The Patent 1000 focuses exclusively on patent practice and has firmly established itself as the definitive 'go-to' resource for those seeking world-class legal patent expertise.
Silver - Individuals: litigation
Canada’s largest law firm, and a global giant, Gowling WLG boasts a formidable roster of patent practitioners in London, with top-flight expertise and market-wide recognition. “Huw Evans is one of the UK’s best known and most experienced IP litigators. He is an excellent solicitor and heads up the patent litigation team at Gowlings WLG. At a recent patent entitlement dispute in the High Court, he provided excellent commercial and strategic advice. He can also offer innovative commercial solutions, without having to resort to litigation.” Telecommunications IP expert Alexandra Brodie co-chairs the tech sector group and is a renowned authority on SEP and FRAND litigation. She has been among the United Kingdom’s leading litigators in the space for over 25 years and can confidently and expertly navigate the most complex, cross-jurisdictional suits. She was instructed by InterDigital in its multi-year battle with Lenovo. Success has been secured for InterDigital in three rulings in early 2023. “Gordon Harris is a well-respected leader in the patent litigation space. He transformed the Gowling WLG practice into one of the best in Europe.” “Seiko Hidaka’s knowledge of patent law is unparalleled. She is also a fluent Japanese speaker, an obvious benefit to clients from Japan.” Other key names to know on the contentious side are Paul Inman and Luke Kempton. Inman has a background in molecular biology and biochemistry and more than 25 years’ experience in the patent profession. He has an impressive track record of success for pharmaceutical companies and is both technically savvy and a keen litigation strategist. Biotech and life sciences expert Kempton is a deft hand with contentious and non-contentious patent matters. He has a PhD in biochemistry and also knows the commercial landscape of the sector very well, allowing him to tactically guide his patrons through enforcement, and potential enforcement, scenarios with confidence and dexterity. On the non-contentious side, the outfit boasts one of the country’s best-known authorities on patent licensing in Patrick Duxbury. Duxbury heads the life sciences group and trained as a microbiologist and geneticist before becoming a solicitor. He balances this deep technical expertise with equal dexterity in commercial and business issues, carefully steering the trickiest of transactions in favour of his clientele. Adding depth to the outfit’s listing this year is trade secrets working group co-leader Matt Hervey. Hervey is a recognised authority on AI and all SEP/FRAND issues. He regularly integrates his AI and trade secrets practices, helping companies to protect their most valuable knowledge in this sector. Another newcomer to the IAM Patent 1000 this year is Jenny Davies, a life science specialist with contentious and non-contentious experience. She has supported Inman on litigation for GSK, alongside work on a range of other matters.