The ‘extremely diligent and creative’ team at Linklaters LLP is positioned at the crux of multiple sectors and is able to advise across these, utilising its varied experience that is comprised of contentious and non-contentious mandates for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The practice is jointly helmed by four key players: Ian Karet, who possesses more than 30 years of experience in the field, Yohan Liyanage, who is notably well-versed in the technology space, the ’extremely good patent litigator’ Katie Coltart, who brought her expertise in biologics and biosimilars from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP in October 2023, and Paul Joseph, whose litany of experience extends from technology patent litigation to joint venture agreements. Stephanie Farrington principally focuses on the healthcare and life sciences sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A consistently top-quality team specialising in life sciences patent litigation.'
‘I would highly recommend Katie Coltart. She goes above and beyond for her clients and is a real fighter for their cause.'
‘Extremely diligent and creative team with the ability to take litigation from start to finish.’
‘Katie Coltart is a standout practitioner. Incredibly sharp and yet also a pleasure to work with, she is an obvious choice for challenging multi-jurisdictional patent work.’
‘Katie Coltart is an extremely good patent litigator. She has a depth of experience, a good technical understanding and a very sharp mind.’
‘Katie Coltart brings extensive experience in coordinating pan-European patent litigation. She is quick to understand and appreciate the differences in law and customs between various European jurisdictions, and she has an appealing demenaour.'
- 'Yohan Liyanage stands out for his non-contentious work. He is a very able draftsman and is quick to understand the aspects of the facts that his contracts need to capture.’
‘Attentive any time, interdisciplinary view of the matters with a thorough understanding of the business and the legal question at hand.’
Key clients
- GSK
- Sanofi
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Inc.
- Ceres Power
Work highlights
Acting for Tesaro, a subsidiary of multi-national pharmaceutical company GSK plc, in defending a lawsuit filed by AstraZeneca worth several hundred million pounds for allegedly unpaid royalties under two pharmaceutical patent licences.
Acting for Sanofi and Regeneron as part of a global patent dispute in relation to antibodies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Advised Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., one of the world’s leading medical device companies, on its acquisition of The Binding Site Group.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Ian Karet; Yohan Liyanage; Katie Coltart; Paul Joseph
Other key lawyers
Stephanie Farrington