Biotechnology, Chemistry & Pharmaceuticals

As well as acting for leading companies in the healthcare, biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceutical industries, we have an enviable track record of working with academic and research institutions and spin outs, all of which have been at the forefront of innovation and life-changing discoveries.

From our offices in the UK and Germany we directly advise pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnological companies throughout the world. With this diverse and multinational client base, clients can expect sound commercial advice from leading practitioners.

Our team has extensive expertise in contentious work, including EPO oppositions and litigation, as well as being at the leading edge for patent litigation. Our IP litigators are particularly known for their level-headed and effective litigation, particularly in life sciences, and assured case management. We are especially proud of our extensive experience before the EPO Opposition Division and Technical Boards of Appeal. We regularly handle important and valuable contentious matters both for patentee and opponent, in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals and have developed a reputation for having one of the best opposition practices in Europe.

Members of the team are also active in lecturing on IP issues in both the UK and overseas, have published papers on technical and IP matters in international journals and sit on international IP committees.

Our highly regarded team of experts offers a truly commercial perspective, having worked in academic environments, in the UK and European Patent Offices and as in-house counsel for major companies.

Life science patent searches

We also offer patent searching with our attorney-guided searches, conducted by experienced specialist patent searchers, to provide informed and business-essential search reports.

Bespoke searches covering a wide range of scientific and non-scientific literature in the field of life sciences are a particular area of expertise. With access to proprietary databases and specialist searching tools we are able to conduct, organise and manage the complete range of patent searching and together with our qualified attorneys provide rigorous legal advice necessary for making business decisions.