Kathleen Fox Murphy

Silver - Individuals: litigation

EIP has long been recognised for its prosecution capabilities, but in recent years has become known for litigation too, thanks in part to its involvement in the hotly discussed Unwired Planet and Conversant cases, as well as other SEP and FRAND disputes. Despite this notable telecommunications focus, however, the group covers all sectors, with medical devices and life sciences cases also falling into its inbox in the past year. “The team at EIP has consistently shown an exceptional level of competence and professionalism, with everyone proving to be approachable, responsive and detail-oriented. No effort is spared to make sure that clients have the best information, advice and updates, and when approaching any costly work, they are mindful of the business’s budget, and they provide detailed and reliable estimates. The team has also shown a dedication to continually build up in-depth knowledge of highly specialised technical fields. This combination of professional ethics and technical diligence instils great confidence.” Heading up the litigation team is Gary Moss, who is well known for his involvement in the Unwired Planet cases, but has a rich career that spans the past 30 years. “Time and again Gary’s experience and judgement have proven to be sound. He has a very practical approach and he focuses on strategy, counselling, relationships and the big picture.” His fellow litigators are Andrew Sharples, Robert Lundie Smith, Matthew Jones and Kathleen Fox Murphy. Dual-qualified solicitor and patent attorney Sharples impresses in disputes – especially those involving FRAND – but also lends his hand to transactional briefs, while Lundie Smith also plays his part regularly at telecommunications and SEP cases but has a PhD in chemical physics that comes in handy too. Jones and Fox Murphy each ascend to the silver tier this year, thanks to top market reviews – Jones brings insight from his time as senior counsel for Teva to his broad cross-border litigation practice, and Fox Murphy has special knowledge when it comes to interim injunctions, gained across a 20-year career. On the patent attorney side, Darren Smyth heads up the chemistry practice, EIP Elements, and is a pro before the oppositions and appeals board of the EPO – “Darren is responsive, comprehensive in his analysis and thoughtful in his advice.” Also strong in oppositions is medical devices expert Gareth Probert, who is especially proficient when running them in tandem with parallel litigation. Handling much of the firm’s mobile telecommunications work is digital sector group head Jerome Spaargaren, while Laurence Brown deals with consumer electronics companies from SMEs to multinational corporations. “Thorough, commercially minded and technically brilliant to work with, Laurence is impressively quick to grasp highly complex and specialised technology and to make connections between the smallest detail and the overall strength of a portfolio.” Also receiving high praise is the globally minded Heather McCann, who spends time in both the United Kingdom and United States: “Heather is well-versed in a wide variety of technical subject matter and is also incredibly smart and able to quickly pick up new concepts. In addition, she is extremely knowledgeable about EPO rules and requirements, as well as having a wealth of experience with the practical realities side of dealing with the EPO – she has been there, done that with almost every situation.” Similarly reviewed is high-technology and electronics expert Matt Lawman, who clients attest “provides clear guidance on how to approach difficult cases”. “It is a real pleasure to work with Matt Lawman and EIP. The level of professionalism and efficiency is second tonone.”