RebeccaSwindells

Partner

London + 44.20.7039.5845

Rebecca Swindells has more than 20 years' experience advising on a wide range of intellectual property rights, including copyright, trademarks, database rights, domain names, and trade secrets. She has a particular focus on the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) industry together with the retail and financial services sectors. Rebecca advises companies on IP disputes, trademark prosecution, IP licensing, advertising, and the protection and enforcement of rights in software and databases. She is also experienced in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation and expert determination. The 2024 World Trademark Review notes that Rebecca "adroitly manages prosecution and litigation instructions, and has the coordination of cross-border mandates down to a fine art; she delivers clear and straightforward recommendations that align with her clients' wider commercial goals."

Rebecca handles IP litigation for UK and international clients. She is currently acting on a high-value trademark license dispute before the Court of Appeal and is representing a technology client in a passing-off claim in the High Court. Recent cases include High Court litigation regarding a technical trade secrets claim for a chemical manufacturing multinational and a High Court claim regarding copyright in videogames.

In addition to her IP litigation practice, Rebecca regularly advises clients on brand development and protection programs, trademark clearance and prosecution, advertising (particularly greenwashing), and IP licensing.

Rebecca is a member of the Firm's Trade Secrets Task Force and co-chair of the Trade Secrets Enforcement Committee at INTA (International Trademark Association). She is also a member of the IP Lawyers' Association (IPLA) and the British Literary & Artistic Copyright Association (BLACA).

Experience

  • AURELIUS acquires The Body ShopJones Day advised private equity investor AURELIUS on its acquisition of The Body Shop from Natura & Co S.A.
  • Alaska Airlines defends trademark licensing dispute brought by Virgin Group in UK High CourtJones Day represented Alaska Airlines Inc. in defending a UK High Court claim brought by Virgin Group regarding a trademark license agreement under which Virgin licensed the VIRGIN brand to the U.S. airline Virgin America, Inc. (now part of Alaska Airlines).
  • Barrisol obtains settlement from Vecta Design in trademark infringement and passing off claim in UK courtJones Day represented Normalu SAS (trading as Barrisol), a market leading designer and manufacturer of stretch ceiling systems and other design installations, in a trademark infringement and passing off claim against Vecta Design Limited.
  • Deezer enters into exclusive distribution agreement with Rotana, leading media group in Middle EastJones Day is assisting Deezer, a leader in music streaming, in the negotiation and execution of an exclusive distribution agreement with Rotana Group, the leading media group in the Middle East, to distribute Rotana's audio and video content catalogue exclusively on Deezer's platform in the Middle East and North Africa regions.
  • Goldman sold iQ Student Accommodation dorms to Blackstone for £4.66 billionOn May 15, 2020, Jones Day clients Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division and the Wellcome Trust completed the sale of iQ Student Accommodation to Blackstone for £4.66 billion (US$5.73 billion), representing the largest ever private real estate transaction in the UK.
  • Blackstone Group invests €175 million (US$196.4 million) in Superbet RomaniaJones Day advised The Blackstone Group in its €175 million (US$196.4 million) minority equity investment in Superbet, the largest omni-channel sports betting and gaming operator in Romania.
  • INVISTA sells German HVA polymer asset to Indorama VenturesJones Day advised INVISTA in the sale of INVISTA Resins & Fibers GmbH to Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited.
  • SAP acquires Qualtrics for $8 billionJones Day advised SAP in its $8 billion acquisition of Qualtrics International Inc., the global pioneer in the experience management software category.
  • Greystar recapitalizes Chapter student accommodation portfolio in Central LondonJones Day advised Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC in a recapitalization of its and PSP’s Chapter portfolio of student accommodation properties, one of the largest in Central London, by consolidating the portfolio under a new joint venture in which Allianz acquired an interest.
  • Blue Point Capital recapitalizes Next Level ApparelJones Day advised Blue Point Capital Partners in connection with the recapitalization of YS Garments, LLC (d/b/a Next Level Apparel).
  • True Capital Ltd completes buyout of Cut4ClothJones Day represented True Capital Ltd in connection with its buyout of Cut4Cloth Ltd. trading as Frugi, a retailer of organic children's clothing, toys, and accessories, alongside existing management.
  • ANSYS acquires OPTISJones Day advised ANSYS, Inc., the global leader and innovator of engineering simulation software, on its acquisition of OPTIS, a premier provider of software for scientific simulation of light, human vision, and physics-based visualization.
  • Riverside simultaneously acquires four businesses to create Netwatch Global GroupJones Day advised The Riverside Company on the simultaneous acquisition of four businesses resulting in the formation of the Netwatch Global Group.
  • Värde Partners sells NewDay to Cinven and CVC Capital PartnersJones Day advised the management team of NewDay Cards in connection with the sale of the company by Värde Partners to funds managed and/or advised by Cinven and CVC Capital Partners.
  • BHS International acquires digital and international franchise business from BHS Limited (in administration)Jones Day acted for BHS International in connection with its acquisition of the digital and international franchise business from the administrators of British retailer, BHS.
  • Additional Speaking Engagements

    • April 16, 2024
      IAM Live Trade Secret Strategy Europe “Protecting your business’ Crown Jewels”
    • January 9, 2023
      The 2023 Sedona Conference on Global IP Litigation
    • August 9, 2022
      Trade Secrets/Cybersecurity
    • July 30, 2020
      Jones Day's Roundtable Webinar: Trade Secrets 2020 - Combating New Threats