Harrison Drury Strengthens IP Capabilities with Appointment of Asima Rana as Partner

Independent Northern law firm Harrison Drury has appointed Asima Rana as partner within its Manchester commercial team, marking a significant step in expanding its specialist intellectual property (IP) services.

Rana joins Harrison Drury from DWF, where she held the position of director. Her prior senior roles include tenures at Addleshaw Goddard and TLT, equipping her with a broad and deep understanding of IP law.

She brings to Harrison Drury extensive experience advising businesses on contentious intellectual property issues, brand protection strategies, and complex commercial disputes.

In her new role, Rana will lead the development of the firm’s intellectual property offering, providing support to clients nationwide on matters ranging from brand enforcement to commercially sensitive disputes.

Her sector expertise spans retail, fashion, consumer goods, and food and drink industries. She has acted for numerous high-profile brands, managing strategic enforcement programmes and reputational concerns.

Rana commented on her appointment: “Harrison Drury is a firm with big ambitions and a genuinely collaborative culture. The opportunity to grow the firm’s intellectual property offering is a natural fit with my experience and I’m delighted to be joining at such an important phase of its journey.”

She added, “My practice focuses on advising clients on complex intellectual property disputes and brand protection, where I work closely with clients to deliver practical, commercially focused advice, and build strong, long-term relationships. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the firm to strengthen our service across the region and support clients in managing disputes and protecting their intellectual property rights.”

Rana’s appointment reflects a growing demand for specialist intellectual property advice as businesses face increasingly complex challenges related to innovation, product development, and brand protection.

Harrison Drury is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary, with a series of events planned throughout the year.

Rory O’Hare, partner and head of Harrison Drury’s commercial team, remarked, “There is always strong demand from businesses looking for support to both protect and commercialise their intellectual property. Asima’s arrival improves our capability to protect our clients’ interests and complements our existing commercial expertise.”

He continued, “She is one of the most respected intellectual property lawyers on the market and shares our commitment to building lasting relationships with clients to help them navigate complex disputes and manage commercial risk. Her track record speaks for itself, and we are delighted to welcome her to the team.”