Trademark specialist firm FRKelly is in mourning following the death of colleague, partner and friend, Niamh Hall.

Niamh, who died on 20 November following a short illness, was a highly-respected trademark attorney and solicitor who served the Irish and European intellectual property (IP) profession in numerous ways.

Niamh was the first woman to become president of the Irish Association of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys (APTMA), and co-authored the leading Irish IP law textbook Intellectual Property Law in Ireland (Clark, Smyth & Hall).

Author

She also co-authored Technology and Intellectual Property Law (Law Society) and Concise European Trade Mark and Design Law (Kluwer Law International). Niamh lectured in IP law at the Law Society, and represented the profession on the Trade Marks Examination Board.

Niamh was also recognised by numerous independent publications over the years as an “International IP star”, a “world IP leader”, one of the ‘IAM Strategy 300’ – the world’s Leading IP strategists, and was one of the ‘Top 250 Women in IP Worldwide’.

Niamh was a valued mentor and role model who brought immense energy and enthusiasm to everything that she did, her firm said in a tribute.

She joined FRKelly in 2002 as a junior associate, moving up the ranks to partnership. Throughout her career, she was renowned for her utmost levels of integrity, service and leadership, and was held in the highest regard by her colleagues, peers and clients – in Ireland and across the world.

Dear friend

Above all, Niamh Hall will be missed as a very dear friend. “Her kindness and positive influence will remain with us for years to come as we carry her memory,” the firm said in a statement. 

As a mark of respect to Niamh, FRKelly offices were closed on Friday (25 November).

FRKelly extends heartfelt condolences to Niamh’s family on their sad loss.

May she rest in peace.