Since the start of his legal career in 1993 Robert has covered all aspects of IP rights and has experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters. His particular specialisation within IP is managing trade mark and design portfolios.

Before founding Sipara Robert headed the trade mark group at Rouse and has established an excellent reputation acting for IP holders before the UK IP Office and the EU trade marks Office (OHIM). He has appeared before the Appointed Person and appealed cases from OHIM’s Board of Appeal to the European General Court (formerly the Court of First Instance).

Between 2004-06 he worked in Dubai acting for international brand owners in anti-counterfeiting actions. Advised emerging Dubai companies on IP protection outside the Middle East. Since returning to the UK, Robert sat on the Council of the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) and was Chairman of ITMA’s Education & Training Committee from 2006-2010.

Robert has particular expertise in the retail, FMCG, entertainment, publishing and pharmaceutical industries and due to his previous experience has an in depth experience of IP registration and enforcement in Asia and the Middle East. He particularly relishes the challenge of rationalising IP portfolios to cut waste and deliver more value.

“Robert Furneaux … possesses an understanding of what a commercial client really needs.”
Chambers and Partners, 2009

“Robert Furneaux is recommended for his work in the retail industry.”
Legal 500, 2010

“Robert Furneaux is ‘unflappable and always able to sort problems out very quickly’.”
Chambers and Partners, 2010.