JUVE Comment

The IP practice of this international full-service law firm is traditionally known for its representation of pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The close relationship with Korean LED manufacturer Seoul Semiconductor has been further strengthened and has now also led the team to the UPC. This has enabled the firm to raise its profile and further expand its client base beyond its established life science focus. Linklaters is advising various companies, including a manufacturer of networked devices, on potential disputes concerning SEPs. The team led by Julia Schönbohm draws on the expertise of the renowned German antitrust practice in FRAND matters.

Interdisciplinary networking with other practice groups harbours further potential for expanding the client base. Advice to the energy sector is particularly promising, as the energy law practice is one of the leading practices in Germany. The overall firm offers additional interfaces with key future issues such as AI and blockchain, which the patent team can capitalise on.

European set-up

Linklaters’ international patent practice enjoys a good working relationship, with the Frankfurt team regularly coordinating national proceedings in various jurisdictions. In the healthcare sector, the teams in London, Frankfurt and Paris traditionally cooperate in cases for originator companies such as Sanofi. The work for regular client Seoul Semiconductor has strengthened the Frankfurt-Paris axis. This experience in cross-border infringement proceedings is now paying off at the UPC, where lawyers from Germany and France are conducting an action for Seoul Viosys, sister company of Seoul Semiconductor, at the Paris central division. The team is also representing Playtech in a nullity action brought by MT RealTime Live. Following the arrival of Katie Coltart in the UK, who moved from Kirkland & Ellis and brings experience in SEP disputes, cooperation between London and the continental European offices could develop beyond the life sciences sector.

Strengths

Pharma litigation for originator drug manufacturers.

Recommended individuals

Julia Schönbohm, Bolko Ehlgen (“sharp as a tack and thorough, picks up on technical tricks that require an in-depth understanding of the invention”, competitor)

Team

10 lawyers

Clients

Litigation: Seoul Semiconductor against Conrad and other distributors over LEDs; Bundesdruckerei against Credit Card Supplies and VTT over passports; Taghleef Industries against Treofan over polymer films (settled 2023). Advice: transactional advice to Carrier Global, Fresenius Medical Care, Lufthansa, Stada; McKesson on licensing.