JUVE Comment

Despite its small size, the well-positioned IP boutique continues to impress with a client list containing some high-profile names on the generics pharmaceutical side, such as Dr Reddy’s against global healthcare company Novartis. Innovate Legal is also very active for generic companies Aspire and Accord in important litigation concerning travoprost, which treats internal eye pressure.

However, despite its clear speciality, the practice under founder Duncan Curley is also currently acting against a major tech company as the claimant regarding patent infringement and damages. On the other hand, the firm is not at all visible in FRAND or SEP litigation. Although the firm operates on the same level as leading firms for pharma litigation, there is still a long way to go in the field of mobile communications. In order to be involved in significant cases in this field the team will have to grow considerably.

Strengths

Life sciences litigation for generics.

European strategy

Innovate Legal is clearly a national boutique, with one office in London. It has no plans to expand the practice to Europe, although it does co-ordinate parallel cases across European countries such as Greece, Spain, France, Belgium and Ireland.

Recommended individuals

Duncan Curley

Team

2 solicitors

Specialties

Boutique IP firm with patent and some trademark capabilities. Particularly visible in life sciences disputes for generics. Advice for biotech innovators. Anti-trust law.

Clients

Litigation: Aspire and Accord (claimant) against Allergan over patent infringement; Aspire and Accord (claimant) against Alcon and Novartis over second medical use patent; Dr Reddy’s (defendant) against Novartis for breast cancer treatment (settled); Add2 (claimant) against Dspace over automotive electronic control units (all public knowledge).