JUVE Comment

For its small size, this well-positioned IP boutique is active in an impressive amount of patent litigation in a multitude of sectors including life sciences, mechanical engineering and electronics. In addition to a chiefly midsized client base, global pharma companies like Bayer and Hoffmann La Roche rely on the firm for patent battles at the French courts. Guillaume Henry is litigating for Ever Pharma against Sanofi in a dispute over drugs for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Close and long-established contacts in the German Mittelstand are also a steady source of work, for instance for traditional company Schwan Stabilo Cosmetics or media technology company Kindermann. Szleper Henry frequently works with the German patent attorneys as well, which also leads to cross-referrals.

Strengths

Patent litigation focusing on pharma, mechanics and electronics.

European set-up

The small IP boutique has long-standing contacts abroad, especially in German patent attorney firms. Both partners are also seen in the French parts of pan-European patent litigation, e.g. for Ever Pharma in the dispute between several generics manufacturers against Sanofi, which could prove useful for the UPC. The small team lacks the clout, however, for larger scale cross-border litigation. This is especially true for UPC suits. Close cooperation or even a merger with similarly positioned small IP firms in key UPC jurisdictions like Germany and the Netherlands would be a good idea to raise the firm’s appeal to clients looking to bring their patent disputes before the new court.

Recommended individuals

Dariusz Szleper (“highly experienced in pharma, biotech and mechanics”, competitor), Guillaume Henry (“efficient and highly skilled”, competitor)

Team

3 lawyers

Specialties

Exclusive activity in IP with a strong focus on patent litigation and trademarks and unfair competition.

Clients

Litigation: Ever Pharma (defendant) against Sanofi over second medical use patent for prostate cancer drug Jevtana; Bayer IP (claimant) against Guerbet over contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); Kindermann (defendant) against Barco over wireless technology; Hussor (claimant) against Outinord over construction technology; Royal Distribution (defendant) against Kaloud over smoking apparatus; Schwan Cosmetics (defendant) in revocation case against French competitor over eyeliner; Atelier Robert (defendant) against Emily over agricultural machine; Sphere (defendant) against Melitta over plastic bin bags.