Intellectual property: patents in Spain

Bird & Bird LLP advises clients in the pharmaceutical, technology and communications sectors. The patent litigation and trade secrets-focused Manuel Lobato leads the practice with litigator Antonio Cueto and internet and IT specialist Mariano Santos. Senior associate Teresa Mercadal, who has experience in pharmaceutical and veterinary IP and the advertising of medicines, is also noted. Recent highlights included acting for Insud Pharma (formerly Chemo Group) in patent litigation over a generic drug brought by Bayer. Associate José Ángel García-Zapata left for a position as Senior IP Counsel at Insud Pharma. José Miguel Lissén was a new arrival in June 2020.

The ‘extraordinary’ team at Clifford Chance is noted for its ‘business acumen’ and ‘understanding of the local legal system’. The group handles the full range of IP dispute resolution services, including cross-border litigation and arbitration, regional enforcement programmes and licensing programmes. Miquel Montañá and Josep Montefusco head the practice. Counsel Isabel Carulla is highly recommended, and senior associate Rais Amils is also singled out.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo advises on patent protection, commercialisation and licensing, and has a strong litigation practice. The team focuses on life sciences and telecoms matters, and is active in the biotech sector. Eduardo Castillo heads the team, which includes Álvaro de Castro; both are noted for their ‘clear, considered and commercially strategic advice’. The practice also includes Gonzalo Ulloa, who has extensive experience in pharmaceutical litigation. Recent highlights included representing Fall Creek Farm Nursery in litigation related to plant breeder rights.

Boutique law firm Grau & Angulo specialises in IP litigation, and handles patent matters in the pharmaceutical, electronics and IT sectors. Jorge Grau, Alejandro Angulo and Javier Huarte lead the team and are experienced in cross-border litigation with defendants in multiple jurisdictions. Associate Ignacio Pontijas is also recommended for his ‘extensive knowledge and thoroughness’. Jesús Arribas is noted for his expertise in the IT and electronics fields.

Uría Menéndez provides advice on licensing, regulatory matters and the IP aspects of business transactions, and also handles patent litigation. The ‘fast-acting and proactive’ team represents clients in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetics and consumer goods sectors. Unfair competition expert José Massaguer heads the practice. Ingrid Pi i Amorós has extensive litigation experience in the life sciences area, and Montiano Monteagudo advises on contract law and competition.

IP boutique Abril Abogados, SL has a strong offering in patent disputes in the manufacturing, energy and consumer goods sectors. Litigators Carlos González and Ignacio Temiño Ceniceros head the team with Valencia-based Salvador Diaz, who focuses on technology transfer and patent agreements.

Elzaburu has a full-service patent offering, handling litigation, prosecution and transactional matters. Key clients include Airbus and the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre. Litigator Antonio Castán, patent prosecutor Francisco J. Saez, anti-piracy specialist Juan José Caselles and business department head Javier Fernández-Lasquetty lead the team.

The team at Eversheds Sutherland Nicea handles litigation and transactional matters in the pharmaceutical, industrial engineering and retail sectors. Litigators Francisco J. (Kiko) Carrión García de Parada and José Mariano Cruz head the practice.

Hogan Lovells International LLP  acts for clients in the life sciences, banking, media and telecoms sectors. Ana Castedo, Burkhart Goebel and Andreas Renck are key contacts.

João Miranda de Sousa and Carolina Pina lead the patent practice at Garrigues, which handles both litigation and prosecution and has a strong offering in research, development and innovation. The team also advises biotech and medical start-ups.

Deloitte Legal focuses on pharmaceutical patent litigation. Dulce Mª Miranda Naranjo, who has extensive expertise in the taxation of intangibles, heads the team.