JUVE Comment

The well-positioned London patent practice of Jones Day continues be active in both life sciences disputes and mechnical patent disputes, with the latter part of the firm’s practice enjoying more visibility over the past few years. Although the practice is not yet as omnipresent as other international firms with a European presence, such as Allen & Overy or Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, the clout of the small team is retained through core clients such as Lufthansa. For example, the company continues to engage Jones Day in a case concerning damages against Astronics and Safran Seats.

On the life sciences side, the firm is engaged in two biotechnology matters. And, despite a close link to the UK proceedings, the firm retains its relationship with BMS/Celgene to work with the firm’s European offices on cross-border matters in this dispute. But with Alastair McCulloch continuing to steer the small team, much of the London reputation in patent litigation hinges on his visibility in UK patent disputes and his cooperation with European Jones Day partners on cross-border matters. However, although Jones Day enjoys strong links to the US office, the London counterpart has not yet reached the same level of visibility in Europe as, for example, Jones Day’s French offering. The latter works for Coloplast over urinary catheters. In the UK, this work went to Powell Gilbert.

A lateral partner hire would more evenly spread out the firm’s work as it continues to attract a more diverse set of clients.

Strengths

Life sciences patent disputes. Work on mechnical patents. Strong US practice.

European strategy

The European patents practice at Jones Day is present at some of the key locations for patent disputes in Europe such as Munich, London and Paris. In the French capital, Jones Day is strongly positioned. The second pillar of the European practice is the German team, which impresses with a well-coordinated team of lawyers and patent attorneys. Both offices are a good basis to lead on UPC cases, if the court starts in 2022. On the other hand, although the firm also has an office in Düsseldorf, Jones Day is not visible here with any well-known partners.

The European team has an especially strong footprint in life sciences disputes. Internationally, close cooperation with the strong US teams is an asset, as is the integrated work with patent attorneys mainly located in the German offices.

Recommended individuals

Alastair McCulloch

Team

7 lawyers

Specialties

Full service in IP. In patents, focus on life science disputes. Transactions as well as licensing deals.

Clients

Litigation: BMS/Celgene against various generic drug companies over different drugs, such as Revlimid (all public knowledge); Lufthansa Technik (claimant) against Astronics and Safran over energy supply in airseats; Solid (defendant) against CommScope over antenna systems.