Methodology

The Global Elite Thought Leaders are those individuals who received the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources this year. Our research has identified them as truly outstanding practitioners and the very best in their field.

Who’s Who Legal does not list law firms, only individual lawyers. The leading firms are those in each region whose listed practitioners received the most total nominations in our research.

EMEA

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Thierry Calame, Lenz & Staehelin – Zurich
• Brian Cordery, Bristows LLP – London
• Andreas von Falck, Hogan Lovells International LLP – Düsseldorf
• Penny Gilbert, Powell Gilbert LLP – London
• Klaus Haft, Hoyng Rokh Monegier – Düsseldorf
• Peter Kather, Kather Augenstein – Düsseldorf
• Morag Macdonald, Bird & Bird LLP – London
• Tim Powell, Powell Gilbert LLP – London
• Peter-Ulrik Plesner, Plesner Advokatpartnerselskab – Copenhagen
• Sture Rygaard, Plesner Advokatpartnerselskab – Copenhagen

Leading firms

Bird & Bird

Morag MacDonald is hailed as a “legend” and a “great expert on pan-European litigation” with a strong flair for advising clients on managing their global patent strategies.
Christian Harmsen draws praise for being “very experienced and eloquent” with a first-rate practice advising global technology companies on complex patent litigation.
Richard Vary is commended for his “superb technical background, which benefits his patent litigation practice” and for “understanding the way strategies work across an international stage”.
Jane Mutimear “stands out” in the market with a “long history of winning cases”. She possesses profound expertise on telecoms patent litigation.
Oliver Jan Jüngst is highlighted for his impressive experience in patent infringement litigation on a global scale, having appeared frequently before the European Patent Office and the German courts.
Neil Jenkins is regarded favourably by peers who extol the virtues of his fantastic patent litigation practice, particularly in relation to pharmaceutical products.
Anna Wolters-Höhne is touted as an “amazing practitioner” who “really gets complex matters”, having represented clients in high-profile cases in the medical devices and pharma fields.
Katharine Stephens is enthusiastically dubbed a “top litigator on engineering matters”, and credited with extensive experience in coordinating patent litigation spanning various jurisdictions.
Mark Hilton is celebrated for his impeccable practice in the patent litigation field. Clients appreciate his “novel tactical ideas and outstanding strategic plans”.

Bristows

Brian Cordery is considered by many as “the top pharma litigator in Europe”. He has a “great strategic mind”, effuse clients who add: “His diligence and creativity are unmatched.”
Dominic Adair is recognised for his sweeping patents knowledge. “He is able to contribute information beyond IP,” say clients, “such as on regulatory matters and market detail.”
Robert Burrows earns considerable approval thanks to his vast experience as well as his “calm, thoughtful, knowledgeable and thorough approach”.
Myles Jelf instils a great amount of confidence in clients who effuse, “He really knows what he is doing.” He is touted for his expert counsel to high-profile technology companies.
Edward Nodder is a revered practitioner with over 35 years of experience in patent litigation, and has been involved in numerous high-profile cases.
Andrew Bowler is hailed as the “number-one choice for patent litigation in the UK due to his remarkable reputation” and is noted for always “presenting sharp solutions”.
Liz Cohen is exalted as being “exceptionally talented” due to her “extensive experience and technical background which allows her to be super-competent and reliable”.

8 New Square

Michael Tappin QC is enormously well versed in the law of patents and SPCs. Peers praise his “thorough and careful approach”.
Andrew Lykiardopoulos QC is a fantastic silk with an impressive profile, having been involved in high-value and leading pharma patent cases.
Richard Meade QC is “ridiculously brainy and incredibly strategic”, enthuse peers. He is highly valued for his know-how in handling technology-focused disputes.
Adrian Speck QC is at “the top of his game” and instils great confidence in clients who say, “He really believes in the case he ultimately presents.”
Daniel Alexander QC is a long-time player in the IP market, highlighted for always “having the bigger picture in mind”.
James Whyte is touted as a “charming advocate” who applies his “excellent technical understanding” to patent litigation cases in the areas of pharmaceuticals and electronics.

Hoyng Rokh Monegier

Klaus Haft is an outstanding practitioner who impresses respondents with his “well-thought-out and profound arguments in court”.
Christian Osterrieth has a “stellar reputation” and is exalted for “knowing how to handle even the most complex litigation”, particularly in matters involving technology industries.
Willem Hoyng is a senior statesman and highly sought-after adviser for domestic and international clients operating in the biotechnological and pharma industries.
Martin Köhler has amassed considerable patent infringement litigation experience, with in-depth insights into an array of industries, including medical devices and electronics.
Simon Dack is a “renowned pharma litigator” internationally, and is lauded as “go-to person for life sciences in the Netherlands”.
Theo Blomme is an excellent litigator, commended by interviewees for his sweeping knowledge in a range of technological fields.
Christine Kanz wins glowing praise for her “ability to focus on the most important points and quickly act on them”, in addition to “exhibiting good judgement when matters are in balance”.
Bart van den Broek receives accolades for his deep-seated patents knowledge and is regarded as a “fantastic electronics litigator”.

Powell Gilbert

Global Elite Thought Leader Penny Gilbert is a “huge name” in the sector and a leader in the field. She draws praise for her unrivalled experience in domestic and European patent litigation.
Tim Powell is deemed an authority on complicated patent disputes, with a “reputation for being extremely sharp” and knowledgeable in the field.
Zoë Butler is “immensely talented” and “really knows her stuff”, which brings significant value to clients seeking coordinated and multi-jurisdictional advice.
Alex Wilson is a standout practitioner who wins generous praise for his wide-ranging expertise from graphics processing to biotechnology matters.
Tim Whitfield is recognised for the depth of his patent expertise and extensive experience handling multi-jurisdictional litigation and strategy.
Bethan Hopewell is venerated as a “highly experienced patent litigator with significant knowledge of the life sciences sector”, with clients appreciating her “very responsive and decisive approach”.

Plesner Advokatpartnerselskab

Sture Rygaard is endorsed as “one of the best patent litigators in Denmark” and is highlighted in particular for obtaining injunctions for biotech and pharma products.
Peter-Ulrik Plesner is a strong litigator who navigates complex cases with ease. He focuses on patent litigation in the life sciences sector, and draws praise for his strength in leading technically complex cases.
Mikkel Vittrup is a seasoned litigator who also has a wealth of experience in regulatory matters. His previous experience includes advising on dietary supplement and medicinal products.
Jeppe Brinck-Jensen wins widespread commendation from interviewees for his excellent work on issues relating to Danish-focused infringement cases.

Hogan Lovells

Andreas von Falck shines as “one of the very best” when it comes to patent litigation in the pharmaceutical field.
Stephen Bennett is an “excellent lawyer”, highly valued for his “practical and careful approach”.
Daniel Brook is fêted as an “up-and-coming superstar” who knows the law in exhaustive detail, and is commended for developing effective strategies.
Klaas Bisschop receives accolades for his first-rate practice and is noted for his “excellent grasp of the law and enviable technological insight”.
Martin Fähndrich is a sharp-sighted practitioner, well acquainted with patents law and held in high regard for litigating on many of the most prominent cases.

Other Leading individuals

Austria

Christian Gassauer-Fleissner of Gassauer-Fleissner Rechtsanwälte is seen as a leading light in the field, and is often called upon to represent life sciences companies in a range of complex disputes.

Belgium

Christophe Ronse at Altius is deemed an “excellent opponent” by peers. He is highly experienced in representing clients in litigation on international and domestic levels.

At Crowell & Moring, the “excellent advocate” Kristof Roox “speaks with the authority of one who knows the legal landscape in Belgium with precision”.

Denmark

Anders Valentin of Bugge Valentin Advokatpartnerselskab is a first-class litigator with profound experience at all levels of the Danish court system and in multi-jurisdictional proceedings.

At Kromann Reumert, Nicolai Lindgreen draws praise from peers across Europe who consider him a go-to figure for complex patent litigation proceedings.

England

At Herbert Smith Freehills, Sophie Rich is a seasoned expert highlighted for her astute approach to patent litigation, making her a go-to adviser to major life sciences companies.
Sebastian Moore is a “really good” lawyer recognised for his first-rate practice, which attracts an impressive clientele including major multinationals such as Sanofi and Gilead.

Gordon Harris of Gowling WLG is an accomplished lawyer and a “superb litigator” with profound experience representing clients accused of or facing patent infringement.

The “top-tier” Nicola Dagg at Kirkland & Ellis is a “top name” in patents, with one client adding, “She is the main reason we go to Kirkland.”

Mike Gilbert of Marks & Clerk Solicitors possesses “broad and deep knowledge of UK and European patent laws”, as well as wide-ranging skillset that includes “dedication to explaining and clarifying issues”.
Gregor Grant is widely commended for his excellent patents practice, which sees him engaged in a range of technology-related matters.

Gary Moss of EIP Europe is a seasoned expert held in awe by peers, one of whom comments, “He’s one of the best practitioners, even when he’s an adversary!”
Justin Watts at WilmerHale is well thought of among peers who admire his “passion for the law, technology and his clients”, adding that he is “the go-to for high-stakes litigation”.

Germany

Bernhard Arnold of Arnold Ruess Rechtsanwälte is a prominent figure in the German market, highlighted for his formidable know-how on patent disputes.
Cordula Schumacher is a highly respected practitioner whose practice encompasses patent litigation and strategy.

Peter Kather at Kather Augenstein is a superb patent litigator with invaluable insights into areas of biotechnology, engineering and telecommunications.

Frank-Erich Hufnagel of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is regarded as a formidable opponent by peers who highlight his strength in producing “extremely well-written submissions”.

Ireland

Gerard Kelly at Mason Hayes & Curran is a top name in the Irish market and adept at handling complex pharma disputes.

Israel

Tal Band of S Horowitz & Co wins glowing praise for his “deep knowledge of Israeli patent law”. He is “extremely thorough and thoughtful about the advice he provides”.

David Gilat at Gilat, Bareket & Co, Reinhold Cohn Group enjoys a stellar reputation in the market due to his “rock-solid IP knowledge”, combined with “a strategic and business-focused approach”.

Italy

Gabriel Cuonzo at Trevisan & Cuonzo is an internationally renowned lawyer with top-class expertise in pharmaceutical litigation.

Netherlands

Richard Ebbink of Brinkhof has a truly international patent litigation practice which makes him the go-to for clients seeking a coordinated strategy.

Switzerland

Thierry Calame at Lenz & Staelin enjoys a stellar international reputation for his profound ability in patent law and related disputes.

Simon Holzer of Meyerlustenberger Lachenal is an “outstanding and experienced patent lawyer”, credited with deep knowledge of a range of technologies and industries.

 

North America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• David W Aitken, Aitken Klee LLP – Ottawa
• Morgan Chu, Irell & Manella LLP – Los Angeles
• Ronald E Dimock, Gowling WLG – Toronto
• Gunars Gaikis, Smart & Biggar LLP – Toronto
• Carol Hitchman, Sprigings Intellectual Property Law – Toronto
• David J Kappos, Cravath – Swaine & Moore LLP, New York
• William F Lee, WilmerHale – Boston
• Harry Radomski, Goodmans LLP – Toronto

Leading firms

Smart & Biggar

Gunars Gaikis has near-unrivalled experience in patent litigation, along with invaluable insights into medical and pharmaceutical products.
Steven Garland is an outstanding lawyer with a top-class practice that sees him advising on patents in an array of areas, including telecoms and biotech.
Sheldon Hamilton possesses strong trial experience, having represented clients for the past 20 years. He is noted for his profound expertise in pharmaceutical litigation.
François Guay is a long-standing fixture in the Canadian market with an enviable clientele, including multinationals such as Air Canada, Microsoft and Nike.
Nancy Pei is a distinguished litigator who maintains an excellent practice. She is particularly commended for her work in the life sciences field.

Goodmans

Harry Radomski has real depth of experience and draws praise for his excellent skillset, with respondents noting that he is “incredibly innovative, creative and strategic”.
Andrew Brodkin is lauded as an “exceptional litigator” and “highly knowledgeable”, with extensive experience before the Canadian courts.
Dino Clarizio is a go-to practitioner with a strong reputation in the patents market. He is adept on issues relating to pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Richard Naiberg enjoys an impressive reputation for his expertise in patent-related matters across medical devices, financial services and computing.
Ben Hackett is regarded very favourably by respondents who deem him a “real star” when it comes to complex IP litigation and infringement proceedings.

Bereskin & Parr

Donald Cameron has a commanding presence in the space, with market commentators lauding his deep experience in biotechnology and bioengineering.
Daniel Bereskin QC is exalted as a “senior statesman” and an “excellent attorney” by impressed peers.
Donald MacOdrum is a well-established practitioner with an impressive practice advising multinational companies and individuals on patent litigation.
R Scott MacKendrick is endorsed as a top-notch litigator, and commended for his vast experience handling patent litigation involving a range of technologies.

Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner

Thomas Irving is a superlative practitioner and a “terrific patent strategist”, having secured vital decisions for his clients in litigation.
J Michael Jakes draws praise as “one of the best in DC”, and is recognised for his exceptional know-how on medical device technologies and semi-conductors.
Bryan Diner comes “highly recommended for complicated cases, especially IPRs” due to his wealth of experience in the area.

Other leading individuals

Canada

David Aitken of Aitken Klee wins plaudits for his first-class practice that sees him involved in prominent and high-value patent proceedings.

Bruce Stratton of DLA Piper is a seasoned litigator who has carved out a specialism in patent disputes involving computer-focused technology.

Carol Hitchman at Sprigings Intellectual Property Law is celebrated as an “extremely impressive IP litigator” and an “amazing role model”.

Ronald Dimock at Gowling WLG is an all-round superstar in IP litigation with a strong track record of representing clients before all levels of the Canadian courts.
Anthony Creber is a senior practitioner in the IP field with a particular focus on infringement cases pertaining to the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Peter Wilcox of Belmore Neidrauer has an impressive profile, having amassed considerable experience in adeptly handling challenging patent litigation.

Jason Markwell at Fasken is recognised for his many qualities including being “very thorough and creative” in his approach to patent-focused litigation.

Andrew Bernstein of Torys is effusively praised by peers who comment: “He is a thorough and organised advocate with a good sense of what is and is not persuasive”.

USA

William Lee of WilmerHale has a stellar reputation in the market and a long track record of appearing in landmark cases, with a particular concentration representing technology-focused clients.

David Kappos at Cravath, Swaine & Moore is frequently placed in the top tier of practitioners by market commentators. He has exceptionally deep IP knowledge and counsels on a variety of related strategies.

Morgan Chu at Irell & Manella is exalted as “absolutely tremendous” and a “legend” in the North American market by sources.

John Desmarais of Desmarais is considered “one of the top patent litigators in the US”, thanks to his first-class practice, and “a pleasure to work with”.

Nicholas Groombridge at Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison wins glowing praise from respondents who effusively deem him “an exceptional attorney” and “a leader in the field”.

 

Asia-Pacific

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Ella Cheong, Ella Cheong & Alan Chiu Solicitors & Notaries – Hong Kong
• Eiji Katayama, Abe Ikubo & Katayama – Tokyo
• Yoshio Kumakura, Nakamura & Partners – Tokyo
• Sarah Matheson, Allens – Melbourne
• Matthew Swinn, King & Wood Mallesons – Melbourne
• Nongfan Zhu, King & Wood Mallesons – Beijing

Leading firms

King & Wood Mallesons

The “excellent” Matthew Swinn has a fantastic reputation in the IP market, along with strong experience representing high-profile clients such as Pfizer and GE.
Nongfan Zhu draws effusive praise from interviewees who appreciate his wealth of IP knowledge, allowing him to assist clients in managing their IP portfolios in China.
Kim O’Connell has extensive experience in patents field and wins high praise for her expert knowledge in health and medical-related products.
Wenping Chen is a distinguished figure in the market who garners high praise for his standout practice, spanning a plethora of pharma and life-sciences patents.

Bird & Bird

Matthew Laight is a “fantastic patent litigator” who receives widespread commendation for his work. He is deemed highly knowledgeable in complex regulatory issues.
Christine Yiu receives plaudits from peers for her patent know-how, which is invaluable for clients seeking counsel on how to protect and manage their IP portfolios.
Alison Wong comes highly commended for her life sciences expertise, which has enabled her to devise strategies to assist clients in coordinating patent litigation across South East Asia.

Nakamura & Partners

Yoshio Kumakura is a long-standing figure in the market with an impeccable profile. She has achieved notable wins before the Japanese Supreme Court for clients.
Kazuhiko Yoshida garners great respect from commentators for his vast experience advising complex litigation and disputes involving patents.
The “very experienced” Koichi Tsujii is an “active and very well-known” figure in the market, who dazzles clients with his expertise in patent infringement litigation.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Grant Fisher is a widely acclaimed practitioner with exhaustive IP knowledge and a wealth of experience appearing before various courts and patent offices on biotechnology, pharma and computing-related cases, among others.
Odette Gourley is lauded for her top-tier practice and wins accolades for “adeptly managing complex international litigation matters”.
Kate Hay is a seasoned hand in IP protection and enforcement, admired for her “practical and commercial solutions”. Multinational clients especially value her cross-border experience.
Stephen Stern continues to impress market commentators with his first-class practice, which sees him cover a range of areas such as luxury goods and pharma companies.

Leading individuals

Australia

Sarah Matheson of Allens has a wealth of insight into licensing matters and infringement proceedings, enabling her to effectively and smoothly assist her clients.
Richard Hamer is a well-known practitioner with a specialism in pharmaceutical patent cases, and has acted for numerous big-name companies.

Sue Gilchrist at Herbert Smith Freehills is a prominent name in the Australian market, lauded as a “tenacious litigator”.

Christian Dimitriadis SC at Nigel Bowen Chambers is endorsed as a superb advocate. He has successfully navigated numerous significant cases in the courts.

Japan

Eiji Katayama of Abe Ikubo & Katayama is a passionate IP lawyer with clients benefitting from his expansive life sciences knowledge.

Seiji Ohno at Ohno & Partners is celebrated as “one of the most active litigators in patent infringement cases” with clients benefitting from his invaluable insights in the life sciences sector.

Hong Kong

Ella Cheong of Ella Cheong & Alan Chiu Solicitors & Notaries excels in our research this year, with sources commenting, “She always provides clients with more than they expected.”

India

Pravin Anand at Anand and Anand is a highly rated IP specialist, noted for his frequent involvement in high-profile, pharma-focused cases.

Korea

Duck Soon Chang of Kim & Chang is revered as “one of the best IP litigators in the Korea”, and is hence well known as a go-to for clients.

Singapore

Tony Yeo of Drew & Napier is “an extremely skilled litigator and strategist” who impresses clients with “his depth of knowledge of the subject matter”.

 

Latin America

Leading individuals

Argentina

Martín Bensadon at Marval O’Farrell & Mairal is universally recognised by peers for his “deep knowledge of the legal landscape and the market”.

Fernando Noetinger of Noetinger & Armando is a well-established name with a wealth of experience in the prosecution and protection of patents.

Brazil

Otto Licks of Licks Attorneys is a highly regarded IP expert with a particular focus on life sciences, enabling him to stand out in the market.

Luiz Leonardos at Luiz Leonardos & Advogados is a key figure in the IP sector with an impressive profile for patent-related matters.

Chile

Felipe Claro S at Claro y Cia is praised for his “expansive experience in patents” and his “unmatched knowledge of the Chilean intellectual property market”.