JUVE Comment

In this otherwise transaction-driven firm, the patent team around Schönbohm has acquired a clear profile for pharma litigation. It conducts international proceedings for Shire and Sanofi together with the offices in London and Paris, which is underlined by the European patent practice’s strong network. The instructions are mainly managed in London. The German team is continuously broadening its technical competence through more proceedings outside the pharma sector. One example is the cross-border litigation for Seoul Semiconductors over LEDs, together with London and Paris. Linklaters also advises on connected cars, although it has not been at the forefront of German suits as yet. Such work proves the team has the ability to handle large-volume cases of the quality worthy of the market leaders. Linklaters recently bolstered its team with a managing associate from Hoyng ROKH Monegier, who brings experience in the firm’s core fields. The practice’s goal is to advise on more major cases independently from Germany. The client base offers additional potential for the German patent team in litigation, as other large firms do not boast the clear-cut profile amongt German industrial companies that the Linklaters team has. In addition IP teams at other large firms often have a higher proportion of transaction work.

Strengths

Pharma litigation.

European strategy

In the healthcare sector the patent teams in London, Paris, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt consistently work together. But the firm has higher ambitions for cross-border disputes as well as for the UPC. For this it lacks more visible teams in Amsterdam and Düsseldorf. In the latter, the team has been strengthened with an experienced managing associate, but partner additions would be a logical move. A stronger presence in mobile communications suits is also important, since manufacturers and network operators are among Linklaters’ typical clients.

Recommended individuals

Julia Schönbohm

Team

1 partner, 6 associates

Specialties

Patent litigation. Close cooperation with the dispute resolution team. Also licences, contracts, transactions and antitrust.

Clients

Litigation: TDK Electronics concerning ventilation control for motors; Seoul Semiconductors against Everlight over LEDs; Shire Viro Pharma over agent for treating autoimmune disease; Sanofi against Amgen over cholesterol-lowering drug Praluent; Taghleef over plastic films. Advice: manufacturer of telecom devices and car makers on connected cars.