A Guide to London
London’s vibrant culture and world-renowned legal community make it an international hub for intellectual property and innovation. The city’s historic charm and forward-looking spirit promise unmatched opportunities for global collaboration, with plenty to do, see, and eat in-between, as Sarah Morgan discovers.
You can’t turn a corner in London without seeing a historic building or monument. The city is steeped in history and heritage, but its sights are set firmly on the future. It is the home to many famous and well-established brands and, at the same time, brimming with numerous business opportunities yet to be realized.
Kate Swaine, co-head of intellectual property at Gowling WLG (UK), explains: “London is such an important financial, legal, and commerce center before you even get into the cultural aspects of this city. So many of the professionals coming here have clients for whom London is key or if they are the clients themselves, they will have bases here.”
“London is a special place, mixing the academic side of the legal world with the really creative and innovative start-up world where anything can happen,” adds Joel Vertes, co-head of intellectual property at CMS (UK).
Beyond its history and strategic location, the UK has long been renowned and respected for its jurisprudence.
For Ese Akpogheneta, trademark counsel at British American Tobacco Group and second vice president and treasurer at the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (UK), London is a leading global city and a world leading center for intellectual property (IP) work.
“The UK, as we know, has shaped legal jurisprudence around the world for many years. The IP community in the UK has a global perspective on IP and a collaborative approach. London is diverse, it's vibrant, and it's welcoming,” says Ms. Akpogheneta.
London sits at the natural crossroads for brands, business, policy, and innovation, and it is this combination that makes it the perfect destination for an Annual Meeting.
Linda Chang, deputy CEO and a principal at Rouse (UK), adds: “This Annual Meeting offers an opportunity for many firms to send their younger practitioners to London to experience INTA, and meet face to face with clients that they have been working with for a long time.”
Reflecting on its geographic location, Ms. Chang adds: “I think that represents a unique opportunity. For a large number of Europe-based IP firms and IP professionals it is much more affordable to send people to London.”
Honing in on the city’s place in the IP ecosystem, Chehrazade Chemcham, founder and director of Brands Lex Limited (UK), notes: “London is a key city for the IP community. It’s a global IP influencer because London shapes a lot of IP laws, policies, and strategies that are rolled out and emulated across the world. Also, it’s a real test lab for cutting-edge and emerging IP issues because of the number of businesses here that are innovating.”
"The UK, as we know, has shaped legal jurisprudence around the world for many years. The IP community in the UK has a global perspective on IP and a collaborative approach. London is diverse, it's vibrant, and it's welcoming."
-Ese Akpogheneta | British American Tobacco Group / Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (UK)
Navigating the City and Excel
INTA will host its 148th Annual Meeting at the Excel London Conference Center, located in East London. The UK capital is well connected, and the Excel is no exception. Taking the Elizabeth Line or the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) will get you to the venue quickly, alighting at Custom House. If using the DLR, you can also get off at Price Regent station at the east entrance to the venue, closer to where the core Annual Meeting activities will take place.
Suzanne Singleton, head of associations and citywide bids at London & Partners (UK) explains: “The Elizabeth Line has absolutely transformed transport across London. It has been a gamechanger and it’s going to make it easier than ever for registrants to get across London. It connects Heathrow to Excel in under 45 minutes.”
She continues that it is also a pleasant experience being a brand-new line. “It’s got nice platforms, and stations, with air conditioning and wi-fi.”
Moreover, most of the hotels in INTA’s official block are along the Elizabeth and DLR lines.
Ms. Singleton also points out that Canary Wharf is just three minutes from Excel and well worth a visit. Excel is also just 15 minutes from the Tottenham Court Road tube station located near Oxford Street, London’s most famous shopping street in the heart of the West End. Alternatively, take the scenic route to Excel and arrive by river boat or the IFS Cloud Cable Car that flies 90 meters (about 295 feet) above the Thames going all the way to The O2 Arena.
Andrew Swanston, assistant director of sales at Excel London, explains that there will be a welcome team and digital signage throughout the venue, ensuring you get where you need to be when you need to be there.
He recommends Citymapper to navigate the subway system—or “the Tube” — as well as Transport for London’s TfLGo app, which provides live departure times and arrival times for trains.
Buy a visitor Oyster card, Travelcard, or use a contactless payment card to get the best travel value. Mr. Swanston says: “You don’t need to buy a paper ticket anymore. It is capped at £7.80 a day. So, you can travel throughout the whole of the underground network, and you won’t spend more than that.”
Alluding to the importance of planning your travel and getting a little adventurous, Ms. Singleton reminds registrants that they should consider taking an alternative route. “Rather than go on the underground, consider walking. Sometimes three tube stops can only be a five-minute walk and that is a great way to see the city.”
She recommends that registrants download the Visit London app for live transport updates, as well as offline maps, curated lists of top attractions and hidden gems, and assistance with itinerary planning.
With thousands of registrants convening at the Excel daily during the Annual Meeting, Mr. Swanston emphasizes that the conference and surrounding area offers a variety of food and drink options. “We have over 30 bars and restaurants within the venue and on the outskirts of the venue. Whether it's a quick coffee, cup of tea, or a sandwich during lunch or you want to meet a colleague and have a quick meeting with them, there are small private areas within the venue,” he adds.
"The Elizabeth Line has absolutely transformed transport across London. It has been a gamechanger and it’s going to make it easier than ever for registrants to get across London. It connects Heathrow to Excel in under 45 minutes."
-Suzanne Singleton | London & Partners (UK)
Beyond the Annual Meeting
Whatever your interests, there’s truly something on offer for everyone in the UK’s capital city. First-timers in the “Big Smoke” should prioritize landmarks including Westminster, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
For shopping, there’s no place better than the West End and Oxford Street (home of high-street fashion), Regent Street and Bond Street (host to luxury brands and toy shop Hamleys) and Carnaby Street (which features an array of trendy boutiques and British clothing brands). To get to the world-famous Harrods, head a little further west, to Knightsbridge, which is also just a short walk from Hyde Park and Green Park.
But, if you’re looking for something a little different, seek out Camden Market or Spitalfields Market for a mix of vintage goods and independent designers or Portobello Road Market for antique treasures and possible celebrity spottings.
Make some time to visit London’s numerous museums, many of which are free. Aside from the usual suspects—the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum—as lovers of all things intellectual property, there are a few specific museums you shouldn’t miss.
In particular, Sarah Vaughan, senior patent attorney at Rolls-Royce and president of the IP Federation, recommends the Museum of Brands, the Design Museum, and the Science Museum.
Now, after all that walking, you may want to rest and recover in the calm of London’s many green spaces. For rambling woodlands and swimming ponds, head to Hampstead Heath in the north of London, before strolling into the charming neighborhood of Hampstead.
Or walk up Primrose Hill to enjoy excellent views of London, before slowing down and taking time to smell the roses in Regent’s Park.
For those seeking even more peace and relaxation, check out Richmond Park, the largest of London’s Royal Parks and home to herds of deer.
But if you only have an hour or two, explore the leafy suburb of Greenwich, which sits just over the Thames from the Excel. Take some time to wander the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College as it celebrates its 300th year. Created by Sir James Thornhill, the Baroque interior has served as the setting for several Hollywood movies. Or stand with a foot in each hemisphere at the Prime Meridian Line. And, nearby, you can explore the Cutty Sark, the last surviving sea clipper.
"We’ve got a really diverse culture here, so obviously that brings with it a whole host of different cuisines."
-Joe Doyle-Ward | Abion (UK)
Eat Your Way Around the World
You’ve not truly experienced London if you don’t seek out the food and drink on offer across the city. There’s now a total of 88 restaurants in London holding either one, two, or three MICHELIN stars. But don’t limit yourself to award-winning destinations—the next best dinner could be just around the corner.
“We’ve got a really diverse culture here, so obviously that brings with it a whole host of different cuisines,” says Joe Doyle-Ward, senior associate at Abion (UK). His two favorite foods are both based in Shoreditch, East London, a few stops on the Elizabeth line from the Excel.
Beigel Bake, a 24/7, 365 days a year bakery, specializes in salt beef bagels with mustard and pickles.
“It never sleeps,” he says. “I've been in there for breakfast and for the last meal before a night out!”
His second favorite is nearby Brick Lane, a street dotted with curry houses and long considered the destination for an Indian cuisine in London.
If you’re looking to try a range of different foods, head to Borough Market, one of London’s largest and oldest food markets.
After you’ve had your fill of amazing food and drink, it’s time for a stroll, says Mr. Vertes.
He recommends: “Taking a walk from Borough Market along the South Bank, past Shakespeare's Globe, the Tate Modern [where the Grand Finale is to be held], and all the way to the London Eye where you get amazing views down the Thames. Perhaps even enjoy a cheeky pint down by the river.”
If you’re looking to try some British staples—and a quintessential British experience—a traditional pub could prove the highlight of your trip. Aside from a “cheeky pint,” a good pub will offer up a traditional English breakfast (think eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, baked beans, and toast), fish and chips, a Ploughman's lunch (a traditional, rustic cold meal featuring bread, cheese, and pickles), Sunday lunch (also known as a roast, but only on a Sunday!), and sticky toffee pudding.
The Duke of Cambridge in Angel, Islington, and Blacklock (with a location in Canary Wharf) are good places to start but there’s no shortage of excellent pubs in London and each London-based registrant will likely have their own (very strong) preferences and recommendations when it comes to a good pub!
