News
Freshfields hires respected London patent litigation team to strengthen its global intellectual property group
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (‘Freshfields’) today announced the addition of a respected patent litigation team in London. The team, which consists of partner Dr Christopher Stothers, counsel Ms Laura Whiting, and associates Mr Paul Abbott and Ms Ammina Rao, join together from Arnold & Porter and will work closely alongside the firm’s established patent litigation teams in Germany and the Netherlands. Their appointments will strengthen the firm’s global intellectual property group and build on the firm’s offering within the technology and pharmaceutical sectors.
Christopher is an established name within the London patent litigation community and specialises in advising firms focused on developing new technologies, from biotechnology and life sciences to telecommunications. He is an experienced litigator on cross-border patent disputes, but also advises on a wider range of intellectual property disputes, on antitrust disputes, commercial disputes, European Union law, and on regulatory issues within the pharmaceutical sector. Christopher is a visiting professor in intellectual property and competition law at University College London, where he supervises doctoral students on standard-essential patent issues.
Laura is a rising star in the world of patent litigation, with experience of litigating some of the biggest multi-jurisdictional cases across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals and medical devices, in addition to complex technology and standard-essential patent cases. She advises clients on a broad array of topics, including the interface of intellectual property and competition law.
Commenting on the appointments, global head of the firm’s dispute resolution practice, David Scott, commented:
“Patent litigation capability is in strong demand within the technology and pharmaceutical sectors and will become increasingly important in other industry sectors as digital transformation takes hold and more businesses grapple with emerging technologies. The key places in Europe to litigate such issues are Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. We already have established teams in Germany and Netherlands, which form part of our well-respected European litigation practice. The arrival of Christopher and Laura ensures that we have an unbeatable patent litigation proposition across all three jurisdictions and we are delighted to have them on board.”
Christopher Stothers added:
“Patent litigation in London is at a very exciting stage of development. It’s an honour to join Freshfields, which stands out for its ability to help its global clients to navigate and resolve the most complex and important cross-border patent disputes. We look forward to working closely with the firm’s established patent litigation teams in Germany and the Netherlands, who are a highly attractive piece of the Freshfields offer, and to playing an active part in the development of the firm’s broader dispute resolution practice in London.”
In addition to making these appointments, Freshfields is investing in a new transactions-focused hire within its patents team as it builds out its capability in this area. Gina Bicknell re-joins the firm as a counsel in London. As a dual US and UK qualified lawyer and patent attorney with extensive experience of pharmaceutical transactions, Gina adds further weight to the firm’s pharmaceutical offering as well as its patent and broader intellectual property offerings.
ENDS
Notes for editors
About Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a global law firm with a long-standing track record of successfully supporting the world's leading national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments on ground-breaking and business-critical mandates. Our 2,800 plus lawyers deliver results worldwide through our own offices and alongside leading local firms. Our commitment, local and multi-national expertise and business know-how means our clients rely on us when it matters most.