JUVE Comment

Lavoix remains one of the top mixed patent firms in France, built on a strong and internationally renowned prosecution practice, especially for EPO oppositions. The firm advises an impressive list of core clients such as ArcelorMittal, L’Oréal, Thales, Total Energies and Sanofi on all prosecution matters.

In recent years, Lavoix has visibly intensified the internal teamwork between its patent attorneys and lawyers, a development that is increasingly bearing fruit in litigation. Litigator Camille Pecnard has gained visibility in French proceedings concerning life sciences patents, such as for Inserm and Nantes University, as well as in other technologies as demonstrated by his work for Unitec and Lavazza. The acquisition of new litigation clients like Neoperl, Unitec and SBM further demonstrates that the firm’s lawyers are raising their profile in the market in close cooperation with the patent attorneys.

At the same time, the team is increasingly active at the UPC, for example representing new client Academy of Military Medical Sciences in a high-stakes revocation action concerning a COVID-19 treatment, and for long-standing client ArcelorMittal, where Pecnard and patent attorney Bertrand Domenego work closely together.

This progress is underscored by a strategic expansion in Milan and Munich with a view to creating integrated international teams for the UPC.

Strengths

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

Recommended individuals

Camille Pecnard (“expert in patent litigation”, competitor); patent attorney: Bertrand Domenego (electronics, mechanics, process and mechanical engineering) (“precise and fast worker”, “demonstrates a knack for litigation”, competitors)

Team

7 lawyers, 39 patent attorneys

Clients

Litigation: ArcelorMittal against TDI over insulated roofing panels; Neoperl against Ecoperl, Ecoperl France and Bricoperl over flow regulators; Inserm/University of Nantes against OSE Immunotherapeutics over patent ownership; University of Nantes against AFM-Téléthon over gene therapy; Unitec SpA against MAF Agrobotic over fruit and vegetable processing solutions; Lavazza Professional France against competitor over automatic beverage dispensing machines; SBM against ex-employee over fraudulent patent filing. EPO oppositions for ArcelorMittal, L’Oreal, Thales, Total Energies, Sanofi, Schneider Electric, Somfy, Naval Group, Framatome.