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
Profile
Work Department
IP/TMT
Position
Pauline heads the IP/TMT practice of Linklaters in Paris and has considerable experience in IP litigation and specifically patent litigation.
She focuses on handling complex cross-border patent and trademark litigations, notably in the healthcare and telecommunications sectors. She assists major clients in all types of proceedings, including preliminary injunctions, seizures (saisie-contrefaçon), revocation and infringement actions, arbitration and mediation, often in a global context (parallel litigation in the US, pending oppositions before the EPO).
Pauline works in close coordination with our competition experts, notably on standard essential patents related cases.
Pauline also assists clients from various industries with negotiating and drafting contracts related to IP rights (JV agreements, R&D agreements, co-existence agreements) and on projects and corporate deals (acquisitions, carve out) where IP is a key asset.
Pauline co-heads the Patent Commission of the French group of AIPPI, as well as the Standing Committee on Patents and Standards. She is also a member of EPLAW (European Patent Lawyers association), APRAM, APEB and LES.
Pauline is ranked amongst France’s best IP lawyers.
Her team is ranked Band 1 by Legal 500 (2020) and won the Award of the Best patent team in 2020 (Trophées du Droit, Leaders League 2020).
Career
2015 to date: Partner, Intellectual Property/Technology, Media and Telecommunications Department, Linklaters Paris
2012 – 2015: Counsel, Intellectual Property/Technology, Media and Telecommunications Department, Linklaters Paris
2011 – 2012: Counsel, Bird & Bird Paris
2006 – 2011: Associate, Bird & Bird Paris
2004 – 2006: Associate, Lamy & Associés, Paris
2001 – 2004: Associate, Duclos, Thorne, Mollet-Viéville & Associés, Paris
Languages
French, English, Spanish
Memberships
Active member of AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of the Intellectual Property, Member of the Comité Directeur of the French Group, Secretary of the Standing Committee on Patents and Standards (Q222)) ; APEB (Association of European Practitioners Patents) ; APRAM (Association of Law Practitioners of Trademarks and Models) ; LES (Licensing Executive Society) and EPLAW (European Patent Lawyers association)
Education
2003 : Admitted to the Paris Bar
2002 : CAPA, Paris Bar School
2001-2022: Université Panthéon Assas (Paris II) - DEA in Communication Law
2000-2001: Université Panthéon Assas (Paris II) - DESS in IP Law
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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.