PATMA: Patent attorneys in London

AA Thornton

AA Thornton ‘combines high-quality advice with the ability to listen and understand the specific needs and challenges of its clients’, ranging from multinational corporations to SMEs, individual investors and academic institutions, based across Europe, North America, India and the Far East. Noted for its capability in handling patent prosecution and opposition work at the EPO, the practice is also well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s litigation group. Adrian Bennett, who has experience in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications, leads the engineering, physics and mechanical devices team, while Mike Jennings heads up the electrical engineering, electronics telecoms and IT group and is praised as ‘a thought leader in this space’. Craig Turner spearheads the chemistry, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals team and handles contentious matters, particularly in the oilfield services and pharmaceuticals sectors. Marianne Privett, who is another key member of the practice, prosecutes patent applications and manages global portfolios.

Practice head(s):

Adrian Bennett; Craig Turner; Mike Jennings

Other key lawyers:

Marianne Privett; Nikesh Patel; Nick South; Alex Bone

Testimonials

‘AA Thornton consistently delivers a very high standard of service. Thus, over the course of the last 15 years, I have been able to depend on this firm’s services to obtain European patents for our clients.’

‘Mike Jennings brings a sharp intelligence, combined with an engaging manner, which has resulted in him being a valuable asset on committees supporting the EPO and the UKIPO. As a thought leader in this space, he is a very willing and valuable collaborator, both in understanding and potentially addressing the big picture issues and in assisting clients in navigating their specific challenges.’

‘This firm stands out in a number of different ways; the pleasant and courteous manner in which the exchange of correspondence is made, the fees charged are always fair and they have proven to be superior with regard to the results that they obtain, mainly managing the patent examination process and bringing it to a successful conclusion.’

‘Business minded.’

‘A skilled and experienced team, who know our business well.’

‘AA Thornton combines high-quality advice with the ability to listen and understand the specific needs and challenges of its clients. The results are top flight and the balance struck is excellent. Whether it be in the software/telecoms or oilfield/chemical sectors, they are a go-to firm for us for work in the UK and in the EPO.’

‘Smart and practical.’

Key clients

Aptiv

Teledyne

Merck

Landmark Graphics Corporation

Associated British Foods

BAE Systems

Chevron Phillips Chemical

Work highlights

  • Supported Landmark Graphics Corporation in amending a patent application and revoking the client’s summons to oral proceedings by the EPO.
  • Assisted DeLaval International Adrian in revoking a competitor’s European patent.
  • Represented BAE Systems in a case maintaining the patent on the terms required by the client.

Boult Wade Tennant LLP

With offices in London, Reading, Cambridge, Frankfurt, Berlin and Madrid, Boult Wade Tennant LLP is well-placed to provide a ‘stable and quality service’ to its roster of clients, ranging from state-owned enterprises and financial service providers to medium-sized companies, start-ups and public entities, including hospitals and charities, on domestic and multijurisdictional mandates. The practice counts protection, filing and prosecution matters in its workload, in addition to portfolio management and enforcement mandates, and has demonstrable experience in EPO opposition and appeal proceedings. In London, Nina White heads up the biotechnology and life science group, which acts for a range of clients, including SMEs and university start-ups, in drafting patents; and Tessa Bucks spearheads the engineering and designs practice. From the firm’s office in Reading, senior partner Nick McLeish leads the high-tech and electrical group and Adrian Hayes heads up the chemical and materials team.

Practice head(s):

Nina White; Tessa Bucks; Adrian Hayes; Nick McLeish

Other key lawyers:

Daniel Weston; Rohan Setna; Matthew Spencer; Edward Ronan; Jonathan Palmer; Michelle Pratt; Neil Thomson; Martyn Draper; Marcus Sims

Testimonials

‘The team are very proactive and go out of their way to assist the client. They demonstrate excellent results in both patent prosecution and oppositions. They are keen to understand the objectives and strategic aims of the client.’

‘Tessa Bucks has an excellent track record in European opposition and appeal cases.’

‘Very flexible in taking on various kinds of work. They handle core patenting work, but also enforcement matters and assist with invention harvesting and educate in-house staff. They have a good understanding of various business needs, relating to patent drafting strategy. They are well liked and respected by my in-house inventors.’

‘BWT’s leadership has a great vision to advise international clients, especially Chinese clients.’

Key clients

iTeos Therapeutics

Argenx BVBA

Paragraf Limited

Almac Discovery Limited

Abcam

MC2 Therapeutics

Adaptive Spectrum and Signal Alignment, Inc. (ASSIA, Inc)

The Reliance Worldwide Corporation

Intercontinental Great Brands LLC

Abbott Laboratories

United Kingdom Research and Innovation, STFC at the Rutherford Appleton and Daresbury laboratories

Ancestry.com

AC Immune

Work highlights

  • Advised AC Immune on its acquisition of Affiris’ portfolio of therapeutics targeting alpha-synuclein (a-syn), notably Affiris PD01.
  • Representing Adaptive Spectrum and Signal Alignment, Inc. (ASSIA, Inc) before the EPO, prosecuting applications to grant, and handling opposition and appeals.
  • Providing portfolio management, drafting and prosecution advice across a range of biological targets and indications for Almac Discovery Limited.

Carpmaels & Ransford LLP

Praised for its ‘sophisticated patent practice’, Carpmaels & Ransford LLP houses a ‘deep bench of skilled partners who work together collaboratively and seamlessly’. The firm excels in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors, advising on the full life cycle of a patent, from invention mining, drafting and prosecution work to enforcement matters. James Warner and Mark Chapman head up the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology teams respectively and managing partner Hugh Goodfellow is also a key contact in the life sciences group, while John Brunner, who has considerable EPO opposition experience relating to medical devices, leads the engineering and technology teams. Counting Johnson & Johnson, Sun Chemical and Nexeon among its key list of clients, the chemistry and materials practice handles chemical opposition mandates before the EPO and focuses on consumer product matters. All the teams are well-placed to leverage the firm’s litigation offering.

Practice head(s):

Hugh Goodfellow; John Brunner; Mark Chapman; James Warner

Other key lawyers:

Cameron Marshall; Daniel Wise; Harvey Adams; Edward Oates; Gary Small; Susan Kirsch; Bruce Cockerton; Stephen Duffield; Paul Bettridge; Chris Hoggett; Matthew Georgiou; Isobel Barry; Anna Leathley

Testimonials

‘Carpmaels is a tremendous firm with a sophisticated patent practice. I use them for all my patent work in prosecution and oppositions. They have a very deep bench of skilled partners who work together collaboratively and seamlessly. I have confidence in whoever I am working with.’

‘The team at Carpmaels have been very responsive to our business.’

‘Hugh Goodfellow is my primary contact and someone I have known for many years. He recently handled an opposition for us. It was a difficult case and we won in large part thanks to his preparation and advocacy skills. Stephen Duffield is another team member that we rely on. He is very thoughtful and a talented patent attorney.’

‘Working with the team at Carpmaels is amazing. They all seem to just flow with one another. Work doesn’t feel handed-off, but shared. All, of course, have superb knowledge of their domain.’

‘Great team, very enthusiastic and have a strong interest in our business succeeding.’

‘The team is super smart and creative. They are truly thought partners. When they bring a solution forward, they also demonstrate why they think that is the best path. It is obvious that they have debated the idea internally among the team and I feel confident with each step we take in the EPO and other proceedings and decisions being made.’

Key clients

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Barclays Bank Plc

Incyte

Roche

Biogen Inc.

Johnson & Johnson Vision

Align Technology

Novartis

Vertex

Dupont Teijin Films

Gilead

Johnson & Johnson, with Boston Scientific

Jazz Pharmaceuticals

CSL

LifeScan, Inc.

Ethicon Inc. & Ethicon LLC

McNeil AB

Acorda Therapeutics

Biosense Webster

Abbott Laboratories

Raytheon Technologies Corporation

Janssen Pharmaceuticals

LEO Pharma

Afiniti, Ltd.

Auris Health/Verb Surgical

Quantum-Si

Amgen

Work highlights

  • Advising Johnson & Johnson on a number of opposition matters for European patents which are in litigation in the UK and German courts, involving the dispute between AMO and Alcon.
  • Advising Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on production and processing matters, including instructions on approximately 50 European applications.
  • Representing Gilead Sciences, Inc. in protecting its HIV portfolio, which has been opposed by generics manufacturers.

CMS

In the technology space, CMS’ ‘efficient and commercially tuned’ practice has demonstrable experience in patent invalidity mandates, particularly through EPO opposition proceedings and often in parallel with related infringement actions. Counting technology giants, including Microsoft, as well as SMEs and start-ups, among its key roster of clients, the team is noted for its capability in drafting patent applications, and boasts enviable expertise in emerging fields, such as quantum computing technologies. Elsewhere, the practice handles prosecution, opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO in the life sciences sector, in addition to providing due diligence and second-opinion advice. Practice leader Robert Stephen focuses on innovations in the medicine field, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, while Helen Wallis handles drafting and prosecution matters in the technology sector ‘with great diligence’. Other key members of the team include Jane Evenson, Rachel Free and Jane Hollywood, while Tobias Reker left in September 2021 to set up his own patent attorney practice.

Practice head(s):

Robert Stephen

Other key lawyers:

Helen Wallis; Jane Evenson; Rachel Free; Jane Hollywood

Testimonials

‘Helen Wallis handles the majority of our work and she does so with great diligence.’

‘Very efficient and commercially tuned into our life sciences business needs. Creative when problem solving and proactive.’

‘Robert Stephen has good instincts to make effective patent plays that have a commercial impact.’

Key clients

Imagination Technologies

Microsoft

LinkedIn

Foundation Medicine

Sanofi

SNIPR

E-therapeutics (ETX)

Nestlé

Multus Biotechnology

Work highlights

  • Prosecuting EU and UK patent applications for Microsoft, as well as advising the client in relation to the filing strategy for its international patent applications.
  • Assisting Sanofi on a patent portfolio, involving multiple EPO opposition and appeal proceedings, drafting and prosecution, including technologies relating to antibodies and platform technologies for antibody lead generation.

D Young & Co LLP

D Young & Co LLP has a strong reputation in EPO patent prosecutions, resulting in an ever-increasing caseload of filed EPO patent applications, and is entrusted by multinational companies, top universities and research institutions. The practice, which is praised for its ‘high level of service, based on professionalism, attention to the client’s needs, punctuality and precision in providing support and great availability to take on new cases’, has a track record in EPO opposition and appeal proceedings. The electronics and engineering group and the biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals team are both well-placed to collaborate with one another on cross-disciplinary matters, particularly in the field of medical technology. Anthony Albutt, whose contentious opposition practice continues to grow in the automotive and medical device sectors, leads the electronics and engineering group, while Simon O’Brien heads up the biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals team.

Practice head(s):

Anthony Albutt; Simon O’Brien

Other key lawyers:

David Alcock; Zöe Clyde-Watson; Garreth Duncan; Kirk Gallagher; Charles Harding; David Horner; Nicholas Malden; Neil Nachshen; Kit Wong; Rachel Bateman; Tamara Milton; Matthew Caines; Tom Pagdin; Antony Latham

Testimonials

‘The D Young team provides a high level of service, based on professionalism, attention to the client’s needs, punctuality and precision in providing support and great availability to take on new cases.’ 

‘Antony Latham is super smart and fun to work with. He works hard, is always very well prepared and diligent in his follow up and communicates clear and to the point, no matter whether this is in internal meetings or when presenting our case at the EPO.’ 

‘Wide international experience, capable of advising not just in our areas of specialisation, but in areas adjacent that may be impacted. Their action management is superb.’ 

‘We work mainly with Matthew Caines and Simon O’Brien. They are top-level patent attorneys, as they have exhaustive knowledge in life science technologies, considerable experience and provide support for patentability analyses, define prosecution strategies and evaluate infringement matters. I believe that the quality of support provided by Simon and Matthew have really contributed to create value for our IP.’ 

‘The team, as a whole, are exceptionally good at devising and executing arguments. In all the hearings, they have achieved the best results as expected.’ 

‘Tom Pagdin has been our main contact for several years now. He is always extremely well prepared, knows the history of the case, and lays out next steps, options, and potential consequences in a clear and concise manner. Tom understands our needs and limitations and will communicate clearly to make sure that we’re happy as cases progress.’ 

‘It truly is a team at D Young! All of them are engaged, very knowledgeable both in legal and scientific matters, good communicators and collaborate closely, within the D Young team and also with us as their clients. To us it feels they are just an extended part of our team and this is what I value most. Charles Harding has formed a fabulous team at D Young, combining chemistry and biotech expertise to seamlessly support us.’ 

‘I can honestly say that it is only because of Antony Latham’s knowledge of both legal and scientific matters, and his ability to take initiative that I could protect my decade-long intellectual property.’ 

Key clients

Airspan Communications

Alexion Pharmaceuticals

Allergy Therapeutics

Apitope International NV

ARM

Asahi Kasei Corporation

Autolus Ltd

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

Brompton Bicycles

Canbex Therapeutics

Cancer Research Technology

Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Fresenius Kabi

GKN Aerospace

Global Blue

Helperby Therapeutics

IFF (DuPont Nutrition Biosciences Aps)

Inflection Biosciences

Juniper Networks

King’s College London

Korean Institute of Science and Technology

Lubrizol

Lush Cosmetics

Medtronic

Merial Inc.

myMaskFit

Nektar Therapeutics

Nestlé

Novo Nordisk A/S

Oxford BioMedica

Peptinnovate

Plant Bioscience Ltd

Pulmagen Therapeutics

Roche

Rothamsted Research

Sarepta Therapeutics

Sony Corporation

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Sony Mobile Communications

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd

TEVA Pharmaceuticals

The Francis Crick Institute

The Lubrizol Corporation

The Pirbright Institute

Toyota Motor Corporation

University of Southampton

Zealand Pharma

Work highlights

  • Assisting Brompton Bicycle on patent and design protection for the next generation of e-bikes and iconic folding bicycles.
  • Representing Ligand Pharmaceuticals at a multi-party EPO opposition relating to the production antibodies.
  • Advising Achilles Therapeutics, a UK biopharma company, in developing its IP portfolio.

Dehns

Dehns maintains its reputation as one of the leading EPO filing practices and counts patent applications relating to physics and engineering, medical devices, electronics, oil and gas and chemistry in its caseload. The practice’s key roster of direct clients ranges from multinational corporates and SMEs to universities and private investors from across the UK and Scandinavia, as well as the US. Following the retirement of Alexander Piésold, Elizabeth Jones took over as senior partner in January 2022 and Adrian Samuels was promoted to managing partner in the same month. The EPO opposition and appeals practice is well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s litigation team, which is led by Paul Harris, who joined from Venner Shipley LLP in June 2021. Head of biotechnology Hanna Dzieglewska is praised for understanding ‘new innovations quickly, in order to grasp the crux of a matter’ and Louise Golding spearheads the chemical group, while John Tothill leads the engineering team. The firm has further expanded into the regions and opened a Birmingham office in March 2022.

Practice head(s):

Elizabeth Jones; Adrian Samuels; Hanna Dzieglewska; Louise Golding; John Tothill; Paul Harris

Other key lawyers:

Adam Taylor; Alex Gittins; David Paton; Mark Bell; Laura Ramsay

Testimonials

‘The individuals in the team at Dehns provide a high-quality service and competent, reliable advice every time. Particularly, Hanna Dzieglewska is a standout partner and probably one of the best patent attorneys that I have ever used. She understands new innovations quickly, in order to grasp the crux of a matter. The drafting service provided by Dehns is second to none.’ 

‘Dehns has a strong biotech team, who provide a comprehensive service for our IP department. They understand all areas of our technology and provide us with an invaluable service. They are able to meet our timelines, and reprioritise, even at short notice when necessary. Dehns have worked collaboratively with us on several internal projects.’ 

‘We work with Mark Bell, who has looked after our IP portfolio for nearly 10 years now. He is always very responsive, thoughtful and communicative.’ 

Key clients

Coca-Cola

Otis Elevators

Kimberly Clark

Equinor

Baker Hughes

SanDisk/Western Digital

Micromass/Waters

Nordic Semi-conductor

Raytheon Technologies

Work highlights

  • Drafted, filed and prosecuted a patent application for University of Warwick, relating to the invention of a Covid-19 diagnostic tool.
  • Advised a Norwegian tech company in relation to an internal valuation of its entire IP portfolio, in order to give an indication of the relative values of each of the patent families.
  • Handled an opposition case on behalf of Pratt & Whitney, against Safran Aircraft Engines.

EIP

EIP’s dual practice of patent attorneys and litigators advises its rosters of direct clients on the full life cycle of a patent, from protection matters through to rights of enforcement, including high-profile litigation, often involving a cross-border element. Noted for its demonstrable capability in the high-tech sector, the opposition and appeals practice, which is praised for its ‘vast array of technical expertise and experience before the EPO’, continues to expand its caseload in the life sciences and medtech arenas. In the London office, digital expert Jerome Spaargaren and Heather McCann, who is commended by one client as ‘a sharp-minded and skilled, not to mention tireless, advocate and adviser’, lead the team alongside Bath-based Matt Lawman, who focuses on technology and software mandates. Other key members of the group include Laurence Brown, whose practice covers the engineering field, and Leeds-based Tim Belcher, who was promoted to partner in April 2022 and handles matters arising out of the pharmaceuticals and biochemistry sectors.

Practice head(s):

Jerome Spaargaren; Heather McCann; Matt Lawman

Other key lawyers:

Laurence Brown; Tim Belcher; Richard Gordon-Brown; Darren Smyth; Gareth Probert; Chris Price; Monika Rai; Luke Galloway; Colin Lobban; Robert Barker; Felix Hall; Ben Willows

Testimonials

‘The team at EIP has consistently shown an exceptional level of professionalism. Everyone we have worked with has been approachable, responsive and detail oriented. No effort has been spared to make sure that we always have the latest information, advice and updates. The team has also shown consistent dedication to developing long-term, in-depth knowledge of our highly specialised technical field.’ 

‘Heather McCann is outstanding, friendly and simply a leader in the field of patents. Luke Galloway is a real rising star and our go-to contact on our patent portfolio.’ 

‘Consistent, reliable, extremely knowledgeable, pragmatic and very personable.’ 

‘I would not hesitate to recommend Laurence Brown as an exemplary patent agent to anyone. Thorough, commercially minded, technically brilliant and an absolute pleasure to work with, Laurence has advised us on numerous fronts, including strategic analysis and filing advice for whole system architectures, full IP audits and budget reviews.’ 

‘EIP has great customer service and is very responsive to our needs. I feel like we can genuinely depend on them. They are real problem solvers. When we have new questions, they quickly locate the right resources and get us what we need (even when we don’t know exactly what to ask for).’ 

‘The EIP patent attorneys I work with have all had great breadth and depth of knowledge of both the law and subject matter of our patent applications. In addition, they are able to present clear, concise, and persuasive arguments. Heather McCann deserves particular mention as a sharp-minded and skilled, not to mention tireless, advocate and adviser.’ 

‘Excellent technical and legal expertise. Communication is excellent and makes my job as easy as possible.’ 

‘EIP has a vast array of technical expertise and experience before the EPO. In addition, their technical infrastructure makes working with attorneys in any of their offices seamless.’ 

Key clients

VISA Inc.

Hewlett-Packard

A.P. Moller-Maersk

Airbus

VividQ

Sonos Inc.

ServiceNow

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals

The A2 Milk Company Limited

Cycle Pharmaceuticals

Egress Software

Work highlights

  • Managing the patent portfolio of Sonos, compromising 330 granted patents, European validations and 108 pending patent applications, including UK and European applications.
  • Advising ServiceNow on various strategic portfolio matters since 2019.
  • Advising A.P. Moller Maersk on 23 new patent filings and prosecution work.

J A Kemp

With offices in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Paris and Munich, J A Kemp has a diverse client roster, including start-ups, spinouts, multinational companies and academic institutions, based in the UK and across Europe, and ‘provides an excellent service’ to clients situated in the US and Japan. The practice is noted for its standout expertise in the pharmaceuticals sector (Ravi Srinivasan heads up the team) and is well-versed in patent prosecution matters, often involving a cross-border element, as well as EPO opposition and appeal proceedings. Praised for his ‘wise counsel, professionalism and timeliness’, senior partner Nigel Price leads the engineering and IT group, while Amanda Simons spearheads the chemistry and pharmaceuticals practice, and Patrick Campbell is the biotechnology and life sciences lead. Mark Roberts heads up the medical devices team, John Leeming leads the software group, Samuel Smith heads up the electronics team and the plant science and agriculture practice is led by Andrew Bentham.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Price; Amanda Simons; Patrick Campbell; James Fish; Mark Roberts; Ravi Srinivasan; John Leeming; Sam Smith; Andrew Bentham

Other key lawyers:

Graham Lewis; Ian MacLeod; Toby Hopkin; Hermione Thompson; Tom Leanse

Testimonials

‘Ravi Srinivasan, Graham Lewis and Hermione Thompson are great professionals to work with, always analysing the issues from all angles and providing solutions and different scenarios to any difficult situation that might arise. In addition, they are nice people to deal with, always willing to share their knowledge.’

‘J A Kemp has a high level of expertise and provides an excellent service in a very responsive and professional manner.’

‘I highly value the insights, wise counsel, professionalism, and timeliness of Nigel Price.’

Key clients

Amazon

BASF

Bristol-Meyers Squibb

Cambridge University

Eli Lilly

GSK

L’Oreal

Lockheed Martin

Oxford University

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Ricoh

Roche

Samsonite

Stanford University

Toyota Motor Corporation

Kilburn & Strode LLP

As highlighted by one client, Kilburn & Strode LLP has ‘remarkable bench strength, both in depth of knowledge, experience and breadth of subject matter expertise’, particularly across the pharmaceutical and chemistry arenas, as well as the automotive and consumer goods sectors. Patent prosecution takes up a large proportion of practice’s workload, as well as EPO opposition and appeal proceedings. Notable changes in the sizeable life sciences and chemistry team, which is led by Nick Lee, include the retirement of Kristina Cornish and recruitment of Jo Bradley from Marks & Clerk in August 2021. The technology group is led by Gareth Fennell, while Jim Miller leads the engineering practice. The firm also continues to consolidate its presence in San Francisco and the Netherlands.

Practice head(s):

Richard Howson; Nick Lee; Gareth Fennell; Jim Miller

Other key lawyers:

Mark Abthorpe; Nick Bassil; Elizabeth Crooks; Jennifer Harris; Sarah Lau; Nick Lee; Tom Leonard; Jo Bradley; Nick Shipp; Harry Harden; Alexander Korenberg; Jeremy Smith; Gwilym Roberts; Marco Morbidini; Robin Lloyd; Dayle Callaghan

Testimonials

‘There is remarkable bench strength at Kilburn & Strode, both in depth of knowledge, experience and breadth of subject matter expertise in intellectual property. The attorneys I have worked with are not only intelligent, highly motivated, and pragmatic, but take the time to understand my business needs and commercial considerations.’ 

‘Elizabeth Crooks is a smart and passionate advocate and many in my company have repeatedly commented on how lucky we are to have her on our side.’ 

‘Mark Abthorpe’s expertise and focus on value-added advice shines. He has a remarkable ability to quickly get to the crux of complex issues and develop/implement winning strategies and approaches for us.’ 

‘Marco Morbidini went the extra not one, but ten miles for us, effectively providing perfect in-house style services. From budgeting to summaries, participation in investor meetings to institutional/sponsor relations, Marco has offered and continues to offer just what’s right for us.’ 

‘The team manages our portfolio efficiently and without fuss.’ 

‘Dayle Callaghan is a very good patent attorney and is always ready to provide advice and assistance as needed.’ 

‘Jennifer Harris has shown particular strength in identifying appropriately balanced patent strategies and claim structures to provide broad and strong composition of matter IP protection.’ 

‘An efficient and knowledgeable firm who get on with the job well. Also, creative and proactive, always thinking out of the box to develop practical solutions.’ 

Key clients

Viasat

Kortical Ltd

Arrival Limited

Reaction Engines Limited

Honeywell International Inc

Immunocore Limited

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and Tusk Therapeutics Ltd

The Johns Hopkins University

Janssen Pharmaceutica NV/Janssen Sciences Ireland

Boeing

Work highlights

  • Successfully defended Viasat in an opposition filed by the EU.
  • Instructed by Neurim Pharmaceuticals (and Flynn Pharma) and successfully convinced the EPO to grant a new European patent covering Circadin, which was infringed by Mylan in the UK.
  • Managing Aston Martin’s patent and design portfolio.

Marks & Clerk

Marks & Clerk counts patents covering emerging technologies such as 3D printing, machine learning and artificial intelligence in its workload, and is noted for its demonstrable capability in filing patent applications relating to artificial intelligence in Europe. The team, which is jointly led by Oxford-based Daniel Talbot-Ponsonby and London-based Simon Mounteney, also provides ‘timely and pragmatic advice’ on matters pertaining to medical devices and software, and counts SMEs, universities and large corporates among its key roster of clients. The practice has experienced multiple changes; Stephen Blake and Douglas Rankin left in June 2021 to set up their own firm, while Steven Gurney departed in August 2021 and Maureen Kinsler moved to Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth in December 2021. The following patent attorneys were promoted to partner in August 2021: Matthew Jefferies, James Shearman, Lara Sibley and Daniel Sizer, all of whom operate from the firm’s London office, as well as Manchester-based Giles Pinnington and Cambridge-based Andrea Williams.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Talbot-Ponsonby; Simon Mounteney

Other key lawyers:

Thomas Prock; Will Nieuwenhuys; Mike Williams; Andrew Docherty; Jonathan Stafford; Sheila Wallace; Philip Cupitt; Tim Hargreaves; David Murray; Matthew Jefferies; Giles Pinnington; James Shearman; Lara Sibley; Daniel Sizer; Andrea Williams

Testimonials

‘Their technical knowledge on UK patent matters is excellent.’ 

‘M&C are a very professional team, and they do an excellent job of turning our ideas into patent applications. We have been very successful in gaining granted patents by using M&C as our attorneys.’ 

‘Their attention to detail is spot on and they provide timely and pragmatic advice.’ 

Key clients

AB InBev

Gilead Sciences

Uber

Toshiba

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Bridgestone

THALES

Next Holdings Limited

Virgin Media

Nintendo

Roche

Genentech

Pfizer

Micron

Ricoh

Pukka Pies

Crew Clothing Company

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

AMS Osram

YASA Limited

Tokamak Energy Ltd

Advance Medical Solutions

Crown Packaging Manufacturing UK Limited

The University of Edinburgh

University of St Andrews

University of Birmingham

Equinor

Cambridge GaN Devices

Inside Biometrics Limited

Genuit Group Plc

Provisur Technologies

RevoluGen

Dynex

Pal International

Flusso

Mewburn Ellis LLP

With offices in London, Bristol, Manchester, Cambridge and Munich, Mewburn Ellis LLP is well-placed to offer a seamless European service to its roster of clients and handles both the filing and prosecution of UK and German patent applications, as well as managing global IP portfolios for multinational companies. In Manchester, Jeremy Webster heads up the chemistry practice, which focuses on the full range of chemical innovations, as well as advanced material materials, such as graphene and battery technologies, and polymers. The engineering and ICT team, which is led by Manchester-based Graeme Moore and houses both patent attorneys and design specialists, has demonstrable experience in software, bioinformatics and quantum computing mandates. From the firm’s Bristol office, Simon Kiddle spearheads the life sciences practice. The team advises on patents in biologics, bioinformatics, cell therapies, vaccines, precision medicines and future food. The firm has recently seen an uptick in contentious matters, demonstrating a strong track record in high-value oppositions at the EPO. In a notable appointment, biopharma specialist Robert Andrews recently became the firm’s first chief inclusion and diversity officer.

Practice head(s):

Graeme Moore; Simon Kiddle; Jeremy Webster

Other key lawyers:

Robert Andrews; Richard Johnson; Julie Carlisle; Adam Gregory; Andrew Mears; Emma Graham; Dan Thornton; Paul Dunne; Callum McGuinn

Key clients

Cambridge Enterprise Ltd

Creo Medical Ltd.

Danisco US / DuPont

Genentech Inc / F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG

Karsten Manufacturing Corp.

Mitsubishi Corporation

Nerudia/Imperial Brands

Toray Industries, Inc.

Zealand Pharma

Work highlights

  • Defended a patent belonging to F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG against 11 opponents in an EPO opposition hearing.
  • Handling key patent applications for Hitachi Ltd.
  • Acting for Toray on the prosecution of its European patent portfolio and inter-parties representation before the EPO’s Opposition Divisions and Boards of Appeal.

Venner Shipley LLP

Praised as ‘truly irreplaceable’, Venner Shipley LLP’s mechanical and engineering, chemical and life sciences and electronics and software teams ‘have demonstrated a capability of cross-disciplinary collaboration, which produces better outcomes on complex patent cases’. The firm not only houses an experienced filing and prosecution practice but continues to consolidate its expertise in EPO opposition and appeals, handling matters ranging from medical devices and orthopaedic devices to antibodies, vaccines and consumer products. The practice’s client roster is testament to its knowledge in mandates concerning artificial intelligence and machine learning. Ian Grey leads the mechanical and engineering group and Siân Gill spearheads the chemistry and life sciences team, while Jan Walaski heads up the electronics and software group, and Simon Taor leads the standards practice. In Cambridge, patent director Emma Longland joined from HGF Limited in June 2021 and London-based patent director Louis Trichard arrived from Dentons in August 2021. Other key members of the team include Cambridge-based Pawel Piotrowicz and Allie Elend, as well as Guildford-based Anton Hutter.

Practice head(s):

Ian Grey; Siân Gill; Jan Walaski

Other key lawyers:

Simon Taor; Allie Elend; Anton Hutter; Pawel Piotrowicz; Emma Longland; Louis Trichard; Alex Brown; Paul Derry; Tim Russell; Richard Kennedy; Kirsty Simpson

Testimonials

‘The team has particular strength and experience with patenting software-related inventions. They provide valuable input both pre-filing and throughout the prosecution process.’ 

‘I have relied on Pawel Piotrowicz for over twenty years. Pawel is a valued collaborator on behalf of a number of clients. I often turn to him for strategic advice when preparing new patent applications and seeking his input on drafting strategies. In providing advice, he leverages not only deep understanding of UK and EPO practice, particularly with software inventions, but also strong knowledge of US practice, which makes his advice universally useful and practical.’ 

‘Venner Shipley are truly irreplaceable for us and are an absolutely integral part of what we do. Their attention to detail and focus is peerless. Their understanding of and expertise in the science we are developing is invaluable. The firm is utterly unique and that cannot be overstated.’ 

‘My main interaction at Venner Shipley has been with Anton Hutter. He always takes the time to explain the patent process, is proactive with suggestions and acts across a number of our projects.’ 

‘Pawel Piotrowicz is an excellent patent attorney, with quite a few years of experience. He has assisted us with drafting and FTOs and is someone who understands the client’s requirements and needs. He is knowledgeable, experienced and is able to help deal with issues during the filing process.’ 

‘Other than being thought leaders in specific subject areas, Venner Shipley have demonstrated a capability of cross-disciplinary collaboration, which produces better outcomes on complex patent cases in my experience.’ 

‘Almut Elend (Allie) is a partner and expert in pharmaceutical sciences and chemistry. She is an exceptional scientist and quickly grasps advanced scientific principles in areas outside her area of expertise. She translates scientifically challenging concepts, ideas and data into tangible and easy to understand patents.’ 

‘Pawel Piotrowicz and Anton Hutter are the standout partners I have worked with. They are excellent attorneys and also demonstrate commercial pragmatism along with their knowledge of IP prosecution.’ 

Key clients

Airbus Defence & Space

Autocoding Systems Ltd

British American Tobacco

BENTLEY/Pedestrian Simulation

Ensygnia

Imperial College Innovations Limited

FiberLean Technologies

Pplus Skincare

Plumis Ltd

Procter & Gamble

Samsung

Sanofi

Better Origin (also known as Entomics)

Work highlights

  • Drafted and filed patent applications in relation to Covid-19 for Imperial College London, allowing Imperial to create the spin-out company, VaxEquity Limited, which licences the IP from Imperial.
  • Managing Samsung Group’s European patent portfolio, including patent prosecution and defending Samsung’s patents against oppositions filed competitors, and opposing other company’s patents.

Appleyard Lees

The ‘highly motivated and client-oriented team’ at Appleyard Lees has demonstrable experience in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications, and with offices in Cambridge, Halifax, Manchester and Leeds, the firm is close to numerous areas of innovation across the UK. Praised for its ‘technical expertise and deep experience of patent portfolio development’, the practice is well-versed in the chemistry, electronics and software, engineering and pharmaceutical sectors. Led by Cambridge-based Barbara Fleck and with the support of Manchester-based Simon Bradbury, the team continues to consolidate its focus in the life sciences space and counts pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and biotechnology entities among its key roster of clients. In the firm’s Manchester office, David Clark leads the practice and focuses on patent drafting and prosecution work arising out of the electronics sector.

Practice head(s):

David Clark

Other key lawyers:

Simon Bradbury; Bobby Smithson; Bill Lister; Julia Gwilt; Ean Davies; Jennifer Delaney; Adam Tindall; Richard Bray; Barbara Fleck; Howard Read

Testimonials

‘A highly motivated and client-oriented team, with exceptional experience and depth of knowledge.’ 

‘I would recommend Richard Bray and David Clark. They always provide suitable advice and complete work efficiently.’ 

‘High levels of technical expertise and deep experience of patent portfolio development. They exhibit an excellent balance of technical capability, legal compliance combined with a thorough understanding of commercial realities.’ 

‘This firm has great expertise and experience in dealing with complex patent issues. They listen and then explore options, meaning clients are always well informed.’ 

‘Bobby Smithson has the rare combination of both a keen mind and marvellous client management skills. He is attuned to the needs of the client and prepared to go out of his way to ensure client satisfaction. He is able to apply his wide industry and technical knowledge to the issues at hand to obtain the best outcomes for his clients.’ 

‘We mainly work with them for European patent applications. The team has excellent administration procedures on the cases. Their attorneys always provide a fast response with perfect explanations to our questions. The team owns many attorneys with different backgrounds to handle all kinds of patent matters.’

‘The team is very experienced, and always willing to adjust their practice according to the client’s needs. They have good control of the quality of work.’ 

‘I have worked with Appleyard Lees and several of its partners for many years and the continuity exhibited as staff or expertise requirements change is excellent. Good individual talent but clearly part of the team.’ 

Key clients

Owlstone Medical

BenevolentAI

Clasado Biosciences

WEIR Minerals

PPG Industries

SNC Nanofibers

British Steel

Samsung Electronics

CCm Technologies

FeTu Roticulate

Smith & Nephew Medical

Mondelez International

Cancer Research UK

Mitsubishi Chemicals UK

Work highlights

  • Assisted CCm Technologies with filing patent applications and advising on strategy, including with respect to the patenting of CCm’s clean technology.
  • Prepared and filed an opposition against the patent at the EPO on behalf of Stellenbosch Nanofiber Company, after which the patent was successfully revoked.
  • Assisting Owlstone in drafting, filing and prosecuting applications.

Barker Brettell LLP

Noted for its capability in the computer-implemented technologies, physics and material sectors, Barker Brettell LLP’s ‘extremely knowledgeable, friendly and approachable’ team also has demonstrable experience across the life sciences and chemistry, medical devices, artificial intelligence and electronic fields, and counts the drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications in its workload. Senior partner John Lawrence, who heads up the aerospace group and assists US law firms with patent prosecution, leads the practice alongside managing partner Andy Tranter and Alan Wilson. Yvonne Johnson leads the EPO oppositions and appeals team, while Jennifer Atkinson is a key contact for the practice’s roster of UK universities and Nicholas Braddon focuses on inventions relating to materials science, physical sciences and engineering. Members of the practice operate from the firm’s offices in Birmingham and Southampton.

Practice head(s):

John Lawrence; Andy Tranter; Alan Wilson

Other key lawyers:

Yvonne Johnson; Jennifer Atkinson; Nicholas Braddon; Mark Thurston; David Combes; David Pearce; Neil Kilpatrick

Testimonials

‘Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Very personal and supportive. Extremely competent.’

Key clients

Angiocrine Bioscience

Astex Therapeutics Limited

ATG (ATG Gloves)

CMC Materials

Corindus. Inc

Gantik

Hubbell

Hughes Network Systems

Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies

Inflight Peripherals

International Flavors & Fragrances

Kangxin Partners, P.C., Chofn Intellectual Property Agency Co. Ltd., Beijing East IP Ltd., Leader Patent & Trademark Firm

Locate Bio

Lockheed Martin

Lontra

Mastercard

Metrasens

Neptune Subsea Engineering

NXP (Semiconductors)

OSI Systems

Oxford University Innovation Limited

Panasonic

Royal College of Art

S&C Electric Company

SharkNinja

STG Aerospace

Surepulse

Tencent

UCLB

UKRI

University of Birmingham

University of Loughborough

University of Nottingham

University of Southampton

Venator Materials

Williams Advanced Engineering

WOTCH Creations

ZF Automotive / TRW

Cleveland Scott York

Cleveland Scott York has demonstrable capability in drafting and prosecuting EU patent applications, as well as EPO opposition and appeal proceedings, and counts freedom to operate matters, due diligence issues, competitor analysis mandates and UK registered design filings in its workload. Praised for its ‘availability, responsiveness and unique ability to translate legal turbulences’, the team counts large UK-based corporations and medium-sized enterprises, multinational companies, US attorney firms, in addition to academic institutions, technology transfer departments and pharmaceutical companies in Eastern Europe as clients. In Hertfordshire, Andrew Mackenzie and Jonathan Midgley lead the practice alongside Fraser Brown and Adrian Bradley, who operate from the firm’s Thames Valley office, and London-based Michael Williams and Tom Faulkner. The engineering, automotive, healthcare and chemical sectors are key areas of expertise for the team, which is also well-placed to collaborate with the firm’s solicitors in patent litigation.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Mackenzie; Fraser Brown; Adrian Bradley; Jonathan Midgley; Tom Faulkner; Michael Williams

Other key lawyers:

Nick Bennett; Sophie Maughan; Suzanne Doherty

Testimonials

‘Suzanne Doherty is an exceptional resource and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Years of experience and inside-out knowledge of the industry sector, as well as availability, responsiveness and unique ability to translate legal turbulences to a less technical audience.’

‘Nick Bennett is great at explaining technical concepts clearly and he is very responsive.’

‘Very professional approach to the client, each case investigation comfortably discussed and planned ahead, always providing high level services.’

Key clients

Cobham Mission Systems Ltd

Cummins Corporation

Hozelock Limited

Numatic International

Braveheart Investment Group

Saputo Dairy UK (owner of Dairy Crest)

AMTE Power PLC.

Transport for London

Kennametal Inc

Zentiva Group

Splunk Inc

Tesla Engineering

Agilyx Inc.

Metrol Technology Limited

Stanley Black & Decker

Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co.

L’Oréal S.A.

Exel Industries S.A.

Merit Medical Systems Inc.

Advanced Vehicle Concepts

Westwind Air Bearings

Sawgrass Inc.

Energy Technologies Institute

Battelle Memorial Institute

Intersurgical

Digital Barriers

Furuno Electric Co.

Cianna Medical Inc.

Federal-Mogul Controlled Power

Perkin Elmer Inc.

Work highlights

  • Advising Numatic International in drafting, IP strategy and product clearance studies.
  • Representing Agilyx Inc in EPO opposition proceedings against an oil company.
  • Advising Cianna Medical and Merit Medical Systems on European patent prosecution.

Dentons

Dentons’ patent prosecution practice counts national and global technology companies among its key roster of clients and has demonstrable experience across the automotive, artificial intelligence, electronics and pharmaceutical sectors. The team’s expertise in the space and defence arena is highlighted by the launch of the Seraphim Space Camp Accelerator, aimed at attracting space technology companies globally, and the firm’s TechConcierge, a programme to support all aspects of the development and growth of technology companies. With a base in Cambridge, the team acts as a destination practice for the UK’s leading research and development facilities, and on account of the firm’s global presence, the group is well-placed to handle cross-border mandates. Practice leader Justin Hill heads up the patent and opposition teams across all the firm’s European offices, including the UK and Germany, and manages global patent portfolios.

Practice head(s):

Justin Hill

Other key lawyers:

Alexander Rees; Marie Jansson-Heeks; Liz Dawson;

Key clients

ArQit Inc

ByteDance/Tik Tok

BIOS Health

Dexcom

Iceye

Positec Tool Corporation

Raytheon

Seraphim Spacecamp / AWS Spacecamp

Starkey Labs

Work highlights

  • Advising Arqit Inc. on a technology patenting and commercialisation strategy, including all aspects of invention harvesting, patent drafting and filing, strategic management of the patent portfolio globally, competitor monitoring and intelligence, contentious activities and dispute/risk management.
  • Assisting Dexcom on UK, German and US patent litigation against Abbott Diabetes Care.
  • Advising Raytheon Technologies on its complex European patent portfolio.

Elkington + Fife LLP

Demonstrating its continued capability and success in EPO opposition and appeal proceedings, Elkington + Fife LLP is ‘efficient, knowledgeable and experienced in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors’, and advises its roster of clients on patent prosecution matters. The team counts biotechnology mandates in its workload, as well as patent drafting for multinational companies, such as Philips and IBM, in the electronics field. From the firm’s office in London, senior partner Richard Gillard leads the chemistry and life sciences group, and is the firm’s key contact for EPO opposition and appeals work, while Sevenoaks-based Nick Ertl heads up the electrical and mechanical team, and has experience in drafting patent applications, particularly for corporate clients. London-based Jens Grabenstein is another key member of the team, who assists biotechnology companies in building their patent portfolios.

Practice head(s):

Richard Gillard; Nick Ertl

Other key lawyers:

Jens Grabenstein; James Anderson; Ellie Seymour; Oliver Kingsbury; Richard Cooke; Glyn Truscott; Daniel Portch; Lee Mullen; Mark Scott; Rob O’Callaghan

Testimonials

‘The team are efficient, knowledgeable and experienced in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.’

‘Ellie Seymour is a superb patent attorney. She is very attentive to all the details, responsive, and has a great grasp of a broad range of different technologies.’

‘Very reliable, responsive and creative thinkers.’

‘Oliver Kingsbury is one of our preferred partners for life science patent matters. His thorough thinking and experience allows him to bring added value and to win oppositions cases.’

‘Expert technical knowledge combined with expertise in patent prosecution. They provide a high level of service.’

‘Oliver Kingsbury stands out as thorough and creative.’

Key clients

AbbVie Inc.

Accord Healthcare

Alcon Laboratories Inc.

Amgen Inc.

Apeel Sciences Inc.

Astex

Balfour Beatty

Bayer

Beam Therapeutics

Benuvia Therapeutics, Inc.

Bial

Celleron Therapeutics

Corning Incorporated

Deka Research & Development Corp.

Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems Limited

Graphene Composites Ltd

IBM

Imagination Technologies

Instituto de Medicina Molecular “iMM”

Fujifilm

Kiniksa

Kyowa

Malvern Panalytical B.V.

Merck Pharmaceuticals

Merck KGaA

Microline Surgical Inc.

Milliken & Company

Mundipharma

NantKwest, Inc.

Nestlé

NHS

Novartis

Philips

Pfizer

Polpharma

Procter & Gamble

ReNeuron

Rothwell Figg Ernst & Manbeck

Sandoz

Samsung

Serimmune Inc.

Solvay

Strategic Support Ltd

TempEasy Limited

Teva

The Coca-Cola Company

The Dow Chemical Company

Thrive Earlier Detection

Translate Bio

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

u-blox AG

University of Kent

Viatris

Visterra

Wood Phillips

Xylem Inc.

Zymeworks

Gill Jennings & Every LLP

Gill Jennings & Every LLP stands out for its capability in opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO and handles a vast number of contentious matters for key clients, such as Procter & Gamble. As well as consumer goods, the team has demonstrable experience across the fintech, IT, chemistry and pharmaceutical sectors, and counts patent prosecution mandates in its workload. Praised for its ‘quality of service and professionalism’, the practice is jointly led by managing partner Stephen Haley, who has experience in managing and prosecuting the portfolios of clients in the electronics, telecoms and software arenas, and Michael Lord. Both Ian Jones and Ross Cummings were promoted to partner in January 2022, and Sam Jones left in May 2022 to go to in-house. With an office in London, the firm is well-placed to leverage the expertise of its Munich office.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Haley; Michael Lord

Other key lawyers:

Ian Jones; Ross Cummings; Peter Arrowsmith; Arnie Clarke; Matthew Hoyles; Heather Scott; Lucy Samuels; John Fisher; John Jappy

Testimonials

‘Our main contact has been Heather Scott, who has provided us with what I would describe as an outstanding level of understanding in technical issues and translating that into wording in multiple patent applications which have proven to be successfully granted.’ 

‘I have been extremely impressed with GJE’s scope of knowledge and their down to earth willingness to work at any level to reach the best outcome.’ 

‘John Jappy has excellent knowledge and provides clear and pragmatic advice. He can be relied upon time and time again to be responsive when we need to act quickly.’ 

‘All of the GJE team we work with are focused on delivering results and are most helpful.’ 

‘I have great appreciation for Ian Jones, who does excellent work and jumps in to help get the job done in any way he can. His promotion to partner was very well deserved.’ 

‘Exceptional team, who are very helpful and knowledgeable.’ 

‘Arnie Clarke, John Jappy and Ian Jones provide excellent patent attorney services. I value their efforts to make themselves available for telephone/videoconference discussions, often at quite short notice, to discuss matters when needed. They each have a no fuss approach to their work and know how to add value to their service, without causing any concern of over-servicing.’ 

‘They consistently set a high standard, in the quality of service and professionalism, and are flexible and client-oriented.’ 

Key clients

Procter & Gamble

De La Rue

Rockwool

Oracle

Viatris

Xerox PARC

JT International

Mastercard

Micron

Abbott Laboratories (Cardiovascular Division) – St Jude Medical

Tonejet Limited

Work highlights

  • Handling Procter & Gamble’s European opposition, opinion and appeal work including defending the client’s patents against competitors, and opposing third-party patents.
  • Acting for De La Rue on a range of matters, from strategic IP advice to patent drafting and portfolio management.
  • Working with JT International’s in-house team to manage its European patent portfolio.

Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP

With offices across the UK, as well as in Munich, the Netherlands and Guangzhou, Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP is noted for its impressive capability in preparing original patent applications for its roster of direct corporate clients in the technology sector and enjoys a high success rate in EPO opposition and appeal proceedings. Maintaining its stance as one of the most active filers of applications in the UK and before the EUIPO, the ‘friendly and professional’ practice is divided into three groups; Frances Wilding, who has notable experience in the field of artificial intelligence, heads up the high-tech team and Ashley Giles leads the engineering group, while Alex Rogers spearheads the chemistry and life sciences practice, where Isobel Finnie also advises. All three groups are well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s litigation practice, which is led by Richard Kempner, who splits his time between the firm’s London and Leeds offices. In January 2022, Daniel Chew was appointed as vice-president of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys.

Practice head(s):

Frances Wilding; Ashley Giles; Richard Kempner; Alex Rogers

Other key lawyers:

Daniel Chew; Andrew Dowling; David Lewin; James Ward; Brian Whitehead; Joseph Lenthall; George Tebbutt; David Hammond; Joanna Deas; Rachel Hearson; Isobel Finnie

Testimonials

‘Good client relationship and communication. Friendly and professional.’

‘I can tell that Haseltine Lake Kempner strives to stay on top of developments in European practice to better inform their clients.’

‘Alex Rogers has great client service and always takes the time to explain the reasoning behind a particular recommendation.’

‘They deliver high quality patent applications with good lead times and at reasonable costs. Also, the handling of formal matters is very good, with timely reporting and quick response times.’

‘Outstanding is the technical competence and the ability to quickly get accustomed to new technical areas. Further, the competence in handling computer implemented inventions (cloud systems, virtualization, artificial intelligence, just to name a few) is remarkable.’

‘They are excellent scientifically and hold an impressive grasp of the procedural aspects of opposition and appeal proceedings.’

‘Alex Rogers’ guidance is always clear and billing rates and practices are reasonable. We are very comfortable entrusting Alex with our patent matters.’

Key clients

Tesco Stores Limited

Nike

HP Inc.

Mars-Wrigley

Honeywell

Ericsson

Rolls Royce

University College London (UCLB)

MonoSolRx/Aquestive

Wren Kitchens

Givaudan

Ford

Suzuki

Impossible Foods

Work highlights

  • Successfully defended Tesco in a patent infringement action at the IPEC, in the case Janger Limited v Tesco Stores Limited.
  • Handled several patent opposition cases for Philips, defending patents from attack by others in the personal care sector.
  • Assisting Honeywell in transferring European patents.

HGF Limited

On account of its strong European presence, with offices in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria and Ireland, HGF Limited is well-placed to manage the patent portfolios of multinational corporations and continues to demonstrate its capability in EPO opposition and appeal proceedings. The team, which has an impressive track record in original patent drafting for universities in the UK, is well-versed across the healthcare (including pharmaceutical, life sciences and medical devices), electronics, chemistry and engineering sectors. In Manchester, Chris Benson leads the electronics practice and Andrew Wells heads up the chemistry group, while Lucy Johnson spearheads the engineering team. Kate Taylor leads the life sciences team from the firm’s office in York, and Birmingham-based Chris Moore heads up the oppositions practice. In Leeds, Martyn Fish stepped in as the firm’s CEO, following the retirement of Paul Sanderson in July 2021, and Jason Lumber is the firm’s chairman, while London-based Rachel Fetches is head of law.

Practice head(s):

Martyn Fish; Jason Lumber; Chris Benson; Lucy Johnson; Kate Taylor; Andrew Wells; Rachel Fetches; Chris Moore

Other key lawyers:

Hsu Min Chung; Gary Wilson; Jennifer Uno; Andy Camenisch; Nienke Lubben; Susan Keston; Claire Irvine; Kerry Rees

Testimonials

‘HGF make the the IP processes feel personal; they are invested in what they do for our business and provide an excellent service. They have strength in depth across the organisation and use that internal network to provide a really first-class offering.’

‘Hsu Min Chang is the best patent attorney I have worked with to date. Her hands-on approach in guiding our company through the patent application process was invaluable and we are indebted to her. She drafted and prosecuted patent applications, advised us on IP strategy and portfolio management and assisted in the production of several IP agreements. Aside from her obvious talent in drafting patents, it was her genuine interest and availability that impressed the most.’

‘Long term relationship based upon mutual understanding of requirements and solid response.’

‘The knowledge and understanding demonstrated by the partners and associates is second to none. They work together extremely well and collaboratively, and have a keen eye for opportunities to make a difficult position manageable. Jennifer Uno has for many years been a key partner to us and has provided excellent advice and services, backed up by a strong team across HGF, and she has recruited and developed new associates who have also consistently delivered top quality work.’

‘The ability to fully grasp novel concepts and advise on the best route to protection whilst offering a first-class and highly efficient service.’

Key clients

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Smith & Nephew UK Limited

Thermo Fisher Scientific

NuCana Plc

Bespak Europe Limited

Dicerna Pharmaceuticals

Baker Hughes Limited

Fluke Corporation

Omron

Royal IHC Limited

Synairgen Plc

Queen’s University Belfast

Zoan Biomed

Chr. Hansen

University of Manchester Innovation Factory

Work highlights

  • Assisting Synairgen with the growth of its patent portfolio on application of inhaled Interferon.
  • Assisting Oxford University Innovation (OUI) in protecting inventions across all areas of research from chemistry, materials, life sciences, engineering, bioengineering, medicine and AI.
  • Defended an opposition against a key European patent for UPL, resulting in the refusal of opposition and maintenance of the patent as granted.

Mathys & Squire LLP

Mathys & Squire LLP has demonstrable experience and success in opposition proceedings, and divides its practice into two groups, with one team focusing on matters arising out of the life sciences and chemistry sector, and the other advising clients on IT and engineering mandates. The team, which has seen an increase in the number of filed patents in the last year, is well-placed to not only leverage the expertise of the firm’s litigation practice, but also handle multi-jurisdictional patent prosecution work, with offices in Germany, Luxembourg and France, in addition to Shenzhen, China, and Tokyo. In London, Jane Clark leads the practice alongside Paul Cozens, Chris Hamer, Martin MacLean and Cambridge-based Alan MacDougall, who has considerable experience in the electronics and communications sectors. Annabel Hector was promoted to partner in April 2021, while Peter Gray left in July 2021 to join Kilburn & Strode LLP and life sciences expert Iain Armstrong arrived in May 2022 from HGF Limited.

Practice head(s):

Jane Clark; Paul Cozens; Chris Hamer; Alan MacDougall; Martin MacLean

Other key lawyers:

Craig Titmus; James Wilding; Sean Leach; Philippa Griffin; James Pitchford; Juliet Redhouse; Dani Kramer; Laura Clews

Testimonials

‘The most fortunate development of our business was engaging Mathys & Squire. Highly knowledgeable, professional and excellent value for money.’ 

‘Paul Cozens is my primary contact and he brings a wealth of experience that enables him to get to the key issues very quickly. He is supported by a strong team who always deliver high quality outcomes.’ 

‘My experience with the Mathys & Squire team has been outstanding. They are organised, responsive, and dynamic. They ensure they have gathered all of the relevant data by virtue of asking the appropriate questions and extracting information that I may have overlooked or not considered.’ 

‘Our main contact, Martin MacLean, has truly extensive experience in prosecuting patent applications through the whole process from filing to award. His support team are also highly competent. It is a pleasure to work with Martin.’ 

‘Laura Clews and Jane Clark have always been a delight to work with. They are both extremely competent and pleasant.’

‘Craig Titmus brings dedication, knowledge and humour to our meetings. He clearly has a passion for science and our specific products, delivering assignments with a competitive edge. Craig addresses issues head-on, and delivers quality, in-depth reports even when deadlines are squeezed from 3 months to 3 weeks without notice and without flinching.’  

‘I have been working with Alan MacDougall for over ten years. Alan is very diligent in his work and has extensive knowledge and experience in the intellectual property field. He always responds in a timely and accurate manner and has been a reliable partner in my business.’

‘Chris Hamer’s unbelievable ability to analyse complicated concepts incorporating chemistry, physics and mechanical disciplines, and somehow render the interaction clear and easy to read, is outstanding. I can say with total transparency that the strength of our patent portfolio is in good part thanks to Chris.’ 

Key clients

The Broad Institute

AAK AB

Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd.

Biogen MA Inc

Genzyme Corporation (Sanofi)

Kenwood Ltd and De’Longhi Braun Household GmbH

Evolution Biotechnologies Ltd

Work highlights

  • Defended a patent in The Broad Institute’s portfolio at the EPO, covering an approach that could revolutionise cancer treatment.
  • Successfully argued for a Kenwood patent to be maintained during opposition proceedings at the EPO.
  • Defended AAK in an opposition before the EPO in relation to the improvement of heat resistance and long-term storage of chocolate.

Maucher Jenkins

With offices in the UK, Germany, Switzerland and China, Anglo-German firm Maucher Jenkins is well-placed to handle cross-border matters, such as filing and prosecuting patent applications, as well as carry out portfolio and freedom to operate reviews in fast moving areas of technology. The team is also able to leverage the expertise of its patent litigators in the UK and Germany when disputes arise. The practice is collectively led by the following partners, who are based across the firm’s London, Farnham, Cambridge and Edinburgh offices: James Cross leads on IT, software and electronics mandates and acts for key clients, including Sky and British Airways, while Reuben Jacob heads up the life sciences team, which includes Fiona Kellas. Hugh Dunlop is the firm’s go-to contact for telecoms and green energy technology work, while Holly Whitlock and Phil Treeby jointly lead on engineering, physics and mathematics patenting. Stuart Rowlands is also noted for his experience in the engineering sector.

Practice head(s):

James Cross; Hugh Dunlop; Reuben Jacob; Holly Whitlock; Philip Treeby; Fiona Kellas; Stuart Rowlands

Other key lawyers:

Alvin Lam

Testimonials

‘Maucher Jenkins has always been a strong firm with great expertise, particularly in life sciences.’

‘I work with and would recommend Fiona Kellas and Reuben Jacob.’

‘Maucher Jenkins is unique because they know our technology, products and market place. This is a result of a long term relationship during which they have been proactive in acquiring this knowledge.’

‘Our main contact is James Cross. His knowledge of our business is very valuable. His advice is clear and he is able to explain complex concepts and situations in understandable terms. He is always available and willing to work to tight schedules to file applications when required.’

Key clients

Baidu

IAG (British Airways)

Intel

Midea Group

Origami Energy Ltd

Qualcomm

RotoTech Pty

Sky

Zeta Motion

Work highlights

  • Filed patent and design portfolios covering the key novel features of Sky’s new smart TV, Sky Glass.
  • Acted for RotoTech Pty Ltd in securing UK and European patents.
  • Acted for Zeta Motion Ltd in filing patent applications relating to the use of AI in manufacturing quality inspection systems.

Potter Clarkson LLP

Potter Clarkson LLP takes a cross-disciplinary approach to assist its client roster, including start-ups, SMEs and international corporates, on patent drafting and prosecution matters arising out of the life sciences, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors in particular, as well as the chemistry, consumer products, engineering and electronic industries. The team, which continues to focus on consolidating its presence in the UK and Nordic countries, also has demonstrable experience in opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO. In the firm’s Nottingham offices, managing partner Stephen Smith leads the practice alongside Charlotte Crowhurst, Caroline Marshall, Jane Wainwright and London-based Peter Finnie. Stephanie Pilkington stepped down from partnership in December 2021 and now acts as a consultant, and Helen Johnstone retired in January 2022. Key clients include Danish multinational pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, Acacia Pharma and Alligator Bioscience, among others.

Practice head(s):

Steve Smith; Charlotte Crowhurst; Peter Finnie; Caroline Marshall; Jane Wainwright

Other key lawyers:

Stephanie Pilkington; Fiona Law; Mark Didmon; Richard Bassett; Saiful Khan; Stephen McNeeney; Jason Teng; Philip Thomas; Philip Thomas

Testimonials

‘Fiona Law is essential to have on board as part of any patent strategy. We consider her to be part of our business and she has a great understanding of what it is that the company is trying to achieve, in regards to its IP/patent portfolio.’

‘Sheena Linehan’s background as a biochemist and immunologist has proved to be of great benefit to our business when prosecuting patents. Quite simply we would not look elsewhere for advice.’

Key clients

Acacia Pharma Ltd.

Alligator Bioscience AB

Arch Therapeutics, Inc.

BioInvent International AB

Immunovia

Novo Nordisk

Novozymes

Novozymes A/S

ProMake Limited

Superdielectrics

Reddie & Grose LLP

The ‘professional, helpful and knowledgeable’ team at Reddie & Grose LLP has recently created five multidisciplinary technology groups to better advise its roster of clients on a range of matters, including original drafting and prosecution work, as well as EPO opposition and appeal proceedings. These include chemistry and materials, digital healthcare, energy and renewables, future transport and oppositions groups. ‘Dedicated’ chairman Alice Findlay and executive partner Jan Vleck oversee the practice, with Nick Reeve leading the electronics and software group and Neil Thornton heading up the life sciences team, while Julie Millburn spearheads the engineering, materials and consumer products team. Simon Goodman heads up the firm’s office in Cambridge, and in the London office, both Georgina Ainscow and Zack Mummery were promoted to partners in April 2022.

Practice head(s):

Alice Findlay; Jan Vleck; Nick Reeve; Julie Milburn; Neil Thornton; Simon Goodman

Other key lawyers:

Pete Sadler; Paul Loustalan; Patrick Lloyd; Georgina Ainscow; Zack Mummery; Jon West

Testimonials

‘We have found the team at R&G to be very professional, helpful and knowledgeable. This is particularly useful as there will always be someone on the team who is familiar with the field of the technology and able to grasp quickly and accurately the unique qualities of any new piece of IP.’

‘The team is very responsive and work well together. They are also excellent at providing valuable advice for my clients and their overall needs.’

‘Nick Reeve brings years of experience and expertise to the table.’

‘Zack Mummery is our privileged contact from R&G. He is available at any time and is always doing his best to meet the very short timelines that we had.’

‘Alice Findlay is a dedicated attorney, who provides solid and timely advice. Alice has no problem delivering a message that the subject matter is lacking or whether there needs to be additional disclosure. She is very diligent and timely in her responses. Paul Loustalan is our go-to expert for EPO oppositions. Paul is also a talented practitioner who has learned well from Alice and is a trusted advisor in the prosecution process.’

‘Jon West is very responsive, and provides thorough, detailed and efficient advice.’

‘Their grasp of complex technology and vast experience of the entire patent work-flow in and outside the UK is commendable. They are also very well organised and proactive with deadlines.’

Key clients

Diagnostics for the Real World

Qualcomm

BBC

Philip Morris International

Hill-Rom (acquired by Baxter International)

Work highlights

  • Assisting Darktrace with the filing and prosecution of its UK and European patent applications.
  • Assisting Saietta in developing and managing its growing international portfolio of patents.
  • Assisted Morphogen-IX Limited, Z Factor Limited, and LockBody Therapeutics Ltd with IP due diligence, following their mergers with Centessa Pharmaceuticals, along with seven other private biotech companies.

Withers & Rogers

With offices in London, Paris and Munich, Withers & Rogers has demonstrable experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications, as well as acting before the UKIPO and EPO in opposition and appeal proceedings, and is well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s litigation practice. The sizeable electronics, computing and physics team, which is led by London-based Nick Wallin, acts for a range of domestic and multinational clients, including telecoms providers, software companies, consumer electronics manufacturers, research departments and technology transfer companies of universities in the UK, to name a few. Led by Munich-based Adrian Tombling, the life sciences and chemistry group counts matters in the chemical, biochemical and pharmaceutical sectors in its workload, while the engineering team, which is led by Dave Croston in Leamington Spa, counts US and Japan-based automotive suppliers, medical device manufacturers and European-based aerospace suppliers among its key roster of clients. Bristol-based Richard Worthington heads up the firm’s designs practice.

Practice head(s):

Dave Croston; Nick Wallin; Adrian Tombling; Richard Worthington

Other key lawyers:

Karl Barnfather; Stuart Latham

Beck Greener LLP

Praised as a ‘highly skilled, friendly and reliable team’, Beck Greener LLP has a strong track record in contentious matters, notably patent oppositions and appeals before the EPO, and counts multinational corporates across the chemicals, engineering, technology, life sciences, pharmaceutical, artificial intelligence and automotive sectors among its key roster of clients. Avi Freeman, who has experience in handling patent prosecutions relating to computer hardware and software, leads the electronics, physics and mechanical engineering team, while James Stones heads up the chemical, pharmaceutical and chemical engineering group, and focuses on gas separation and green energy matters. Ben Muir spearheads the medical and life sciences practice, and handles original filing and prosecution matters in the UK, the US and at the EPO.

Practice head(s):

Avi Freeman; James Stones; Ben Muir

Other key lawyers:

Anna Hatt; John Hull; Jonathan Markham; Catherine Jewell

Testimonials

‘Sector knowledge, great people, clear billing, transparent and clear communication – a highly skilled, friendly and reliable team.’

‘I would recommend Avi Freeman, who succeeded in obtaining a complex and unusual patent for our company. He is responsive, explains issues/challenges clearly and provides a clear roadmap of how the process will likely unfold over forthcoming months.’

‘A practice focused on client service and communication, where a dedicated attorney works on each matter. The level of knowledge in both the legal and technical areas is exceptional.’

‘John Hull – I greatly appreciated his legal and technical analysis and trusted his advice on patent related matters. John is a deep and quick thinker on his feet. I also appreciated his responsiveness.’

‘The individuals are very accessible and easy to communicate with. They take the time to clearly explain the issues and provide realistic options for how to proceed.’

‘For almost the last 20 years I have worked with Avi Freeman and have achieved an excellent mutual understanding with him of the unique characteristics of my technology.’

‘I have mainly been working with James Stones. I have not met a patent attorney who combines calmness, professionalism, friendliness and open-mindedness in the way James has done. He knows his business and I have attended opposition hearings where he has prepared every aspect of the process and conducted the hearing perfectly. The outcome was better than we could hope for.’

Key clients

Tillotts Pharma

Intract Pharma

FabRx

Flashy Limited

Bruker Daltonik

Sthaler (FinGo)

K-Kaps International

White Motorcycle Concepts

Work highlights

  • Assisted Tillotts Pharma in negotiations to settle a commercial dispute and handled the preparation of an opposition to a European patent.
  • Advising a US-headquartered developer security platform on its existing portfolio of patents and assisting the company to develop an IP strategy.
  • Representing White Motorcycle Concepts in obtaining a granted UK patent for its innovative core technology and filed a new PCT application.

Greaves Brewster LLP

Praised for providing ‘high-quality and strategic patent protection and portfolio management advice’, Greaves Brewster LLP has notable strength in the chemistry, life sciences, materials science and engineering sectors, and continues to grow its caseload of electronic and technology work, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. The team also has demonstrable capability in EPO opposition and appeal proceedings, as well as freedom to operate reviews and due diligence matters. With offices in Cheddar, London and Bristol, Rachel Wallis, who focuses on mandates relating to medical device technology, leads the practice alongside head of the firm’s chemistry group, Jakob Bumke, and David Spinner, who has experience in antibody and vaccine technology.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Wallis; Jakob Bumke; David Spinner

Other key lawyers:

Lee Chapman; Kate Hillis

Testimonials

‘Lee Chapman has very strong expertise and is a safe pair of hands in the cell and gene therapy space.’

‘Their clients range from private individuals to large multinationals and they adapt accordingly. They are a pleasure to deal with, providing high-quality and strategic patent protection and portfolio management advice. The level of thoughtfulness and responsiveness was a surprise to my US colleagues.’

‘Rachel Wallis is an all-rounder. Excellent technical knowledge, commercially astute, high quality service, strong client management and, to top it all off, is enjoyable to work with.’

Key clients

MilliporeSigma

P2i Ltd

Polsinelli PC

ProQR Therapeutics

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Acting through the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)

The University of Bristol

Bereskin & Parr LLP

Olin Corporation

Cytoseek

Entegris, Inc

Nektar Therapeutics

Atlantic Therapeutics Ltd

Mars Wrigley

Atlantic Therapeutic Group Ltd

Epstein Drangel LLP

Novai Ltd

King’s College London

Fenwick & West LLP

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Primer Design Ltd

Work highlights

  • Successfully handled multiple key oppositions for Mars Wrigley.
  • Assisted Primer Design Ltd in granting one of its cases before the UKIPO.
  • Defended one of P2i’s key EU patents.

Keltie

Keltie has a strong track record in EPO oppositions and appeal hearings, and handles patent prosecutions and freedom-to-operate matters, as well as cross-border disputes. With offices across the UK and Ireland, the team is well-placed to advise its roster of international clients, as well as start-ups, spinouts and high-growth companies across the pharmaceutical, medical devices, biotech and engineering sectors. Key members of the team include Judith Caldwell, Devanand Crease, who acts for biotech and chemicals clients based in the UK, Europe and the US; and Richard Lawrence, who splits his time between the firm's London and Cotswolds offices.

Practice head(s):

Devanand Crease; Judith Caldwell; Shakheel Ahmad; Michael Moore; Joanne Hopley; Richard Lawrence

Key clients

Shell International Research

Ocado Group

Vestas Wind Systems

BorgWarner

NBCUniversal

Danfoss

QinetiQ

Mastercard

Exscientia

Aquila Bioscience

ELEM Biotech

Combined Therapeutics

Kinomica

Arq

Intelligent Energy

Work highlights

  • Represented Shell before the EPO Opposition Division and Technical Board of Appeal in several cases regarding environmental and agricultural technologies.
  • Advising Ocado on litigation against Autostore regarding robotics and AI technologies, involving multiple patents.
  • Advising Vestas Wind Systems on freedom-to-operate, patent drafting, prosecution, oppositions and appeals, including multiple EPO hearings.

Lewis Silkin

The patent prosecution practice at Lewis Silkin has seen an increase in the number filings at the EPO, in addition to opposition and appeal proceedings, across the technology, manufacturing, consumer goods, life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. The firm’s Hong Kong desk grew its international offering to UK clients filing patent applications and the firm also consolidated its IP offering in Northern Ireland by merging with specialist firm Forde Campbell at the beginning of 2022. Tom Gaunt leads the practice and handles EPO oppositions and infringement opinion work arising out of the mechanical, electrical and software sectors. Other key members of the team include Graham Ablett, Paul Williams and, on the solicitor side, Antony Craggs.

Practice head(s):

Tom Gaunt

Other key lawyers:

Graham Ablett; Paul Williams; Antony Craggs; David Swain

Key clients

Aptiv

Orsted

Janssen Pharmaceutica NV

TDK Lamda

Britvic

QL Thermostatic

Organics PLC

Invention Investment Ireland

Nippon Steel Corp

SGW Global

Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD)

Work highlights

  • Defended Britvic after Soluble Technologies issued proceedings alleging that its patent was infringed by Britvic’s Squash’d range.
  • Handling Orsted’s international patent filings which have significantly grown due to an expansion of its international interests as its business expands to new markets and operating sites.
  • Handling the prosecution of TDK Lamda’s international patent applications.

Murgitroyd

Murgitroyd has grown exponentially, having strategically acquired Ireland-based European attorney firm Hanna Moore + Curley in September 2021, shortly followed by the acquisition of well-established IP firm UDL Intellectual Property in October 2021, and Glasgow-based specialist firm Creation IP in April 2022. With several offices across the UK, as well as Europe and the US, the ‘incredibly proficient and professional’ team is well-placed to handle cross-border patent prosecution work for clients in the software, electronics, mechanical engineering, chemistry and life sciences sectors. Managing director Keith Jones, who operates from the firm’s York office, leads the practice alongside Glasgow-based regional director Russell Thom.

Practice head(s):

Keith Jones; Russell Thom

Other key lawyers:

Thomas Gibb; Karen Fraser; Catherine Bonner; Simon Mitchell; Martin Neilson; Alan Jones; Niall Hendry; Wendy Crosby; Tom Baker; Peter Wilson

Testimonials

‘The Murgitroyd team has assisted us with taking down several knockoff products. Each time, they were very responsive to our goals and direction and provided the necessary assistance. Overall, they are great to work with.’

‘Thomas Gibb understands our business well and is keen to add value to our overall strategy. He respects that commercial factors play an important part in our patent strategy and advises us accordingly.’

‘The team are incredibly proficient and professional. They understand the pressures of running a start-up business and are flexible, encouraging, and have contributed to our overall success to date. They communicate well within their own team and are very responsive to our needs.’

Key clients

Belron Group (Autoglass)

Benchmark Holdings

BGF Investment Management Ltd

Caterpillar

Emerson Electric

Gymshark

Hitachi

Konica Minolta

Mastercard

nChain

NTT

Saint-Gobain

Schneider Electric

Sony Interactive Entertainment

ZTE

Work highlights

  • Handling all aspects of Mastercard’s UK and European patent applications, including liaising with in-house counsel, pre-draft inventor meetings, drafting, filing, prosecution and strategy advice.
  • Managing a global patent portfolio relating to animal health, pharmaceuticals, genetics and sustainable food production for Benchmark Holdings.
  • Managing a global patent portfolio, original drafting work and post-grant contentious matters for Saint-Gobain Placo.

Simmons & Simmons

The UK-based practice at Simmons & Simmons frequently collaborates with the firm’s offices in Amsterdam and Munich to advise its roster of key clients, including Apple, Lecia Biosystems and 3M, on patent drafting and prosecution matters. Sitting comfortably within the international firm's network, the attorney practice is well-placed to leverage the expertise of solicitors in patent litigation and transaction-related mandates. Focusing on electronics, telecoms, and medical device patents, Kevin Cordina leads the team and has experience before the EPO in opposition and appeal proceedings, while Lawrence King is the group’s go-to contact for chemical and biotechnology matters. Managing associate Frederick Nicolle is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Cordina

Other key lawyers:

Lawrence King; Frederick Nicolle

Key clients

Leica Biosystems

Xiaomi

3M-KCI

Apple

Enoda

Serenity Pharmaceuticals

Modra Pharmaceuticals

Natura Cosmeticos

Ocean Bottle

Work highlights

  • Advising 3M’s wound care division on all aspects of its European patent strategy, including filing, prosecution, and contentious matters.
  • Appointed by Leica Biosystems as its European patent attorneys.
  • Appointed as Xiaomi’s European team to represent it in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, in relation to SEP litigation.

Slingsby Partners LLP

Slingsby Partners LLP’s ‘first-class’ practice acts for national and European technology companies in the engineering, electronics and physical sciences sectors on a range of patent procurement and exploitation matters, from due diligence and licensing work to opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO and UK IPO. Also noted for its expertise in the artificial intelligence, medical devices and healthcare arenas, the team’s caseload has seen an increase in patent prosecution mandates, particularly for US law firms. Practice leader Philip Slingsby has experience in the procurement and licensing of US patents, as well as litigation issues, while Paul Roberts has an interest in the patentability of software and computer-implemented inventions. Other key members of the team include Rosalind Fenwick, who focuses on portfolio management, and David King, who advises on third-party patents and the related infringement risks.

Practice head(s):

Philip Slingsby

Other key lawyers:

Paul Roberts; Rosalind Fenwick; David King; Nick Wright; Nikki Davy; Stephen Turner

Testimonials

‘The team has good strength in depth, with several highly reliable and professional partners backed up by good associates.’

‘Nick Wright has excellent technical knowledge and drafting skills. Rosalind Fenwick is admirably client-focused and super-diligent. Nikki Davy is a very safe pair of hands for complex subject matter.’

‘I have dealt with a number of senior staff at the company and found everyone to be extremely competent, they have provided me with an exceptional service and I do recommend them to companies and start-ups.’

Key clients

Imagination Technologies Ltd

CMR Surgical Ltd

SmartFrame Technologies Ltd

Idex Biometrics ASA

Nuron Limited

Dolphitech AS

Howden Joinery Group Plc

Libertine FPE Ltd

Ubisense Limited

Mo-Sys Engineering Ltd

Work highlights

  • Successfully handled three ex-party hearings on excluded subject-matter at the UK IPO for Imagination Technologies Limited.
  • Advised CMR Surgical Ltd in developing its patent portfolio.
  • Advised The NOCO Company on its litigation with Shenzen Carku Technology Co Ltd.

Swindell & Pearson Ltd

With a strong focus in the fields of electronics and engineering, Swindell & Pearson Ltd has demonstrable experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications for its roster of domestic and international clients, spanning the automotive, mechanics, medical engineering and electronics sectors. The practice is also noted for its niche expertise in satellite technology, as demonstrated by its ongoing advice to global communications company, Viasat. Based in Derby, Paul Higgin leads the team and has experience in asserting and defending patents in contentious proceedings concerning patent licensing, while IP director Scott Harrison focuses on technology and engineering prosecution matters.

Practice head(s):

Paul Higgin

Other key lawyers:

Scott Harrison; Christine Anglesea; Martin Terry; Tim Gilbert

Key clients

Nokia Technologies

Accenture

Valve Corporation

T-Mobile USA

ViaSat

Cruise, LLC

Wagstaff, Inc

Leatherman

Hill and Smith Holdings PLC

Work highlights

  • Assisted Nokia in cases granted at EPO that read onto telecommunication standards.
  • Assisted Nokia with patent applications drafted for complex inventions as a result of standardisation committee outcomes relating to signalling requirements used in 5G networks.
  • Appointed by Accenture to file and prosecute patent applications in Europe.

Wilson Gunn

Praised for providing ‘excellent advice and a superior service’, Wilson Gunn is noted for its expertise in the automotive sector, counting major manufacturers such as Bentley Motors among its key roster of clients, in addition to other major UK and European patent filers, including large technology companies, UK-based academic institutions and SMEs. The team also has demonstrable experience in the software and IT, food technology and healthcare sectors. In Manchester, Mark Goodwin took on a consultancy role in May 2022 and James Robey now solely leads the practice. Birmingham-based Ben Appleton has notable expertise in patent matters relating to food chemistry, packaging and manufacturing processes.

Practice head(s):

James Robey

Other key lawyers:

Mark Goodwin; Ben Appleton; Michael Douglas; Mark Jolly; David Slattery; Marc Lewis; Chris McDonald

Testimonials

‘A very flexible organisation and well-placed to deal with start-ups in various sectors. They have a broad range of specialist experience in various sectors, such as biotech, digital etc.’ 

‘Michael Douglas has vast experience, is user-friendly, punchy and offers useful commercial advice. He is always at the top of his game.’ 

‘The team are super responsive, user-friendly and very commercial.’ 

Key clients

Bentley Motors

Clear Edge Group

Hubbell

LPW Technology

Mondelēz International

PZ Cussons

Tangle Teezer

University of Exeter

University of Nottingham

Videregen

Work highlights

  • Acted for Bentley Motors in the management of its entire patent portfolio, including global filing and prosecution work.
  • Assisting Mondelēz International with European patent opposition advice in relation to key patents.
  • Assisted the University of Exeter with drafting and filing patent applications on anti-fungal compositions for plant and animal health.

WP Thompson

WP Thompson counts UK-based start-ups and multinational companies, as well as research centres, university technology transfer departments and spinouts among its key roster of clients, with notable expertise in the electronics engineering and material sciences arenas. With offices in London, Liverpool, Cardiff and Munich, the practice has demonstrable experience in the filing and prosecution of patent applications in the UK and EU, and is well-placed to leverage the firm’s litigation offering. Julian Potter, who is also a Higher Courts litigator, jointly leads the practice alongside David Gill, Alistair McKinnon and Stuart Forrest, who represent clients at opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO.

Practice head(s):

Julian Potter; Stuart Forrest; David Gill

Other key lawyers:

Alistair McKinnon

Testimonials

‘They have always been a highly valued partner, providing efficient, pragmatic and effective advice on a wide range of global IP topics.’

Key clients

Lakeland Limited

American Golf (Holdings) Limited

Qualcomm, Inc.

JH Fenner

Trendsetter Home Furnishings

Mast Group Limited

Vernacare Limited

William Jackson Food Group

Volkswagen AG

Adama

Bosch GmbH

NXP BV

OBG Pharmaceuticals Limited

Winning Moves

Societe Bic

NEC Corporation

Organox Limited

Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV

ATP Media

Sports And Wellbeing Analytics

RTI Sports GmbH

Torque Logistics Limited

Marine Specialised Technology

Gorongosa Coffee

Reddit Inc

Euro Food Brands

First Subsea

Front Line Medical Technologies Inc.

Eshara Water

Loto Labs, Inc.

Ontario Inc DBA Innovative Concrete Technologies

Intercontinental Great Brands LLC

James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.

International Fuel Technology, Inc.

Icon Technology

Liam Morrell Phillips

Drillable Brush Co Global Ltd.

Robert Bosch GmbH

Accuray Incorporated

Rearden, LLC

Tomas KLIMT

United States Postal Service

Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC

Work highlights

  • Advised First Subsea on global patent filing and prosecution matters.
  • Successfully defended against an opposition brought against a patent belonging to Remediation Products, Inc.
  • Prosecuted a patent application through to grant for Clean Power Limited.