The patent offering at CMS is led by Sarah Hanson and offers a range of contentious and non-contentious services to major players in patent-heavy industries. Participants in the emerging area of SEP and FRAND, the group is also well-versed in complex life sciences litigation, plant breeders’ rights disputes, patent commercialisation strategies, and major IP-based transactions in the tech and energy sectors, a workflow where Joel Vertes is a key name. He also leads the charge on the team’s patent monetisation offering. The bench includes seasoned patent disputes specialist Mark Shillito, and Fionnuala Rice, who is experienced across a variety of contentious and non-contentious instructions. Toby Sears departed for Jones Day in October 2024.
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Key clients
- Microsoft
- Hydra well
- Mayborn (Tommee Tippe)
- Estar Medical Ltd.
- Sainsbury’s
- Stockmeier
Work highlights
Retained by Microsoft Corporation to defend a claim of patent infringement in the UK High Court.
Defending Sainsbury’s in proceedings relating to alleged infringement of a plant breeders’ right owned by Nador Cott Protection S.A.S.
Defending Stockmeier in a claim for patent infringement in the UK.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sarah Hanson
Other key lawyers
Joel Vertes; Mark Shillito; Fionnuala Rice