The ‘wonderful’ team at CMS has capabilities managing significant patent portfolios for such notable clients as Microsoft, LinkedIn and Nestlé; its client portfolio includes clients in the tech, crypto and software sectors. In addition, it has experience acting on complex EPO opposition, and patent infringement and related strategy matters. Caitlin Heard is particularly equipped to advise on FRAND and SEP strategy; key practitioner Jane Evenson is considered ’outstanding’ by clients and works on drug development matters, amongst others; and Helen Wallis who specialises in tech-related patent drafting and prosecution cases. The ‘fantastic’ Rachel Free is also noteworthy for her experience in AI patent cases. Andrew Smith is well-regarded for his UPC experience. Robert Stephen has expertise assisting in life sciences-related cases especially and oversees the group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘From the beginning, Rachel Free and the team helped build a framework for evaluating where IP protection would create strategic advantage and as importantly where it would not. The quality of the engagement, understanding of the technology and the way patent offices around the world were thinking about it as well as the risks of public disclosure with Rachel was fantastic.'
‘Rachel Free and her team have been highly organised, proactive and familiar with the processes and how to handle the responses. As part of our work together, Rachel and the team dived into pretty technical details around our AI and grasped the nuance and opportunity very quickly.’
‘An excellent grasp of technical advancements insofar as these can be applied to the provision of certain financial services.’
‘Jane Evenson has been an outstanding contributor to our organisation, offering personal, focused and valuable input. Jane has been patiently working with us to better understand and review patent positions and related issues that we need to consider in order to better direct the charities' objectives and funding priorities.’
‘Wonderful to work with. Responsive to needs. Fantastic communication. Deep understanding of technology as well as the broader synbio/agritech ecosystem, which helps narrative around patent strategy. They are happy to build partnerships and still help us despite the very limited resources our company has at this early stage.’
‘We've been lucky enough to work with Jane Hollywood and Alex Epstein. They have been fantastic, easy to work with, fantastic at understanding and responding to our needs. Also, flexible to our needs.’
‘The CMS team is very knowledgeable and helpful in addressing any of our questions. Their work product is excellent. They are also very responsive.’
‘We have been working with Sophie Skidmore and Jane Hollywood for many years. They always provide top-notch analysis and thoughtful suggestions. We heavily rely on them for their knowledge and expertise in EP patent practice.’
Key clients
- Akebia Therapeutics Inc.
- E-therapeutics (ETX)
- Fallouh Healthcare
- Foundation Medicine
- Leyden Labs
- Imagination Technologies
- Iotic Labs
- Metaswitch Networks
- Microsoft
- Multus Biotechnology
- Nestlé
- Petmedix
- Sana Biotechnology, Inc.
- Sanofi
- Skin Analytics Ltd
- SNIPR
- Vectura
- T-therapeutics
Work highlights
Advising Microsoft on all aspects of IP, including patent litigation, drafting, prosecution, oral proceedings before the EPO and counselling work.
Advising the client on multiple projects relating to their drug program - a drug developed to treat hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and primary aldosteronism.
Advising on patent portfolio building and strategy, including invention harvesting, for scale-up client Skin Analytics who have deployed the first and only autonomous AI for skin cancer in the world.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Robert Stephen
Other key lawyers
Rachel Free; Jane Evenson; Jane Hollywood, Alex Epstein; Sophie Skidmore; Helen Wallis; Andrew Smith; Caitlin Heard