Cambridge and the East of England are collectively badged the ideas region of Europe because of the stream of science & technology innovation emanating from its hi-tech and BioMedTech companies as well as seven world-leading universities.

This position is likely to continue after Cambridge University again beat Harvard to number one spot for global research universities. All the other leading universities in the region have ramped up academic performance and innovation output.

More local companies are selling products overseas as well as setting up operations internationally. And once you start crossing boundaries, the threat to your core Intellectual Property increases.

US lawyers recently revealed to Business Weekly that patent trolls in America were hijacking unsuspecting tech minnows and demanding cash settlements for alleged breaches of IP to stop potentially crippling court actions – even though the majority were unproven and unjustified.

Fortunately for this region, there is a wealth of expertise in IPR protection – not just among the best law firms – but through a clutch of Patent and Trade Mark attorneys who are genuinely world class. The Legal 500 guide delivers an independent, and therefore highly credible, insight into the best in the business.

Mathys & Squire has recently invested heavily in a new power play in Cambridge which, allied to is London-based team, brings global quality to the local doorstep.

As The Legal 500 notes in its Patent Attorney section, Mathys & Squire provides ‘proactive advice’ to clients such as Cisco, the BBC, Biogen, HSBC, McAfee, Syntaxin, Schering-Plough, and BP North America. Recent instructions include prosecution work and successful EPO appeals.

Specialising in IT and medical devices, Cambridge alumnus Ilya Kazi is said to be “highly regarded as ‘a master of his craft’ and ‘a talented strategist’. In the life sciences and chemistry group, Martin MacLean and Chris Hamer are also recommended. Philippa Griffin was promoted to the partnership, and Annabel Hector joined as a consultant from Cleveland.”

Venner Shipley, which also a strong Cambridge office, is also rated highly. The guide reports: “Venner Shipley is well regarded for its ‘great technical and industry knowledge and international experience’. Across its electronics/software, chemical/ life sciences and mechanical/designs groups, Matthew Read, Allie Elend and Ian Grey are recommended. Clients include Sanyo, British American Tobacco, and Vectura Group.”

In terms of Trade Mark work, the guide reports that Mathys & Squire acts for clients such as Ferrari, the Tate Gallery, Chelsea FC and Investec Bank. New instructions included application filings for Professor Brian Cox, while other work included a range of infringement and anti-counterfeiting matters. Margaret Arnott heads the group.”

Moving into the regions, The Legal 500 reports: “Outside its London base, Mathys & Squire has a presence in Cambridge, Manchester, Reading and York. On the Trade Mark side, Robert Hawley and Gary Johnston are recommended.”

• PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: Illya Kazi, Mathys & Squire