PATENTS

Securing a patent in isolation does little to support your business. We see patents as the foundations for creating markets and building businesses. That is why we start with a simple question: Why do you want a patent? Once we understand what you are trying to achieve, we can advise on the best course of action for your individual circumstances. We will only ever advise you to invest in patent protection that clearly supports your commercial objectives.  

What happens next?

Patent mapping and landscaping - our experts will extract valuable insights on the level of competition, key players and current trends in your marketplace to help us tailor our approach to the needs of your business.

Filing and prosecuting applications - bringing together unrivalled technical expertise with commercial acumen, we will draft thorough and well-constructed applications designed to realise the full value of the patent.

Often, patents are able to serve purely as a deterrent to keep competitors at bay. However, there will inevitably be occasions when firm action is needed on behalf of our clients, either to defend or enforce their rights. This is an area in which the team at Potter Clarkson really excels.

Our attorneys and solicitors draw on their up-to-date knowledge of complex and ever-changing technical and legal issues to put clients in the strongest position - whether we are acting for a client in a European Patent Office opposition or appeal case, representing them in the UK courts, or managing multi-jurisdictional litigation across several territories. 

That is why many world-class companies have made us their first choice for patent cases in Europe. Our attorneys are known for their vast experience and high success rates, making them formidable advocates who you would want on your side. We have successfully attacked and defended some of Europe’s most valuable patents across a huge range of technological areas.

It is our fully integrated and multidisciplinary practice of IP solicitors, patent attorney litigators and patent attorneys that make the biggest difference to our unrivalled ability to defend and enforce our clients’ patent rights, in Europe and beyond. With all the expertise you need in one team, you can be confident of a singular focus on your commercial objectives.

Patent rights in over forty European countries can be at stake in EPO opposition and appeal cases, so you need to be supported by specialists with the necessary technical, legal and procedural expertise.

Our experienced attorneys are at the forefront of this field, proving a formidable ally in even the most complex of cases. We have successfully attacked or defended some of the most valuable European patents in a range of business and technological areas. At any one time, we are handling more than 370 cases and have the necessary scale and resources to support clients involved in large cases. We are also adept at coordinating opposition and appeal cases with parallel national litigation in multiple jurisdictions.

The procedural aspects of opposition and appeal work are constantly evolving. Constructing a written case and presenting arguments successfully at an oral hearing can be an immense challenge. That is where our extensive experience counts and can be used to support your business.

Providing up to five and a half years’ extra protection for some products (specifically human and veterinary medicines and plant protection), SPCs have huge commercial value. However, the law surrounding them is complex, counterintuitive, and constantly evolving as case law develops.

We are proud to count some of the foremost experts in the field among our team, with an unsurpassed understanding based on years of experience taking SPC cases all the way to the EU Court of Justice. In fact, we have helped to develop case law around SPCs so you could not hope for a more knowledgeable team.

Robust commercial agreements are vital to realising the full value of your IP assets. Whether you are looking to license or transfer IP rights, our team of attorneys and specialist licensing solicitors has the experience to guide you through the process and deliver the best solution to meet your individual needs. Click here to find out more.