Linklaters excels in patent litigation, including UPC actions and complex validity and infringement disputes in the pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and life sciences industries. The practice integrates antitrust expertise for standard-essential patent and FRAND matters while also advising on IP-driven transactions and is co-led by Pauline Debré, a port of call for cross-border enforcement, and Gaëlle Bourout, who was promoted to partner in May 2025 and specialises in life sciences patents. Laetitia Nicolazzi advises clients on the drafting and negotiation of contracts related to artwork commissioning, assignment of rights and licensing agreements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The IP team handling our cases is simply excellent: they handle complex cases with unparalleled acuity and legal expertise. In addition, they are completely available to ensure seamless management of matters in case of urgent need.'
- ‘ High degree of excellence and exacting standards, good client communication, sound advice during negotiations, strategic approach.’
- ‘Particularly strong in SEP litigation in Europe. I especially appreciate the diversity of the team working on our matter. ’
- ‘Pauline Debré and Laetitia Nicolazzi are wonderful. They provide exceptional work product and advice and creative solutions. ’
- ‘The team is smart, polished, and professional. ’
- ‘Pauline Debre and Gaëlle Bourout are excellent and a pleasure to work with.’
- ‘The Linklaters team successfully engaged the specific skills required for the project. In particular, they explored new avenues for potential solutions, including leveraging related expertise.'
- 'The team's strengths lie in its expertise, genuine availability, and unwavering commitment to progressing despite any challenges encountered.’
Key clients
- Seoul Semiconductor Ltd
- Intel Corporation
- John Cockerill Hydrogen
- Sanofi
- Regeneron
Work highlights
Advising and representing Seoul Semiconductor in their global enforcement campaigns against major competitors and their distributors in key jurisdictions.
Representing Intel’s affiliate Intel Germany in an infringement action relating to a patent essential to the ADSL standards (standard essential patents, “SEPs”), launched by Intellectual Ventures II (“IV”) against internet provider Orange, which subsequently judicially requested various parties to join the proceedings, including Intel (chipset provider to Orange’s DSLAM provider).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Pauline Debré; Gaëlle Bourout
Other key lawyers
Laetitia Nicolazzi