Enjoying a well-established and ‘impressive’ presence across Europe, Middle East, and Asia, Bird & Bird LLP combines its commercial acumen with its technical expertise to advise on market-leading cases in the sectors of life sciences, technology, and telecoms. The practice is jointly led by Tom Snaith, who assists clients with the IP and technology aspects of complex transactions, and Rebecca O’Kelly-Gillard, who is well-versed in global enforcement and contentious mandates. Other key contacts include Morag Macdonald, who remains a force to be reckoned with on the litigation front, and Richard Vary, who is particularly noted for his capabilities in the valuation of portfolios and FRAND mandates. Katharine Stephens capitalises on her engineering background to assist clients with a multitude of strategic matters, comprised of multi-jurisdictional litigation and protection and enforcement programmes. Toby Bond’s arsenal of skills include AI, high-tech mandates and data licensing. IP and life sciences expert Nicole Jadeja joined from Pinsent Masons LLP in December 2023. Chris De Mauny has temporarily joined the San Francisco office as co-head and former co-head Robert Williams has retired. Jane Mutimear and James Pearson are also recommended.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Bird and Bird have a very broad and experienced team of patent litigators capable of bringing expertise in both the law and in-depth knowledge of the scientific underpinnings of complex cases to bear on their client's problems.'
‘Patrick Kelleher is a thoughtful and experienced partner who makes sure to be well versed in all aspects of the cases he is managing. He grasps the scientific aspects expertly and meshes them with his vast litigation experience.'
- 'Bird & Bird is known for its large and impressive IP department, historically having a dedicated office for them. This focus makes them a strong choice for clients seeking specialists.'
- 'Global reach.'
- 'With a presence in over 30 offices across the globe, Bird & Bird can offer clients expertise and support regardless of location.'
- 'Their move to a unified office signifies a focus on collaboration across the firm.'
‘Very experienced litigators.'
Key clients
- Nokia
- Dexcom
- Interdigital
- Gilead Sciences
- The Broad Institute
- CureVac SE
- NEO Performance Materials
- Celltrion, Inc.
- Freenome Holdings
- 30 Technology
Work highlights
- Representing InterDigital against Oppo in the fourth FRAND trial to take place in the UK, and the highest value to date.
- Acting for Dexcom, in multiple international patent infringement and revocation claims against Abbott in relation to their glucose monitoring devices.
- Acting for Nokia in two UK High Court claims against Oppo and associated groups.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Richard Vary
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Jane Mutimear
Tom Snaith
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
James Pearson
Practice head
Tom Snaith; Rebecca O’Kelly-Gillard
Other key lawyers
Morag Macdonald; Richard Vary; Katharine Stephens; Jae Park; Toby Bond; Nicole Jadeja; Patrick Kelleher; Jane Mutimear; James Pearson