TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
With notable strength in IP, clients frequently turn to Kirkland & Ellis International LLP for high-profile, multijurisdictional patent litigation involving small molecules, complex biologic products, medical devices, and diagnostics. The firm also advises investors and life sciences companies in technology and IP transactions, such as licensing and commercialisation agreements. The ‘exceptionally knowledgeable’ team is jointly led by ’star litigator’ Nicola Dagg; Daniel Lim, who draws on his biochemistry background to advise on patent litigation and IP strategy; and Emma Flett, experienced in the full spectrum of IP-related work, particularly high-value M&A. Other key figures include litigator Jin Ooi, praised for ‘combin(ing) deep technical knowledge with strategic thinking’. Gabriella Bornstein is no longer at the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Intellectual Property Litigation
Position
Nicola Dagg is a partner in the IP litigation team in the London office of Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. Nicola’s practice spans four areas: (1) strategic life sciences patent and product lifecycle advice; (2) patent litigation; (3) co-ordinating global IP enforcement/defence cases; and (4) standard essential patent (SEP) and FRAND disputes. Nicola has tried over 20 cases.
Nicola has extensive experience in pharmaceutical and biologics patent litigation including blockbuster small molecule litigation against generic companies, biologics and biosimilar litigation, antibodies, immunotherapies, genetics, vaccines, diagnostics and gene therapies. Nicola also acts in market leading SEP essentiality, validity and global FRAND adjudication litigation in the tech sector. Having served as UK and European/global co-ordinating counsel for numerous strategic IP litigation cases and drawing on more than 24 years of legal, IP, life sciences and tech experience she helps clients solve their most pressing global challenges.
Career
2018 to present Kirkland & Ellis International LLP; 2006-2018 Allen & Overy LLP; 1996-2006 Hogan Lovells
Education
Newnham College, University of Cambridge (M.A. Natural Sciences 1991); University of Bristol (Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice 1997)
Content supplied by Kirkland & Ellis International LLP
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Kirkland team is operating at the top of their game. With fantastic strength and depth, they provide an excellent service - combining technical knowledge and strategic insight to achieve the best results for their clients.’
‘Kirkland remains a leading force in the field of life sciences and healthcare. They regularly conduct litigation for innovators' crown-jewels IP assets, being at home in high-stakes litigation for innovators.’
‘The team is especially strong on multi-jurisdictional matters and has proven itself agile in adapting to fast-evolving regulatory and patent landscapes.’
‘The team, led from the front by Nicola Dagg, is exceptionally knowledgeable, hard-working and innovative, with first-class judgment. During proceedings and my discussions with them, it became clear that Nicola and her team have the same outstanding qualities in relation to life sciences and healthcare legal issues. I place them at the top of solicitor firms in this area.’
‘The team is exceptionally strong in all aspects - it is an all-star team of truly dedicated lawyers, working efficiently and quickly. Having worked with or against essentially all top-ranked firms in the London area, Kirkland stands out in the top 3. The market-leading regulatory expertise coupled with some of London's very best litigators is rivalled by few and surpassed by none.’
‘Nicola Dagg is an unparalleled star litigator. Peter Pereira has a strategic focus with brilliant technical ability; he is great to work with and somebody you want to have on your team. Daniel Lim is very bright and fantastic to work with. Jin Ooi is a brilliant mind who guides the team effectively and is wonderful to work with. Rory Clarke is always calm under pressure, a strategic thinker. Alex Magnusdottir is very engaged and quick to respond.’
‘Jin Ooi stands out for his exceptional legal acumen and unwavering responsiveness. He combines deep technical knowledge with strategic thinking, which makes his advice not only accurate but also highly practical and commercially attuned. What truly differentiates Jin from others in the market is his ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance — often under significant time pressure. He is also remarkably client-focused, always accessible, and proactive in managing matters. Working with Jin gives you confidence that no detail will be missed and that your interests will be represented with precision and strength. He is a trusted partner in every sense.'
'Nicola Dagg's reputation precedes her.'
Key clients
- Advanced Bionics Alcon Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. Boehringer Ingelheim British American Tobacco Clayton Dubilier & Rice Meril Life Sciences Pfizer Pharmathen Global The Regents of the University of California Viatris
Work highlights
Represented Astellas and The Regents of the University of California in defeating validity challenges brought by multiple generic companies on patents covering the blockbuster medicine Xtandi® (enzalutamide) for treating prostate cancer.
Represents Advanced Bionics in respect of its multi-jurisdictional patent litigation with Med-El Elektromedizinische concerning cochlear implant technology, including before the central and local divisions of the UPC.
Represents Boehringer Ingelheim in patent litigation relating to the company’s global blockbuster pharmaceutical product, empagliflozin (Jardiance®), an SGLT2 inhibitor with global sales of over $5 billion per year.