Stephenson Harwood boosts IP practice with London partner

Helen Conlan joined the intellectual property practice at Stephenson Harwood in November. She previously spent a brief period at UK firm Mishcon de Reya, where her practice focused on technology, media and telecommunications.

Prior to her stint at Mishcon, where she moved in April 2021, Conlan spent over 15 years at Bird & Bird. She began her career as a trainee at the leading global firm in 2002 before working her way up to the partnership in 2013.

Well-versed in patent litigation

Helen Conlan

Conlan has particular experience on the interface between technology and life sciences, having advised on complex mobile phone and medical device technologies. While she works predominantly in patent litigation, including cross-border disputes, Conlan also has experience in trade secrets and copyright.

This is in addition to experience litigating in telecommunication disputes concerning FRAND and AI.

Previous clients include Nokia in cases concerning standard essential and non-standard essential patents. In the past, Conlan was also part of a team representing the European Central Bank in a dispute concerning security features of the Euro bank note.

Conlan boosts tech and life sciences

Stephenson Harwood is headquartered in London and has eight offices across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The European IP team, led by partner Alexandra Pygall, comprises five partners and eleven associates advising on patents, copyright, designs, trademarks and trade secrets among other things. The team has a particular strength in consumer brands and life sciences. Helen Conlan thus complements the team with her experience in life sciences, trade secrets and technology.

Conlan says, “I am delighted to be at Stephenson Harwood, and I am looking forward to further developing the patent practice, particularly in the technology sector, which is a key area of focus for the firm.”

Alexandra Pygall, head of Stephenson Harwood’s intellectual property practice, says, “Helen is not only adept at devising patent litigation strategies for clients on a pan-European and global basis, her experience also deepens our expertise in the technology and life sciences sectors.”

Mishcon merges

In January 2023 Conlan’s former firm Mishcon de Reya merged with UK boutique Taylor Vinters, bringing three patent attorneys into the fold. There are now seven IP partners and ten associates in Mishcon de Reya’s London patent team.

Last year the firm hired Campbell Forsyth as a new partner from Dentons, where he was global co-head of the European litigation practice and the firm’s UK head of IP. He is also a deputy High Court judge.

The firm is strong in pharmaceuticals and life sciences. Previously, Mishcon de Reya has acted for Dr Reddy’s Laboratories in a damages enquiry against Warner-Lambert and Pfizer. This is a high-profile case relating to a second medical use patent which covers pregabalin for anxiety.