JUVE Comment

A&O Shearman’s London office represents an impressive roster of pharmaceutical originators, including Eli Lilly, and demonstrates particular experience in biosimilars litigation. A highlight is the representation of Regeneron and Bayer concerning the biological drug Eylea for vision loss.

The London team further bolstered its life sciences practice in February 2024 by recruiting Gemma Barrett from Bristows, who brings significant sector experience. She supports the team led by Marjan Noor in representing long-standing clients Regeneron and Bayer in this high-profile case.

Young partner Rafi Allos leads Bayer’s extensive defence of blockbuster drug Xarelto. Following recent UK decisions, this case has evolved into a damages dispute with generics manufacturers.

Beyond these highlights, work for the firm’s regular life sciences clients currently takes place largely outside the courtroom. The firm also conducts significant work for tech clients away from the spotlight of litigation. While this might suggest a quieter period for the practice, the dynamic team development, including growth at associate level, indicates otherwise.

SEP and FRAND cases present growth potential for the international firm. The representation of Sterlite, in conjunction with German colleagues, stands out. The recent merger, though not IP-driven, could unlock further opportunities.

European set-up

A&O Shearman operates as a well-coordinated team across Europe, representing core clients in pan-European proceedings. Nearly all clients leverage the firm’s extensive network, instructing it in multiple jurisdictions. However, the firm, including its UK team, has been less visible in UPC cases than competitors such as Hogan Lovells and Freshfields. This partly reflects its regular pharmaceutical clients’ cautious approach to the UPC. The firm’s lawyers in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK excel in representing prominent pharma innovators, with numerous successes in cross-border disputes, including multi-jurisdictional work for Bayer, MGI, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Eli Lilly. However, these prestigious clients also retain other international firms, such as Simmons & Simmons (Bayer) and Hogan Lovells (Eli Lilly and Merck Sharp & Dohme) in Germany.

In electronics and mobile communications, the European team counts major players such as Google and Samsung among its clients. The tech group increasingly provides cross-border advice. Relatively new client Samsung already engages both UK and German teams for UPC proceedings.

Strengths

Litigation for originator drug manufacturers in pharmaceutical cases. Strong pan-European network.

Recommended individuals

Rafi Allos (“very good pharma litigator”, competitor), Neville Cordell, Mark Heaney, Marjan Noor (“tremendous pharma litigator”, competitor), Mark Ridgway

Team

25 lawyers

Partner moves

Gemma Barrett (from Bristows in 2024)

Clients

Litigation: Bayer against Sandoz and Accord over anticoagulant Xarelto; Regeneron and Bayer over biological drug for vision loss Eylea; Sterlite against Fujikura over optical fibre cable design for air blown installation.