JUVE Comment

This well-positioned IP boutique has acted in several high-profile patent cases. Innovate Legal is especially active in life science disputes and its work with innovative pharmaceutical companies has seen the practice litigate against higher-tier firms such as Bird & Bird and Kirkland & Ellis. At the beginning of the year, its litigation team appeared at the High Court for Indian company Dr Reddy’s against global healthcare company Novartis. It is also set to litigate for client Allergan in 2020. There is no doubt these clients are impressive big names considering there is only a team of two behind Duncan Curley. However, no telecommunication or FRAND disputes appear on Innovate Legal’s client list. This could be a future key area for the firm considering the London-centric nature of the firm’s practice and the importance of FRAND disputes in the UK courts.

Strengths

Life sciences litgiation for innovators, electronics.

European strategy

Innovate is clearly a national boutique, with one office in London. If the UPC launches, it could present an interesting opportunity for closer relationships with national firms in other European countries.

Recommended individuals

Duncan Curley

Team

2 solicitors, 1 patent attorney

Specialties

Full service in IP including patent prosecution. Focus on litigation in a broad range of technological fields, including antitrust law. Arbitration and mediation.

Clients

Litigation: Novartis against Dr Reddy’s (defendant) for breast cancer treatment; Bose against Freebit (defendant) over in-ear devices; Allergan (claimant) against Aspire (all public knowledge).