Dr Robert Stephen > CMS > London, England > Lawyer Profile

CMS is praised for its ‘international capabilities and ‘broad range of expertise’ which encompasses commercial, regulatory, patent litigation and corporate work. Patent expert Robert Stephen leads the practice alongside Sarah Hanson and investment and development transactions specialist Candice Blackwood. Hanson excels in commercial, IP and outsourcing transactions. Shuna Mason is frequently sought out by medical device manufacturers for assistance with product liability mandates, while Brian Sher is a key contact for competition matters in the healthcare space. Glasgow-based Carina Healy ‘s commercial and IP expertise has made her a key contact for academic and research institutions on their research, licensing and commercial needs, and Healy’s Glasgow colleague David Dennis excels in clinical trial and collaboration agreements. Fionnuala Rice further augments the group’s patent litigation strength.

With European, UK, French, and Polish patent attorneys situated across the firm, the patent practice at CMS is well positioned to provide clients with a full-service offering, advising on both domestic and cross-border mandates, with the assistance of the firm’s wider litigation, regulatory, corporate, and commercial practices. With particular expertise in portfolio management for clients innovating in the biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices spaces, Robert Stephen sits at the helm of the group, which frequently represents clients in EPO opposition cases. It is also well known in the technology and engineering sectors, acting for technology giants, as well as SMEs and start-ups. Freedom to operate and due diligence support for companies in the life science and pharmaceutical industries is another active area for the practice. Helen Wallis predominantly focuses on patent drafting and prosecution work in the technology sector, Jane Evenson is noted for her EPO opposition work, and Rachel Free is an expert in quantum computing. Another notable member of the team is Jane Hollywood, who is a biotechnology patent specialist.