JUVE Comment

This well-positioned London patent litigation practice of the international law firm is predominantly active in life science disputes. One of the main clients is Sanofi, which the firm represents in different disputes across the continent. But it is not only on Sanofi’s side that Linklaters demonstrates the ability of the European patent practice to oversee important proceedings across several jurisdictions. The same applies to Seoul Semiconductors in a Europe-wide dispute over LED technology. But the Korean LED manufacturer is so far the only prominent client when it comes to tech disputes – a clear weakness of Linklaters compared to most leading law firms. In addition, the team is relatively small, with only two partners who manage patent litigation and also advise on transactions.

Strengths

Pharma litigation, transactional work on IP.

European strategy

In the healthcare sector the patent teams in London, Munich and Paris 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. A stronger presence in mobile communications suits is also important, since manufacturers and network operators are among Linklaters’ typical clients.

Recommended individuals

Ian Karet

Team

3 partners, 10 associates (IP in total)

Specialties

Soft IP, patents and transactions, historically with a strong focus on life sciences.

Clients

Litigation: Seoul Semiconductors (claimant) regarding LEDs; Sanofi/Regeneron regarding UK litigation and coordination in Europe over cholesterol-lowering drug Repatha; Shire Viro Pharma against CSL Behring over drug Haegarda for treating autoimmune disease (all public knowledge).