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.

Fielding an extensive and varied patents practice that is noted for its ‘fantastic technical ability’, Bristows LLP demonstrates considerable prowess across a myriad of technical sectors, encompassing telecoms, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and electronics, to name a few. On the contentious side, the team frequently manages FRAND and biologics mandates, while on the non-contentious side, the team excels in collaboration and licensing deals, as well as the IP elements of significant corporate deals. Three experienced practitioners lead the team: Robert Burrows, who leverages his knowledge in genetics to assist clients in the life sciences industry, seasoned litigator Andrew Bowler, who routinely coordinates global strategies in the space, and Richard Dickinson, who frequently handles matters pertaining to transactional and advisory work. Liz Cohen possesses experience representing clients up to the Supreme Court, and James Boon operates for a litany of clients in the context of cross-border litigation. Myles Jelf bolsters the group with his strengths in hi-tech patent litigation, while Matthew Warren retains an extensive transactional practice. Other names to note include Claire Smith, Richard Pinckney, Dominic Adair, Brian Cordery, and Greg Bacon.

Praised for its ‘unbeatable combination of experience, talent and tenacity’, Kirkland & Ellis International LLP operates for a consortium of notable clients in multi-faceted mandates that tackle complex issues such as SEP/FRAND and technically challenging M&A. Nicola Dagg helms the litigation side of the practice with her market traction in the most cutting-edge mandates, while Emma Flett, who leads the technology and transactional side of the practice, demonstrates a strong grounding in a litany of mandates, from private equity transactions and M&A to licensing and development issues. Daniel Lim is well positioned to represent clients in litigation that involves medical devices, SEP/FRAND, and blockbusters in the life sciences space. Steven Baldwin is notably active in the High Court, representing clients in relation to high-tech and life sciences issues. Another name to note is experienced litigator Jin Ooi, who is pre-eminent in the fields of life sciences and consumer products. Katie Coltart departed to Linklaters LLP in September 2023.

Operating for a diverse roster of blue-chip clients, the ‘wonderfully thoughtful and methodical team’ at Pinsent Masons LLP is regarded as being at the forefront of the field of litigation, acting on a range of multi-jurisdictional litigation and multiplex transactional mandates. Steering the practice is Catherine Drew, who is considerably experienced in handling blockbuster medical products for multinational pharmaceutical companies. Charlotte Weekes fields a strong life sciences practice that encompasses SPC litigation and Christopher Sharp’s wide-ranging strengths include mandates arising from the sectors of life sciences, technology, medical devices and energy sectors. Mark Marfé principally focuses on technology patent litigation. James Marshall joined the practice from Taylor Wessing LLP in September 2023, bolstering the practice with his vast experience across the life sciences and telecoms sectors. Nicole Jadeja departed in December 2023, joining Bird & Bird LLP.

Providing its clients with a ‘combination of outstanding legal, technical and strategic competence’, Powell Gilbert LLP is highly capable of advising on the full gamut of patent issues arising from a multitude of technically complex sectors, particularly the life sciences sphere. The group frequently appears before the courts on very significant and market-leading cases. Penny Gilbert, who is a pre-eminent practitioner in the spheres of pharmaceuticals and biotech litigation, and Simon Ayrton, who deploys his extensive experience to assist a panoply of clients with FRAND disputes, as well as patent infringement and validity proceedings, jointly lead the practice. Zoë Butler is recommended for her strengths in multi-jurisdictional disputes, while Alex Wilson, who is fluent in French and German, represents notable clients in a range of matters relating to pharmaceuticals, semi-conductors, medical devices, and explosives. Bethan Hopewell leverages her background in molecular biology to handle issues arising from the life sciences sector, and Ari Laakkonen contributes his particular expertise in electronic patent litigation and licensing disputes. Other recommended lawyers include Tim Whitfield, Peter Damerell, Tom Oliver, Siddharth Kusumakar, Joel Coles, Tess Waldron, Rajvinder Jagdev, and Bryce Matthewson.

Recommended for its ‘creative thinking’, Taylor Wessing LLP is highly adept at handling big-ticket litigation for a litany of patents, and is notably active in the Patents Court in relation to complex healthcare and pharmaceutical issues. Multi-jurisdictional litigator Nigel Stoate leads the practice with his wealth of experience that spans the medical devices, pharmaceutical, telecoms, chemical, and engineering industries. Matthew Royle leverages his background in molecular immunology to assist players in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences industries, whereas Mike Washbrook acts in high-calibre technology mandates. Andrew Payne is another key name to note.

Recommended for its ‘strong industry knowledge’, Carpmaels & Ransford LLP is well-known for its ability to advise healthcare and life sciences clients in EPO oppositions, strategic prosecutions, and patent and SPC litigation. The practice is jointly led by David Wilson, who is entrusted by science and technology players to assist with multi-jurisdictional litigation, Hugh Goodfellow, and Jake Marshall, who helms the transactional group with his expertise in IP and technology. Other key names to note in the practice include Camilla Balleny, who is well-versed in patent litigation as well as advisory work, and Ian Kirby, whose arsenal of skills encompass monoclonal antibodies and voice recognition technologies, among others. Jennifer Antcliff enjoys considerable litigation experience, having represented clients in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. Craig Lumb is also recommended.

A versatile team, CMS's arsenal of skills span cloud computing, medical devices, and a host of other technologies, routinely litigating in this space across a variety of courts, notably assembling a pan-European UPC Insight Group for assistance with cases before the UPC. The practice is led by Mark Shillito, who utilises his vast experience to be a reliable choice for blue-chip technology and telecoms companies in complex patent disputes, and Sarah Hanson, whose transactional capabilities across the life sciences and healthcare sectors enhance the firm’s patent offering. Caitlin Heard enjoys expertise in multi-jurisdictional patent litigation, while Joel Vertes is noted for his wide-ranging abilities that encompass joint ventures, collaboration and R&D agreements, among others. Toby Sears principally focuses on patent litigation, licensing, and generative AI mandates.

Helmed by Kate Swaine, Gowling WLG provides a full-service offering to its global clients, with core streams of work being comprised of patent litigation spanning technology, telecoms, and life sciences, and SEP/FRAND strategy and litigation, as well as AI-related mandates. Paul Inman is recommended for his expertise in handling blockbuster disputes for notable names in the pharmaceutical space, and Alexandra Brodie is a strong choice for a plethora of technology products, including AI, blockchain, quantum computing, and cyber security. Patrick Duxbury is distinguished on the transactional side, and Huw Evans is an established presence in the healthcare and technology sectors, with Luke Kempton leveraging his biochemistry experience to operate within the biotech and pharmaceutical arenas. Matt Hervey‘s capabilities encompass AI, SEP/FRAND, life sciences, and automotive issues.

Regarded as an ‘excellent’ and ‘incredibly hard working’ group, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP leverages its global presence to manage complex cross-border litigation and significant transactions involving R&D in the technology and life sciences areas. Practice leader Sebastian Moore is routinely counted on by sizeable pharmaceutical companies for assistance with patent litigation. The technically capable Andrew Moir is highly active in the UK patent litigation sphere and demonstrates particular proficiencies in the technology arena, while Jonathan Turnbull frequently handles matters pertaining to innovation and collaboration, leveraging his expansive scientific background in chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Andrew Wells is an expert in European and global patent strategy and Emily Bottle is a strong choice for pharma and diagnostics companies. Emma Sherratt is another name to note. Peter Dalton re-joined from Stephenson Harwood in November 2023.

With expertise in pan-European litigation strategy, Hogan Lovells International LLP safeguards a diverse array of innovative products across the industries of life sciences, consumer, telecoms, and media. The ‘exceptional’ Paul Brown spearheads the practice, harnessing his electronics and medical devices expertise to assist a litany of clients with global scale disputes. Other key figures include Stephen Bennett, who is regularly entrusted by pharmaceutical companies with complex litigation, and Daniel Brook, who is noted for his capabilities in handling complex pharmaceutical mandates. Katie McConnell utilises her extensive experience in the telecoms and technology sectors to represent a varied roster of clients in cross-border patent disputes. Stella Wong’s arsenal of skills includes medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and biotech-related patents. Other names to note in the practice include Emma Fulton and Dominic Hoar. Joel Smith departed in March 2024.

With a solid bench strength possessing expertise across the technical and scientific arenas, Simmons & Simmons is well-positioned to undertake complex and global mandates for clients operating within the life sciences, fintech, and technology sectors. European Patent Attorney Kevin Cordina leads the group with his expertise in electronics and medical devices, and Michael Gavey is well-versed in transactional mandates. On the litigation side, Michael Burdon is noted for his strategic capabilities and Scott Parker routinely acts for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Angus McLean co-leads the firm's Emerging Technology Group, and Andrew Hutchinson covers a diverse range of patent litigation and regulatory issues. Further strengthening the practice is Priya Nagpal, who enjoys a wealth of experience across technologies such as medical devices and software, and she also possesses expertise in big data issues.

Drawing on its experience across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and biotech sectors, Baker McKenzie is highly capable of handling patents relating to heavy machinery, vaccines, and a litany of other technologies. Natalie Ellerby, who joined from Linklaters in June 2023, covers the full spectrum of IP rights, particularly across the sectors of life sciences, consumer, and technology. Tanvi Shah departed in February 2024, while former practice head Hiroshi Sheraton left in September 2024.

The ‘outstanding’ comprehensive offering at EIP covers the full gamut of issues in the patent space, covering a diverse multitude of agreements and other transactional mandates alongside multi-faceted litigation in a range of courts. Steering the practice is Andrew Sharples, who is especially knowledgeable in managing FRAND trials, Robert Lundie Smith, who counts blue-chip technology companies among his core roster of clients, and Mark Lubbock, whose transactional capabilities across a varied array of commercial arrangements further bolster the practice. Capitalising on his more than 30 years of activity in this field, Gary Moss is highly capable of advising on a range of cross-border IP disputes, while Kathleen Fox Murphy enjoys a wealth of experience in coordinating litigation, handling interim injunctions, and assisting with infringement issues.

The ‘extremely diligent and creative’ team at Linklaters LLP is positioned at the crux of multiple sectors and is able to advise across these, utilising its varied experience that is comprised of contentious and non-contentious mandates for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The practice is jointly helmed by four key players: Ian Karet, who possesses more than 30 years of experience in the field, Yohan Liyanage, who is notably well-versed in the technology space, the ‘extremely good patent litigator’ Katie Coltart, who brought her expertise in biologics and biosimilars from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP in October 2023, and Paul Joseph, whose litany of experience extends from technology patent litigation to joint venture agreements. Stephanie Farrington principally focuses on the healthcare and life sciences sector.

With expertise across hi-tech, software, and manufacturing sectors, to name a few, Marks & Clerk's technical capabilities enable it to operate for pharmaceutical and biotech companies that hold established global presences. Life sciences expert Mike Gilbert, who has handled a range of revocation, infringement, and declaration proceedings, and litigator Dafydd Bevan, who handles a plethora of mechanical, electronic, software, and telecoms mandates, jointly helm the group. Charlie Balme is especially knowledgeable in the field of biopharma patent litigation, while Daniel McGrath is noted for his ability to handle technical patent and SPC litigation.

Harnessing its expertise in technology-rich industries, Mishcon de Reya LLP advises clients on issues such as patent litigation, strategy, and commercial arrangements. Practice leader David Rose specialises in rights protection and enforcement programmes, while Campbell Forsyth possesses considerable litigation expertise and is a Deputy High Court Judge of England and Wales. Other key contacts at the practice include Jeremy Hertzog, who is well-versed in the pharmaceutical, technology, and luxury goods sectors, while Patrick Farrant bolsters the practice with his strength in the biotech sphere. Contentious expert Gareth Dickson litigates at a national and international level.

Noted for its ability to provide ‘great strategic advice’ and its determination ‘to leave no stone unturned’, Stephenson Harwood excels in multi-jurisdictional litigation, handling complex mandates for strong players in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Leading the team is Alexandra Pygall, who draws on her background in chemistry to provide technical advice to a litany of clients. Another name to note in the practice is Rob Jacob, who is highly experienced on the contentious front, as well as Naomi Leach, who strengthens the team’s transactional capabilities. Helen Conlan, who joined from Mishcon de Reya LLP in November 2023, principally focuses on patent litigation in the technology sector. Peter Dalton returned to Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in the same month.

Offering a one-stop patent shop to its global clients, Wiggin LLP is becoming increasingly prevalent in the biotech and betting and gaming industries, while maintaining an active practice across the electronics, engineering, financial services, and technology sectors. Sarah Ashby spearheads the team with her tenacity in the arena of patent enforcement and strategy, drawing on her considerable experience before the courts to assist clients with multi-faceted issues. Michael Browne is noted for his High Court and IPEC level experience, frequently engaging with those active within the fields of technology, computer games, and sports, among others. Calum Smyth fields a wide-ranging set of capabilities, spanning software patentability, technology transactions and structuring issues. Georgina Hart is also recommended.

With a demonstrable presence in the technology sector, WilmerHale counts some notable clients in its roster and is well-positioned to advise on a variety of patent litigation, including FRAND issues. The group is regarded as ‘superb’ and able to deliver ‘a service of the highest quality’. Justin Watts capitalises on his more than 30 years of experience operating in the patents field to represent pharmaceutical and technology giants in complex litigation, and Anthony Trenton is also highly active on the litigation side. Matthew Shade, who is both a solicitor and European patent attorney, enjoys extensive expertise across the electronics, technology, and medical devices arenas. Annsley Merelle Ward has considerable experience operating for innovative technology companies and Christina Guazzi contributes her experience that spans the technology and pharmaceutical sectors.

With an established presence in the life sciences sector, the ‘experienced, helpful and commercially minded’ Arnold & Porter handles a significant range of transactional work, such as global licensing arrangements and portfolio management, alongside patent litigation. The practice is jointly led by Beatriz San Martin, who has experience acting before the UK Courts and the CJEU, and Ewan Townsend, who demonstrates prowess on the commercial transactions side of the patents field. Other names to note include Tom Wilson and Jonathan Dack.

Enjoying a strong presence in the technology industry, the ‘fantastic, collaborative and friendly’ Dentons team incorporates portfolio management, opposition proceedings, and a diverse array of other contentious and non-contentious patent work into its arsenal of skills. Steering the practice is Justin Hill, who is entrusted by blue-chip clients for assistance with portfolio management work. Other key figures in the practice include Marie Jansson Heeks, who is active across both contentious and non-contentious mandates, and James Marsden, who contributes his considerable disputes expertise to the group.

Regularly appearing before the EPO and UKIPO, AA Thornton’s contentious offering counts notable inventors and SMEs across the life sciences, telecoms, and engineering sectors, to name a few, in its client base. The practice is jointly led by Geoff Hussey, who capitalises on his science background to handle patent disputes across the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors, and Daniel Byrne, who has experience with AI, quantum computing, and renewable energy patent litigation.

With capabilities that span several technical fields, Clyde & Co is noted for its ability to manage patents involving cancer treatments, super-resolution microscopes, and fentanyl antidotes, assisting with transactional work and due diligence exercises. Practice head Ralph Cox works for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, while Chris Williams demonstrates prowess on the contentious side of the practice, operating across the marine, energy, and natural resources sectors.

Providing an ‘individualised service’, DLA Piper frequently handles matters pertaining to standard essential patents, possessing significant experience within the sectors of IoT and 5G technologies. Ruth Hoy heads up the group while Deborah Bould bolsters the practice with her vast experience across SEP assertions, litigation, and licensing. Rebecca Lawrence excels in the life sciences sector and Richard Taylor principally focuses on the transactional side of the patent space.

Fieldfisher's arsenal of skills range from SPC mandates to AI issues, routinely handling due diligence and commercial considerations. The practice is helmed by Tommy McKenna, whose capabilities include technical patent mandates with considerable expertise on the disputes side. Christopher Leung bolsters the practice with his capabilities in the life sciences sector.

Entrusted by a diverse multitude of clients, Keystone Law is well-positioned to manage international disputes as well as handle commercial and regulatory issues. Simon Chalkley handles licensing, distribution, franchising, and technology transfer agreements for a varied roster of clients, while the ‘brilliant’ Rebecca Halford-Harrison is well-versed in the life sciences, cosmetics, and energy sectors. Other key players include Karen Fong and Lucy Harrold. James Tumbridge and Robert Peake joined from Venner Shipley LLP in May 2024.

With capabilities that span engineering, telecoms, and life sciences industries, Lewis Silkin is actively involved in managing technical patent disputes alongside global patent portfolios and licensing agreements for some notable clients. Steering the practice is Tom Gaunt, who possesses a wealth of experience in handling mechanical, electrical and software patents. The ‘excellent’ Jonathan Hewett is entrusted by start-ups, SMEs, universities, and multinational corporations for a variety of patent issues.

With recent experience in the High Court and the Unified Patents Court, the ‘incredibly attentive’ Potter Clarkson LLP is capable of handling multi-jurisdictional mandates with technical elements for start-ups through to global scale companies. The practice is jointly led by Nick McDonald, who covers all IP rights, Richard Roberts, who is well-positioned to advise clients operating within the chemical, automotive, and luxury retail sectors, and Mark Kramer, who has a wealth of experience on both the contentious and non-contentious side.

Drawing on its international network of offices, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP holds demonstrable expertise across the technology, retail, and charity sectors, among others, routinely representing a variety of clients on sizeable patent issues. Mary Bagnall leads the group and is especially noted for her litigation capabilities, as well as her expertise on the regulatory and transactional side. ‘Superb’ Caroline Young strengthens the team with her transactional expertise.

Spearheaded by Tom Lingard, the patent practice at Stevens & Bolton LLP is particularly experienced on the patent licensing side and is adept at handling issues arising from the life sciences, technology, and luxury goods industries. Lingard represents notable clients operating within the technology, media, manufacturing, and sport sectors. Charlotte Tillett, whilst covering the full gamut of IP rights, is noted for her strengths in international patent licensing.

Regarded as a ‘highly knowledgeable’ team, Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is prominent in the courts and has cemented its reputation across the sectors of retail, oil and gas, manufacturing, and technology. Helming the team is ‘top-notch’ James Love, who has represented clients in complex and technical litigation. Rose Smalley-Gordon is another key name to note in the practice.