Allen & Overy LLP‘s ‘absolutely first-class’ London IP patents practice maintains notable international capabilities, advising some of the largest global companies in the technology and telecoms sectors. Patent litigator Mark Ridgway leads the litigation arm of the practice, which regularly represents life sciences, future technology, and consumer product companies before the courts, while David Stone heads up the global IP team. The transactional side of the practice is headed up by Jim Ford, who specialises in coupling commercial and strategic IP advice with M&A, corporate and finance transactions, and joint ventures. Clients in the pharmaceuticals, technology, and telecoms industries instruct patent litigation expert Neville Cordell, who ‘brings a wealth of cross-technology patent experience to any case’. Mark Heaney is the go-to in the team for telecoms, IT, and software-related litigation, while Marjan Noor is the name to note for large-scale life sciences patent litigation SPCs and regulatory issues. Nigel Parker also specialises in commercial IP matters, advising household name clients on the technology, IP, and data aspects of corporate transactions and licensing agreements. Rafi Allos was recently made partner, while senior associates Tom Edwards and James Fox continue to excel, with Edwards regularly acting before the UK Courts and Fox specialising in FRAND and SEP litigation in the technology and telecoms sectors. Senior associate Zoe Grant is also a key member of the patent litigation practice, and associate Erin Currie specialises in life sciences patent litigation.

Bird & Bird LLP’s patent litigation team ‘brings cutting edge, innovative, and highly successful strategies’ to its offering, covering the full spectrum of technology issues across the biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, engineering, chemical manufacturing, and related industries. The team maintains an excellent track record of acting in SEP and FRAND disputes, with Jane Mutimear and Richard Vary the key individuals in this space. The team is co-led by mechanical technology dispute expert Katharine Stephens and Robert Williams, whose recent instructions include multi-jurisdictional patent infringement and revocation claims in the UK, Germany and the US. Morag Macdonald is also a patent litigator of note, and Eleanor Root was recently engaged by a pharmaceuticals company in proceedings relating to an important cancer drug. Tom Snaith and Sally Shorthose are transactional IP experts, advising on several complex patent licensing matters, as well as providing M&A due diligence for several high-profile clients. Also of note is Christopher de Mauny, who was recently promoted to partner and regularly advises on matters in the life science, hi-tech, and sustainable technology industries.

Maintaining one of the broadest patent benches, Bristows LLP is praised as ‘one of the top UK-based patent litigation firms‘ with a full-service capacity. Consistently at the forefront of the market, dealing with precedent setting cases or managing multi-jurisdictional matters, the team advises high-profile global clients in the technology and life sciences sectors on commercial, regulatory, competition, and contentious matters. Andrew Bowler and Myles Jelf co-lead the patent litigation team, which has recently seen a number of high-profile cases, including contested issues related to FRAND licensing in the telecoms sector, and patent portfolio defence and enforcement mandates relating to the blockbuster drug Gilenya. Also key within the team are life sciences patent litigator Brian Cordery, Richard Pinckney, who is a key contact for technology sector clients, Gemma Barrett, Robert Burrows, and Rachel Mumby. On the transactional side, Matthew Warren leads the practice, which also includes Claire Smith.

The ‘deep experience’ in Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s patent practice lies in its practitioners across all levels of seniority. The team is trusted by high-profile global names in the life sciences, technology, telecoms, and consumer sectors and manages global and regional IP portfolios, handling contentious and non-contentious work. Paul Brown is the practice head, and specialises in the electronics and medical devices industries, shining in contentious multi-jurisdictional patent litigation. Former Herbert Smith Freehills LLP practice head Joel Smith is highly regarded for his work across multiple sectors and is a specialist on UK plant variety protection and regulation. ‘No-nonsense litigator’ Stephen Bennett has an excellent track record in FRAND disputes in the life sciences sector, and Daniel Brook is praised for being ‘technically brilliant’ particularly in acting for innovator pharmaceuticals clients. The ‘commercially savvy’ Katie McConnell has multi-jurisdictional patent dispute expertise across the telecoms and life sciences sectors, and counsels Stella Wong and Emma Fulton also excel in biotechnology and medical device litigation. Counsels Imogen Ireland, Ian Moss, and James Gray are also recommended.

Led by ‘colossus on the international IP scene’ Nicola Dagg, who oversees a ‘Rolls-Royce service’, the Kirkland & Ellis International LLP patent practice continues to grow in size and expertise. Excelling in transatlantic mandates in the life sciences sector, the team has established itself as a trusted adviser to some of the world’s largest pharmaceuticals, telecoms, technology and tobacco companies. London group head Emma Flett is the key contact in the team for transactional IP matters, covering a wide range of industries. Jin Ooi is notable for his patent litigation practice, particularly in the biotechnology sector, alongside Katie Coltart. Peter Pereira was recently promoted to partner, focusing on high-tech patent litigation, while Daniel Lim is particularly strong in medical device and telecom disputes, and Steven Baldwin has a strong track record in SEP and FRAND litigation. At the associate level, Gabriella Bornstein is also recommended and has extensive trial experience.

Powell Gilbert LLP is praised as one of the ‘friendliest and most relaxed top level firms in London’ with ‘fantastic litigation skills’ and experience at the forefront of high-level UK and multi-jurisdictional patent litigation. Excellent in the life sciences sector, the team advises on a number of strategically and technically complex patent disputes, with Simon Ayrton, Zoë Butler and Tom Oliver continuing to lead on a global dispute in the field of automated warehouse technology on behalf of FTSE 100 company Ocado Group. Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals patent litigation expert Penny Gilbert leads the practice, with recent instructions including representing Biogen in relation to its biosimilar portfolio. Telecoms, electronics, and IT mandates are the purview of Ari Laakkonen, whose extensive technical knowledge focuses on electronics patent litigation and licensing disputes. Solicitor advocate Tim Powell is also highly experienced, regularly representing clients in all levels of English courts and the European Patent Offices and European Court of Justice, and Bethan Hopewell is active in international mandates. Joel Coles and Tess Waldron were recently promoted to the partnership; both have strong pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare practices. Siddharth Kusumakar, Peter Damerell and Tim Whitfield are also recommended, recently acting in high-profile matters related to therapeutic antibodies, non-smoking tobacco and digital distributed antenna systems respectively.

The patent practice at Baker McKenzie continues to grow its expertise, with the team recently acting in a number of high-profile, technically complex cases in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals products sectors related to chemical processes, the automotive sector in relation to safety technologies, and the telecoms sector in relation to mobile devices. ‘Outstanding litigator’ Hiroshi Sheraton leads the practice, and focuses on the life sciences, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors. Also of note in the team is ‘highly competent’ senior associate Tanvi Shah, who continues to build her patent expertise.

CMS‘ patents practice is notable for its litigation offering, particularly in the international generic pharmaceuticals space. Following the departure of Gareth Morgan to Pinsent Masons LLP, the team is jointly led by medical device and pharmaceuticals industry expert Sarah Hanson and Mark Shillito, who recently joined the group from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP. Shillito brings his wealth of experience in the multi-jurisdictional patents space, assisting household name clients in the life sciences, technology and media industries. Also notable within the team is ‘insightful, strategic thinker’ Caitlin Heard, who is active in the telecoms and construction sectors. The team also saw the addition of Toby Sears from Allen & Overy LLP, who adds a broad contentious and non-contentious practice, particularly in the telecoms, electronics and software spaces.

The patent practice at Gowling WLG, led by Kate Swaine, is considered ‘a leading IP practice’ by clients, with ‘many bright minds and creative thinkers’. Areas of strength for the team stem from the patent litigation practice, covering the life sciences, manufacturing, engineering and technology sectors, as well as SEP and FRAND strategy and litigation. Clients from the telecoms, hi-tech, and food and beverage industries also trust the team to manage their patent portfolios in a non-contentious capacity. Alexandra Brodie is notable for her SEP/FRAND litigation expertise for telecoms and technology clients, while Paul Inman is a key name in the team for high-profile pharmaceuticals patent infringement and revocation expertise. Luke Kempton and Patrick Duxbury are go-to members of the team for IP transactional work. Also of note is the medical technology team, which fields the ‘excellent’ Jon Ball and ‘superb’ Huw Evans. Life sciences specialist Jenny Davies was recently promoted to partner, while patent litigator and fluent Japanese speaker Seiko Hakada joined the team from Norton Rose Fulbright.

‘Incredibly client focused’ with an ‘excellent depth of  scientific knowledge’, the patent practice at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP regularly advises on pan-European patent litigation, with particular strength in the telecoms and technology sectors. The team is also notable for its expertise in advising originator and innovator companies in the medical technology and pharmaceuticals industries. The team is now led by Sebastian Moore, who splits his time between London and Milan and specialises in pan-European pharmaceuticals litigation, including a number of high-profile cases before the CJEU. Andrew Moir is a key member of the team for complex hi-tech patent disputes, while Sophie Rich continues to be a trusted adviser to some of the globe’s largest pharmaceuticals, operating on a consultant basis within the team. Research and development issues and commercial transactions are the purview of Jonathan Turnbull, who is well praised by clients. Andrew Wells was recently made partner and is a patent litigator focused on pharmaceuticals and diagnostic patent litigation. Senior associates Emily Bottle, Alex Freelove and Peter Dalton are also recommended.

IP specialist firm Marks & Clerk enjoys a strong reputation in the biotechnology, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals sectors. Mike Gilbert leads the life sciences practice in the firm and advises on a number of high-value, highly complex patent disputes, particularly revocations. Dafydd Bevan specialises in hi-tech patent litigation and is a key contact within the team for disputes related to software, network communications, and graphical user interfaces, including FRAND and SEP licensing issues; he also maintains a strong mechanical engineering patent practice. Trevor Crosse is a biotechnology and pharmaceuticals patent litigation specialist, representing a number of major biopharmaceuticals clients in complex patent disputes. Graham Burnett-Hall is praised for his technical and ‘out-of-the-box’ approach to mandates, and Michael Moore advises on the more commercial aspects of the practice, particularly on licensing deals, collaboration agreements and M&A due diligence.

Pinsent Masons LLP ‘has a strong scientific understanding’ and ‘adopts a pragmatic approach’ for its clients, and is particularly well-known for its patent revocation litigation practice. Clare Tunstall leads the group and is considered an expert in multi-jurisdictional patent actions. Charlotte Weekes is also of note within the team, particularly for pan-European, business-critical patent actions, having appeared at all levels of the UK courts and the CJEU in a number of high-profile cases. Gina Bicknell joined the team from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, bolstering the team's US capabilities and adding to the team’s transactional life sciences offering, which also includes Christopher Sharp. In addition, pharmaceuticals and medical device exclusivity rights specialist Gareth Morgan joined the team from CMS alongside a number of associates. Also of note are Allistair Booth, David Lancaster, Mark Marfé and Nicole Jadeja, all of which are highly praised by clients.

‘Commercially aware’ with ‘in-depth knowledge’ of the IP sector, Simmons & Simmons' patents practice offers litigation, prosecution, and transactional advice to clients with a strong presence across the EMEA region. Key sectors for the team include the life sciences, fintech, and technology sectors, of which the team has advised on a number of big-ticket patent litigation matters for recognised brands and companies. The transactional side of the practice is adept at licensing and collaboration mandates, which practice head Michael Gavey excels in, particularly for high-profile clients. Michael Burdon is considered an expert in patent litigation in the healthcare, life sciences, and TMT sectors, and Scott Parker is also of note on the litigation side of the practice. For transactional patent matters, Angus McLean is the key contact at the firm and is well known in the fintech space.

‘Professionalism’, ‘pragmatism’, and ‘flexibility’ are all characteristics of Taylor Wessing LLP‘s patent practice, which is well known for its patent revocation expertise, particularly acting for generic pharmaceuticals companies. The team is led by Nigel Stoate, whose practice focuses on medical device, pharmaceuticals, telecoms, chemicals, and engineering industry patent litigation. James Marshall is a hi-tech expert in the team, and Simon Cohen heads up the international patents practice at the firm, which is trusted by global life sciences companies. On the transactional side, expertise spans patent and IP strategies, licensing issues, R&D collaborations and other commercial agreements; Adrian Toutongi, Colin McCall and Alison Dennis are noted in this space, while Tasmina Goraya is a go-to name for regulatory matters.

Carpmaels & Ransford LLP’s patent offering provides ‘an excellent joined up service for patent litigation’. Strong across patent prosecutions and litigation, the team has recently been involved in a number of cutting edge mandates related to SCPs for blockbuster drug production. Cross-border strategies for defence are also an area of strength for the team, which is led co-led by David Wilson and Jake Marshall. Wilson heads up the dispute resolution arm of the practice, in which Jennifer Antcliff and Ian Kirby shine. Marshall is the name for transactional and advisory matters, including licensing and manufacturing deals.

As a contentious specialist firm and standout for its FRAND litigation capabilities, EIP‘s patent litigation practice supports clients across a wide range of industries, with significant success in electronics and mobile telecoms industry cases at all levels up to the Supreme Court. Gary Moss spearheads the practice and is well versed in large-scale UK and cross-border disputes. The team is made up of Andrew Sharples, who is also dual qualified as a patent attorney and solicitor; and the ‘hardworking and conscientious’ Robert Lundie Smith, who also maintains an excellent contentious track record. Matthew Jones is adept in advising on matters related to generics and blockbuster drugs, and Kathleen Fox Murphy has extensive expertise advising on patent litigation.

Capable across both contentious and non-contentious patent matters, the team at Linklaters LLP acts for some of the world’s largest pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies. Key areas of expertise for the team include the healthcare, telecoms, technology, consumer, and industrial industries. The team is led by Ian Karet, who has over 30 years of experience in the field and is notable for his healthcare sector patent litigation expertise, acting for global innovators. Yohan Liyanage has a broad practice, coordinating global patent disputes while also advising on the IP aspects of M&A, joint ventures, IPOs, and patent licensing transactions. Managing associate Stephanie Farrington is also of note, advising on cross-border patent litigation and negotiating and drafting licensing agreements. Paul Joseph joins the firm from Norton Rose Fulbright.

Mishcon de Reya LLP‘s IP practice is praised for its ability to ‘ provide multi-faceted advice, strategy and litigation across the entire spectrum of IP’. Clients, particularly from the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, chemicals, telecoms and automotive industries, trust the team to provide patent counselling, enforcement advice and knowledge of validity challenges and transactions, both domestic and cross-border in nature. David Rose is the head of the IP disputes and patents groups, specialising in rights protection and enforcement programs, including SEPs and FRAND licensing. The team is also home to Helen Conlan, whose practice focuses on the TMT sector; she advises on a number of patent disputes pertaining to mechanical and digital medical devices. Jeremy Hertzog is a key contact for pharmaceuticals, technology and automotive clients, and Campbell Forsyth joined the team in 2022 from Dentons, bringing with him 20 years of experience in technically complex cross-border patent disputes.

Arty Rajendra leads the patent practice at Osborne Clarke LLP, which acts in a number of high-value patent litigation matters at the forefront of the market. Particularly strong in the technology, telecoms, and life sciences sectors, the team routinely advises on SEP and FRAND litigation matters, with Rajendra recently acting in the high-profile Unwired Planet v Huawei FRAND determination. Also of note within the team is Will James who is praised by clients as ‘a leader in the space and a pleasure to work with’. Tim Harris is also a highly regarded patent litigator and an expert in representing hi-tech companies. Tamara Quinn is the key contact for non-contentious IP work.

Particularly impressive in non-contentious patent matters across the life sciences, consumer, retail and energy sectors, Stephenson Harwood is trusted by multinational companies to handle complex and high-value commercial licensing agreements and transactions.  The ‘outstanding and always committed’ team is led by Alexandra Pygall, who is highly praised by clients for her strategic and in-depth approach. Naomi Leach is also a name of note, particularly for IP licensing issues, collaboration agreements, and patent portfolio management work. The team also has a contentious practice, of which Rob Jacob is a key name to highlight.

Wiggin LLP ‘provides excellent, comprehensive, practical, detailed advice’ across a wide range of industry sectors, including the electronics, engineering, medical devices, financial services, software, and technology industries; clients instruct the team on patent litigation and transactional matters. The team is led by ‘leading light’ Sara Ashby, and is also home to Michael Browne, whose broad experience in patent litigation is praised by clients, and Calum Smyth, who is a key contact for financial services companies. The practice is well known for its experience in the technology and media sectors, and regularly coordinates and supports international mandates. Consultant Flora Greenwood is another key member of the team.

WilmerHale‘s patent practice team fields ‘an amazing and dedicated pool of talent who are able to provide the very best service in all aspects of complex technical patent litigation’. Collaborating closely with the firm's US counterparts, the London team comprises Trevor Cook, Matthew Shade, Anthony Trenton and Justin Watts, who are all adept at advising on high-profile, high-value FRAND and SEP litigation. Key sectors of expertise for the team include the pharmaceuticals, mobile phone technology, biotechnology product, semiconductor, and aviation engineering industries.

Arnold & Porter’s patents group is led by Beatriz San Martin, who focuses her practice on the life sciences sector and innovative technologies. Commercial IP expert Ewan Townsend is notable in the team, having recently been part of a global cohort advising AstraZeneca on the manufacture and purchase agreements for its Covid-19 vaccine. The team has continued to grow in this field, also advising both Sanofi and Pfizer on a number of vaccine-related matters.

Dentons‘ patents practice offers its clients comprehensive litigation, advisory, transactional, and prosecution assistance, with a strong bench of litigators who are trusted by companies in the technology, retail, media, finance and public sectors. Justin Hill leads the team, which is praised for its ‘excellent service’ and ‘pragmatic approach’. Recent highlights for the team include advising high-profile clients on their UK and European patent portfolios, as well as acting for generic pharmaceutical companies in patent infringement and validity proceedings.

Fieldfisher‘s UK patent practice’s core team includes litigation expert and practice head David Knight, director Tommy McKenna and senior associate Christopher Leung. The group has a strong technical background in electronic engineering, chemistry and patent litigation, and is able to support clients across a broad spectrum of technologies and industries. Recent highlights include acting for Peloton in a patent infringement claim commenced by a competitor company.

As advisers to a number of global household name and listed clients, the Reed Smith LLP patents practice advises on both contentious and non-contentious issues relating to major patent disputes and multi-jurisdictional patent strategies. Practice head Jonathan Radcliffe is praised by clients as ‘charming, intelligent and a real team player’, while Philip Thomas is ‘extremely capable and approachable’.

Geoff Hussey leads the patents practice at AA Thornton, which is noted by clients as ‘a great team with true experts’. Fielding patent experts in the life sciences and cosmetic sectors, the team advises on IP strategy, due diligence in IP transactions and M&A, and licensing issues, and has particular expertise in relation to the Nagoya Protocol. Daniel Byrne is another key name to note.

Clifford Chance LLP‘s IP practice group continues to be a trusted adviser to Pfizer, acting on its global patent licensing and collaboration agreement with BioNTech for the development of the Covid-19 vaccine. The team, which is co-led by Stephen Reese and Vanessa Marsland, has also advised on the development of an mRNA vaccine to target shingles. Sector strengths span the healthcare, life sciences, consumer goods, and retail industries.

Clyde & Co‘s patent offering occupies a niche in representing generic pharmaceuticals companies in patent litigation and strategy. Alongside this well-known generics practice, the firm also has a strong veterinary IP practice. The team is led by Ralph Cox, who is known for his biotech and pharmaceuticals patent ligation expertise, while Chris Williams is a key name for clients across a range of sectors including the marine, natural resources, and energy industries.

The patents practice at DLA Piper advises a number of high-profile clients, particularly in the fields of 5G technology and the internet of things, regarding licensing issues and litigation. The team includes practice head Ruth Hoy, patent disputes expert Deborah Bould, and Rebecca Lawrence who was previously at Powell Gilbert LLP and joined following a break from private practice, bolstering the team’s contentious capabilities.

Keystone Law‘s IP patents practice advises start-ups and multinational businesses on both disputes and commercial IP matters. Rebecca Halford-Harrison is well known for her expertise in the food and beverage, life sciences, cosmetics, and energy industries, particularly in regulated markets. Simon Chalkley‘s practice focuses on IP strategy and commercial transactions, regularly advising on licensing, distribution, franchising and technology transfer agreements. Lucy Harrold has particular expertise in the protection, exploitation and enforcement of IP rights.

Lewis Silkin‘s patent practice is headed up by litigation expert Tom Gaunt, who has extensive expertise in the mechanical, electrical, and software patent spaces, and also handles EPO oppositions and infringement matters. Antony Craggs also has a focus on patent litigation, handing large cross-border disputes. Hong Kong-based David Swain is a close collaborator with the UK offering.

Venner Shipley LLP is well known for its patent attorney team and continues to grow its patent litigation practice, which is led by dual-qualified solicitor and barrister James Tumbridge and includes Robert Peake. Recent significant instructions include assisting Imperial College regarding its patent for a self-amplifying RNA vaccine as part of its Covid-19 vaccine strategy.

James Love heads up Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP‘s Yorkshire-based patent litigation practice, which has a broad service offering covering the full life-cycle of IP rights. Tim Barber and Patrick Cantrill are also of note within the team, which has extensive experience dealing with complex protection, exploitation and enforcement issues.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s patent practice excels in transactional matters, particularly international licensing agreements, M&A due diligence, and patent portfolio strategies. Mary Bagnall leads the practice and associate Caroline Young provides assistance in commercial IP matters. Also of note within the team is associate Peter Byrd, who excels in the retail, TMT and sport sectors.

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s UK patent practice is led by commercial IP expert Mike Knapper. The team also engages in contentious work, with recent highlights including advising Shell on a patent infringement claim in relation to Pay at Pump technology. Notable at a non-partner level are Farah Mukaddam who was recently promoted to counsel, and senior associate Alex Redbourne. Paul Joseph has left the firm for Linklaters.

Stevens & Bolton LLP maintains a strong patent licensing practice, acting for both licensors and licensees across a number of sectors, including the life sciences, technology, and consumer and luxury goods industries. Tom Lingard leads the practice and Charlotte Tillett brings additional life sciences expertise as the sector group’s head; both are singled out as ‘a pleasure to work with’. Senior associate Tom Collins continues to build his patent dispute practice and is also a key member of the team.