With European, UK, French, and Polish patent attorneys situated across the firm, the patent practice at CMS is well positioned to provide clients with a full-service offering, advising on both domestic and cross-border mandates, with the assistance of the firm’s wider litigation, regulatory, corporate, and commercial practices. With particular expertise in portfolio management for clients innovating in the biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices spaces, Robert Stephen sits at the helm of the group, which frequently represents clients in EPO opposition cases. It is also well known in the technology and engineering sectors, acting for technology giants, as well as SMEs and start-ups. Freedom to operate and due diligence support for companies in the life science and pharmaceutical industries is another active area for the practice. Helen Wallis predominantly focuses on patent drafting and prosecution work in the technology sector, Jane Evenson is noted for her EPO opposition work, and Rachel Free is an expert in quantum computing. Another notable member of the team is Jane Hollywood, who is a biotechnology patent specialist.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Rachel Free has superb technical knowledge of the intricacies of patent law and how they can be best used to advance clients' interests. She also grasps new concepts very quickly and her enthusiasm and dedication cannot be faulted.’
‘CMS has a small patent team in a huge organisation, so you get the benefits of individual service with big firm backing.’
‘Helen Wallis is able to understand our highly complex subject matter. She's diligent and careful, and also appreciates the wider context of the technology landscape we work in.’
‘Robert Stephen and his team offer the best quality service in terms of their ability to make very difficult concepts relating to patents easy to understand. In terms of their technical ability and understanding of the engineering side of our products, I am continually surprised by the level of research and understanding that the team continues to develop.’
‘Alex Epstein is extremely detail driven and is able to provide solutions. The paralegal team help me to stay on track.'
‘Efficient functioning, attentive, and knowledgeable about the life sciences sector.’
‘Robert Stephen is an excellent patent attorney who has been in industry and thus understands the needs of life science clients. Good at finding creative solutions and collaborative.'
Key clients
- AkebiaTherapeutics Inc.
- E-therapeutics
- Fallouh Healthcare
- Foundation Medicine
- Haoma Medica
- Imagination Technologies
- Iotic Labs
- Metaswitch Networks
- Microsoft
- Multus Biotechnology
- Nestlé
- Petmedix
- SanaBiotechnology, Inc.
- Sanofi
- Skin Analytics Ltd
- SNIPR
- Vectura
Work highlights
- Assisting Microsoft Corporation with approximately a third of all European patent filings.
- Assisting Nestlé with its portfolio, including with oppositions and fillings.
- Defended Akebia Therapeutics patents opposed by various high-profile opponents.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Robert Stephen