Boult Wade Tennant LLP has offices located in the UK, Germany, and Spain, enabling it to seamlessly advise clients on domestic and international patent portfolios. The team has witnessed an increase in EPO-related advice, and continues to assist clients with filings, draftings, oppositions and appeals, freedom to operate, prosecutions, and portfolio management. Nina White leads the biotechnology and pharmaceutical practice area groups, which advise SMEs and university start-ups on the drafting of their original patent specifications. Reading-based Adrian Hayes heads up the chemical and materials department. Also located in Reading, Jonathan Palmer has developed expertise in the physics, electronics, and computer software arenas, and engineering specialist Tessa Bucks is another key name in the team.

Carpmaels & Ransford LLP has a strong reputation in the healthcare sector, frequently assisting clients with EPO oppositions, prosecutions, and litigation on a domestic and pan-European scale. Managing partner Hugh Goodfellow is a notable member of the team with significant expertise in representing both well-established and growing biotechnology companies in prosecution proceedings. Head of the engineering and technology groups John Brunner is highly experienced in EPO oppositions, while James Warner leads the chemistry and pharmaceuticals departments with extensive knowledge in prosecution and defence proceedings in these sectors. The biotechnology team is spearheaded by Mark Chapman, and he specialises in antisense therapeutics, antibody therapeutics, and immunomodulatory therapies. Jake Marshall heads up the intellectual property transactions department.

With European, UK, French, and Polish patent attorneys situated across the firm, the patent practice at CMS is well positioned to provide clients with a full-service offering, advising on both domestic and cross-border mandates, with the assistance of the firm’s wider litigation, regulatory, corporate, and commercial practices. With particular expertise in portfolio management for clients innovating in the biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices spaces, Robert Stephen sits at the helm of the group, which frequently represents clients in EPO opposition cases. It is also well known in the technology and engineering sectors, acting for technology giants, as well as SMEs and start-ups. Freedom to operate and due diligence support for companies in the life science and pharmaceutical industries is another active area for the practice. Helen Wallis predominantly focuses on patent drafting and prosecution work in the technology sector, Jane Evenson is noted for her EPO opposition work, and Rachel Free is an expert in quantum computing. Another notable member of the team is Jane Hollywood, who is a biotechnology patent specialist.

D Young & Co LLP has offices situated in London, Southampton, and Munich, enabling the firm to seamlessly support a range of international clients, including universities, blue-chip companies, SMEs, and start-ups. The team of patent attorneys is well versed in representing clients in prosecution and opposition proceedings before the EPO, and it boasts expertise across a range of sectors, such as electronics, IT, engineering, biotechnology, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals. FTOs and due diligence mandates continue to be a growing trend. Engineering, aerospace, and medical devices specialist Anthony Albutt leads the firm's mechanical practice, while Simon O’Brien is noted for his activity with venture capital companies and start-ups. Charles Harding in Southampton is a notable name in the life sciences arena, especially regarding biotechnology, molecular biology, and immunology. Rachel Bateman is another key name in the team, and she is skilled in contentious mandates.

The patent group at Dehns continues to be a leading firm in EPO filings, and it represents clients in a significant volume of oppositions and appeals, as well as an increasing number of UPC actions. Its client base largely consists of UK, German, and Scandinavian-based large companies, SMEs, and universities, all of whom benefit from the firm’s increasingly strong presence in Norway. Senior partner Elizabeth Jones and managing partner Adrian Samuels are notable names in the group, in addition to head of the biotechnology practice Hanna Dzieglewska, chair of the chemical group Louise Golding, John Tothill, who heads up the engineering department, and head of litigation Paul Harris. Oxford-based Mark Bell is also highly praised by clients as a ‘phenomenal patent attorney’.

Dentons boasts a team of attorneys and solicitors that expertly handle UK litigation, large-scale IP portfolio purchases, portfolio management, and prosecution proceedings. The firm has an international network of offices, thus providing clients with seamless cross-border expertise. Sectors of note for the group include retail, technology, energy, media, and finance, as well as space, AI, and quantum. Justin Hill sits at the helm of the firm’s European patent practice with a specialism in opposition and appeals work. Marie Jansson Heeks is also a key name in contentious mandates, and Alexander Rees focuses on drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications. The team grew in 2023, with the addition of three new patent attorneys.

EIP boasts a team of both patent attorneys and IP litigators who seamlessly cooperate to handle a range of domestic and cross-border litigation mandates for clients, having appeared before the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court, as well as in EPO opposition and appeal hearings. The life sciences and medical technology industries are key areas of activity for the practice, and its offering also includes support with the development and enforcement of IP rights. The team is jointly led by London-based Jerome Spaargaren and Heather McCann, and Matt Lawman in Bath. Spaargaren also heads up the firm’s digital sector group, McCann divides her time between the UK and the US, and Lawman boasts expertise in electronics and software-related work. Other key members of the team include Monika Rai (London), a life sciences specialist who often handles contentious proceedings at the EPO, Ben Willows (Bath), who has substantial experience with consumer electronics, printers, and aerospace, and London-based AI and machine-learning expert Ben Maling.

J A Kemp is well placed to advise clients on the entire gamut of patent-related mandates, from drafting and filings, to prosecutions, oppositions, and appeals before the EPO, freedom to operate mandates, and portfolio management, with offices located in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Paris, and Munich. Start-ups and growing businesses, in addition to large corporations and prestigious academic institutions, form the group’s impressive client base, with a geographical spread across the UK, Europe, the US, and Japan. The firm is also increasingly active before the UPC. Senior partner Martin Jackson leads the engineering and IT group, having taken over from Nigel Price following his retirement. Oxford-based Amanda Simons spearheads the chemistry and pharmaceuticals department, and Patrick Campbell heads up the firm’s biotechnology and life sciences practice. Mark Roberts sits at the helm of the medical devices group, while Ravi Srinivasan chairs the pharmaceuticals team and John Leeming steers the software group. Graham Lewis is also of note for his role as head of the Supplementary Protection Certificates group. In team news, the ‘superbly intelligent patent litigator‘ John Hornby joined the firm from Lewis Silkin in March 2024.

Kilburn & Strode LLP boasts a team with diverse expertise, encompassing knowledge in the chemistry and life sciences, electronics, physics, engineering, and computing sectors, including AI and machine learning. The practice is well equipped to handle both UK and European matters, including drafting, prosecuting, and representation in EPO opposition proceedings, the management of global portfolios, and advice on validity, infringement, and freedom to operate. Managing partner Richard Howson is a key name in the aerospace and automotive industries, and Nick Lee is head of the life sciences and chemistry practice. Gareth Fennell, who chairs the technology and engineering departments, has expertise in computer software, healthcare systems, and medical devices. Harry Harden heads up the firm’s San Francisco liaison office and is adept at supporting clients in the Silicon Valley, while Jennifer Harris spearheads the growing chemistry practice with a large group of pharmaceutical clients.

Marks & Clerk has offices located across the UK, Europe, Canada, Greater China, and the Asia Pacific, and the team provides clients with an all-encompassing patent offering, from support with initial filing to representation in litigation and commercial exploitation. Its client base includes large pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, high-profile electronic, engineering, and software companies, SMEs, start-ups, and universities. 3D printing, machine learning, and AI all remain key areas of activity for the group, especially regarding filing applications. The practice is jointly led by Simon Mounteney and Robin Oxley, both of whom are in the firm’s London office. Another notable team member is Will Nieuwenhuys, who provides clients with support regarding the global management of patent portfolios and freedom to operate mandates. The clean technology arena is a key focus for Thomas Prock, and David Grant is strong in advising on mathematical and software-based inventions within the digital technology, AI, and machine-learning industries.

With offices located in London, Bristol, Manchester, Cambridge, and Munich, the patent offering at Mewburn Ellis LLP is all-encompassing and includes representation in opposition proceedings before the EPO. Its client base consists of both household brands and start-ups across a variety of industries, including chemistry, materials, engineering, IT, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals. In Manchester, Graeme Moore chairs the firm’s engineering and IT group, which boasts expertise in software, bioinformatics, AI, and quantum computing, and Jeremy Webster leads the chemistry practice, which has a strong focus on green and sustainable technology. In Bristol, Simon Kiddle heads up the life sciences department, which is active in the protection of therapeutics, medical devices, genetic engineering, and diagnostics. Another notable team member is Emma Graham, who specialises in patents surrounding photonics, computer implemented inventions, and high-technology medical devices.

Venner Shipley LLP offers clients a ‘a broad range of services’, including assistance with drafting, filing, and prosecutions, representation in oppositions and appeals, advice on portfolio management and global strategy, and assistance with infringements and disputes. The firm is also praised for its ability to ‘provide a global network in key jurisdictions, enabling it to handle international matters effectively’. Another notable and growing area for the team includes AI-related patent work. In London, Jan Walaski leads the electronics software and communications group, of which Paul Derry is a key member, and Alex Brown chairs the mechanical and designs team. Cambridge-based Tim Russell heads up the chemical and life sciences practice, following Siân Gill‘s step down from the role, although she continues to be an active member of the group.

AA Thornton acts for clients based across Europe, North America, India, and the Far East, including corporations, academic institutions, SMEs, private investors, and individuals. Patent prosecution and opposition work at the EPO and UKIPO, as well as IP audits, form a key part of its offering. The practice handles large volumes of patent filings, especially regarding computer-implemented inventions, including quantum, artificial intelligence, and computer simulation and modelling. The team is also active in the telecoms, space technology, clean technology, medtech, biotech, agro technology, chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries. With particular expertise in the aerospace sector, managing partner Adrian Bennett heads up the engineering, physics, and mechanical devices team. The chemistry, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals department is headed up by Craig Turner, and Mike Jennings spearheads the electrical engineering, electronics telecoms, and IT patents group.

Specialist IP firm Appleyard Lees is praised for its ‘highly experienced experts’, who are skilled in a range of industries, including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, electronics, software, chemistry, engineering, and physics. The firm counts emerging innovators and start-ups among its extensive client base, as well as larger international corporations. In Leeds, managing director Bobby Smithson now heads up the team, having taken over from previous Manchester-based practice head David Clark, who has substantial experience in patent drafting and opposition work regarding electronics, as well as representing clients in infringement proceedings. Barbara Fleck in Leeds spearheads the firm’s life sciences sector group, and she boasts ‘expert knowledge in the biotechnology IP space’ in particular. Howard Read retired in April 2024.

With a team boasting ‘extremely diverse expertise’, and a presence in both the UK and Sweden, Barker Brettell LLP advises large, multi-national corporations and start-ups on a range of patent-related mandates, including UK and European filing and prosecution cases, especially drafting applications for innovate inventions, portfolio management, and due diligence work.  EPO oppositions and freedom to operate mandates are also key areas of activity for the team. Key members of the practice include Birmingham-based senior partner John Lawrence, who is especially skilled in matters relating to physics and computer-implemented technologies fields, managing partner Andy Tranter, who has expertise in electronics, engineering, and software, as well as Alan Wilson in Southampton. For Yvonne Johnson, opposition and appeals form a key area of strength.

Cleveland Scott York is a go-to practice for clients in the engineering, automotive, chemical, and healthcare sectors. Its offering includes the prosecution of large patent portfolios and drafting applications, as well as representation in opposition and appeal matters before the EPO. Cross-border litigation, freedom to operate, and due diligence mandates are also within the firm’s strong capabilities, as well as advice on infringements. Adrian Bradley and Tom Faulkner jointly lead the team from Thames Valley and London, respectively. With a focus on materials, nanotechnology and engineering, Fraser Brown is another key name of note in Thames Valley, as is London-based Nick Bennett, who has expertise in the chemistry industry.

Elkington + Fife LLP is praised for housing some of ‘the very best UK and European patent attorneys’, who expertly handle oppositions and appeals before the EPO. The department also excels in electronics patent drafting, as well as the handling of the entire lifecycle of pharmaceutical-related patents. Richard Gillard is a key name of note in the chemistry and life sciences department, while Nick Ertl has expertise in patents surrounding medical imaging and sensors, display technology, electronic circuits, domestic appliances, and telecommunications equipment. James Anderson has notable experience in the engineering sector and is also well versed in the mechanical and materials arena. Bio-technology expert Glyn Truscott and electromechanical specialist Ellie Seymour are other active group members. The team is divided between the firm’s London and Sevenoaks offices.

Gill Jennings & Every LLP provides clients with an ‘outstanding patent service’ across the IT, engineering, chemistry, and life sciences industries. This offering includes support with oppositions and appeals, infringement proceedings, and patent applications. Stephen Haley and managing partner Michael Lord jointly lead the practice; Haley frequently acts for international and UK-based companies, as well as academic institutions, in the prosecution of large patent portfolios, while Lord also heads the IT and engineering department, with expertise in computer software and telecommunications. Peter Arrowsmith is notable for his work with new companies, assisting them with developing patent strategies, and Rebecca Matheson is praised as an ‘exceptional adviser’ who is ‘extremely skilled in the complex science’.

Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP is highly skilled in assisting clients across their entire patent lifecycle. This offering encompasses advice on strategy, identification, and exploitation, as well as protection and the enforcement of rights. Representation in oppositions and appeals before the EPO, as well as in litigation, are key areas of strength, and the group is also increasingly active in representation before the UPC. In London, Frances Wilding heads up the technology practice, while Bristol-based Alex Rogers spearheads the firm’s chemistry and life sciences department. James Ward, who divides his time between London and Munich, specialises in EPO opposition and appeal proceedings, and he acts for both opponents and patentees. Joseph Lenthall, another notable name, focuses on the pharmaceutical, FMCG, and materials chemistry industries.

With offices spread across the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, France, and Ireland, HGF Limited boasts ‘excellent technical knowledge’, managing large, international patent portfolios across their entire lifecycle, from inception and enforcement to oppositions and commercialisation. CEO Martyn Fish in Leeds and chair Lucy Johnson in Newcastle are key names to note. Manchester-based Chris Benson spearheads the electronics department, while ‘exceptional attorney’ Jennifer Uno in Newcastle leads the engineering practice. The life sciences group is headed up by Kate Taylor (York), and the chemistry offering is chaired by Andrew Wells in Manchester. Rachel Fetches sits in London as head of the law group, and Chris Moore in Birmingham is at the helm of the oppositions practice.

The patent attorneys at Mathys & Squire LLP boast expertise in the biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, medical devices, electronic, engineering, and AI industries. The team has received praise from one client for its ‘unparalleled knowledge and experience in all areas of intellectual property’. EPO oppositions, appeals, and litigation form a core part of this offering, as well as patent filings. Head of the firm’s Cambridge office Alan MacDougall represents a range of clients from the technology sector, while London-based Chris Hamer heads up the chemistry team. Martin MacLean steers the life science department, and Paul Cozens chairs the engineering group, which houses Sean Leach, who has particular expertise in electronics, medical devices, and software-related patent work.

With offices situated in UK, Germany, Switzerland, and China, Anglo-German firm Maucher Jenkins is well positioned to assist clients with both national and European patent filings, infringement matters, and managing portfolios, in addition to providing representation in prosecutions before the UKIPO and EPO. Turning to the team members, London-based James Cross leads on matters regarding computing, software, AI, electronics, satellites and fintech, while Hugh Dunlop in Cambridge specialises in telecoms, green technology, and the Internet-of-Things. In Edinburgh, Reuben Jacob chairs the life sciences department, which boasts a client roster consisting of medtech, pharmaceutical, biotech, chemistry and agrochem companies. Holly Whitlock, also in Edinburgh, and Philip Treeby in London jointly spearhead the engineering, physics, and mathematics patenting team.

‘Full-service intellectual property firm‘ Murgitroyd has offices situated across Europe, North America, and Asia, and is therefore well placed to support clients seamlessly on their cross-border needs. Members of the team have wide-ranging sector expertise, from the automotive, engineering and energy, to consumer brands and services industries. Also of note is the group's work in the chemistry and materials, life sciences, and TMT sectors. York-based Keith Jones specialises in the prosecution of patent applications, especially for clients in the electrical, mechanical, electronics, and software arenas. Biotechnology expert Russell Thom sits in the firm’s Glasgow office, Karen Fraser leads the software practice from London, and Southampton-based Catherine Bonner heads up the TMT team.

Potter Clarkson LLP is praised as a ‘highly professional patent law firm with a group of highly skilled and passionate patent attorneys‘ located across the UK, Sweden, and Denmark, enabling the firm to provide patent-related advice domestically and across Europe. Protection, enforcement, management of patent portfolios, including EPO oppositions and appeals, and freedom to operate mandates are all part of the group’s strong offering. Its client base consists of large corporations, SMEs, investors, innovative start-ups, and entrepreneurs across the life sciences, electronics and computing, engineering, chemistry, food, agritech, energy, and FMCG sectors. Managing partner Stephen Smith is a notable member of the team. Nottingham-based Caroline Marshall heads up the technology, engineering and designs practice, within which sits Peter Finnie. At the helm of the chemistry group is Tony Proctor, while Jane Wainwright leads the biotechnology department.

Slingsby Partners LLP is sought after by UK-based and European technology companies in the engineering, electronics, sciences, and chemistry industries. The team’s offering includes advice on due diligence and licensing matters, in addition to support with acquisitions and cross-border litigation. Representing clients before the EPO and UKIPO in opposition and appeal proceedings is another key area of activity for the firm. Founding partner Philip Slingsby spearheads the department with expertise in patent procurement. He is ably supported by Paul Roberts, who focuses on the development of patent portfolios in the area of machine learning, and Rosalind Fenwick, who has a notable drafting and prosecution practice.

With offices in London and Spain, Beck Greener LLP is well positioned to advise clients on EU-wide patent mandates, and is particularly active in contentious work, especially oppositions and appeals before the EPO. On the non-contentious side, the group assists clients with patent applications, filings, portfolio management, strategy, and transactional work. Key members of the team include: Avi Freeman, who leads the electronics, physics, and mechanical engineering practice; head of the chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and chemical engineering group James Stones; and Ben Muir, who spearheads the medical and life sciences team. Catherine Jewell is also an active member of the team.

Greaves Brewster LLP boasts attorneys spread across the UK in Cheddar, London, Cardiff, Nottingham, and Bristol, all of whom handle the preparation, filing, prosecution, and management of patent applications and portfolios. Another key area of activity for the group is representation in opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO, working with a client base comprising a variety of companies from the life sciences, chemistry, engineering, and physics sectors. Medical device technology is a particular area of strength for Rachel Wallis, in addition to her expertise in the life sciences sector, while Jakob Bumke is notable in the chemistry and engineering industry. Antibody and vaccine technology are key areas of expertise for David Spinner.

The engineering, electronics, telecommunications, software, medical devices, life sciences, and pharmaceutical sectors are all areas of expertise for the team at Lewis Silkin. Its offering encompasses the entire patent lifecycle, from filing, prosecution, and portfolio management to transactions, licensing, and litigation. Tom Gaunt chairs the department, which has undergone significant expansion with the acquisition of IP specialist firm Miller Sturt Kenyon and the addition of Jonathan Hewett from Venner Shipley LLP in September 2023. Hewett brings his substantial experience in developing IP strategies for start-ups, as well as his ability to represent clients in opposition proceedings before the EPO.

Specialising in electronics and medical devices, Kevin Cordina heads up the patent prosecution practice at Simmons & Simmons, which boasts offices in the UK, Amsterdam, and Munich. The team expertly undertakes transactional work and litigation, including in the UPC, and European patent opposition matters are another key focus of the group. The team is also home to Frederick Nicolle, who is particularly active in the pharmaceutical and chemistry industries.

Swindell & Pearson Ltd advises on a range of technologies, and its offering encompasses support with drafting and prosecution proceedings. Its clients are especially active in the electronics, engineering, automotive, and mechanical sectors, and it has a number of universities in its client base. Derby-based Paul Higgin heads up the practice with notable expertise in contentious mandates regarding patent licensing. Scott Harrison is another key team member and is highly praised by clients. The firm also opened a new office in Birmingham in 2023, to help better serve its broad roster of clients.

Wilson Gunn has offices across the UK, and 2023 saw the establishment of an office in Glasgow. Its client base consists of major technology companies, academic institutions, and global brands, both domestic and overseas. Its capabilities are all encompassing, and include supporting clients with the drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications, as well as oppositions, renewals, due diligence, and licensing agreements. In Manchester, James Robey heads up the department. Other key members of the team include biotech expert Michael Douglas and high-tech physics and electronics patent specialist David Slattery.

WP Thompson is a dedicated IP and litigation firm with offices in London, Liverpool, Cardiff, Munich, and a number of regional areas. Its European client base utilises the firm’s strong capabilities when seeking assistance with patents surrounding the software, AI and machine learning, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and chemistry industries, among others. Acquiring patents, advising on freedom to operate matters, providing validity advice, and offering representation in prosecutions are all within the team’s remit. Julian Potter heads up the physics, electronics, and mechanical practice group, while Stuart Forrest leads the work in the firm’s chemistry and life sciences department. David Gill retired at the beginning of 2024.