Howes Percival acquires specialist commercial, IP & media law firm

Maier Blackburn was founded in 2012 and specialises in intellectual property, media law, litigation and dispute resolution with a particular focus on publishers, media and entertainment organisations, IP rights holders and individuals including authors, agents and performers.  The firm has a notable reputation in the media and entertainment field and many years’ experience of acting for high-profile clients based in the UK, Europe and the US.

Partners Cathleen Blackburn and Steven Maier join Howes Percival with immediate effect and will continue to operate from what is now the Oxford office of the merged firm. 

The expanded Oxford office will have access to Howes Percival’s full range of legal services to support existing clients. 

The acquisition gives Howes Percival a presence in Oxford for the first time and the opportunity to develop a wider, dedicated offering for the local market. James Howarth, an intellectual property and media partner at Howes Percival will also be based at the Oxford office with Cathleen and Steven and will help develop that wider offering.

Steven Maier commented: 

We are delighted to be able to announce the tie-up of our firm with Howes Percival, which provides exactly the relationship we need to take our practice to the next level.  Having built our reputation over the past 12 years for mainly publishing and media work, we are now able to offer our clients a full legal service of the highest quality, to include areas such as corporate, employment and private client work which we have previously been unable to take on. 

Howes Percival reflects our own core values in providing in-depth legal expertise in a responsive and accessible way and we are excited about the offering which the combined firm can now provide to our current and future clients. For Cathleen and me, it also means we can be 100% focused on the service we provide, knowing we are supported, in every aspect by such a well-established and respected firm.

Howes Percival Chairman Geraint Davies commented; 

We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Maier Blackburn team to Howes Percival.  Together they have carved out an incredible niche in the world ofIP and media law and their knowledge and experience in their specialist areas is second to none. We were already well aware of their excellent reputation in the industry and as we’ve got to know each other better, it is clear that this is a great fit for both parties. By joining forces, we want to enable them to continue providing a world-class service to their clients, as well as expand the services they are able to offer. 

Oxford presents an exciting new opportunity for us. With offices in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Cambridge we already have clients in the region and relevant experience, for example, working with scientific and academic clients. We will be looking to build a team that can specifically serve the needs of the city and the wider area.”

The acquisition follows a period of sustained investment and growth for Howes Percival. In recent years, the firm has opened new offices in Cambridge, Manchester and Milton Keynes and seen turnover increase by 33% over the last three years.