JUVE Comment

Jones Day’s patent litigation practice stands as a well-positioned team with the potential to mount a significant challenge on the London market. The team drew attention for pursuing an uncommon strategy of monetary compensation for key client Lufthansa against Astronics and Panasonic. The extensive hearing in this long-running complex dispute was led by Alastair McCulloch in the UK. The matter exemplifies the close cooperation between Jones Day’s teams in Germany and France.

Jones Day’s practice maintains a steady presence in mechanics disputes, including an ongoing case regarding battery-powered car jump leads for Noco against Shenzhen.

However, the practice lacks the critical mass of public litigation needed to raise its profile in the London market. The addition of experienced lawyer Toby Sears from CMS Cameron McKenna strengthens the team and opens up prospects for attracting further UK litigation work from Jones Day’s international network.

The firm’s connections also offer potential in life sciences, though the team has not been actively involved in litigation in this sector recently. For instance, the team represented Bristol-Myers Squibb/Celgene as part of Jones Day’s European network.

European set-up

Jones Day operates a globally integrated patent litigation practice. In Europe, the Paris-London-Munich axis is particularly active. The firm maintains a strong position in the French capital, while in Germany, collaboration with numerous patent attorneys adds value for joint clients with London and Paris. Indeed, the London team regularly collaborates with German patent attorneys for clients facing EPO oppositions. Despite this solid positioning, Jones Day has not yet featured prominently in public UPC cases. The London team’s involvement has been limited to background advice.

Nevertheless, the close connections with Germany could generate further momentum for clients across various technical fields. The joint representation in the pan-European dispute for Lufthansa demonstrates the European practice’s potential. However, Jones Day lacks the critical mass of proceedings needed to enhance its public profile. This applies equally to UPC cases. Opportunities exist with the firm’s US and Asian clients, who are showing increasing interest in the UPC overall.

Significant potential also exists in life sciences litigation, an area where Jones Day has extensive experience. However, the team faces strong competition in the life sciences sector from experienced international teams at other law firms.

Strengths

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

Team

5 lawyers

Partner moves

Toby Sears (from CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang in 2024)

Clients

Litigation: Lufthansa against Astronics and Panasonic over compensation for infringement of patent relating to aeroplane seats; Noco against Shenzhen Carku over battery-powered jump leads for cars.