A versatile team, CMS's arsenal of skills span cloud computing, medical devices, and a host of other technologies, routinely litigating in this space across a variety of courts, notably assembling a pan-European UPC Insight Group for assistance with cases before the UPC. The practice is led by Mark Shillito, who utilises his vast experience to be a reliable choice for blue-chip technology and telecoms companies in complex patent disputes, and Sarah Hanson, whose transactional capabilities across the life sciences and healthcare sectors enhance the firm’s patent offering. Caitlin Heard enjoys expertise in multi-jurisdictional patent litigation, while Joel Vertes is noted for his wide-ranging abilities that encompass joint ventures, collaboration and R&D agreements, among others. Toby Sears principally focuses on patent litigation, licensing, and generative AI mandates.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Caitlin Heard is extremely competent but also very practical. She gets to the heart of the issue quickly and is able to advise strategically and calmly. I felt very comfortable with her guidance.'
Key clients
- Microsoft
- Hydra Well
- Mayborn
- Estar Medical Ltd.
- Sainsbury’s
Work highlights
- Representing Microsoft in its defence of patent infringement proceedings brought before the Patents Court relating to cloud computing technology.
- Acting for Sainsbury’s in defending an allegation of infringement before the Patents Court in the Shorter trial scheme relating to plant variety right.
- Acting for Hydrawell in defending proceedings seeking a declaration of non-infringement and the validity of the patent.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mark Shillito, Sarah Hanson