Europe - Spain
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Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences

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Clifford Chance

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Clifford Chance offers a broad service offering which covers the full gamut of IP issues within the life sciences sector, including preliminary injunction applications and SPC-related mandates. Practice co-lead Miquel Montañá, who is praised by clients for his ‘curious legal mind’ and ’unmatched attention to detail’, is noted for his longstanding expertise in patent litigation within the life sciences sector, while fellow co-head Josep Montefusco is a key contact for unfair competition and advertising issues. Also jointly leading the team, Guillermo Guardia stands out for his experience in M&A and joint ventures, and Carme Briera often assists with public law issues within the health sector. Adrián Crespo regularly acts for pharma and biotech clients in major patent validity, revocation, and infringement disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The patent litigation team around Miquel Montañá is clearly one of the very best Spain has to offer.’

  • ‘Unmatched attention to detail. Miquel Montañá is a curious legal mind who likes to think outside the box and will do everything to win a case.’

  • ‘An excellent team with deep expertise in patent litigation and life sciences law updated with the latest legal developments.’

  • ‘Miquel Montañá is a very experienced lawyer who is able to dissect complex legal issues, develop strong arguments, and implement effective case strategies.’

  • 'The service is unbeatable, they are always available to the client with answers that are as practical as possible and that are understandable even for those who are not experts in the subject they are talking about.'

  • 'They are very strategic and innovative in their approach to the issues.'

Key clients

  • Exact Sciences
  • Illumina Cambridge
  • Edwards Lifesciences
  • UCB Pharma
  • Esteve HealthCare
  • Bial Portela & Cª
  • AstraZeneca
  • Pfizer
  • Novartis
  • F. Hoffmann-Roche
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • BioNtech
  • Theratecnologies
  • Grunenthal
  • Daiichi Sankyo
  • Menarini
  • Teva
  • Biogen
  • Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Astellas
  • Nutrition & Santé
  • Sanofi
  • Janssen-Cilag
  • Amgen
  • Regeneron
  • Bristol-Myers Squibb
  • Takeda
  • Lundbeck
  • Organon
  • Novo-Nordisk
  • Rovi
  • Millenium
  • Covis
  • Vifor
  • Rocket Pharmaceuticals
  • Accession Therapeutics
  • Zoetis Services
  • Seqirus UK

Work highlights

  • Representing Pfizer in a case where Pfizer and Brystol Myers & Squibb successfully applied for and obtained a preliminary injunction application in relation to the patent that protects apixaban (Eliquis®), one of BMS' blockbusters, of which Pfizer is a co-promoter, in spite of the fact that Commercial Court number 4 of Barcelona had issued a fist instance judgment revoking the patent.
  • Representing Edwards Lifesciences in patent infringement proceedings against an Indian competitor.
  • Representing Astellas and Medivation (Pfizer group) in patent revocation proceedings brought by Synthon.

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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Carme Briera
Clifford Chance

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Miquel Montañá, Josep Montefusco, Guillermo Guardia, Carme Briera

Other key lawyers

Adrián Crespo