Expert patent and innovation legal advice
Our patent lawyers act for organisations at the forefront of technical innovation. The team provide strategic guidance, and advise on both patent litigation and complex transactions. We work across a wide range of jurisdictions and technologies, from therapeutic antibodies to LEDs, mobile telecommunications to specialty chemicals, and everything in-between.
"They are able to navigate complex issues of infringement, validity, and FRAND, as well as intricate confidentiality and disclosure requirements in certain cases"
How we can help you
We have acted on many of the most significant patent cases in the UK and across Europe over the last 20 years, including multiple cases before the UK Supreme Court such as the seminal FRAND dispute Unwired Planet. As well as litigating UK proceedings, we advise on and coordinate pan-European strategy and have direct experience acting in proceedings before the Unified Patent Court.
Our award-winning Life Sciences team handles cutting-edge disputes concerning a variety of therapeutics, biologics, and medical devices, whilst our highly ranked Technology team guides clients through rapidly evolving areas including AI, video coding, and telecommunications. We regularly advise on complex multi-jurisdictional disputes and SEP/FRAND licensing matters.
Not all cases need to go to court. Where appropriate, we guide you through alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration. We also work with you to develop proactive strategies to mitigate the risk of future disputes and protect your commercial interests.
Patent litigation
We have acted in landmark patent cases that have shaped the law. Our lawyers are agile and creative in defending our clients' intellectual property rights, acting swiftly to protect your rights and prevent disruption to your business.
Our work has helped leading technology and life sciences companies manage and enforce their patent rights across Europe. With specialists in the strategically important jurisdictions of the UK, Germany, and France, as well as numerous other European jurisdictions, we have experienced teams in place where patent disputes are most likely to be fought.
Osborne Clarke acts for both originator and biosimilar companies and has been involved in UK proceedings concerning several blockbuster drugs. Similarly, we act for both SEP owners and manufacturers implementing standardised technology. This enables us to see both sides of any dispute, helping us to craft a strategy to reach our client's strategic goal(s).
"Osborne Clarke brings tremendous expertise in all aspects of patent litigation to complex matters of great importance. They are able to bring a global perspective to UK matters that take into account legal intricacies and business considerations"
Patent strategy
Our lawyers advise clients on how to leverage their innovation and maximise value from their IP portfolio. We provide strategic counsel on registering or protecting inventions as trade secrets, licensing patents, and exploiting IP rights across the UK and Europe. We work with organisations of all sizes, from start-ups and university spin-outs to multinational corporations, helping you to licence, acquire or dispose of patents, and assess market opportunities.
We also advise on defensive strategies in order to protect your businesses from patent litigation cost-effectively, including freedom-to-operate analyses and patent landscaping. Our team has particular expertise in advising on global FRAND litigation strategies and how best to leverage litigation in key jurisdictions to achieve a good commercial outcome.
Patent transactions
We regularly advise clients on high-value, patent-rich transactions and licensing deals, typically involving multi-jurisdictional or global rights. Our team draws on deep scientific and technical expertise to provide strategic and commercially-focused advice, building on innovation to drive and protect value creation and long-term success.
We advise on a wide range of IP-led transactions and licensing deals, including complex research and development collaborations and strategic partnering deals, commercial stage licensing, portfolio sales and acquisitions, and corporate finance driven transactions. Our team also has extensive experience of acting for investors in pharmaceutical royalty stream monetisation deals. This historically niche form of transaction is becoming increasingly popular as pharmaceutical and biotech companies seek novel forms of non-dilutive financing, and investor clients regularly rely on our team's scientific expertise to provide a critical assessment of the robustness of the underlying IP rights.
"The Osborne Clarke team have deep technical knowledge which they combine with a commercially focused approach. They are a pleasure to work with"
Our international patent lawyers
Across our 26 international offices, our specialist patent lawyers can help you wherever your business is based and wherever your patents are registered. We combine deep technical expertise with tailored commercial solutions, enabling our clients to address current challenges and anticipate future developments.
The team is particularly recognised for our work in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, therapeutic antibodies, semiconductors, telecommunications, robotics, artificial intelligence, and other computer-implemented inventions.
Experience
Check out dedicated site containing summaries of the UPC's substantive decisions, capturing the key points you need to know. You can also access Osborne Clarke's more detailed insights on individual decisions, find guides and information to help you navigate the UPC landscape, and stay updated with the latest UPC news.
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