurate advice on the most cost effective and secure way to proceed. Within this we were given various options, all with detailed pros and cons and were delighted with the course we took based upon Briffa's recommendation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are very comfortable that we took the correct course of action, leaving us in a secure position without wasting time or money.

What could they have done better?

Honestly, nothing at all, in this situation and in all previous situations where we have needed advice from Briffa we have been given exactly what was required, which is clear advice, in layman's terms, with clear costs and informed suggestions.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Outside UK

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We were looking for a Solicitor to assist us with a company, who was importing counterfeit goods of our patent, trademark and copyright protected from China. We reached out to Briffa when we discovered that the firm has been working on a similar case involving the infringing company and a small company similar to ours.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Margaret Briffa (and her legal assistant, Ramsay Monime) thoroughly understood our needs and the issues that needed to be addressed. Furthermore, Margaret and her team were organized, helpful, efficient and followed up regularly. We were constantly updated on the progress of our case. The most important thing that the firm did for us was to assist in successfully seizing a container of 7,200 counterfeit units.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We were pleased with the outcome we received. We believe it is positive, and that is was successful. As a result of the assistance from Briffa and Margaret, we successfully seized a counterfeit shipment and are in the process of coming to a settlement with the infringing company. Their legal assistance has saved our company and will now allow us to pursue our interests within the European market.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We were about to enter a licencing agreement with a large couperate company and needed assistance on modifying the agreement to our terms.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Margret's firm helped us understand a very heavily legal Licencing agreement whilst identifying clauses which were set out in favour of the other party. They advised us which parts of the agreement should be changed and with what wording. They were also present on a phone call to the other party to understand what was being agreed. We have since used Briffa to carry out an IP audit for our company covering employment and manufacturing agreements to trademarks and IP.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The agreement we had been working with was amended in our favour. As a small company who were about to go into business with a large corporate Briffas advice was invaluable. Our IP Audit has highlighted several areas we are exposed as a business from a contract and legal stand point. Will be working with Briffa to rectify these in the near future.

What could they have done better?

Its hard to say as Briffa have been so good and we have had limited experience with Solicitors. We have felt Briffa have got to know our business and understand what is best from us while tailoring their work to our budget so we are very happy.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

advice.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

with attention to detail.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

nothing

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Advice required about licencing/franchising/trademarks/IP.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

I was given all the advice I needed and more.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

1. I needed legal advice with regards a settlement agreement following my resignation as a Director and shareholder of a company, 2. I needed legal advice with regards starting a new venture with a business partner, in particular a new shareholders' agreement.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Briffa exhibited a deep understanding of intellectual property law and was able to explain such matters in a clear and simple way. They were able to settle our nerves with regards a pretty onerous settlement agreement. They were very efficient and reasonably priced.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As a result of Briffa's advice I was able to negotiate a very positive outcome.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We retained Briffa to help review and protect our branding and identity. This became doubly important after granting an overseas franchise.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

We experienced two attempts to pass off our brand in a short period of time. Briffas response was thorough, articulate and 100 % effective with both agreeing to make changes and step down therefore protecting our identity.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, and unusually for any legal action, very swiftly resolved.

What could they have done better?

Communication and updates were excellent and we have an annual brand review to ensure any future attempts would be dealt with in the same manner

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

To protect our IP.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Filing trademarks, advising on dispute outcomes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Needed Commercial Contract support when setting up contracts with large insurers and other businesses.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Briffa are our experts that we consult whenever a non-standard contract is required. They also wrote our standard contracts for both our Agency and Product lines.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Sometimes my business moves quicker than Briffa, but rarely.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lincolnshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Firstly to help a friend who had got into a serious IP dispute, but from then on, to advise regarding possible infringement, to help us with dealing with an infringer, and recently to advise on and implement a patent and 3 registered design applications.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

In the first case above she helped my friend to get his damages reduced. She helped us to communicate with an infringer, who went bust before the issue came to court, and has often advised on IP matters over the years. Recently she was able to advise and steer us through the applications in the best manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, up to a point, though the results of disputes are rarely totally ideal, more as good as one could expect. I am very satisfied with the patent and design applications though time will tell if they are put to the test. The best thing about Margaret is that she inspires confidence and is able to understand issues from a commercial, and not just a legal, aspect. She is also easy to get through to, and usually there.

What could they have done better?

I found the junior member of her team that I dealt with on the applications, though very helpful and proactive, did not really grasp the issues on the design in a way that gave me confidence, and that caused me to go back to Margaret because I had the confidence in her that I needed.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Sussex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We are a trade body and Briffa advice is essential to our members.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Regular updates and advice on IP matters.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Even more updates, they are great!

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

copyright conflict.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Briffa acted on our behalf and with her technical knowledge is this particular field we were able to resolve the dispute quickly and effectively .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

other party involved seem to have gone cold , no replies for a long time .

What could they have done better?

lower rates would help but overall Briffa was spot on

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Initially Intellectual Property Advice.

How has Margaret Briffa helped you?

Margaret has now helped us on numerous occasions, with many different issues. She is always quick to respond, supportive and offers useful advice and solutions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Margaret has worked through various issues with which have led to positive outcomes.