D Young & Co LLP has offices situated in London, Southampton, and Munich, enabling the firm to seamlessly support a range of international clients, including universities, blue-chip companies, SMEs, and start-ups. The team of patent attorneys is well versed in representing clients in prosecution and opposition proceedings before the EPO, and it boasts expertise across a range of sectors, such as electronics, IT, engineering, biotechnology, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals. FTOs and due diligence mandates continue to be a growing trend. Engineering, aerospace, and medical devices specialist Anthony Albutt leads the firm's mechanical practice, while Simon O’Brien is noted for his activity with venture capital companies and start-ups. Charles Harding in Southampton is a notable name in the life sciences arena, especially regarding biotechnology, molecular biology, and immunology. Rachel Bateman is another key name in the team, and she is skilled in contentious mandates.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very astute patent attorneys who have a litigation-forward mindset, which is invaluable for cross-border, national and regional litigation.’

  • 'Without exception, everyone gets up to speed on the technology quickly and reaches a high level of expertise in the specific field, which is invaluable for prosecution, and even more so in oral proceedings for oppositions and appeals. Everyone has been flexible, conscientious, and extremely easy to work with.'

  • ‘I was pleasantly surprised (amazed, actually) at how quickly Charles Harding and Matthew Caines both got up to speed on our technology and the distinctions between our claimed technology and that of the proprietor, as well as that of the other opponents. This technical familiarity was key to our successful arguments in oral proceedings, and led to the best possible outcome.'

  • 'Charles Harding and Matthew Caines (and in fact everyone I worked with from D Young) are a pleasure to work with, making an arduous opposition and appeal much easier. I would not hesitate to recommend the practice to others, and in fact I have.’

  • ‘The team has expertise in the life and biomedical sciences, which fits into our remit. They are always very flexible in their processes to match our needs, for instance adjusting communications, splitting invoices to match our budgets, and engaging directly with our partners in ways that work for us.’

  • ‘Tom Pagdin has worked with our portfolio for many years. He always provides sensible and pragmatic advice to help us achieve our desired goals, taking the bigger context into consideration. He is very approachable and easy to work with.’

  • ‘I have had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Antony Latham at D Young & Co LLP for many years as his client. D Young & Co LLP's expertise in intellectual property law, particularly in the complex field of CAR T cell therapy, is exceptional and remarkable. Throughout our collaboration, they have consistently impressed me with their commitment to openness and honesty, ensuring a smooth and trustworthy client experience.'

  • 'Anthony Latham stands out not only as a skilled lawyer but also as a doctor with remarkable talents in both legal and scientific domains. His comprehensive understanding of the intricate nuances of intellectual property law, coupled with his deep scientific knowledge, have been instrumental in our patent endeavours.'

Key clients

  • Airspan Communications Limited
  • Allergy Therapeutics
  • Arm Limited
  • Asahi Kasei
  • Avanci
  • Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Brompton Bicycles
  • CERN
  • Convatec
  • Cosmetic Warriors (Lush)
  • Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals
  • Eden Research
  • Genentech
  • Genespire
  • GKN Aerospace
  • Global Blue
  • IFF
  • Intelligent Instruments
  • James Hardie Technology Limited
  • Ligand Pharmaceuticals
  • Naturbeads
  • Novo Nordisk
  • Oxford BioMedica
  • Seloxium
  • Sony Corporation
  • Sony Interactive Entertainment
  • Sony Olympus Medical Solutions
  • Symetrica Limited
  • Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd
  • The Lubrizol Corporation
  • Thirtyfivebio
  • Toyota Motor Corporation
  • UCLB
  • University of Southampton
  • University of Bristol
  • Vigil Neuroscience
  • Zealand Pharma

Work highlights

  • Advising TEVA on actions in the UK Courts and representing it in parallel oppositions at the EPO in relation to a number of blockbuster drugs.
  • Representing Ligand Pharmaceuticals in an EPO opposition and subsequent appeal proceedings.
  • Acting for Sony in an opposition at the EPO in the field of surgical microscopes.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Anthony Albutt, Simon O’Brien

Other key lawyers

David Alcock, Rachel Bateman, Zöe Clyde-Watson, Garreth Duncan, Charles Harding, Lawrence King, Dr Anthony Latham, Tamara Milton, Jennifer O’Farrell, Matthew Caines, Tom Pagdin