JUVE Comment

This well-positioned French IP boutique has numerous dual-qualified lawyers in its team. The once-traditional firm modernised in good time. It is now seeing dynamic growth and is challenging the market with a mixed approach. Loyer & Abello litigates, for example, in several major telecoms und pharma cases, including work for SFR in the extensive SEP suit by Intellectual Ventures. If the firm raises its visibility in such high-calibre cases, it will have a good chance of widening its market presence.

Clients from a wide array of technical fields entrust the firm with major cases. Manitou placed its defence against a suit by Bamford over excavators in the hands of the firm. Loyer & Abello also operates a small prosecution practice.

Strengths

Mixed team with broad technical expertise.

European strategy

The independent French boutique has some experience coordinating international patent cases, especially when it also represents clients at the EPO. However, it shares its connections to similarly-positioned firms in other countries with competitors, which means it cannot rely on exclusive relationships.

Recommended individuals

Michel Abello (“good litigator,” competitor)

Team

6 partners, 2 counsel, 7 associates, of whom 9 are patent attorneys

Specialties

All-round advice and litigation in all IP matters.

Clients

SFR (defendant) against Intellectual Ventures over SEPs; Manitou (defendant) against Bamford over excavators; Felco (claimant) against Pellenc over electric agricultural shears (Supreme Court); Bucher Vaslin (claimant) against Pellenc over vineyard secateurs; Arka Ouest (claimant) against Visiolab over real estate software; Cayago (claimant) against Toymaster and E-Clypse over seabobs. Advice: on licenses for GazTransport Technigaz, Inserm Transfert, Kerlink, Oncodesign, Vicat. Prosecution: patent filing for Betapack, GazTransport Technigaz, Manitou, Nokia, NopTrack, Terreal, Valeo Embrayages (all public knowledge).