With previous experience as French and European patent attorneys, Grégoire Desrousseaux and François Pochart co-lead the ‘professional, available and involved’ practice at August Debouzy. The group frequently represents generic and biosimilar manufacturers, and clients with patented pharma products in contentious matters, with notable clients including Teva, Nipro, and Fresenius Kabi. Desrousseaux regularly represents both French and international clients in FRAND arbitrations and litigation concerning employee inventions, in addition to advising on co-ownership agreements. Pochart acts for clients in patent disputes, and EPO litigation, and opposition before the French IP office (INPI).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘It is a professional, available and involved team. It offers practical solutions adapted to the problems encountered and knows how to adapt its tools to the demands of its customers.’
‘Grégoire Desrousseaux supported us on various issues by providing practical solutions adapted to the health sector and the company's values.’
‘Francois Pochart and his team are an excellent set of IP advisers. They know their cases inside out and are always looking for innovative solutions.’
‘August Debouzy's life sciences team is characterised by an excellent technical and legal understanding as well as very good industry knowledge in the life sciences sector. This makes this team really outstanding.’
‘The two leading partners Francois Pochart and Grégoire Desrousseaux are truly exceptional lawyers in the French market. They always advise to the point with a very good understanding of the economic context.'
- ‘Lionel Martin is a very promising talent with whom it is a pleasure to work on an international level.’
‘Great attention to detail. The team keeps the client very well informed. They understand the law very well and address client questions in a professional manner.’
‘Francois Pochart is excellent. I have worked with Francois over a number of years and he has always provided good, sound advice which is easy to follow.’
Key clients
- Nipro
- Alcon
- Anthogyr
- B.Braun
- Brahms
- Disphar (Nordic Pharma Group)
- Essilor
- Fresenius kabi
- I.Ceram
- Insulet
- Laboratoires Majorelle
- LFB
- Medtronic
- Novasep
- Teva
Work highlights
- Representing Teva in the everolimus dispute against Novartis before the Paris 1st Instance Court. All of the parties have decided to instruct economic experts to prepare reports filed as evidence, where due to revocation of the patent will not be decided.
- Representing INSULET against one of its competitors (Medtrum) in an infringement action. The firm launched an action on the merits and a preliminary injunction proceeding. A seizure was performed at the home of an employee of the defendant (as the latter has no office in France yet). The PI was granted despite the argument that clinical trials only were on-going, and undertaking that the final products would be changed.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
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Grégoire Desrousseaux, François Pochart