JUVE Comment

The German team of this international firm has carved out a good position for patent litigation in the pharma sector in a short space of time. Partner Ina vom Feld, who is highly experienced in this segment, only joined the firm from Simmons & Simmons in April 2020. This opened the door to the German market for patent litigation for Herbert Smith Freehills. It is currently litigating for Sanofi in a case involving an SPC against Ratiopharm and has landed Dyson as a new client.

Two associates have now been added to the team, one of whom brings years of experience in electronics and IT patents. This is an important addition as the firm is looking to win over more tech clients.

Recommended individuals

Ina vom Feld (“very clever and technically good. Wonderful to work with”, client)

European strategy

The London team has a good reputation for pharma litigation, which fits in well with the profile of the German practice. The teams from the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy have already litigated together for Genentech, Hoffmann-La Roche and Roche against Pfizer. The firm has been on a drive towards expansion throughout Europe for years. In Milan, it has built a well-established team since 2017 and, in Paris, welcomed a partner from competitor Allen & Overy in 2018.

Team

1 partner, 2 associates

Specialties

Mainly litigation over technical protection rights and pan-European experience in pharma patents.

Clients

Litigation: Sanofi (defendant) against Ratiopharm on SPC for Aubagio; Dyson (claimant) against Beijing Roborock and Dreame on rechargeable vacuum cleaners. Advice: AIDP, Foundation Medicine, Thales; FTO analysis for Roche.