The ‘smart’ and ’knowledgeable’ Herbert Smith Freehills LLP practice is experienced in high-tech patent disputes alongside transactional matters such as licensing, R&D development and various projects. The team is known for its expertise in the telecoms and technology sectors. ‘Superb’ practice head Sebastian Moore, who splits his time between London and Milan, fields a strong practice in pan-European pharmaceuticals litigation. Andrew Moir is well-versed in complex, tech-dependent matters, and ’strategic’ Jonathan Turnbull is noted for his work in litigation on behalf of R&D-based companies. ‘Impressive’ Andrew Wells’s life sciences expertise means he is sought out by clients in this remit, counting global pharma companies in his roster and consultant Sophie Rich remains a key contact in the team. Emily Bottle, Emma Sherratt and Julie Chiu are also recommended. Peter Dalton departed in February 2023 to join Stephenson Harwood.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is helpful, insightful and always asks the right questions.’
‘The people within the team are smart and think deeply about each of the issues put in front of them, so no points are left unaddressed.’
- 'Their legal knowledge is excellent, and they combine it with excellent technical understanding Moreover, they are very easy to work with, which is always important.’
‘Andrew Wells is very impressive - he has excellent technical understanding of pharmaceutical cases and combines this with an incredible ability to remember and recall detail, which is valuable when there are multiple related actions ongoing.’
‘Round the clock option is excellent - using their Australian office (which is very strong) to manage cases over 24 hours in a tight squeeze. Very friendly, cohesive and knowledgeable team.’
‘Jonathan Turnbull makes himself available at short notice and is very generous with his time. He is a strategic thinker with an encyclopedic knowledge of SPCs.'
'Sebastian Moore is superb. He will always put the client first and considers the full picture. He has a great deal of experience with global litigation, giving great strategic advice whilst always being on top of the details.'
'Emily Bottle is superb. Highly experienced, able to sniff out an issue quickly and cut to the chase. She is highly organised and a great team leader.’
Key clients
- Biogen
- R2 Semiconductor
- Seoul Semiconductor
- Gilead Sciences
- Takeda
- Sky
- Roche
- AbbVie
- British American Tobacco (BAT)
- General Mills
- Sanofi
Work highlights
- Acting for Biogen as part of a multi-billion-dollar global dispute in relation to patent matters relating to Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), its treatment for multiple sclerosis.
- Representing R2 Semiconductor in UK High Court proceedings enforcing its patent against Intel relating to on-chip voltage regulators comprising switched mode regulator circuitry and voltage spike protection circuitry.
- Representing Millennium Pharmaceuticals and its licensee Johnson & Johnson in the pan-European defence of Velcade's market exclusivity (bortezomib), a first in class drug used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sebastian Moore