With a multinational client roster, Taylor Wessing LLP‘s patent outfit is well-equipped to guide innovative clients through disputes, acting before domestic courts and the UPC, as well as helping patent owners maximise the value of their assets. Practice head Nigel Stoate has led on crucial patent litigation cases for some of the world’s foremost biotech companies, supported by ’exceptional litigator’ Matthew Royle, a key contact for an array of instructions, spanning patent litigation, SPCs, paediatric extensions, and opinion and regulatory work. Mike Washbrook is a name to note for SEP/FRAND litigation, an area where Tom Foster is also experienced. Xuyang Zhu‘s practice covers contentious and transactional IP work in the media and tech sectors, and Christopher Thornham advises on freedom to operate issues, launches, litigation, and FRAND licensing disputes, while Andrew Payne, who has a background in medicinal chemistry, routinely acts for life sciences companies in cross-border disputes. Another key figure is Amanda Ebbutt, who handles litigation and commercial matters involving life sciences, healthcare, and technology patents.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent and full-service IP team with strength across all areas of patents. Committed, great attention to detail in the preparation of cases and evidence. Best for "bet the business" litigation, which requires a broad, strategic and European perspective.’
‘Nigel Stoate is a first-rate captain of the team, is encouraging to junior staff, and has first-rate client management skills. Matt Royle is an exceptional litigator on technical patent matters. Understated with razor-sharp intelligence and preparation. One of the safest but toughest hands in the industry, and always a pleasure to work with. Always prepared to put in the work in an efficient way.’
‘A dynamic and innovative team.’
‘Michael Washbrook is a passionate and creative lawyer.’
‘Excellent UPC coordination. Great depth of talent. Good junior partners.’
‘Matt Royle, Andrew Payne, Mike Washbrook, and Amanda Ebbutt are highly rated. All young and dynamic. A fresh breath of air in the firm.’
Key clients
- Pfizer
- Abbott
- Viatris
- Glenmark
- OPPO
- Ericsson
- Cumulus Oncology Limited
- Antiverse Limited
Work highlights
Acting for Pfizer in the UK in patent revocation proceedings against uniQure concerning Pfizer's and uniQure's rival gene therapy products for the treatment of haemophilia B.
Acting for Abbott Laboratories co-ordinating European patent litigation against Dexcom in respect of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices.
Representing Viatris in a revocation action against AstraZeneca regarding a medication used to treat type-2 diabetes.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Nigel Stoate
Other key lawyers
Matthew Royle; Mike Washbrook; Tom Foster; Xuyang Zhu; Christopher Thornham; Andrew Payne; Amanda Ebbutt