JUVE Comment

The French patent practice of this international law firm continues to hold a strong position in national proceedings, which often form part of pan-European patent battles. Renowned life sciences expert Laëtitia Bénard represents long-standing clients among innovative pharma companies such as Bayer and MSD, especially when they need to defend their blockbusters from generic drugs entering the French market. For example, she represented Bayer in the high-profile litigation over Xarelto, succeeding in having the case heard under the accelerated fixed-day procedure, a rare feat in French patent cases.

Recently, the team transferred its expertise in life sciences to the UPC. Merz Therapeutics entrusted A&O Shearman with representing the company in a PI application against Viatris concerning MS drug Fampyra. Alongside Bénard, young partner Charles Tuffreau has gained a stellar reputation for life sciences litigation. Furthermore, he increasingly takes on work in other technologies, as shown by his representation of Airbus Defence in a dispute over satellites. He is also representing Google as a co-defendant with Apple in the ongoing proceedings against Ferid Allani concerning the Android operating system. Tuffreau thus fills the gap left by David Por, who is renowned for telecoms litigation, when the latter moved to Clifford Chance in spring last year. The departure left the practice with only two remaining partners who are mainly known for their life sciences experience and have yet to build up a reputation for other fields such as telecommunications – especially when it comes to the UPC. The German tech team is particularly active here, for example for Dish against Aylo concerning video streaming. However, the Paris team is also involved in one of Europe’s largest SEP battles for long-standing client Samsung against ZTE, advising on ETSI’s responsibility regarding its IPR Policy.

Strengths

Representation of originator drug manufacturers in pharmaceutical cases. Strong pan-European network.

Recommended individuals

Laëtitia Bénard (“always calm, thinks strategically and makes the client feel comfortable”,  client; “good, practical coordination”, “excellent”, competitors), Charles Tuffreau (“outstanding litigator”, competitor)

Team

3 lawyers, 2 patent attorneys, 1 dual qualified

Partner moves

David Por (to Clifford Chance)

Clients

Litigation: Bayer against Biogaran, Viatris, Sandoz, Zentiva and Teva over sorafenib/Nexavar; Bayer against generics over rivaroxaban/Xarelto (against Zentiva settled 2025); MSD against Viatris on SPC for sitagliptin and metformin/Janumet; MSD against Teva over cholesterol drug ezetimibe simvastatin/Inegy; Airbus Defense against McDonald Dettwiller (MDA) over system for alignment of antennas; Google (co-defendant with Apple) against Ferid Allani over Android operating system (all public knowledge).