Operating offices across the UK, Germany, and Spain, Boult Wade Tennant LLP is well-placed to advise on pan-European mandates, evidenced by one client praising it is ‘a go-to firm in Europe’. In particular, the team is noted for its expertise in infringement and validity advice. London-based Tessa Bucks helms the firm’s engineering and designs practice, while Nina White chairs the biotechnology and life science department, working with a diverse client roster which includes SMEs and university start-ups. Adrian Hayes leads the chemical and materials group from Reading; both he and Rohan Setna (based in London) frequently appear in opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO. Oliver Rutt, also in London, is another key name in this area, as is Jonathan Palmer, who heads up the high-tech and electrical group.
PATMA: Patent attorneys in London
Boult Wade Tennant LLP
Practice head(s):
Nina White; Tessa Bucks; Oliver Rutt; Jonathan Palmer
Other key lawyers:
Adrian Hayes; Rohan Setna; Daniel Weston; Matthew Spencer; Michelle Pratt; Neil Thomson; Martyn Draper; Marcus Sims; Jason Pelly; Jo Pelly
Testimonials
‘Neil Thomson and Daniel Weston are very easy to deal with; responsive, informal, down to earth, don’t waste time, and succinct advice.’
‘Rohan Setna is very strong on oppositions and needs minimum verbal direction from us as the client to perform very strongly.’
‘Matthew Spencer is a skilled patent attorney with a very good technical understanding of the antibody field. He consistently provides insightful advice and takes into account the business context.’
‘What I really like about the Boult team is their proactive approach. I know that these individuals will never take any action for granted. They will voice their expert opinion in order to maximise the breadth of the IP while being extra sensitive with costs, especially with start-ups.’
‘Matthew Spencer has superb understanding and provides excellent advice regarding complex pharmaceutical patent situations.’
‘A consistent, constant team which has been in place for years which knows each other’s strengths well and knows our business very well. The team has been instrumental in helping us focus on the strategic development of our IP roadmap.’
‘Compared to other firms, BWT sets itself apart through a forward-thinking mindset, embracing new technology and fostering a culture of collaboration that promotes constant improvement and client satisfaction.’
‘Boult is a go-to firm in Europe. The Boult team is super professional and honest. Its a true pleasure to work with them.’
Key clients
Abcam Plc
Arecor Therapeutics
Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
Adaptive Biotechnologies Corporation
Paragraf Limited
United Kingdom Research and Innovation, STFC at the Rutherford Appleton and Daresbury laboratories
52 North Health
Caterpillar Inc.
Iceotope Group Limited
Move.AI
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP is notable for its expertise in supporting healthcare clients, including those from the pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology industries. It is praised by clients for its ability to handle the entire spectrum of patent-related mandates, including ‘patent prosecution, strategy, post-grant proceedings, and litigation’, as well as EPO opposition work. The practice is also able to utilise the firm’s strong dispute resolution offering to assist in litigation matters. Managing partner and pan-European prosecution expert Hugh Goodfellow leads the life sciences group and is highly experienced in handling oppositions and appeals before the EPO, while John Brunner heads up the engineering and technology teams, assisting clients with their medical devises involving software, AI, and electronics. James Warner spearheads the chemistry and pharmaceuticals group, which advises clients in the consumer, nutraceuticals, and the medical device spaces, while Mark Chapman chairs the biotechnology team.
Practice head(s):
Hugh Goodfellow; John Brunner; Mark Chapman; James Warner
Other key lawyers:
Cameron Marshall; Daniel Wise; Harvey Adams; Edward Oates; Gary Small; Susan Kirsch; Bruce Cockerton; Stephen Duffield; Paul Bettridge; Chris Hoggett; Matthew Georgiou; Isobel Barry; Anna Leathley; Ian Kirby; Ben Chapman; James Channer
Testimonials
‘Carpmaels has one of the finest IP litigation and prosecution practices in UK. The team provides sophisticated patent enforcement strategies for UK and across Europe, the partners are capable and hands-on, and the quality of associates are solid.’
‘When it comes to critical EU oppositions, you can always count on John Brunner; he provides comprehensive patent strategies across Europe. He is sensitive to his clients’ competitive landscape and crafts their patent strategies to meet their business objectives.’
‘Ben Chapman can be consistently relied upon for advice and strong work product.’
‘The group is versatile in that it can handle patent prosecution, strategy, post-grant proceedings, and litigation. It is skilled and creative across all of these areas. The group is most useful when regular conflicts exist in the patent space among competitors.’
‘John Brunner is a creative and highly skilled IP attorney. His abilities are showcased during complex disputes, including his project management skills.’
‘James Channer is a technically strong patent attorney who works well on the details of a matter.’
‘If you care about strategy and winning, Ian Kirby is the solicitor you want to anchor your litigation. He effectively manages and directs trial activities in court, and he is experienced with IP litigation on an international scale. He has good knowledge of US patent litigation processes and strategies, and he is able to adapt US litigation approaches into winning strategies in UK courts.’
Key clients
Abbott
Acorda Therapeutics
Afiniti
Align Technology
Amgen
Auris Health
Verb Surgical
Barclays Bank
Biogen
Biosense Webster
Bristol Myers Squibb
CSL
Dupont Teijin Films
Ethicon
Fibrogen
Gilead
Incyte
Ionis Pharmaceuticals
Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Johnson & Johnson
LEO Pharma
LifeScan
McNeil AB
Merck
Novartis
Novocure
Quantum-Si
Raytheon Technologies Corporation
Regeneron
Roche
Sanofi
Takeda
Vertex
Work highlights
- Advising Johnson & Johnson on a number of opposition matters for European patents which are in litigation in the UK and or German courts involving the dispute between AMO and Alcon.
- Advising Regeneron Pharmaceuticals on production and processing matters, including instructions on around 50 European applications.
- Represented Gilead Sciences in protecting its HIV portfolio which has been extensively opposed by generics manufacturers.
CMS
CMS boasts European, French, and UK patent attorneys that work alongside the firm’s litigation, regulatory, corporate, and commercial groups across Europe. The team has significant experience in assisting clients in the life science and pharmaceutical industries with EPO prosecutions, oppositions, and appeals, as well as portfolio management mandates. The practice also has demonstrable expertise in acting for technology giants, including Microsoft and LinkedIn, in drafting patent applications, in addition to providing representation in invalidity proceedings. Plus, it boasts strong expertise in emerging fields like quantum computing. Practice head Robert Stephen is praised as ‘an excellent communicator and an extremely knowledgeable attorney’ and he has notable strength in innovative medicine, encompassing biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Other key team members include Helen Wallis, who handles technology-related drafting and prosecution matters, Jane Evenson, who focuses on EPO oppositions work, biotech patent specialist Jane Hollywood, and Rachel Free, who has a strong AI-focused patent practice.
Practice head(s):
Robert Stephen
Other key lawyers:
Helen Wallis; Alex Epstein; Jane Evenson; Rachel Free; Jane Hollywood
Testimonials
‘The team provides you with all the tools needed for your business to maximise the effectiveness of its patents and secure new patents.’
‘Robert Stephen is an excellent communicator and an extremely knowledgeable attorney. He understands the market and is able to give very specific advice on obtaining and using IP.’
‘CMS is good in the technology area of life sciences. The team is approachable, flexible, and able to provide solid, pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
AkebiaTherapeutics
E-therapeutics
Fallouh Healthcare
Foundation Medicine
Haoma Medica
Imagination Technologies
Iotic Labs
Metaswitch Networks
Microsoft
Multus Biotechnology
Nestlé
Petmedix
SanaBiotechnology
Sanofi
Skin Analytics
SNIPR
Vectura
Work highlights
- Representing Microsoft in prosecuting European and UK patent applications, as well as advising on the filing strategy for its international patent applications.
- Advising Sanofi on a substantial patent portfolio, including multiple EPO opposition and appeal proceedings, drafting, and prosecutions.
D Young & Co LLP
D Young & Co LLP has demonstrable expertise in patent prosecutions before the EPO, and has recently experienced an increase in FTO-related mandates. The electronics and engineering group and the biotechnology, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals team work both independently and collaboratively with each other to support its broad client base, which includes multinational corporations, universities, and research institutes. Anthony Albutt is a key member of the group, and he leads the firm’s growing mechanical practice as a specialist in engineering, aerospace, and medical devices. Simon O’Brien has significant expertise in working with venture capital companies on biological and chemical-related mandates, and Darren Lewis is reputable in advising clients on infringement and validity issues. Lawrence King joined the team from Simmons & Simmons in February 2023.
Practice head(s):
Anthony Albutt; Simon O’Brien
Other key lawyers:
Darren Lewis; Connor McConchie; David Alcock; Zöe Clyde-Watson; Garreth Duncan; Kirk Gallagher; Charles Harding; Neil Nachshen; Kit Wong; Rachel Bateman; Tamara Milton; Matthew Caines; Tom Pagdin; Lawrence King
Testimonials
‘D Young & Co has fantastic and very switched-on patent attorneys.’
‘The team at D Young & Co is a cut above the rest.’
‘Darren Lewis has a large brain and his advice is always sharp and impactful. You can always count on him to deliver on every aspect of the case with the utmost care, dedication, and precision.
‘Connor McConchie is another excellent patent attorney who does really good work and is strong across multiple disciplines.’
Key clients
Airspan Communications
Allergy Therapeutics
ARM
Asahi Kasei Corporation
Autolus
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
Brompton Bicycles
Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals
Eden Research
Fresenius Kabi
GKN Aerospace
Global Blue
IFF
Korean Institute of Science and Technology
Lush Cosmetics
Mannkind Corporation
Medtronic
Merial
Novo Nordisk
Nestlé
Oxford BioMedica
Qorvo
Sony Corporation
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony Mobile Communications
Sony Olympus Medical Solutions
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
TEVA Pharmaceuticals
The Lubrizol Corporation
ThirtyFive Bio
Toyota Motor Corporation
University College London
University of Southampton
Zealand Pharma
Work highlights
- Acting for TEVA Pharmaceuticals in a number of oppositions at the EPO relating to blockbuster drugs.
- Advising Evonetix on a drafting and filing programme.
- Representing Toyota subsidiary Woven Planet Holdings in its European patent portfolio.
Dehns
Dehns has a well-established reputation as one of the leading EOP filing teams, offering support with applications, oppositions, and appeals. Plus, the practice utilises the firm’s strong litigation offering, which is headed up by Paul Harris, providing clients with a fully integrated offering. It’s client roster is vast and includes companies from a wide range of industries, including, but not limited to, medical devices, photonics, nanotechnology, life sciences, biotechnology, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals. It is also particularly active in advising universities from the UK and Norway. Key names of note include senior partner Elizabeth Jones and managing partner Adrian Samuels, and they are supported by chair of the biotechnology group Hanna Dzieglewska, Louise Golding, who leads the chemical team, and John Tothill, who spearheads the engineering practice, of which Alex Gittins is also a key member.
Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Jones; Adrian Samuels; Hanna Dzieglewska; Louise Golding; John Tothill; Paul Harris
Other key lawyers:
Alex Gittins; Mark Bell; Laura Ramsay; Rebecca Gardner
Testimonials
‘High quality of services, good understanding of clients’ industries, and proactive engagement.’
‘The work force is good to cooperate with.’
‘Dehns is a go-to IP firm.’
Key clients
Coca–Cola
Carrier Corporation
Otis Elevators
Kimberly Clark
Equinor
Baker Hughes
SanDisk
Western Digital
Micromass
Nordic Semi-conductor
Raytheon Technologies
Work highlights
- Acted for ORCA in the protection of multiple different aspects of quantum computing technology involving complex atomic physics.
- Supported SINTEF/NaDeNo Nanoscience AS on their journey to commercialisation through patent portfolio management and preparing for a client company spin-out.
EIP
The ‘fantastic‘ dual practice at EIP, consisting of patent attorneys and IP litigators, has a strong and well-established focus on high-tech sectors and advises its clients across the entire lifecycle of patent work, from protection of rights and portfolio management, to enforcement, opposition, and appeal hearings before the EPO. This offering also includes cross-border litigation, especially in the UK and Germany, and growing areas for the group include the life sciences and medtech sectors. In London, digital specialist Jerome Spaargaren and Heather McCann, who has expertise in Internet of Things, security, computer systems, and wireless modem technologies jointly lead the team alongside Bath-based Matt Lawman, who has notable skills in handling high-tech electronics and software experience-related mandates. Senior associate Ben Maling (London) has experience in securing patents domestically and internationally for large tech companies and SMEs, and managing associate Ben Willows (Bath) handles inventions across a range of areas, including consumer electronics, image processing systems, and printers. In team news, Andrew Thompson joined the team in London from Withers & Rogers in June 2022, and Colin Lobban departed in July 2022 for an in-house position at Dyson.
Practice head(s):
Jerome Spaargaren; Heather McCann; Matt Lawman
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Thompson; Ben Maling; Ben Willows; Robin Rickard; Richard Gordon-Brown; Darren Smyth; Gareth Probert; Chris Price; Monika Rai; Luke Galloway; Robert Barker; Felix Hall
Testimonials
‘The whole EIP team provides solid support on all processed cases. Their spin-off patent search tool Patently.com is not only a fantastic addition to the free online searches, but has extended search capabilities not seen in other products.’
‘Matt Lawman conducts high-level analysis of the patentability, especially on very difficult cases.’
‘They are part of the client’s team, not just a supplier. This is critical, as they go the extra mile to truly understand not just what the client does, but how they do it, so their working practise matches to the clients and forms a true extension of the team.’
‘The team at EIP is fantastic, with experts in every technical area and with deep patent expertise.’
‘The patent attorneys at EIP are very knowledgeable in their area and able to quickly absorb and understand new technologies.’
‘Robin Rickard has a brilliant ability to read between the lines of the technical requirements for a given invention.’
Key clients
Sonos
ServiceNow
Pulpex
Egress
VividQ
Maersk
Airbus
VISA
PQShield
Work highlights
- Advised Pulpex on freedom to operate issues and building a patent portfolio.
- Assisting Flawless AI with developing its patent portfolio.
- Advising Egress on patent strategy and development, and the monitoring of competitors’ patent portfolio.
J A Kemp
J A Kemp's sizeable patent attorneys team has offices in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Paris, and Munich, and its broad offering encompasses drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications before the EPO and internationally, as well as advising clients on strategic matters, such as FTO and developing portfolios. Its client roster is diverse and includes start-ups, spinouts, multinational companies, and academic institutions across the UK, Europe, the US, and Japan. Ravi Srinivasan leads the pharmaceuticals team, senior partner Nigel Price heads up the engineering and IT pracitce, and Amanda Simons chairs the chemistry and pharmaceuticals group. Other key members of the team include biotechnology and life sciences head Patrick Campbell, Mark Roberts, who spearheads the medical devices team, software group lead John Leeming, and Andrew Bentham, who heads up the plant science and agriculture group.
Practice head(s):
Nigel Price; Amanda Simons; Patrick Campbell; Mark Roberts; Ravi Srinivasan; John Leeming; Andrew Bentham
Other key lawyers:
James Cracknell; James Egleton; Sarah Roques; Ian MacLeod; Graham Lewis; Toby Hopkin; Hermione Thompson; Tom Leanse
Testimonials
‘The different functions of the company link together well, providing a seamless service to clients.’
‘Confidence and trust can be placed in Mark Roberts more than many other European patent attorneys.’
‘A streamlined process for engaging JA Kemp as representation, with excellent technical and legal expertise.’
‘The partners will always make the extra effort to answer the client and will stay available for client’s prorities’
‘John Leeming is particularly good.’
‘Amanda Simons and James Cracknell are always available for a discussion and always prompt the client when a response is needed or a deadline approaches.’
‘James Egleton can do it all and is fantastic to work with.’
‘Sarah Roques has the measured and sophisticated gravitas of a skilled orator and Ian MacLeod’s broad experience is bar none.’
Key clients
Amazon
BASF
Bristol-Meyers Squibb
Cambridge University
Eli Lilly
GSK
L’Oreal
Lockheed Martin
Oxford University
Raspberry Pi Trading
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Ricoh
Roche
Samsonite
Stanford University
Toyota Motor Corporation
Kilburn & Strode LLP
Kilburn & Strode LLP ‘is a top-tier UK and EU Intellectual Property firm’, and with an office in California, the practice is able to service its Silicon Valley and San Francisco-based clients effectively. The team has seen a growth in activity regarding the AI, food and beverages, and healthcare sectors, and continues to be strong in the life sciences and technology spaces, supporting clients in EPO prosecutions, oppositions, and appeals. Nick Lee spearheads the life sciences and chemistry team, while Gareth Fennell heads up the technology practice, which also includes managing partner Richard Howson, who has a strong focus on the aerospace and automotive sectors. The engineering group is chaired by Robin Lloyd, and firm chairman and honorary secretary of the UK’s Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys Gwilym Roberts is also a key name of note.
Practice head(s):
Nick Lee; Gareth Fennell; Robin Lloyd
Other key lawyers:
Nick Bassil; Jennifer Harris; Sarah Lau; Mark Abthorpe; Elizabeth Crooks; Duncan Bull; Elizabeth Crooks; Tom Leonard; Jo Bradley; Nick Shipp; Harry Harden; Alexander Korenberg; Jeremy Smith; Gwilym Roberts; Marco Morbidini; Robin Lloyd
Testimonials
‘Kilburn attorneys are among the best at asking the right questions and driving for not necessarily a quick win, but flexibility and higher value.’
‘Gareth Fennell and Jennifer Harris provide valuable advice on IP strategy and legal counselling on IP related matters.’
‘Robin Lloyd has great attention to detail, and he is practical yet also creative with commercial solutions.’
‘Kilburn & Strode is a top-tier UK and EU Intellectual Property firm. The team’s expertise is well balanced across different areas of IP Law to cover patents, designs, trade marks, and copyrights. The client focus, creativity, and excellence of the team makes Kilburn & Strode a unique IP firm to work with.’
‘Strong expertise across a wide variety of technologies and IP subject matter. They keep up to date with new developments and are a progressive firm, and they have very good bench strength across the board, good knowledge of a wide variety of industry sectors, and excellent and very smart individuals.’
‘The standout individuals are Nick Bassil, Jennifer Harris, Sarah Lau, and Mark Abthorpe. All have excellent technical knowledge and are great communicators.’
‘Elizabeth Crooks has keen problem-solving abilities, creative use of case law, and practical and pragmatic approaches to addressing patent issues with an eye towards underlying business needs of her clients set her and her team apart from the peers.’
‘Kilburn & Strode’s team is highly-motivated and professional. You can feel the enthusiasm of the team towards their work. Duncan Bull is a pleasure to work with and gains a deep understanding of his clients’ business needs.’
Key clients
Daye
Elekta
Netflix
Aston Martin Lagonda
Harvard College
The Broad Institute
Adaptate Biotherapeutics
LG Display
Ubamarket
Boeing
Melinta Therapeutics
Sensyne Health Group
Itron
Viasat
Edwards Lifesciences
Honeywell International
Master Dynamic
Ball Corporation
Alkermes
Work highlights
- Managing Aston Martin’s patent and design portfolio during a 22 month secondment for their Head of IP, including IPT advice and design protection for DBX 707.
- Assisting a world famous tech company on a deep dive analysis of the European commerce market to strategise growth in their European portfolio.
- Defending Honeywell’s critical IP rights.
Marks & Clerk
Marks & Clerk’s ‘highly intelligent and commercial team’ supports large pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, as well as start-ups, SMEs and academic institutions. It also counts major players in the electronics and engineering spaces amongst its sizeable client base, and the team has demonstrable strength in assisting clients with patents regarding 3D printing, machine learning, and AI, especially with filing patent applications. Simon Mounteney and Robin Oxley jointly lead the team for London, which is also home to Will Nieuwenhuys, whose practice encompasses the entirety of the patent lifecycle, from drafting applications and prosecutions before the UKIPO and the EPO, to global portfolio management. Manchester-based Mike Williams has expertise in digital technologies, especially AI, and Thomas Prock (London) leads the additive manufacturing and 3D printing practice.
Practice head(s):
Simon Mounteney; Robin Oxley
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Jefferies; Thomas Prock; Philip Cupitt; Will Nieuwenhuys; Mike Williams; Andrew Docherty; Jonathan Stafford; Sheila Wallace; Tim Hargreaves; David Murray; Giles Pinnington; James Shearman; Lara Sibley; Daniel Sizer; Andrea Williams
Testimonials
‘Very willing to understand its clients’ very niche business requirements.’
‘Marks & Clerk, in particular Matthew Jefferies and Thomas Prock, have a very good appreciation of clients’ situations and needs.’
‘Marks and Clerk remain committed to understanding its clients’ technology, products, market, and competitors to ensure they can provide the best advice and methods for developing and supporting IP, interests, and risks.’
‘Highly intelligent and commercial team.’
‘Clients receive excellent support and expertise from Marks & Clerk in relation to patent application drafting and filings, dealing with examination and search reports, and investigations into potential infringements by third parties.’
‘The breadth of knowledge and technical understanding demonstrated by the firm’s team of patent attorneys is at a consistently high level.’
‘Philip Cupitt is recommendable to others who are looking for a trusted partner in the field of patent applications and IP management.’
Key clients
AB InBev
Uber
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Bridgestone
THALES
Next Holdings
Pukka Pies
Virgin Media
Nintendo
Toshiba
Roche
Genentech
Pfizer
Landis & Gyr
Micron
Ricoh
Gilead Sciences
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
AMS Osram
YASA Limited
Tokamak Energy Ltd
Advanced Medical Solutions
Crown Packaging Manufacturing UK
The University of Edinburgh
University of St Andrews
Cambridge GaN Devices
Inside Biometrics
Genuit Group
Provisur Technologies
RevoluGen
Dynex
Pal International
Flusso
Work highlights
- Advised Limbic with initial strategic advice regarding its patents and subsequently assumed representation for all of its patents.
- Advising Daiichi Sankyo on handling its patent and SPC portfolios relating to antibody-drug conjugates for treatment of cancers.
- Representing Provisur Technologies on European patent prosecution and contentious opposition work.
Mewburn Ellis LLP
Mewburn Ellis LLP’s ‘excellent team’ benefits from the firm’s strong geographical footprint; with offices in London, Bristol, Manchester, Cambridge, and Munich, the practice is able to seamlessly advise clients on UK and German patent filing and prosecution matters, in addition to opposition proceedings before the EPO. Manchester-based Graeme Moore leads the growing engineering and ICT group, while Bristol-based Simon Kiddle heads up the life sciences team, which is notable for its expertise in emerging technical areas, such as bioinformatics, advanced therapeutics, antibodies, and precision medicine. Jeremy Webster leads the chemistry group from Manchester, which handles a wide range of chemical innovation patents, from dyes, drugs, and catalysts, to composites, polymers, and pesticides. Biopharma specialist Robert Andrews remains as the firm’s first chief inclusion and diversity officer.
Practice head(s):
Graeme Moore; Simon Kiddle; Jeremy Webster
Other key lawyers:
Robert Andrews; Julie Carlisle; Adam Gregory; Andrew Mears; Emma Graham; Dan Thornton; Paul Dunne; Callum McGuinn; Isobel Stone
Testimonials
‘Thorough team that often comes up with good suggestions.’
‘Mewburn Ellis has an excellent team that is highly adaptable, clear in communications, and efficient in delivery.’
‘Graeme Moore and Dan Thornton are stand-out lawyers.’
‘They have an excellent supporting network of expertise, both internally and externally.’
‘Isobel Stone is very close to the detail of her clients’ IP, its landscape, and objectives. She has an excellent grasp of the detail, and gives good, relevant advice.’
‘Mewburn Ellis has a large team of knowledgeable, experienced, hard-working, thorough, responsive, and approachable attorneys. They provide excellent client care, with regular check-ins to seek feedback on performance generally and on-going matters (which they take on board and action) and to stay on top of business developments and upcoming projects.’
‘They stand out from other firms in their familiarity with the technology area in which its clients operate and the effort they put into understanding clients’ business needs and tailoring their services to best support them.’
Key clients
Cambridge Enterprise
Creo Medical
Danisco US
DuPont
Genentech
F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
Karsten Manufacturing
Mitsubishi
Nerudia
Imperial Brands
Toray Industries
Zealand Pharma
Venner Shipley LLP
Venner Shipley LLP is praised by a client for having ‘a diverse team with depth and breadth of knowledge’ across patent-related mandates, covering electronics and software, which is led by Jan Walaski, mechanical and engineering headed up by Ian Grey, and chemistry and life sciences spearheaded by Siân Gill. The firm continues to handle an increasing number of patent applications, with particular expertise in AI and machine learning products; Richard Kennedy leads the firm’s AI IP offering. It also has notable strength in opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO, and its client roster is broad ranging, including universities, SMEs, and start-ups, as well as multi-national corporations. In Cambridge, managing partner Pawel Piotrowicz is an expert in computer-implemented simulations, and Allie Elend has ‘excellent scientific knowledge’ and supports large pharmaceutical companies. Head of the firm’s Guildford office, Anton Hutter, has significant expertise in patenting antibodies, vaccines, and gene therapy constructs. The team continues to expand, with five new patent attorneys hires since July 2022.
Practice head(s):
Jan Walaski; Ian Grey; Sian Gill
Other key lawyers:
Allie Elend; Catrin Petty; Anton Hutter; Paul Derry; Richard Kennedy; Tim Russell; Alex Brown; Simon Taor; Pawel Piotrowicz; Emma Longland; Louis Trichard; Kirsty Simpson
Testimonials
‘Venner Shipley has a diverse team with depth and breadth of knowledge. The team is academically very talented and can grasp new ideas and concepts very quickly, and more importantly, they can convert the idea into the written form.’
‘Allie Elend is a very bright, intelligent lawyer with excellent scientific knowledge; she grasps new ideas and concepts almost immediately and asks excellent thought-provoking questions in order to best understand the science and technology.’
‘Everyone at Venner is incredible in terms of providing clear and concise communications and work product on time that includes detailed and accurate analysis.’
‘The team is well-equipped to help make the right strategic decisions.’
‘Venner has great experience in patent prosecution and EPO opposition and appeal proceedings.’
‘Catrin Petty and Anton Hutter have an excellent understanding of chemistry. It helps in making a robust application for novel small molecules. and in granting and defending patents.’
‘Paul Derry is very committed, and he takes extra steps in application drafting to solve issues with inventors.’
‘Tim Russell has broad expertise in all aspects of patent prosecution. He has extensive expertise in opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO, combined with technical and legal knowledge. He provides high-quality services.’
Key clients
Roche
Sanofi
BAT
Nicoventures
Zimmer Biomet
AstraZeneca
Cambridge Display Technology
Cerevance
Neuro-bio
Procter & Gamble
Samsung Group
Takeda Pharmaceutical
Airbus Defence and Space
Epizyme
FiberLean Technologies
Work highlights
- Advised British American Tobacco and related companies since 2007 on their patent portfolios.
- Advised Sanofi on its European patent prosecution, opposition, freedom to operate, and filing registered designs.
- Advised Roche on its patent portfolio acquired from Inflazome.
AA Thornton
AA Thornton is praised by clients for its ‘deep understanding of the complexities within the biotech landscape’, and it handles large volumes of patent filing applications to the EPO and UKIPO. The practice’s client base is broad ranging, encompassing SMES, individual investors, and international corporations across Europe, North America, India, and the Far East. Sectors of strength for the team include life sciences, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, computing, telecoms, construction, engineering, manufacturing, oil and gas, and aerospace industries, amongst others. The team is especially skilled in patent work regarding complex computer-implemented technologies, for example, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, computer simulation, and modelling. Managing partner Adrian Bennett leads the engineering, physics, and mechanical devices group with significant experience in EPO opposition proceedings. ‘Excellent attorney’ Craig Turner heads up the chemistry, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals team, and he has extensive expertise in contentious matters. Turner is supported by senior associate Leonita Paulraj and Marianne Privett, who manages global patent portfolios. Mike Jennings chairs the electrical engineering, electronics telecoms, and IT patents department.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Bennett; Craig Turner; Mike Jennings
Other key lawyers:
Marianne Privett; Alex Bone; Leonita Paulraj
Testimonials
‘The patent attorneys practice stands out due to its exceptional expertise and commitment to client satisfaction and it offers comprehensive and customised patent services specifically tailored for the biotech industry. What sets it apart from other firms is its deep understanding of the complexities within the biotech landscape and its ability to effectively handle patent prosecution and licensing matters.’
‘Craig Turner is an excellent attorney, team leader, and advocate. His professionalism, communication skills, legal and technological analytical skills, and advocacy skills in European patent litigation is impressive.’
‘Marianne Privett has exceptional analytical abilities, which have enabled her to obtain the grant of some extremely difficult patents. In addition, Marianne provides invaluable legal advice relating to European patent practice, and her general communication skills are excellent.’
‘The patent attorneys practice truly stand out for its exceptional qualities, deep expertise, and unwavering dedication to client success. It is differentiated by its professionalism, technical acumen, and effective communication of complex concepts.’
‘The team at AA Thornton provides insightful comments on patent law that guides decision-making processes. The team members are clear, prompt, and always willing to help.’
‘Incredibly helpful, patient, and always able to answer any questions. Always able to take the time and help navigate the legalities of IP protection.’
‘Leonita Paulraj has a very impressive ability to handle a large number of quite complex European patent applications. Leonita is clearly very competent with regard to patent prosecutions in Europe and has obtained several important patents.’
‘Craig Turner and Leonita Paulraj are helpful, thorough, and extremely reliable. One knows that when issues are discussed with them, you will receive a clear, thoughtful answer.’
Key clients
Wlness Science
Solveteq
DeLaval Holding AB
Cambridge Quantum Computing
Authentix Inc.
OSG Water
Robert Bosch GmbH
Estée Lauder
Sol-Gel Materials and Applications
Sulphur Mills
Work highlights
- Representing Authentix in a difficult prosecution before the European Patent Office and obtaining a decision from the Board of Appeal that will ensure Authentix obtain the grant of a European patent, based on claims that cover many of their commercially important compounds.
- Acted for Bosch on solving problems that could have resulted in significant commercial consequences by securing retrospective UK design protection and recovering UK patent protection that had lapsed.
- Advised a UK client on patent infringement and validity matters for one of its acquired companies that was interested in implementing a combined hardware and software solution.
Appleyard Lees
Specialist IP firm Appleyard Lees has a ‘deep scientific understanding’ in the patent arena with offices in Cambridge, Halifax, Manchester, and Leeds. It supports clients from a plethora of industries, including life sciences and pharmaceuticals, electronics and software, chemistry, engineering, and physics. Its client roster includes emerging innovators and start-ups, as well as well-established, international companies, and the practice handles an increasing number of patent filings. Managing partner of the firm’s Manchester-based office David Clark leads the team, and is supported by chartered biologist Simon Bradbury, who has an academic background in genetics and oncology. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Barbara Fleck (Cambridge) is another notable name with substantial expertise across a wide range of technologies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical spaces, with a strong focus on antibody therapeutics and agri-sciences. In March 2023, Bill Lister retired from the partnership and now supports the firm from a consultancy role. Impressively, the team has grown by two thirds in the past five years.
Practice head(s):
David Clark
Other key lawyers:
Simon Bradbury; Barbara Fleck; Claire Devine; Richard Bray; Kate Hickinson; Paul Beynon; Julia Gwilt; Ean Davies; Dick Waddington; Bobby Smithson; Adam Tindall; Howard Read
Testimonials
‘The team at Appleyard Lees has a fundamental level of understanding of the requirements for a start-up company’s IP portfolio. As well as having a deep scientific understanding, it also provides expert tailored advice and shows flexibility in its approach, which reflects the client’s needs rather than the client needing to adhere to the firm’s standard procedures.’
‘Paul Beynon is a go-to person on all filing matters. He always speaks with a smile and is quick to get to the facts and form a pragmatic landscape for any consideration or new filing. His technical excellence is inbuilt.’
‘The team is warm, amenable, open-minded, and receptive to new working methods.’
‘The team at Appleyard Lees are very professional, easy to communicate with, and they work flexibly.’
‘They are efficient and proactive.’
‘Barbara Fleck and her team, including Claire Devine, are extremely knowledgeable and responsive.’
‘Kate Hickinson always follows client instructions and give proper suggestions.’
‘David Clark and Richard Bray are always very quick to give responses to inquiries.’
Key clients
Crescendo Biologics
Samsung Electronics
Walmart
Quantum Base
Smith & Nephew
Owlstone Medical
Cancer Research
Work highlights
- Assisting Owlstone Medical with building their global patent portfolio.
Barker Brettell LLP
Barker Brettell LLP displays ‘very high levels of competence in many different sectors and industries’, including life sciences ad chemistry (which are key areas of strength for Yvonne Johnson), aerospace, and medical devices; it also has an impressive list of universities in its client roster. The team handles a large volume of UK and European patent filings and drafting matters. Senior partner in Birmingham John Lawrence jointly chairs the team alongside managing partner of the Birmingham office Andy Tranter, and Alan Wilson, the lead partner in Southampton. The UK-based team is also complimented by the firm’s growing Swedish patent offering.
Practice head(s):
John Lawrence; Andrew Tranter; Alan Wilson
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Pooley; Richard Abel; Yvonne Johnson; Jennifer Atkinson; David Combes; David Pearce; Neil Kilpatrick
Testimonials
‘The team is great and clients enjoy working with them.’
‘A very professional team.’
‘They pay great personal attention to their clients. The practice offers great attention to detail and is totally embedded and in tune with its clients’ businesses.’
‘They fully understand their clients’ businesses and you never a need to bring them up to speed.’
‘The attorneys at Barker Brettell become trusted colleagues, demonstrating key collaborative and technical attributes and a good understanding of client objectives.’
‘Very high levels of competence in many different sectors and industries. An extremely friendly and supportive team that is very personal and a true pleasure to work with.’
‘The levels of competence and the quality of the service is always outstanding and delivered in a very personal way. The team is always willing to go the extra mile and delivers great value consistently.’
‘Richard Abel is impressive in his professionalism, planning, technical knowledge, attention to detail, and communication skills required to engage with subject matter experts in order to include sufficient detail in patent applications.’
Key clients
Angiocrine Bioscience
Astex Therapeutics
ATG
CMC Materials
Corindus
Gantik
Hubbell
Hughes Network Systems
Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies
Inflight Peripherals
International Flavors & Fragrances
Locate Bio
Lockheed Martin
Lontra
Mastercard
Metrasens
Neptune Subsea Engineering
NXP
Oxford University Innovation
Panasonic
Royal College of Art
S&C Electric Company
SharkNinja
STG Aerospace
Surepulse
Tencent
UCLB
UKRI
University of Birmingham
University of Loughborough
University of Nottingham
University of Southampton
Venator Materials
Williams Advanced Engineering
WOTCH Creations
ZF Automotive
Work highlights
- Advised Oxford University Innovation on numerous patent applications and successfully prosecuted a number of complex cases.
- Advising WaterRower on various copycat devices.
Cleveland Scott York
The team at Cleveland Scott York is highly skilled in handling patent drafting and European prosecution proceedings, as well as oppositions and appeals before the UKIPO and EPO. Additionally, it assists clients with their FTO mandates, due diligence matters, and competitor analysis. Its client roster is broad ranging and the group has strong capabilities in advising companies in the automotive, engineering, chemical, and healthcare industries on their patent needs. It counts UK-based companies, US attorney firms, academic institutions, and Eastern European pharmaceutical and technology companies in its client base. Andrew Mackenzie leads the group from Hertfordshire, and he is supported by Fraser Brown in Thames Valley and Nick Bennett in London.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Mackenzie
Other key lawyers:
Nick Bennett; Suzanne Doherty; Fraser Brown; Adrian Bradley; Sophie Maughan
Testimonials
‘There is always someone within the organisation who is able to help. Their range of products allows clients to keep all of their core IP activities all under one roof.’
‘Nick Bennett is exceptional. He always provides a firm, up-front cost and his comprehension of different industries makes him invaluable.’
‘The team is very accommodating of the needs of start-up businesses moving to a larger business scale, in particular with regard to their understanding the ebb and flow of various funding rounds.’
‘The team is exceptionally timely and practical in their responses and information provided.’
‘Suzanne Doherty’s communications and interactions are always accurate and well considered, and yield some excellent results. Her aptitude and ability to grasp complex information quickly is second to none, and her speed in then translating those conversations into either patents or work presented internally is excellent.’
Key clients
Cobham Mission Systems
Cummins Corporation
Hozelock
Numatic International
Braveheart Investment Group
Saputo Dairy UK
AMTE Power
Kennametal
Zentiva Group
Splunk
Tesla Engineering
Agilyx
Metrol Technology
Stanley Black & Decker
Dyno Nobel
Mitsui Mining and Smelting
L’Oreal
Exel Industries
Merit Medical Systems
Advanced Vehicle Concepts
Westwind Air Bearings
Sawgrass
Energy Technologies Institute
Battelle Memorial Institute
Intersurgical
Digital Barriers
Furuno Electric
Cianna Medical
Federal-Mogul Controlled Power
Perkin Elmer
Work highlights
- Assisted Dyno Nobel with European patent prosecution and opposition proceedings.
- Representing Agilyx Inc in an EPO opposition against an oil company.
- Advising Numatic International in drafting, IP strategy, and product clearance studies.
Dentons
Dentons’ patent attorney practice is well-equipped to assists clients with the development of their global portfolios, and therefore attracts large international clients from the space and defence, AI, automotive, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and telecoms sectors. Other industries of strength for the group include retail, leisure, technology, media, and the public sector. Justin Hill spearheads the firm’s European patents group, including across the UK and German offices. Hill is particularly skilled in handling and developing global patent portfolios and supporting clients with strategy and opposition work. Another notable team member is Alexander Rees, who has extensive experience in patent drafting and prosecution proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Justin Hill
Key clients
TikTok
American Eagle
Emtelle UK
Frasers
Lottoland Holdings
M&S
Supreme Committee for Qatar
Swatch Group
TomTom
Virgin
Work highlights
- Advising Raytheon Technologies on its large European patent portfolio which comprises hundreds of different patent matters involving a wide range of cutting edge technologies.
- Advising Dexcom on UK, German, and US patent litigation regarding diabetes care.
- Defended Starkey Labs successfully in oppositions, as well as managing its European patent portfolio.
Elkington + Fife LLP
Elkington + Fife LLP has demonstrable expertise in EPO opposition and appeals work, and it offers its pharmaceutical clients support with the entire lifecycle of their patent mandates; the group represents four of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. London-based senior partner Richard Gillard, praised as ‘tenacious and knowledgeable’, sits at the helm of the chemistry and life sciences practice with strong experience in opposition and appeals work and, while Nick Ertl in Sevenoaks chairs the electrical and mechanical group. Ertl is skilled in patent drafting for corporate clients, including for medical imaging, display technology, electronic circuits, optical communications equipment, and many more products. James Anderson (Sevenoaks) is highly adept at advising clients on mechanical, materials, and engineering patents, and London-based Jens Grabenstein is growing the firm’s biotechnology offering.
Practice head(s):
Richard Gillard; Nick Ertl
Other key lawyers:
Robert O’Callaghan; Oliver Kingsbury; Jens Grabenstein; James Anderson; Ellie Seymour; Richard Cooke; Glyn Truscott; Lee Mullen; Mark Scott
Testimonials
‘Elkington and Fife are somewhat of a hidden gem amongst the leading UK patent firms. They are successful and great to work with.’
‘Richard Gillard and Oliver Kingsbury stand out. Richard is tenacious and knowledgeable, and Oliver is hugely experienced and develops winning arguments.’
‘The team is both knowledgeable and very responsive to inquiries.’
‘Robert O’Callaghan has consistently high availability for urgent matters, and provides proactive pragmatic recommendations to cost effectively move matters forward.’
‘Robert O’Callaghan is an in-depth expert in global navigation satellite systems!’
Key clients
AbbVie
Accord Healthcare
Alcon Laboratories
Amgen
Analog Devices
Apeel Sciences
Astex
Balfour Beatty
Bayer
Beam Therapeutics
Benuvia Therapeutics
Bial
Celleron Therapeutics
Corning Incorporated
Coventry City Council
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Deka Research & Development
Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems
Glowbuzzer
Graphene Composites
IBM
Imagination Technologies
Instituto de Medicina Molecular
Fujifilm
Kiniksa
Kyowa
Malvern Panalytical
Merck Pharmaceuticals
Merck KGaA
Microline Surgical
Milliken & Company
Mundipharma
NantKwest
Nestlé
NHS
Novartis
Philips
Pfizer
Polpharma
Procter & Gamble
ReNeuron
Rothwell Figg Ernst & Manbeck
Sandoz
Sanofi
Samsung
Serimmune
SLAMCore
Solvay
Strategic Support
Takeda
TempEasy
Teva
The Coca-Cola Company
The Dow Chemical Company
Thrive Earlier Detection
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
u-blox AG
Universal Quantum
University of Kent
Versuni
Viatris
Visterra
VitaFlo
Wood Phillips
Xylem
Zymeworks
Work highlights
- Advising IBM UK on drafting and prosecuting patent applications for AI Intelligence and machine learning inventions.
- Assisting Novartis with its prosecution proceedings and strategy regarding its entire immune-checkpoint-related antibody portfolio.
- Representing Sanofi as an opponent in opposition proceedings against GSK covering RNA vaccines.
Gill Jennings & Every LLP
The team members at Gill Jennings & Every LLP are praised for having ‘excellent general chemistry and technology knowledge’, and with offices in London and Munich, the practice’s offering is broad ranging and covers the IT, engineering, and chemical and life sciences industries. It is well-placed to handle opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO. The team is co-chaired by managing partner Stephen Haley, who acts for academic institutions, and large, multi-national corporations in prosecuting and managing their large patent portfolios, and Michael Lord. Peter Arrowsmith is another notable name in computer implemented inventions, and Heather Scott regularly drafts and prosecutes in the physics, engineering, and material science fields. Senior associate Rebecca Matheson is also active in appeal and opposition proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Mike Lord; Stephen Haley
Other key lawyers:
Peter Arrowsmith; Rebecca Matheson; Graham Spenceley; Ian Jones; Ross Cummings; Arnie Clarke; Matthew Hoyles; Heather Scott; Lucy Samuels; John Fisher; John Jappy
Testimonials
‘Gill Jennings & Every has a hands-on approach and keeps clients in the loop at all stages of the patent process. It is a collaborative team.’
‘Stephen Haley is always contactable, always up to speed, and deeply understands his client’s businesses. He’s up-to-date on the latest developments and brings ideas and recommendations proactively.’
‘All of the team are very knowledgable; patent lawyers and paralegals are great at what they do. The team always has your best interests at heart and listens very carefully, providing very clear advice.’
Key clients
Procter & Gamble
De La Rue
Xerox
PARC
Oracle
Sosei Heptares
Heptares Therapeutics
JT International
TTP
Wave Optics
Snap
Work highlights
- Assisting Procter & Gamble on European opposition, opinion, and appeal work.
- Advising De La Rue on strategic IP matters, patent drafting, and portfolio management.
- Advising JT International on its patent-related mandates.
Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP
Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP is praised for having ‘exceptional knowledge of the technology sectors’ and its impressive client roster includes multinational, well-known brands in this space. The group advises its clients across the entire lifespan of patent mandates, including on strategy, identification, protection, as well as providing representation in opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO, and prosecutions. Frances Wilding leads the technology team, while Alex Rogers heads up the firm’s chemistry and life sciences group, where London and Bristol-based senior partner Alex Rogers also sits. Splitting his time between the London and Leeds offices, Richard Kempner spearheads the litigation team, which is widely utilised by the patent attorneys, and Ashley Giles chairs the engineering group. Daniel Chew is another notable name as president of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys.
Practice head(s):
Frances Wilding; Isobel Finnie; Richard Kempner; Ashley Giles
Other key lawyers:
Alex Rogers; Daniel Chew; David Lewin; James Ward; Joseph Lenthall; George Tebbutt; David Hammond; Joanna Deas; Rachel Hearson; Gemma Robin
Testimonials
‘Proactive, thorough, and informative communication and recommendations, and the team always makes the appropriate judgment calls.’
‘Isobel Finnie goes the extra mile to deliver a comprehensive service.’
‘Exceptional knowledge of the technology sectors.’
Key clients
Mars
Rolls Royce
Ericsson
Givaudan
Hewlett Packard
Amazon
Chevron Philips
ReCatalyst
Ieso Digital Health
UCL
Work highlights
- Assisting Mars with its patent work and successfully defended the client in an opposition against Nestle, Firmenich, and Kraft regarding a flavour composition that enhances the creaminess of a chocolate composition to give a more luxurious taste sensation.
- Acted for Pandora in revoking an important competitor patent in an EPO opposition.
- Advising ieso on all of its patent services, including drafting, running, and reviewing the global patent portfolio.
HGF Limited
HGF Limited has ‘diverse expertise’ across the engineering, electronics, physics, chemistry, and life science sectors. With offices spread across the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, and Ireland, it has a strong and integrated European offering. The team has demonstrable experience in handling the IP portfolios and EPO oppositions and appeals of multi-national companies, in addition to assisting UK universities with their original patent drafting matters. In Leeds, Martyn Fish sits as the CEO while Jason Lumber is the firm’s chairman. Manchester-based Chris Benson heads up the electronics practice, Lucy Johnson sits at the helm of the engineering group in Newcastle, and Kate Taylor chairs the life sciences offering from York. Other key members of note include head of the chemistry team Andrew Wells in Manchester, Birmingham-based Chris Moore, who leads the oppositions practice, and London-based Rachel Fetches, head of law. Jennifer Uno is also praised by clients as a ‘stand-out attorney‘.
Practice head(s):
Martyn Fish; Jason Lumber; Chris Benson; Lucy Johnson; Kate Taylor; Dr Andrew Wells; Rachel Fetches; Chris Moore
Other key lawyers:
Kieran Killough; Jennifer Uno; Hsu Min Chung; Gary Wilson; Nienke Lubben; Susan Keston; Kerry Rees
Testimonials
‘HGF exceeds expectations in the delivery of services. Access to senior members of the team is impressive and response times to queries is always prompt.’
‘Jennifer Uno is a stand-out attorney. She gets results and solves problems. She has the deep background knowledge that lets her solve problems and the work ethic to see it through.’
‘HGF’s team is one of a kind when it comes to the whole IP spectrum, since they have EPA’s and IP Litigators under one roof, working together and for the same purpose. The team works by learning from client needs and digging into products, markets, and competitors, such that the outcome is always matching expectations.’
Key clients
Illinois Tool Works
Smith & Nephew UK
Thermo Fisher Scientific
NuCana
Bespak Europe
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals
Baker Hughes
Fluke Corporation
Royal IHC
Synairgen P
Queen’s University Belfast
University of Manchester Innovation Factory
Work highlights
- Represented Glenmark Life Sciences in opposition proceedings against a European patent for a pure, amorphous form of lercanidipine hydrochloride.
- Advising Mayborn Group on strategic matters and IP protection for their fast-moving product developments.
- Advised Queens University Belfast on patent drafting and prosecution work, as well as working with its technology transfer team.
Mathys & Squire LLP
Mathys & Squire LLP’s ‘depth of knowledge in IP law’ extends to patent-related mandates, and its client roster includes large global companies, as well as start-ups, entrepreneurs, and universities. The group has demonstrable strength in opposition proceedings and is able to utilise the firm’s litigation team, and it is also handling an increasing number of patent filings. London-based Jane Clark heads up the team with notable experience in the IT sector alongside engineering specialist Paul Cozens, chemistry specialist Chris Hamer, life science expert Martin MacLean, and Alan MacDougall in Cambridge, who has extensive expertise in the electronics and communications sectors. Dani Kramer is another key team member and he ‘is highly recommended as an experienced professional with a proven track record in IP matters’.
Practice head(s):
Jane Clark; Paul Cozens; Chris Hamer; Alan MacDougall; Martin MacLean
Other key lawyers:
Juliet Redhouse; Annabel Hector; Andreas Wietzke; Dani Kramer; Sean Leach; Philippa Griffin; James Pitchford; James Wilding; Laura Clews
Testimonials
‘The key strengths that Mathys & Squire bring to their patent practice are legal excellence, strong communication skills, and unparalleled dedication to client matters.’
‘Mathys & Squire LLP is highly recommended for is exceptional professionalism, expertise, and commitment to providing high-quality legal advice. The team’s depth of knowledge in IP law is evident in the insightful guidance it provides.’
‘Jane Clark is very experienced in prosecution and oppositions in the field of medical technology.’
‘Dani Kramer is highly recommended as an experienced professional with a proven track record in IP matters. He brings valuable expertise and strategic insights to clients, and his dedication and knowledge make him a reliable choice for IP-related services.’
‘Andreas Wietzke is highly recommended with extensive experience and expertise in IP law. He provides exceptional legal counsel and support, and his dedication, professionalism, and strategic insights make him a valuable asset in navigating complex IP matters.’
‘Paul Cozens has stand-out analysis and industry nous.’
‘Annabel Hector is excellent at patent prosecution.’
‘Juliet Redhouse’s legal abilities, scientific and technical knowledge, and client engagement is exceptional.’
Key clients
DeviceAtlas
Neovasc Tiara
Kenwood
Elixir Medical Corporation
MGI Tech Co
Sanofi
Work highlights
- Assisted Sanofi’s with successfully implementing a global strategy for the prosecution of patent portfolios of small molecule pharmaceutical programmes in over 50 different countries.
- Represented Kenwood successfully in a patent infringement action against a key competitor.
- Assisted Neovasc Tiara with successfully opposing multiple competitor patents.
Maucher Jenkins
Anglo-German firm Maucher Jenkins has offices located in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and China (with a new office that opened in November 2022 in Upper Francon), and is therefore well-equipped to support a wide range of clients in filing and prosecuting patent applications, as well as assisting with patent portfolio and FTO reviews, and validity and infringement analysis. The team also boasts specialist patent litigators across the UK and Germany. In London, James Cross heads up the IT, satellites, software, fintech, and electronics work while Cambridge-based Hugh Dunlop chairs the telecoms, green energy, and the Internet-of-Things matters. Reuben Jacob (Edinburgh) spearheads the life sciences team, with expertise across medtech, pharmaceuticals, biotech, chemistry, and agrochemicals, and Holly Whitlock (Edinburgh) and Phil Treeby (London) both lead the engineering, physics, and mathematics patenting group.
Practice head(s):
James Cross; Hugh Dunlop; Reuben Jacob; Philip Treeby; Holly Whitlock
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Yip
Testimonials
‘Maucher Jenkins is skilled in supporting clients with the prosecution of patent portfolios. They are technically excellent and extremely helpful in securing valuable patent registrations internationally.’
‘Maucher Jenkins’ team offers a complete range of services for IP works.’
‘James Cross completely understands what patents his clients are trying to achieve, and he has excellent suggestions and references where needed.’
‘Matthew Yip is technically excellent.’
Key clients
Baidu
Contemporary Amperex Technology
IAG
Inmarsat
Intel
Midea Group
QUALCOMM
Sky
Work highlights
- Advising Contemporary Amperex Technology on European patent applications.
- Assisting IAG with developing its patent portfolio.
- Assisted Oxford Sigma with filing its second international patent application regarding the construction and materials of ultra-high temperature components of fusion reactors and the challenges presented by high neutron flux density.
Murgitroyd
Murgitroyd is praised by one client for becoming ‘one of the leading and largest IP firms in Europe’, and it has a full-service offering, encompassing pre-filing, prosecution, renewals, and portfolio management. With offices spanning across Europe, North America, and Asia, the firm is well-placed to support a wide range of clients in cross-border mandates across a variety of sectors, including physics, engineering, chemistry, life sciences, mathematics, and software. It is especially well-equipped to handle mandates involving cutting edge technology, such as AI, blockchain, electric and autonomous vehicles, gene editing, and the metaverse. Managing director Keith Jones leads the team from York with expertise in physics and electronics, and another key name of note is Glasgow-based regional director and biotechnology expert Russell Thom. In December 2022, the firm underwent further expansion following three previous acquisitions in 2021 and early 2022, and acquired TLIP Turnbull Lynch Intellectual Property.
Practice head(s):
Keith Jones
Other key lawyers:
James Brown; Mark Earnshaw; Thomas Gibb; Karen Fraser; Catherine Bonner; Simon Mitchell; Martin Neilson; Alan Jones; Niall Hendry; Wendy Crosby; Tom Baker; Peter Wilson
Testimonials
‘Exceptional service in terms of turnaround times, quality, and value of work. Detailed expertise in the areas in which they work.’
‘They are impressive not only in their efficiency, quality, and responsiveness, but also in their familiarity with local practice. They also have an extensive European office network that enables them to act as a one-stop-shop for all IP requirements in Europe.’
‘They have become one of the leading and largest IP firms in Europe.’
Key clients
Benchmark Holdings
Blackberry
John Hopkins University
Mastercard
Meta
nChain
Saint-Gobain
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Work highlights
- Assisting Saint-Gobain Placo with managing its global patent portfolio, original drafting work, and post-grant contentious matters.
- Assisting Benchmark Holdings with managing its global patent portfolio relating to animal health, pharmaceuticals, genetics, and sustainable food production.
- Advising The Washing Machine Project on its patent-related work.
Potter Clarkson LLP
Potter Clarkson LLP supports its clients with a full-service IP offering that encompasses cross-disciplinary teams in the life sciences, industrial chemistry and biotech, and food and agri-tech sectors, as well as the engineering, electronics and computing, energy and clean-tech industries. It is well-placed to provide advice to start-ups, SMEs, and international corporates on patent drafting and prosecutions. In Nottingham, Caroline Marshall leads the technology, engineering and designs group, while Tony Proctor heads up the chemistry department and Jane Wainwright spearheads the biotechnology group. Managing partner Stephen Smith specialises in the protection of biotechnology inventions for multinational companies, early-stage and established biotech companies, and government-funded research institutes and universities. Craig Brownlie is also notable for assisting clients with patents in the nanotechnology sector, and Fiona Law handles major matters in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology fields. In January 2023, Richard Bassett retired from the partnership and remains on as a consultant.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Marshall; Tony Proctor; Jane Wainwright
Other key lawyers:
Craig Brownlie; Peter Finnie; Fiona Law; Mark Didmon; Richard Bassett; Saiful Khan; Jason Teng; Philip Thomas
Key clients
Acacia Pharma
Cantargia
Closed Loop Medicine
Diaprost
EUSA Pharma
Molecular Attraction
Novo Nordisk
Novozymes
Probi
Riverlane
SenzaGen
Steelrock Technologies
Superdialetrics
Reddie & Grose LLP
Chairman Alice Findlay and executive partner Jan Vleck oversee the practice at Reddie & Grose LLP, which has a wide-ranging patent offering. Key workstreams include drafting, filing, prosecutions and oppositions, as well as support with enforcement, defence, IP strategy, and disputes. Julie Millburn helms the engineering, materials and consumer products group, while Nick Reeve heads up the electronics and software group. Neil Thornton chairs the life sciences offering. Simon Goodman leads the Cambridge office, where he focuses chiefly on biotechnological, pharmaceutical, and chemical patent work.
Practice head(s):
Alice Findlay; Jan Vleck; Nick Reeve; Julie Milburn; Neil Thornton; Simon Goodman
Other key lawyers:
Pete Sadler; Paul Loustalan; Patrick Lloyd; Georgina Ainscow; Zack Mummery
Testimonials
‘A very knowledgeable and responsive team.’
‘We can count on Neil Thornton in the same way as one of our colleagues; he has effectively become part of our own team.’
‘Nick Reeve has strong leadership and always gives kind support and helpful advice. I can ask him anything whenever necessary, without worrying about anything.’
Key clients
Zentiva
Morphogen
Alovtech
Dragon Infosec
American Express
Murata Manufacturing
Work highlights
- Representing Zentiva in EPO opposition proceedings and local litigation relating to the generic launch of their rivaroxaban product.
- Assisting Dragon Infosec with developing and managing their IP portfolio from scratch.
- Advised American Express on handling European patent filing and prosecution matters.
Withers & Rogers
Dedicated IP law firm Withers & Rogers has offices located in London, Paris, Bristol, Warwick, Sheffield, and Munich, and aims to further expand in Europe to continue to service its clients on EPO applications and prosecutions. Its clients roster extends across Europe, North America, and Asia, and the firm has three specialist practice groups: engineering, which is led by Dave Croston in Leamington Spa (Croston also co-heads the contentious practice); electronics, computing, and physics headed up by experienced patent litigator Nick Wallin in London; and life sciences and chemistry, spearheaded by Adrian Tombling in Munich, who has expertise in assisting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as medical device companies. Bristol-based Richard Worthington heads up the firm’s designs practice, and he also has experience in mechanical engineering and control systems patent work.
Practice head(s):
Dave Croston; Nick Wallin; Adrian Tombling; Richard Worthington
Other key lawyers:
Karl Barnfather; Stuart Latham; James Gray
Testimonials
‘Their ability to understand their client’s businesses and products is impressive.’
‘The expertise of the people is second-to-none, the service is impeccable, and the team is very collaborative.’
‘Attention to detail and the drive to understand the design context, construction, and operation of the applications is great.’
Adamson Jones & Symbiosis IP, part of Gateley
In January 2022 Gateley Legal acquired Nottingham-based patent and trademark specialist firm Adamson Jones and, in October the same year, also took on life science-focused patent attorney firm Symbiosis. The resulting business, Adamson Jones & Symbiosis IP, part of Gateley now has a well-rounded offering for clients, covering patent drafting, UK and European and international patent filings, patent opposition and revocation. The team, jointly led by Simon Cooper, Nicholas Ferrar, Robert Docherty and Julie Myint, has particular experience in acting for universities and linked spin-outs and start-ups, and has the ‘ability to render complex legal questions into clear advice that is relevant to businesses.’
Practice head(s):
Simon Cooper; Nicholas Ferrar; Robert Docherty; Julie Myint
Testimonials
‘Dr Julie Myint’s intellect, diligence and communication is clear in every interaction. Julie is able to understand complex research very quickly and this leads to improved efficiency.’
‘The team have an excellent grasp of the considerations specific to or most aligned with my sector. As such, the communication is improved and the quality of advice much more bespoke rather than relying on quoting relevant legal provisions without context. Equally, this understanding leads to improved billing, forecasting and tailored solutions. This firm provides one of the rare examples whereby the service is built around the customer needs based on mutual collaboration, rather then the customer receiving advice and offered a binary decision.’
‘One of the key attributes of the individuals we work with is their ability to render complex legal questions into clear advice that is relevant to our business. The position is always set out in detail, but summarised with a short conclusion in a way that makes the detail accessible. Any question that is asked is always promptly answered with clear reasoning for the position, and Simon Cooper is particularly notable in this regard.’
‘Their detailed knowledge of our business and products means the team is very quick to identify the core issue in any matter, whether that be freedom-to-operate or patentability, and their advice always balances and considers the legal position with the commercial realities of our business and sector.’
‘Nicholas Ferrar is approachable, and has a practical approach to achieving results for clients.’
‘Adamson Jones are indispensable to our business and they marshal our responses to their queries valiantly.’
‘We rely heavily on them to provide succinct advice, and we are very pleased with the service we have received from all the team.’
Key clients
Swansea University
Cytomos Limited
Diurnal Group Plc
NorthEdge Capital LLP
Pharmaxis Limited
Coalesce
IPL Macro, formerly Macro Plastics
Work highlights
- Appointed by Cytomos Limited to advise on the creation of a patent portfolio and IP strategy to secure Series A investor funding.
- Due diligence and freedom-to-operate work for North Edge Capital LLP to support the acquisition of a tech company.
- Final year of 6-year patent contract for Swansea University worth £2m.
Beck Greener LLP
Beck Greener LLP’s ‘exceptionally experienced team’ acts for international clients on their EU and global patent-related matters, and the group has notable expertise in handling contentious matters, including oppositions and appeals before the EPO. It also manages European and global patent portfolios. The practice is jointly led by Avi Freeman, who heads up the electronics, physics, and mechanical engineering group, James Stones with expertise in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and chemical engineering, and Ben Muir, medical and life sciences lead. Catherine Jewell is another notable name, regularly representing major chemical companies in prosecutions, oppositions, and appeals before the EPO.
Practice head(s):
Avi Freeman; James Stones; Ben Muir
Other key lawyers:
Anna Hatt; John Hull; Jonathan Markham; Catherine Jewell; Nick Bebbington; Deborah Selden
Testimonials
‘An exceptionally experienced team skilled in all areas of patent law. It is very well networked with connections in the private and public sectors.’
‘John Hull, Catherine Jewell, and Anna Hatt are excellent patent practitioners, and they particularly stand out for their ability to apply European patent law to navigate complex opposition issues.’
‘Anna Hatt is a go-to patent attorney. She provides clarity about costs upfront, works fast, and delivers a high-quality product.’
‘The firm’s patent attorneys are excellent. They have had strong technical training and quickly understand new scientific and engineering concepts. Another strength of Beck Greener is the firm’s diversity of people.’
‘Excellent communication skills and outstanding legal skills. They continuously come up with alternative approaches to attack legal issues and provide the risks and benefits to allow the client to make the best decision going forward.’
‘James Stones and Catherine Jewell are highly capable patent lawyers who have the ability to simplify complex problems when explaining the best course of action for their clients. Both work very quickly under pressure, are able to think on their feet, and always provide innovative solutions to the problems at hand.’
‘James Stones provides outstanding services. He is proactive, cost conscious, and highly competent, and he can explain patent-related issues in words that are understandable to the non-patent lawyer people.’
‘Catherine Jewell and John Hull’s knowledge of oppositions and case law is impressive; John quickly identifies the key issues and case law that would be most relevant to the matter, and Catherine’s ability to quickly take on complicated matters is unsurpassed.’
Key clients
Tillotts Pharma
FabRx
Intract Pharma
Flashy Limited
White Motorcycle Concepts
Bruker Daltonics GmbH & Co. KG
Work highlights
- Advising Tillotts Pharma AG on a range of patent issues including assisting in relation to Tillotts’ global patent portfolio relating to new drug delivery technologies, which covers over 80 countries.
- Advising FabRx on protecting its newest innovations while also establishing an extensive global patent portfolio for its technology covering the 3D printing of pharmaceuticals.
- Acting for White Motorcycle Concepts on patent related matters in the UK, the US, and other jurisdictions internationally.
Greaves Brewster LLP
Greaves Brewster LLP has a ‘very dedicated group of very knowledgeable experts’ spread across Cheddar, London, Cardiff, Nottingham, and Bristol. The group has a full-service offering, covering the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of patents and large portfolios. The team also has demonstrable experience in representing clients before the EPO in oppositions and appeals. The life sciences, chemistry, engineering, and physics industries are all areas of strength for the practice. Rachel Wallis co-leads the team with expertise in the life sciences space, and in particular, mandates regarding medical device technology, alongside head of the firm’s chemistry offering Jakob Bumke and antibody and vaccine technology expert David Spinner.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Wallis; Jakob Bumke; David Spinner
Other key lawyers:
Paul Casbon; Lee Chapman; Kate Hillis; Kathryn Eldridge; Andy Evitt; Kapil Agashi; Jade Powell
Testimonials
‘Their knowledge and experience in EP practice, and their ability to grasp nuances of complex technologies, is second-to-none. On top of that, they are friendly and extremely easy to work with. They always have their client’s best interest at heart.’
‘Rachel Wallis has established a powerful and effective group that has a great working relationship, and Kate Hillis is well informed, competent, and has a great working relationship and strong support from all the team.’
‘A professional and personal team that makes every effort not only to understand their clients’ businesses, but to be an active part in assisting the direction of the work.’
Key clients
Sigma-Aldrich
P2i
Polsinelli
ProQR Therapeutics
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The University of Bristol
Bereskin & Parr
Cytoseek
Entegris
Nektar Therapeutics
Mars
Atlantic Therapeutic Group
Epstein Drangel
Novai
King’s College London
Fenwick & West
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo
Primer Design
Fox Factory
Elanco Animal Health
Novartis Pharma
Knight Therapeutics
Numab Therapeutics
One Health Ventures
Thermetrix
HAMLET Pharma
University of Plymouth
Phelix Research and Development
Auxolytic
Merus
Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Crystec
Theragnostics
Universiteit Gent
Linnane Pharma
Lewis Rice
Arent Fox
Barnes & Thornburg
Grossman, Tucker, Perreault & Pfleger
Dechert
Knobbe Martins
Work highlights
- Defended ProQR successfully in its first case in their Axiomer technology portfolio in an opposition hearing before the EPO.
- Assisted Flood Control International with a very rapid grant of a UK patent.
- Advised Leviat on its patent at opposition.
Keltie
Keltie has demonstrable expertise in a range of patent-related mandates for multi-nationals, spin-out companies, start-ups, and innovation networks, including filing and prosecutions, portfolio management, oppositions and appeals before the EPO, and enforcement matters. With offices across the UK and Ireland, it is also well-placed to handle cross-border disputes. The team has particular strengths in emerging areas, such as renewable energy, robotics, and AI. Notable members of the team include Judith Caldwell, who has a strong background in chemistry-related mandates, and she provides advice on FTO mandates and conducts due diligence investigations, and Devanand Crease, who assists biotech and chemicals clients in the UK, Europe, and the US. Joanne Hopley is a key member of the firm’s engineering group.
Other key lawyers:
Devanand Crease; Judith Caldwell; Shakheel Ahmad; Michael Moore; Joanne Hopley; Richard Lawrence
Key clients
Mastercard
Vestas Wind Systems
BorgWarner Fuel Systems
NBCUniversal
Nissan
Jaguar Land Rover
Shell International Research
Swarovski
Rick Owens
Group Lotus
Ocado Group
QinetiQ
Exscientia
Work highlights
- Represented BorgWarner in a significant mandate involving 10 patent attorneys.
- Represented Vestas Wind Systems in several cases before the EPO concerning wind turbines, including in oppositions and appeals.
- Represent Ocado in multiple EPO opposition proceedings against Autostore as part of the extensive litigation between the two companies over robotics technologies.
Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin is skilled in handling contentious IP, including EPO oppositions and infringement work, and portfolio management for clients in the life sciences, manufacturing and engineering, technology, retail, and media and entertainment sectors. The firm is expanding its IP offering in Northern Ireland following the merger with Forde Campbell in Belfast in early 2022. Practice head Tom Gaunt primarily assists clients with their mechanical, electrical and software patents, and other notable team members include chemical, life sciences, and mechanical patents expert Paul Williams and patent litigator Antony Craggs. Jonathan Higgs joined the team in August 2022 as a legal director from Murgitroyd, while David Swaine departed the firm in November 2022 to join Essex Bio-Technology as a general counsel.
Practice head(s):
Tom Gaunt
Other key lawyers:
Graham Ablett; Paul Williams; Antony Craggs; Jonathan Higgs
Testimonials
‘Tom Gaunt is an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking patent attorney. He has a clear vision about how he wants to build his practice and an evident ability to execute toward that vision.’
Key clients
Aptiv
Orsted
Janssen Pharmaceutica
TDK Lamda
Britvic
QL Thermostatic
Organics
Invention Investment Ireland
Nippon Steel Corp
SGW Global
Work highlights
- Advising Aptiv on patent prosecution and drafting work, including international filings and strategic advice.
- Assisting Orsted with its international patent filings, which have significantly grown due to an expansion of their international interests.
- Assisted TDK Lamda with the prosecution of its patent applications internationally since 2006.
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons’s UK patent attorney team routinely works alongside the firm’s offices in Amsterdam and Munich to handle EPO opposition and appeals, drafting matters, and prosecutions. The group is also able to utilise the firm’s strong group of solicitors working in litigation and transactional mandates. Practice head Kevin Cordina is skilled in patents regarding electronics and medical devices, especially matters concerning prosecution and contentious work. Another key member is managing associate Frederick Nicolle, who specialises in the life science sector. Lawrence King departed in December 2023 to join D Young & Co LLP.
Practice head(s):
Kevin Cordina
Other key lawyers:
Laurence Lai; Fred Nicolle
Testimonials
‘They are down to earth, kind, thorough, and clearly passionate about what they do.’
‘Laurence Lai is phenomenal. He is incredibly knowledgeable, asks excellent clarifying questions when needed, is easy to talk to, and is very accessible. He is always timely with his draft responses as well.’
‘Kevin Cordina is excellent to work with. He is clearly very experienced in his practice of law.’
Key clients
Leica Biosystems
Xiaomi
3M Wound Care
Apple
Enoda
Acerus Pharmaceuticals
Natura Cosmeticos
Ocean Bottle
Celanese
Axovia Therapeutics
Work highlights
- Assisting Leica Biosystems with their diagnostics business units, taking an increased share of work from incumbent firms.
- Advising environmentally friendly technology such as Ocean Bottle on IP matters as part of its commitment to GreenTech.
- Advising 3M on all European patent prosecution and European Opposition matters, including licensing and freedom to operate.
Slingsby Partners LLP
Slingsby Partners LLP’s ‘really excellent team’ of attorneys is praised as ‘knowledgeable regarding the patent laws and technology’. The team has demonstrable expertise in advising UK and European technology companies in the engineering, electronics, physical sciences, and chemistry sectors on due diligence, support with acquisitions, multi-jurisdictional litigation, and licensing issues, as well as appeal and opposition proceedings before the EPO and UKIPO. The group also boasts an increase in its filing work from China and Japan, as well as a continued volume of prosecution work from US law firms. Practice head Philip Slingsby has expertise in patent procurement and licensing issues in the US. Paul Roberts holds significant experience in the patentability of software and computer-implemented inventions, while Rosalind Fenwick specialises in managing growing patent portfolios.
Practice head(s):
Philip Slingsby
Other key lawyers:
Paul Roberts; Rosalind Fenwick; Nikki Davy; Chris Lawrence; David King; Nick Wright; Tony Smee; Stephen Turner
Testimonials
‘A highly responsive team that deals well with complex photonics systems, and they proactively provide guidance rather than just enacting instructions.’
‘Slingsby Partners have a really excellent team that are a cut above most others. They implement preferred procedures and practices without complaint and very reliably.’
‘Rosalind Fenwick is always first class.’
Key clients
Imagination Technologies
CMR Surgical
Dolphitech
Libertine FPE
Global Media Group Services
HUBER+SUHNER Polatis
Emteq Limited
Idex Biometrics ASA
Work highlights
- Advising Imagination on their extensive patent portfolio.
- Assisted CMR Surgical with developing their extensive patent portfolio.
- Assisted Libertine with their successful IPO.
Swindell & Pearson Ltd
The patent attorney team at Swindell & Pearson Ltd has a strong focus on the technology sector, and is well-versed in drafting and prosecution matters for clients in the electronics and engineering sectors, especially companies from the automotive and mechanics industries, as well as medical engineering. Satellite technology is also an area of expertise for the group, covering, for example the patentability of radio transceiver architecture and antenna arrays. The ‘excellent’ Derby-based team head Paul Higgin has significant experience in patent drafting, in addition to contentious proceedings regarding UK and multinational patent licensing, and he is supported by IP director Scott Harrison, who is skilled in technology and engineering mandates.
Practice head(s):
Paul Higgin
Other key lawyers:
Scott Harrison; Christine Anglesea; Martin Terry; Tim Gilbert
Testimonials
‘The main quality that stands out is their capability to understand client needs. Their pro-activity to raise and overcome issues that arise along the way is a stand-out point as well.’
‘Swindell is instrumental in advancing clients’ interests in Europe. They couple excellent legal skills with practical advice and wonderful client counselling.’
‘These patent attorneys are incredibly astute in understanding concepts and ideas and advising how to best protect them.’
‘Swindell is well positioned to provide support for US patent law firms with their extensive knowledge of UK and European patent laws and practices, as well as their ability to provide comprehensive answers to questions regarding specific points of UK and European patent laws and regulations.’
‘Paul Higgin is excellent in all aspects of the work he undertakes. His scientific understanding of technology is particularly valuable, and he provides additional commercial insight.’
‘Paul Higgin is very committed and takes extra steps in application drafting to solve issues with inventors.’
‘Scott Harrison provides suggestions and strategies to help with the challenges clients often face. He is a great help in answering questions and providing directed guidance for specific clients.’
‘Tim Gilbert has in-depth knowledge and many years of experience in patent law and design law in particular. He makes complicated issues easier to understand using language in plain English.’
Key clients
Nokia Technologies
Accenture
Valve Corporation
T-Mobile USA
ViaSat
Cruise
Prana Thoracic
Nokia Bell Labs
Work highlights
- Advising NOKIA on numerous high-value and technically complex cases granted at the EPO.
- Assisted NOKIA with urgent patent applications drafted for complex inventions.
- Assisting Accenture with the filing and prosecution of patent applications in Europe.
Wilson Gunn
Wilson Gunn represents a number of large UK and overseas technology companies, academic institutions, and global brands across the entire lifecycle of their patent work. This offering covers drafting and filing, prosecution and oppositions, renewals, due diligence, and licensing agreements. Key sectors of note for the team include automotive, constructional, education, healthcare, and software. Manchester-based James Robey leads the practice, and he is supported by biotech, medical, and chemical expert Michael Douglas and David Slattery, who is skilled in the physics and electronics spaces.
Practice head(s):
James Robey
Other key lawyers:
Ben Appleton; Michael Douglas; Mark Jolly; David Slattery; Marc Lewis; Chris McDonald
Testimonials
‘Chris McDonald is knowledgeable in his subject area, great technically with chemistry and with patent applications, and he always provides a speedy response to e-mails and makes himself available for phone calls.’
‘The team has a good breadth of technical capabilities and depth of knowledge in these technical areas.’
‘The attorneys at Wilson Gunn are all very quick to respond to any queries or concerns and always provide detailed, well-reasoned advice in a manner that can be taken directly to the client. David Slattery in particular excels at this.’
Key clients
Bentley Motors
Clear Edge Group
Hubbell
Jacobs Douwe Egberts
LPW Technology
Mondelēz International
PZ Cussons
Royal Holloway, University of London
Tangle Teezer
University of York
Work highlights
- Acting for Bentley Motors in the management of its entire patent portfolio, including global filing and prosecution work.
- Assisting Jacobs Douwe Egberts with patent-related matters, including portfolio development for new technologies and launching oppositions against competitors.
- Assisting the University of York in filing patent protection for a particular technology which has been successfully licensed to two major UK FTSE 100 companies.
WP Thompson
Specialist IP and litigation firm WP Thompson has offices in London, Liverpool, Cardiff, and Munich, with a growing number of regional practices too. It is therefore well-placed to handle a wide range of enforcement and prosecution matters before the EPO and UKIPO for its domestic and international client base, which includes large multinational companies, start-ups, research centres, hospitals, and university technology transfer departments. Key names of note in the team are David Gill, who has a strong background in electronic engineering, Julian Potter, a physicist, IT and engineering expert, materials science expert Alistair McKinnon, and Stuart Forrest, who has significant experience in chemical-related mandates, for example, industrial chemistry, chemical engineering, and pharmaceutical chemistry mandates.
Practice head(s):
Julian Potter; Stuart Forrest; David Gill; Alistair McKinnon
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Turp; Lewis Mullholland
Testimonials
‘The WPT team have been superb in their work.’
‘Lewis Mulholland is my contact, and he has now been the key driver for my patent applications. To date with several granted patents in various international locations he has a 100% success rate.’
Key clients
First Subsea
Accuray Incorporated
Rearden
BMP Europe
Vernacare
Intercontinental Great Brands
Rani Therapeutics
Sony Interactive Entertainment America
Lakeland Limited
American Golf
JH Fenner
Trendsetter Home Furnishings
Mast Group
Reddit Inc
William Jackson Food Group
Volkswagen AG
Adama
Bosch GmbH
NXP BV
OBG Pharmaceuticals
Winning Moves
Societe Bic
NEC Corporation
Organox
Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV
ATP Media
Sports And Wellbeing Analytics
RTI Sports GmbH
Torque Logistics
Marine Specialised Technology
Gorongosa Coffee
United State Postal Services
Loto Labs
ISO Technologies Incorporated
Big Mini
Breakthrough Performancetech
BMP Europe
Wired Beans
DG International Holdings
Work highlights
- Acted for Vernacare in a successful patent infringement action.
- Acted for Imperial Brand in successful patent opposition proceedings.