Expert patent and innovation legal advice
Our patent lawyers act for individuals and organisations at the forefront of technical innovation. The team provide strategic guidance, litigate patents and advise on commercial transactions. We work across a wide range of jurisdictions and technologies, from therapeutic antibodies to LEDs, apps, mobile telecommunications, specialty chemicals and everything in between.
"They are able to navigate complex issues of infringement, validity, and FRAND, as well as intricate confidentiality and disclosure requirements in certain cases."
How we can help you
We have acted on many of the key patent cases in the UK and across Europe over the last 20 years. As well as acting in UK and German proceedings, we advise on pan-European strategy, including in the recently launched Unified Patent Court.
Our Life Sciences team acts on cutting-edge therapeutics and our technology lawyers regularly guide our clients where patent law is constantly evolving.
Patent litigation
We've acted in patent infringement cases that have shaped the law. Our lawyers are agile and creative when it comes to defending our clients' intellectual property. You can depend on us to act swiftly to protect your rights and prevent disruption to your business.
Our work has helped leading technology companies manage and enforce their patent rights across Europe. With specialists in the strategically important jurisdictions of the UK (London) and Germany (especially our offices in Cologne and Munich), as well as in numerous other European jurisdictions, we have a presence where patent disputes are most likely to be fought. Cologne is located in the immediate vicinity of one of the most important jurisdictions for patent disputes worldwide, Düsseldorf. You can find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Patent Litigation in Germany here.
Not all cases need to go to court. Where appropriate, we will guide you through other forms of dispute resolution such as mediation and arbitration. We can also work with you to develop strategies to mitigate the risk of future disputes.
Patent strategy
Our lawyers advise clients on how to leverage their innovation: getting value out of registering (or keeping confidential) inventions and licensing patents in the UK and Europe. We can help you to licence, acquire or dispose of patents, and assess market opportunities.
We also regularly advise clients on more defensive strategies in order to protect their businesses from patent litigation cost-effectively.
Patent transactions
We regularly advise clients on high-value transactions, where patents can be fundamental and one of the most valuable assets of the deal. In these cases, the validity of patents and related rights is critical to the commercial rationale of a transaction. Our scientific and technical expertise enables us to provide a detailed analysis of the validity and enforceability of the rights underpinning a transaction. We use this deeper appreciation of the robustness of the portfolio to guide our clients to commercial success.
We advise in relation to in- and out-licensing transactions, portfolio sales and acquisitions, and corporate finance deals. Our team also regularly acts for investors in pharmaceutical royalty stream monetisation transactions.
"They are excellent; they are highly effective and provide practical advice."
Our international patent lawyers
Across our 26 international offices, our specialist patent lawyers can help you wherever your business is based and wherever your patent is registered. We combine expertise and tailored solutions so our clients can address current challenges and anticipate future developments.
The team is particularly known for our work in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, semiconductors, mobile telephony, artificial intelligence and other computer-implemented inventions. We have experience in litigating and giving strategic advice in relation to a wide range of technologies, from mobile telecommunications to therapeutic antibodies and platform technologies via robotic lawnmowers.
Experience
After years of planning, the Unitary Patent (UP) and the Unified Patent Court (UPC) has now been introduced in Europe.
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