JUVE Comment

Despite being a predominantly chancery-driven set with a notable soft IP offering, Hogarth Chambers’ barristers are increasingly visible in patent cases at the UK High Court. Two of its silks specialise in patents with a preference for mechanical and technical work, but the set is clearly calling on its wide-ranging expertise to tackle cases such as Semtech against Laguna Space. Here, junior barrister Guy Tritton worked on issues of jurisdiction which, since Unwired Planet vs. Huawei, is an aspect continuing to grow as an important facet of UK patent and IP case law.

Recommended barrister Michael Hicks also appeared for respondent Geofabrics at both the High Court, and at the UK Court of Appeal. However, Hogarth Chambers seems to be especially successful in lending visibility to young talent. For example junior barrister Edward Cronan, who only joined the set in 2018, has appeared five times at the High Court during the course of 2021. This includes another jurisdiction case for TOT against Vodafone, and on the side of Philip Morris in the high-profile dispute with BAT over heat-not-burn cigarette technology.

The set is slightly less visible in major FRAND or telecommunications disputes than some other chambers, although it has increased this visibility over the past few years in such cases. An example is its work for Sisvel, which appeared as a co-defendant for Apple against Optis. However, it is yet to appear in any high-stakes pharmaceutical litigation or policy-centered disputes, for example over SPCs.

Recommended individuals

Michael Hicks (“excellent understanding in electronics patent cases and a reliable junior”, competitor), Roger Wyand

Team

2 QCs, 12 juniors

Clients

Court of Appeal: Geofabrics (respondent, Michael Hicks) against Fiberweb over railway trackbeds. High Court: TOT (claimant, Richard Davis, Edward Cronan) against Vodafone over jurisdiction; Philip Morris (claimant, Edward Cronan) against British American Tobacco over heat-not-burn cigarette technology; Mitsubishi and Sisvel (claimants, Edward Cronan) against OnePlus, Oppo, OPlus, Xiaomi over SEPs and licensing; Semtech (claimant, Guy Tritton) against Lacuna Space over jurisdiction; Philip Morris (defendant, Edward Cronan) against British American Tobacco/Nicoventures over heat-not-burn cigarette technology; Geofabrics (defendant, Michael Hicks) against Fiberweb over railway trackbeds; Renaissance (claimant, Nick Zweck) against the Comptroller General of Patents, Trademarks and Copyright over financial trading systems; Sisvel (appearing as co-defendant for Apple, Edward Cronan) against Optis over alleged breach of confidentiality; Nokia (claimant, Edward Cronan) over mobile communications.