JUVE Comment

With its mix of litigators and patent attorneys, this IP boutique has carved out a sound position in the French market. The two name partners, lawyer Arnaud Casalonga and patent attorney Axel Casalonga, were among the first in France to put the mixed approach consistently into practice. Close cooperation between the two professional groups is thus more deeply rooted in Casalonga’s philosophy than in almost any other firm. Both litigators and patent attorneys enjoy strong reputations independently from one another. Casalonga generally positions itself on the side of generics companies. A mixed team represented Zentiva against Eli Lilly in the French part of the pan-European dispute over pemetrexed, demonstrating that the model of close cooperation between lawyers and patent attorneys in litigation, still a rarity in France, can function well.

At the same time, the firm is also involved in high-profile FRAND proceedings for Sagemcom as co-defendant. Nevertheless, the team is not yet registered as strongly for mobile communications suits as for pharma. The patent attorneys advise on a range of other technologies as well, including automotive, chemicals and cosmetics. This also provides the litigation practice with a steady influx of clients.

Strengths

Litigation for generic manufacturers of pharmaceuticals. Patent prosecution regarding pharma, biotechnology, digital communication, computer technology and electronics.

European strategy

Casalonga is present at the headquarters of the EPO in Munich with a small office of three patent attorneys. The traditional French firm also has a long-standing network of international IP and patent attorney firms.

Recommended individuals

Arnaud Casalonga, Marianne Gabriel (“efficient,” competitor), Francis Zapalowicz

Team

12 partners, 17 associates, of whom 21 are patent attorneys

Specialties

Full-service patent prosecution practice, including revocation cases and EPO proceedings with a recommended expertise in pharma and biotechnology. Digital communication and computer technology. Litigation mostly for pharma companies, as well as some cases in electronics and mechanics.

Clients

Litigation: Zentiva (defendant) against Eli Lilly over cancer drug Alimta; Ortho Partners (defendant) against Ormco on brackets; Sagemcom as co-defendant of Orange and Bouygues against Intellectual Ventures over SEPs; pharmaceutical firm (defendant) against several patents owners over SPCs; automotive supplier (claimant) against provider of solutions for industrial drying materials over glass recycling system. Advice: frequently for Biogaran (public knowledge). Prosecution: Filing and opposition for Biogaran, Galderma, L’Oréal, Takeda, Total, Vallourec. Filing and patent prosecution for Arkema, Chereau, Diam Bouchage, General Electrics, Hewlett-Packard, MCPP, Michelin, Renault, Safran, SKF, STMicroelectronics, Terumo (all public knowledge).