JUVE Comment

Lavoix is one of the top three mixed patent firms with a strong prosecution practice. The patent attorneys are internationally renowned for their exceptional practice in EPO oppositions. Such impressive names as Alstom, Dassault Aviation, Faurecia, Framatome and Naval Group from a variety of technical sectors as well as electronics companies trust in the firm.

While the firm has long provided all-round advice to core clients such as ArcelorMittal, it has stepped up internal teamwork and joint litigation for clients by patent attorneys and lawyers in recent years. But there is still room to grow, especially in high-profile telecoms and life sciences cases. Sanofi, for example, entrusts the firm with a great deal of work in prosecution, but not in litigation.

Although Lavoix is on a par with competitor Casalonga in terms of team size, its lawyers lack a comparable track record in high-profile cases. Nevertheless, the firm is on the right path to increasing joint work by both professions for its clients.

Strengths

Mixed team with strong prosecution practice, especially regarding pharma and biotechnology, chemistry, automotive, digital communication and computer technology, electronics, mechanics, process and mechanical engineering.

European set-up

Lavoix’s strong informal ties to boutiques in other European countries open the door to work for notable clients. It is rarely seen in high-profile pan-European cases, however, and is less visible than competitors like Casalonga.

Despite this, with its loyal client base in prosecution, the first-rate experience of many of its patent attorneys in EPO oppositions, a strong best-friends network and the improved teamwork between the firm’s own litigators and patent attorneys, Lavoix is in a very good starting position to litigate at the UPC. The team’s presence in EPO oppositions is proof positive of how clients are seeking out Lavoix for their high-stakes cases.

Recommended individuals

Camille Pecnard (“experienced in cross-border work”, competitor; patent attorney: Bertrand Domenego (electronics, mechanics, process and mechanical engineering)

Team

8 lawyers, 35 patent attorneys

Specialties

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

Clients

Litigation: Continental (claimant) against Michelin over truck tires; ArcelorMittal (defendant) against TDI regarding houses; Inserm and University of Nantes (claimants) against former partner over patent ownership; Lavazza Pro (claimants) against Sielaff over automatic beverage vending machine; Panthera (defendant) against Resmed over orthosis; Naval (claimant) against Acialent over software for aircraft carrier. EPO oppositions for ArcelorMittal (defendant) against Tata Steel over steel strips (public knowledge).