Carpmaels & Ransford LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP Offices

ONE SOUTHAMPTON ROW
LONDON
WC1B 5HA
England
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Patent attorneys Tier 1
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP is notable for its expertise in supporting healthcare clients, including those from the pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology industries. It is praised by clients for its ability to handle the entire spectrum of patent-related mandates, including ‘patent prosecution, strategy, post-grant proceedings, and litigation’, as well as EPO opposition work. The practice is also able to utilise the firm’s strong dispute resolution offering to assist in litigation matters. Managing partner and pan-European prosecution expert Hugh Goodfellow leads the life sciences group and is highly experienced in handling oppositions and appeals before the EPO, while John Brunner heads up the engineering and technology teams, assisting clients with their medical devises involving software, AI, and electronics. James Warner spearheads the chemistry and pharmaceuticals group, which advises clients in the consumer, nutraceuticals, and the medical device spaces, while Mark Chapman chairs the biotechnology team.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; Ian Kirby; Ben Chapman; James Channer
Testimonials
‘Carpmaels has one of the finest IP litigation and prosecution practices in UK. The team provides sophisticated patent enforcement strategies for UK and across Europe, the partners are capable and hands-on, and the quality of associates are solid.’
‘When it comes to critical EU oppositions, you can always count on John Brunner; he provides comprehensive patent strategies across Europe. He is sensitive to his clients’ competitive landscape and crafts their patent strategies to meet their business objectives.’
‘Ben Chapman can be consistently relied upon for advice and strong work product.’
‘The group is versatile in that it can handle patent prosecution, strategy, post-grant proceedings, and litigation. It is skilled and creative across all of these areas. The group is most useful when regular conflicts exist in the patent space among competitors.’
‘John Brunner is a creative and highly skilled IP attorney. His abilities are showcased during complex disputes, including his project management skills.’
‘James Channer is a technically strong patent attorney who works well on the details of a matter.’
‘If you care about strategy and winning, Ian Kirby is the solicitor you want to anchor your litigation. He effectively manages and directs trial activities in court, and he is experienced with IP litigation on an international scale. He has good knowledge of US patent litigation processes and strategies, and he is able to adapt US litigation approaches into winning strategies in UK courts.’
Key clients
Abbott
Acorda Therapeutics
Afiniti
Align Technology
Amgen
Auris Health
Verb Surgical
Barclays Bank
Biogen
Biosense Webster
Bristol Myers Squibb
CSL
Dupont Teijin Films
Ethicon
Fibrogen
Gilead
Incyte
Ionis Pharmaceuticals
Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Johnson & Johnson
LEO Pharma
LifeScan
McNeil AB
Merck
Novartis
Novocure
Quantum-Si
Raytheon Technologies Corporation
Regeneron
Roche
Sanofi
Takeda
Vertex
Work highlights
- Advising Johnson & Johnson on a number of opposition matters for European patents which are in litigation in the UK and or German courts involving the dispute between AMO and Alcon.
- Advising Regeneron Pharmaceuticals on production and processing matters, including instructions on around 50 European applications.
- Represented Gilead Sciences in protecting its HIV portfolio which has been extensively opposed by generics manufacturers.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 2
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP’s practice encompasses the entire life cycle trade marks, from clearance searches, registrations, and enforcement, to disputes, litigation, licensing, and contractual and transactional matters, and it often represents clients in opposition and appeal proceedings before the UKIPO, EPO, WIPO, and the UK’s Appointed Person. Roger Lush chairs the group and his clients are from a wide range of sectors, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals, media and entertainment, tourism, and fintech and finance, amongst others. Dual qualified as a trade mark attorney and solicitor, Jonathan Day, is strong on brand protection, enforcement mandates, and management matters. Senior associate and trade mark attorney Lara Elder is skilled in both contentious and non-contentious matters.Practice head(s):
Roger Lush
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Align Technology
Bear Grylls Ventures LLP
Manzanita Capital
Allergan
Deere & Company
Blue Prism
Western Digital
Byredo
Diptyque
Space NK
XEROS
Eyeora
Penguin Random House
Converge
Motorsport UK
Vertex
Umarex GmbH
Republic Technologies
4D Pharma
Aphria
OTCX Trading
De Beers
Malin + Goetz
Altery
Susanne Kaufmann
Iris Nation
McArthurGlen
Belron
Antler
McIlhenny Company
Western Digital
Total
GAM Limited
Veld Capital
Anacap Financial Partners
Kalvista
Fomtech Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Allergan in all trade mark-related matters, from brand counselling and clearance, filing and prosecution, opposition, cancellation, and enforcement, and dispute resolution.
- Representing Align Technology in its brand protection and enforcement strategies in the UK and Europe.
- Representing Deere & Company in the protection and enforcement of the brand, including the iconic Leaping Deer logo and yellow/green livery, which is the subject of rarely registered colour-per-se marks.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 3
Covering the full spectrum of IP rights, Carpmaels & Ransford LLP’s ‘highly intelligent’ and ‘collaborative’ team is particularly noted for its expertise in advising healthcare innovators on EPO opposition defence and strategic prosecution. Heading the dispute resolution team is David Wilson, who is well-versed in the pharma and telecoms sectors, while Jake Marshall, who leads the IP transactions team, possesses numerous capabilities, from handling IP licensing deals to complex IP-heavy commercial arrangements. Ian Kirby has considerable experience in technology-related litigation. Camilla Balleny focuses on multi-jurisdictional patent litigation and life sciences-related advisory work. Jennifer Antcliff has successfully represented clients in leading life sciences cases in all courts up to, and including, the Supreme Court.Practice head(s):
David Wilson; Jake Marshall
Other key lawyers:
Ian Kirby; Camilla Balleny; Craig Lumb
Testimonials
‘Very practical approach, client focused, collaborative.’
‘Camilla Balleny – strong litigation and coordination across the EU. Collaborative and client focused.’
‘Great IP expertise in Europe.’
‘Highly intelligent and strategic thinkers.’
‘Very approachable and expert teams in the life sciences area. Very focused on what is in the clients’ best interest.’
‘Carpmaels is a very well-balanced mixed firm with strong litigators and patent attorneys. That strength and balance allowed them to seamlessly handle UK litigation, coordinate global litigation, and handle multiple EPO opposition proceedings and appeals – despite the different skill set required for each.’
‘Ian Kirby did a great job managing a large team and clearly communicating strategy.’
‘Strategic thinkers, commercially savvy and strong litigation experience. Ian Kirby stands out in all three of these qualities.’
Key clients
Johnson & Johnson group
Bristol Myers Squibb (formerly Celgene)
FibroGen, Inc.
AMO Development, LLC (part of the Johnson & Johnson group)
Janssen-Cilag Limited (part of the Johnson & Johnson group)
Janssen Pharmaceutica (part of the Johnson & Johnson group)
Janssen Oncology (part of the Johnson & Johnson group)
Ethicon, Inc. (part of the Johnson & Johnson group)
The LYCRA Company
Olympus Corporation
Novartis
Takeda
Stichting Hubrecht Organoid Technology (HUB)
Work highlights
- Achieving an important victory for FibroGen (FibroGen Inc. v Akebia Therapeutics Inc. and Others), in which the Court of Appeal found that FibroGen’s patents were valid on the ground of sufficiency, a decision with wider legal relevance. Akebia has since sought permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, which was granted on 3 October 2022.
- Acting for Janssen Pharmaceutica (part of the Johnson & Johnson group) in the SPC and dosage regimen patent defence relating to blockbuster product XEPLION.
- Advising on a patent licensing and master services agreement for FabricNano to safeguard the foundation of their technology and provide the contractual framework for commercialising that technology.
Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 4
Praised for exhibiting ‘deep industry knowledge‘, Carpmaels & Ransford LLP is noted for assisting clients with trade marks, data protection, and orphan exclusivities. David Wilson has a great deal of experience in handling patent disputes concerning license agreements, and the ‘very talented and extremely dedicated‘ Jennifer Antcliff regularly appears before the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and the CJEU in SPC cases. Jake Marshall primarily focuses on transactional IP matters, and Hugh Goodfellow is particularly adept at the filing and prosecution of SPCs, and oppositions. James Warner leads on the chemical and pharmaceutical side, frequently handling EPO opposition proceedings. Mark Chapman heads up the biotech team, and has vast experience in pre and post-grant proceedings before the EPO.Practice head(s):
David Wilson; Jake Marshall; Hugh Goodfellow; James Warner; Mark Chapman; Roger Lush
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Wise; Camilla Balleny; Richard Newell; Jennifer Antcliff
Testimonials
‘Very good pharmaceutical patent practice, unsurprising given the client portfolio in the patent attorney side of the firm.’
‘C&R’s strength is its fusion of a solicitors’ practice with a patent attorneys’ practice, meaning that it can provide a one-stop shop for prosecution and litigation of patents.’
‘Jenny Antcliff is a very talented and extremely dedicated and diligent junior partner.’
‘Deep industry knowledge. Able to explain difficult concepts in an accessibly way. Strategic thinking and scenario planning.’
‘Carpmaels has a team of very talented patent attorneys and litigators that are both experienced in patent law and have high level of technical expertise, and that work in a very collaborative way.’
‘Camilla Balleny is very thoughtful and comprehensive in her identification and analysis of legal issues, and she is very good about keeping the client informed and involving the client in strategic decision making.’
Key clients
Johnson & Johnson group
Bristol Myers Squibb
FibroGen, Inc.
Janssen-Cilag Limited
Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Janssen Oncology
Takeda
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Gilead
Stichting Hubrecht Organoid Technology
Incyte
Biogen Inc.
Align Technology
Novartis
Vertex
Jazz Pharmaceuticals
CSL
LifeScan, Inc.
Ethicon Inc. & Ethicon LLC
McNeil AB
Acorda Therapeutics
Biosense Webster
Abbott Laboratories
Raytheon Technologies Corporation
LEO Pharma
Afiniti, Ltd.
Auris Health
Quantum-Si
Amgen
Work highlights
- Acted for FibroGen in FibroGen Inc. v Akebia Therapeutics Inc. and Others, in which the Court of Appeal found that FibroGen’s patents were valid on the ground of sufficiency.
- Acting for Janssen Pharmaceutica in SPC and dosage regimen patent defence relating to blockbuster product XEPLION.
- Advising FabricNano on a patent licensing and master services agreement to safeguard the foundation of its technology and providing the contractual framework for commercialising that technology.
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP > Firm Profile
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP is a leader in the European IP market, having driven innovation in the industry for over 200 years. The firm advises clients on all aspects of intellectual property including drafting, filing and prosecuting patent and trade mark applications, drafting and negotiating licence agreements and other commercial IP agreements, advising on the transfer of property rights, assisting clients with patent restoration matters and conducting enforcement and revocation litigation.
The firm has one of Europe’s largest intellectual property teams serving blue-chip clients across the globe. The firm’s attorneys have considerable technical knowledge, bringing together experience from industry-leading companies, academic research at leading universities, and extensive patent expertise in the areas of engineering and tech, chemistry and materials, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, supplementary protection certificates and information communications technology and standards.
Through the firm’s fully integrated Dispute Resolution and Transactions teams, the firm is able to provide a holistic service for clients which supports their IP needs from inception to commercialisation. The Dispute Resolution team, comprised of experienced solicitors, barristers and patent attorney litigators, represents clients at all levels of the European Patent Office (EPO).The team is also adept at conducting enforcement litigation and revocation actions before the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and patent, copyright, trade mark and other IP litigation in the English courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union. Carpmaels & Ransford is one of the few firms that can use the same team to handle parallel disputes in the EPO, UPC, and UK courts, while also coordinating national actions across Europe. The firm is perfectly positioned to represent clients at the UPC and is leading the first revocation action at the new court.
As well as advising on the acquisition and licensing of IP rights, and other IP focused agreements, (such as development and collaboration agreements), the Transactions Team manages multi-jurisdictional patent/trade mark assignment recordal projects, provides specialist advice on the transfer of priority rights and assists clients with the restoration of registered IP rights around the world.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing partner | Hugh Goodfellow | ||
Chemistry and Pharmaceuticals | James Warner | ||
Dispute resolution | David Wilson | ||
Engineering and technology | Gary Small | ||
Biotechnology | Mark Chapman | ||
Trade marks | Roger Lush | ||
Transactions | Jake Marshall |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Harvey Adams | Harvey is a Partner focussing on the Life Sciences and Chemistry sectors.… | View Profile |
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Jennifer Antcliff | Jenny is a partner in the firm’s Dispute Resolution team, ranked as… | View Profile |
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Camilla Balleny | Camilla is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team. She has focussed… | View Profile |
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Isobel Barry | Isobel advises innovator healthcare companies through all stages of the therapeutic product… | View Profile |
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Paul Bettridge | Paul sits within our Engineering and Tech teams, predominantly working within the… | View Profile |
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John Brunner | John has extensive experience assisting tech and healthcare companies in all aspects… | View Profile |
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Mark Chapman | Mark leads the Biotechnology team at Carpmaels & Ransford. Mark’s impressive Biotech-only… | View Profile |
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Bruce Cockerton | Bruce’s chemistry practice covers both industrial and medicinal chemistry, encompassing polymer chemistry, apparel… | View Profile |
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Jonathan Day | Jonathan is dual-qualified as a solicitor and trademark attorney. His background in… | View Profile |
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Emma Demetriades | Emma is a Partner in the Life Sciences team and her work… | View Profile |
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Stephen Duffield | Stephen’s work has a particular focus on biological therapies, often contentious and… | View Profile |
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Matthew Georgiou | Matthew is a Partner in the Life Sciences group. Matthew spends the… | View Profile |
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Hugh Goodfellow | Hugh is the Managing Partner at Carpmaels & Ransford and a Partner… | View Profile |
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Chris Hoggett | Chris’ practice is in the pharmaceutical area of life sciences. He handles… | View Profile |
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David Holland | David is a partner in the Life Sciences group and has a… | View Profile |
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Ben Husband | Ben has a considerable practice in the MedTech field which covers a… | View Profile |
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Mr Ian Kirby | Ian is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team and focuses on… | View Profile |
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Dr Susan Kirsch | Susan is a Partner in the Chemistry team at Carpmaels & Ransford.… | View Profile |
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Anna Leathley | Anna’s area of expertise is in biotech. She has a current focus… | View Profile |
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Roger Lush | Roger’s extensive and varied practice covers the full trade mark life-cycle, from… | View Profile |
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Jake Marshall | Jake specialises in transactional and advisory matters involving intellectual property and technology.… | View Profile |
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Cameron Marshall | Cameron focuses exclusively on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields, with an extensive… | View Profile |
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Edward Oates | Ed built his “enviable track record” (IAM Patent 1000) on some of… | View Profile |
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Dr Gary Small | Gary leads the Engineering and Tech groups at Carpmaels & Ransford LLP.… | View Profile |
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Annabel Strawson | Annabel qualified as a UK and European patent attorney in 2014. A… | View Profile |
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Chris Tunstall | As a Partner within the Engineering and Tech groups, Chris handles a… | View Profile |
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James Warner | James leads the Pharmaceuticals team at Carpmaels & Ransford. His practice focuses… | View Profile |
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Natalia Wegner | Natalia specialises in complex biotechnological subject matter, in particular cell and gene… | View Profile |
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David Wilson | David leads the Dispute Resolution team at Carpmaels & Ransford and has… | View Profile |
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Daniel Wise | Daniel specialises in biologics and pharmaceuticals, with particular expertise in protein therapeutics,… | View Profile |
Solicitor Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Simon Llewellyn | Simon is a partner in the Dispute Resolution team whose practice focuses… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 32 Number of other UK fee-earners : 140- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Patent attorneys