Intellectual property

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Client Satisfaction

Strongly focused on the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, the intellectual property and copyright team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is noted for its activity in complex and often cross-border patent litigation. Led by ‘outstanding’ patents expert and life sciences specialist Laura Orlando, the team also boasts strong competencies in trade mark and copyright matters, contentious and otherwise. Other key team members include seasoned IP litigator Pietro Pouché, and ’versatile’ Sara Balice, who is also an experienced patent litigation specialist. Annamaria Algieri is a key contact for non-contentious trade mark advisory work, Giulia Maienza and Spartak Kodra both come highly recommended for a range of litigious services, and Martina Maffei boasts notable experience aiding clients in the life sciences and food sectors. Emily Bottle is another name to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘I love working with HSF in preference to any other firm. I consider them the best IP firm I have worked with in Italy. They have a unique combination of commercial acumen, cleverness, creativity and sophistication. Laura is an IP guru and a litigation superstar and the firm as a whole is a litigation powerhouse. They are growing every year and they recently added a trademark and filing prosecution practice (led by Annamaria Algieri, who is formidable) and promoted a new partner, Emily Bottle, who is based in Milan.’
‘Laura Orlando is no doubt the best IP lawyer of her generation. Her combination of litigation experience, creativity and cleverness is terrific. But really every single individual I have worked with in the team is great - they are simply an exceptional team. Pietro Pouché is very strong on contracts and a safe pair of hands.'
'Sara Balice is the most versatile lawyer in the team, she covers 360 degrees of IP and she is always extremely responsive and produces work of outstanding quality. Spartak Kodra is a senior associate whom we contact for day-to-day assistance and he also is great, as well as pleasant and very pragmatic.’
‘A great aspect of HSF is that is a truly joined-up firm, providing pan-European well-coordinated advice on complex issues, always delivering comprehensive and cohesive legal services. I have experienced their ability to handle complex disputes and transactions, and any legal issue related to the protection and managing of IP assets, providing strategic guidance to help the company navigate the global IP landscape.’
‘Giulia Maienza's expertise in IP law is complemented by her ability to provide strategic advice on commercial arrangements for IP assets, such as licensing and distribution contracts. Her attention to detail and thorough understanding of IP law have been invaluable in protecting our brand. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional speed in understanding business needs, while always being attentive to deadlines and urgent requirements.’
‘Laura Orlando is outstanding.’
‘HSF has a perfect mix of professionalism and an easy-going approach that shortens the distance between client and advisor. Responses are accurate and fast.’
‘I recommend this firm for the preparedness, kindness and prompt availability of its members.’

Key clients

AMA S.p.A. and AMA Composites S.r.l.
Bear Industries S.r.l.
Biogen
Bonomi Group
Bormioli Rocco
CSL Behring
DoveVivo
Eli Lilly
EMERGENCY Ong Onlus
Fincantieri
Gilead
Iveco
Janssen
JC Bamford Excavators Ltd
Land of Fashion
Lionhealth Srl
Lundbeck
Mediaset
Millennium Pharmaceuticals (Takeda)
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Pearson
Roche
Santen Pharmaceutical Co
Sanofi
SOS Kinderdorf and SOS Villaggi dei Bambini Onlus
Veterna
Zambon S.p.A.

Work highlights

Assisted Bormioli Rocco S.p.A. in a complex design infringement case initiated by a French competitor for the alleged infringement of registered community design.
Represented Sanofi before the UPC in the filing of four infringement actions related to its patent which protects a new antitumor use of the active ingredient cabazitaxel for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Advised JC Bamford Excavators Ltd on a multi-jurisdictional patent validity, infringement and unfair competition case.

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