London, 3 October 2008 – Baker & McKenzie LLP has announced their appointment as the Premier League's preferred advisors in relation to its Anti-Counterfeiting Programme (ACP).

Formed at the beginning of the 2007/08 Barclays Premier League season and managed by the IP Crime Unit based in Cheshire, the Premier League’s ACP is acting to halt the flow of counterfeit football merchandise. The ACP is working together with the Premier League Clubs, kit manufacturers, Trading Standards, Customs and the Police to take a coordinated approach to this problem.

"We are excited to be assisting the Premier League and its ACP to ensure it is equipped to fight counterfeiting worldwide," said Paul Rawlinson, Global IP Leader at Baker & McKenzie.  "Our global expertise in comprehensive solutions to the trade in fakes enables us to provide effective strategic support wherever that trade extends."

Senior associate, Peter O'Byrne will lead the intellectual property team at Baker & McKenzie, together with Partner, Paul Rawlinson.