{"id":46894,"date":"2025-01-21T10:25:52","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T10:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/developments\/?post_type=press_releases&p=46894"},"modified":"2025-01-21T10:26:04","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T10:26:04","slug":"appleyard-lees-leading-in-upc-and-patent-litigation-investment","status":"publish","type":"press_releases","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/developments\/press-releases\/appleyard-lees-leading-in-upc-and-patent-litigation-investment\/","title":{"rendered":"Appleyard Lees Leading in UPC and Patent Litigation Investment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Appleyard Lees continues to expand its comprehensive suite of intellectual property services,<\/strong>including patent and trade mark prosecution and dispute resolution, with the appointment of <\/span>Arnie Francis<\/strong><\/a>, a qualified UK and European patent attorney and solicitor of England and Wales.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of only a handful of UK firms investing in Unified Patent Court (UPC) litigation expertise, Appleyard Lees are strategically positioning themselves as a leader in this emerging field. With the UPC offering new opportunities and challenges, Arnie\u2019s dual qualifications further enhance the firm\u2019s ability to service clients navigating the UPC system.<\/p>\n

On joining the Firm, Arnie said, \u201cI am thrilled to be joining Appleyard Lees and contributing to its reputation as a leader in intellectual property law <\/em>as it continues to expand its service offering. As both a patent attorney and solicitor, I am looking forward to drawing together my varied experience to help our clients successfully navigate the complex intersection of legal, technical and commercial issues that arise in today\u2019s evolving IP landscape.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Speaking on Arnie\u2019s appointment, Bobby Smithson, Appleyard Lees Managing Partner commented, \u201cAdding Arnie\u2019s rare combination of skills to our team is a significant step forward as the firm continues to grow. This appointment aligns with our strategy to expand our service portfolio and deliver unparalleled expertise to our clients.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Partner and Head of Litigation, Robert Cumming, added, \u201cAs the UPC emphasises active case management, English solicitors familiar with IPEC have a unique advantage in serving clients with UPC litigation. I am excited that Arnie\u2019s unique skill set, combining both technical and legal expertise, will boost the firm\u2019s growing capabilities in UPC litigation.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cArnie\u2019s expertise also strengthens our well-established IP litigation team, which includes <\/em>myself<\/em><\/a> and specialist IP solicitors <\/em>Chris Hoole<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Daniel Bailey<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>Christopher Thomas<\/em><\/a>. Arnie\u2019s distinct expertise further diversifies our broad-skilled team, recently expanded by the addition of transactional IP specialist, <\/em>Amrit Jethwa<\/em><\/a>.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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