JUVE Comment

This small, partner-centric IP boutique is well positioned in the French patent litigation market. It maintains long-standing connections to midsized and large companies from the automobile, aviation, pharma, chemicals and biotech sectors. Besides a broad client base of French companies, the firm also boasts good contacts among German clients who it litigates for in the French part of pan-European patent disputes. One example is an international group and its German subsidiary specialising in industrial adhesives against a French competitor over starch glues. The team works closely with a number of German firms. With highly renowned name partner Pierre Cousin retiring at the beginning of last year, it is becoming clear that the group of young partners is still not very visible. Jean-Martin Chevalier, however, is carving out a name for himself with work for pharma startups.

Strengths

Patent litigation for a broad spectrum of industries.

European strategy

For international cases and the UPC, the firm cooperates with different outfits in Germany, the UK and other countries. By refraining from joining an institutionalised network, the firm remains flexible, but is constantly competing for sought-after cooperation partners.

Recommended individuals

Jean-Martin Chevalier (“very good, serious lawyer”, competitor)

Team

3 partners, 2 associates, 1 of counsel

Partner moves

Pierre Cousin (retired)

Specialties

Strong contacts among German clients and firms. Advice on plant-variety protection.

Clients

Litigation: Kubota (claimant) against French patent office INPI over refusal of a divisional application; French group in the aeronautics sector (defendant) against an airline over aviation technology; German originator manufacturer (claimant) against generics manufacturer over drug for autoimmune diseases; an international group (and its German subsidiary) specialising in industrial adhesives (defendant) against a French competitor over starch glues; French collecting society managing plant-variety protection.