JUVE Comment

A large, well-positioned French firm made up of litigators and patent attorneys. Lavoix nurtures close connections to regular clients who are mostly advised on all IP matters by a team of experts from all technical fields. The very large client base gives the firm a diversity independent from individual instructions. Lavoix is among the top firms for patent filing along with competitors Plasseraud, Regimbeau and Santerelli. The team also provides patent litigation for midsized companies and major corporates from a range of sectors. But it is less visible in the large international battles than market-leading competitors like August Debouzy. Overall, the firm is not necessarily involved in fewer litigation cases than, for example, Bird & Bird, but Lavoix does not appear regularly in the really big cases. Lots of notable prosecution clients opt for litigators from other firms for their high-profile cases. But, with many patent attorneys boasting IT experience in its ranks, Lavoix is in good shape to raise its visibility in this litigious sector.

Strengths

Mixed team with strong prosecution practice in all technical fields. Broad and recommended technical spectrum.

European strategy

The mixed French firm has small offices in Germany, Italy and Luxembourg with only patent attorneys.

Recommended individuals

Camille Pecnard; patent attorneys: Bertrand Domenego (“technically good and fair”, “precise and fast”, competitors; electronics; mechanics, process and mechanical engineering), Jacob Klinkisch (digital communication and computer technology; electronics).

Team

20 partners, 28 associates, of whom 6 are litigators and 42 are patent attorneys

Specialties

All-round advice and litigation in all IP matters. Large prosecution practice in all technical fields.

Clients

Litigation: Emitec France/Continental (defendant) against Plastic Omnium over diesel tank; Locatelli (claimant) against Shark over motorcycle helmets; Wireless Seismic (defendant) against Sercel over data systems (settled); Peaccel/Université de Nantes (claimant) against Californian company over biotechnology; frequent advice to Naval Group. Prosecution: filing and oppositions for Alstom, Aperam, Arcelormittal, Dassault Aviation, Faurecia, Naval Group, Sanofi, Schneider Electric, Somfy, Thales, Total, Technip France (all public knowledge).