Commended as a ‘top quality’ and ’high calibre’ team, A&O Shearman is noted for its global IP capabilities, acting for the largest companies in the technology and telecoms sectors. David Stone leads the global IP team, while Jim Ford co-chairs the firm’s global life sciences group and is known for his expertise on the exploitation of IP rights. Mark Ridgway routinely acts for clients in high value mandates across the technology, telecoms, life sciences and financial services sectors, and Nigel Parker possesses vast experience across complex IP joint ventures, IP compliance and risk, and sponsorship agreements, among others. Known for his cross-border dispute capabilities, Mark Heaney is well-versed in hi-tech sector litigation. Neville Cordell bolsters the practice with his experience in managing a variety of disputes, while Marjan Noor specialises in life sciences patent litigation. Rafi Allos is also noted for his expertise in the life sciences space, as well as regulatory advice. Senior associates Tom Edwards and James Fox are also recommended, with the former regularly assisting clients with multi-jurisdictional patent disputes, and the latter’s strength lying in hi-tech and telecoms patent litigation. Another name to note is associate Erin Currie.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘One of the very best international law firms genuinely providing top-quality full-service across the world.’
‘Calm, knowledgeable, hard-working and dedicated.'
‘Really high calibre associates which is important when they are often running cases day to day.’
‘James Fox is a standout associate. He is very good, very user friendly and knows how to communicate with all the moving parts in a case heading to trial; clients, Counsel, Court etc.’
‘Mark Heaney provides excellent strategic and legal advice. Neville Cordell is the go-to solicitor for FRAND-related issues.’
‘Allen & Overy is one of the top practices in the UK TMT patent litigation market. The size and breadth of the team is excellent, particularly the quality of the talent.'
'They are good team players able to fit well with other firms and be part of the global litigation strategy. That said their own teams are expanding capabilities in Europe and the US which allows for cross-border larger projects.’
‘Marjan Noor is excellent and comes with vast amounts of experience, especially in biologics cases. She would be a go to partner for most important UK patent litigation cases. She knows the market and what the client wants very well and is on top of the latest trends and developments.'
Key clients
- Huawei
- Eli Lilly
- Samsung
- LG Electronics
- Exscientia
- Regeneron
- Sterlite Technologies
Work highlights
- Advising Regeneron in litigation against Amgen in the High Court. The proceedings are patent revocation proceedings against Amgen’s patents to binding molecules for BCMA and CD3 proteins. This is the only example we are aware of multiple independent innovative companies litigating a patent concerning a biologic medicine in parallel.
- Advising Sterlite in a significant patent litigation matter against Prysmian, who alleged infringement of two of its patents relating to optical fibre cable design and seeks, among others, damages and an injunction.
- Advising Exscientia on a range of IP collaborations, with a key focus of these projects being the protection of Exscientia’s platform technology, and the ownership and exploitation rights with respect to products containing compounds identified by the technology.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
David Stone, Mark Ridgway, Jim Ford, Nigel Parker