Patents

Our patent practice includes:-

• Counselling clients on patent opportunities and risks;
• Securing the grant of patents in Europe and worldwide (through our network of associated firms);
• Oppositions and other validity challenges;
• Advising on management and exploitation of patent portfolios; and
• Enforcing patents, often in cooperation with professional colleagues.

We have one of the leading practices before the European Patent Office. Our skill in drafting claims having broad literal meaning, coupled with our extensive experience in opposition and appeal procedures has given us an impressive track record in achieving the grant of strong, commercially targeted European patents. Intelligent use of modern communications (including on-line services and video-conferencing) enables us to be equally effective before the European Patent Office and the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office.

The firm's experience of patent litigation in Europe and particularly in the United States means that great care is taken in patent prosecution to secure broad claims, to avoid unnecessary argument, and to preserve flexibility.

The breadth of commercial experience within the firm means that patents are granted with claims covering all commercially important activities. Also, we can advise where patent filings are appropriate and where other strategies make more commercial sense.