Venner Shipley LLP’s patents group is well regarded for complex, cross-border work across telecoms, technology and medical devices. The team advises on domestic and international filing and prosecution, EPO oppositions and appeals, and representation before the UPC. In December 2024 the firm combined with AA Thornton, adding IP litigator and department head Geoff Hussey and mechanical specialist Adrian Bennett, among others. Allie Elend leads the chemistry and life sciences team from Cambridge. Jan Walaski heads the Electronics, Software & Communications group and advises several of the firm’s flagship clients. Mechanical engineering is led by Alex Brown, who has particular strength in that field. Managing partner since July 2024, Siân Gill is a name to note, as is the opposition and appeal specialist Tim Russell.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I would especially recommend Dan Byrne. He is a brilliant legal expert with a remarkable ability to think outside the box. Dan's science degree also gives him a solid grasp of technical subject matter, which is a real asset in patent cases. Dan is not only technically excellent, but also a pleasure to work with: thoughtful, approachable, and fully committed to achieving the best possible outcomes.’
- ‘I have had the opportunity to work with the patents team at Venner Shipley on several matters, and I have consistently been impressed by their ability to combine deep legal expertise with practical, innovative thinking. They are highly responsive, client-focused, and particularly adept at finding pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues.'
Key clients
- AB Agri
- Aristo Pharma GmbH
Work highlights
Acting for No Climb Products Limited against Gas Safe Europe Limited in a patent infringement claim in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court.
Practice head
Geoff Hussey
Other key lawyers
Adrian Bennett; Allie Elend; Jan Walaskil Alex Brown; Siân Gill; Tim Russell; Daniel Byrne; Simon Taor; Craig Turner