Andrew Clay

Intellectual Property Solicitor

Andrew has over 30 years extensive experience managing IP disputes and helping businesses commercialise their IP rights. Throughout his career he has taken disputes relating to all types of IP rights to trial and negotiated hundreds of IP licences and agreements.

Andrew trained at a top global law firm before leading the UK & International IP Group at another prominent firm. He is an Editor of the CIPA Guide to the Patents Act and lectures widely on IP rights. Andrew was the Deputy Chairman of the Copyright Tribunal from 2017 to November 2025.

Contact Andrew

Andrew says

“Although getting the right advice about IP issues is of critical importance to many businesses it can be surprisingly difficult to find good advice at a reasonable price. Sonder & Clay meets that need. All our team are senior professionals with decades of experience who you won’t be paying to learn on your job. Nor will you fund a swanky city centre office, layers of management or training juniors. Seasoned advisors at sensible prices. It’s that simple.”

Outside of work Andrew is a keen cyclist, reader of popular science books, lover of film and cinema and husband and father to two amazing children.

My Expertise

IP Disputes

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IP Exploitation

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IP Infringement

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IP Licensing

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Talk to Andrew Clay about your IP

3 Common IP Mistakes by Andrew Clay

Benefit from Andrew’s 30+ years in IP law, in this video he explains which mistakes to avoid and why.

What our clients say

GLOBAL ELECTRONICS BRAND

“Sonder IP look after our UK, European and International IP and Trade marks from an internal perspective, ensuring we are not infringing on others, and vice versa, protecting us. They consistently deliver exactly what we want, in a friendly, uncomplicated and efficient way.”

NOT FOR PROFIT COMPANY

“We were thrilled with the service – Sonder drafted everything for us, submitted the forms and identified possible issues to look out for. They completed the whole process for us and explained each step in simple to understand language. I would (and do!) thoroughly recommend them for Trade Marks and other IP services.”

Sonder & Clay – Intellectual Property Law Firm

4.6

John McAnenly

3 months ago

Andrew is exceptional in his field. Professional, commercially astute and focused on achieving the best outcome. He delivers results, particularly when assisting in dealing with bad actors who have left themselves legally exposed. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.

Mark Ewington

3 months ago

I don't know how we functioned as a business before we found these guys. Andrew has helped us navigate the pitfalls of IPR and thanks to him we have emerged stronger than ever! Brilliant advice and direction with very fast response times.

Rosie

2 years ago

Exceptional service. Matt is extremely knowledgeable and so generously helpful, I’m very grateful to have found Sonder & Clay. Thank you for the fantastic experience Matt, it was much appreciated. Would highly recommend.

Naj H

2 years ago

Got an IP issue, dont even waste your time looking anywhere else – You need someone firm and confident in your corner in such situations and Matt is exceptional. Really helped me in the past and would help most in such situations. Thank God I came across him when I did.

Nosheen H

2 years ago

I had an amazing experience with Sonder & Clay, thanks to Matt’s genuine expertise and willingness to help. He took the time to answer all my questions thoroughly, providing clear and insightful advice that gave me real peace of mind. It’s rare to find someone so knowledgeable yet approachable, and I truly appreciate his support. I highly recommend Sonder & Clay to anyone looking for expert guidance delivered with care and professionalism!

David W

2 years ago

Sonder & Clay have delivered first class IP representation. Matt is flawless with his firm approach and gained us the outcome we wanted. Very glad I found them and highly recommended.

David Bernstein

4 years ago

Matt provides "no frills" advice and navigates tricky situations with ease at very reasonable rates. Highly recommended!

Naj

4 years ago

Honestly, Matt from Sonder IP baffled me. It is a well known fact lawyers want to charge for every minute they spend on any case or any advice. We contacted Matt and he 'claimed' money was not his sole purpose and boy did he mean it. Despite us offering him money, he REJECTED the offer. He gave us a lot of thorough advice, read through all of our correspondence in our case and stated only if you go to Proceedings, would we discuss finances. I am telling you now from extensive previous experience with lawyers, this is not the norm. This is despite us having no previous interaction or relationship with Matt so a completely new customer. He took my call out of standard hours and spent a fair amount of time with me. This therefore means if you are in a situation that you need to defend and at your most vulnerable then you need someone to be in your corner that is not just concerned with how much their final bill to you will be. We all know IP cases can be extremely expensive even if you have a decent case so to get a Solicitor that genuinely wants to help and not be money hungry are worth their wait in gold. My first impression is you would need someone like Matt in your corner. It goes without saying, we will be using Matt in the future should we have a similar issue and shall recommend him to anyone we come across in such a situation. Thank You Matt for your time and advice, MUCH APPRECIATED.

Stelios

4 years ago

I came across Matt at Sonder IP when our company trademark registration request was challenged with a Notice of Opposition by another large multimillion pound company. Unlikely other service providers who were more interested on how they could potentially exploit our vulnerability charging an arm and a leg before even looking at our case, Sonder IP paid sincere attention and interest in understanding our concern. Sonder IP not only resolved our trademark case taking much needed weight off our shoulders, they also challenged the fees demanded by the opposition party saving us paying any compensation. Thank you Matt and Sonder IP.

Eve Studios

5 years ago

Amazing service, can't recommend highly enough. Speak to Matt if you need anything ip related. Awesome!

Danielle Heward

5 years ago

Very happy with the service Matt has provided in helping me with my IP requirements for a new product. He's knowledgeable, professional and couldn't have been more helpful. Would definitely recommend!

6 years ago

Sonder IP helped me deal with a trademark issue I had for my business. They were fantastic to work with and dealt with my queries promptly and professionally. Matt helped solve the issue and provided some really useful advice, he is also a great listener and honest. Thank you so much !

Matthew Wood

6 years ago

I had an IP issue with someone copying my brand and Matt at Sonder IP came highly recommended when I asked for help. The advice I got was second to none – very helpful and to the point. Within a week of Matt starting proceedings, we had resolved the issue with a great result that I was very happy with. Something I thought was going to be a bit of a nightmare to deal with was handled expertly, quickly and professionally. Thank you Matt and team… you've saved me from lots of sleepless nights! Matt Wood Director Scamp Creative

Julie Nicholson

7 years ago

Sonder IP were recommended to us by an esteemed associate as a company that does excellent work around IP and Trade Marks. They put us in touch and Matt got back to me straight away to offer a pro bono service, as we are a small not for profit. (feel free to leave that part out!) We were thrilled with the service- we just had a phone chat to establish our needs which were understood immediately and Sonder drafted everything for us, submitted the forms and identified possible issues to look out for. They completed the whole process for us and explained each step in simple to understand language. I would (and do!) thoroughly recommend them for Trade marking and other IP services. Julie Nicholson Managing Director Digital Voice for Communities C.I.C.