JUVE Comment

The patent litigation team of this primarily deal-driven firm has a good name for pharmaceuticals litigation. The lawyers are active in two international battles for Shire and a US biotech company. The practice continued its positive development elsewhere too by broadening its technical know-how. Schönbohm’s team conducted cross-border litigation for Seoul Semiconductors concerning LEDs. Both the Korean LED manufacturer and Shire show the direction the young German team is looking to move in: more high-volume proceedings working closely with the patents teams in London and Paris. Linklaters has higher ambitions in such cross-border proceedings and with regard to the UPC, but lacks a more visible team in Düsseldorf. Further partner additions would be a logical move.

Strengths

Pharmaceuticals litigation.

European strategy

In the healthcare sector the patents teams in London, Paris and Frankfurt consistently work together. But the firm has higher ambitions for the UPC. For this it lacks more visible teams in Amsterdam and Düsseldorf. Partner additions at the latter especially would be a logical move. A stronger presence in mobile communications suits is also important. After all, manufacturers and network operators are among Linklaters’ typical clients.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Julia Schönbohm.

Team

1 partner, 6 associates

Practice

Strong focus on patent litigation. Close cooperation with the dispute resolution team. Also licences, contracts, transactions and antitrust.

Clients

Litigation: Epcos regarding valve control; Seoul Semiconductors concerning LEDs; Shire Viro Pharma regarding HAE patent; Taghleef concerning plastic films, US biotech company regarding cholesterol drug.