Intellectual Property Disputes
Allen & Overy is well known for its precedent-setting intellectual property disputes advice. We represent clients worldwide, at the highest level, in the many different courts and tribunals key to IP matters.
A&O’s global IP team understands how to exploit the procedural and tactical possibilities that different forums offer, coordinating regional and global litigation and settlement strategies to achieve the right business outcomes for clients.
A firm technical understanding of underlying IP assets is crucial. Many of our team members have technical backgrounds and industry experience to advise with confidence in cases involving the most complex science and technology.
Antitrust issues and arbitration considerations are also increasingly important in IP disputes: we work with our top-tier antitrust and arbitration practices to deliver a seamless service.
Our multi-jurisdictional litigation experience covers all areas of IP, including:
- Major patent litigation, including in the life sciences and technology sectors
- Trade mark litigation at all levels
- Trade secrets litigation, particularly in the finance and telecoms fields
- Design and copyright litigation, often with an emphasis on digital rights
Explore our services
Our experience
Regeneron
on its European patent strategy for proprietary transgenic mouse technology (marketed as VelocImmune®) – the largest mammalian genetic engineering project ever completed.
Archos
in a multinational patent dispute concerning both standard essential patents and implementation patents relating to mobiles.
McDonald’s
on a claim in relation to the McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle, song and trade mark where we advised three McDonald’s companies, as well as EMI, Pharrell Williams and Sony.
Intel
in litigation relating to its flagship Intel and Intel Inside trade marks (resulting in a number of changes in corporate names and trade names of third parties).
Meet our lawyers
News and insights
Publications: 14 March 2024
Infringing gin part II: Court of Appeal victory for M&S against Aldi’s copycat design
Designers and brand owners will be comforted by Marks & Spencer’s Court of Appeal victory. It reinforces the importance of registering designs to protect against copycat products and, as the first…
Publications: 26 February 2024
No patents, no problem: how Formula 1 technology races ahead without patent protection
As arguably the most technologically advanced sport in the world, where cutting-edge R&D is critical to achieving results on the track, it would be reasonable to assume that patents play a pivotal…
Publications: 22 January 2024
UPC Insights: Divisions disagree on rules for service on non-European defendants
In a recent order, (UPC_CFI_219/2023), the Mannheim Division provided its view on the conditions of implementation for Rule 275.2 of the Rules of Procedure (RoP), which allows for alternatives methods…
Publications: 15 November 2023
Discord about access to court file between UPC Court of First Instance Divisions
Important decisions abound as the UPC navigates the still often unchartered waters of its Rules of Procedure (RoP).
Recognition of our work
The firm offers a streamlined service across major European and Asian jurisdictions.
WTR 1000 International 2020
Seamless cross-border cooperation, outstanding efficiency and consistent quality… Allen & Overy’s litigation offering is collegiate, creative and pragmatic, ready to either attack aggressively or to settle favourably – whatever makes most commercial sense for the client.
IAM Patent 1000 2019
Clients report that the firm provides good international service by co-ordinating all cross-border aspects seamlessly.
Chambers Europe-wide 2020 Intellectual Property
Related content
Intellectual property brochure
Digital maturity
Life Sciences Talk
Data Hub