Appleyard Lees
Firm overview:
Appleyard Lees demonstrates a balanced offering across patent prosecution, oppositions and litigation. Half of the firm’s patent attorneys hold doctoral degrees, a significantly higher proportion than the 30% average in the UK profession. The team’s expertise includes artificial intelligence/advanced software innovations, and it has also taken on mandates across engineering, medtech, consumer products, electronics and green technology, as well as instructions from new life sciences clients. A satisfied client says that Appleyard Lees provides a “full service, and can address any issues we have regardless of precedence or geography”.
Team overview:
As managing partner, Bobby Smithson continues to shape both the firm’s strategic direction and its international patent practice. A peer recommends Smithson as a standout individual in the market, commenting that he is “excellent at building and maintaining strong client relationships”.
Barbara Fleck is highly regarded for her life sciences expertise, advising clients across biotechnology and pharmaceuticals on commercially important European patent strategies. A client describes her as “an excellent lawyer” holding “great technical knowledge”.
Key matters:
- Asda/IPL: Landmark plant variety rights litigation
The firm defended Asda subsidiary International Procurement and Logistics (IPL) in a landmark plant variety rights infringement claim involving Nadorcott mandarins, securing an important judgment that clarified the position for retailers and importers facing similar IP disputes.
- MitoRx Therapeutics: Patent portfolio development and licensing strategy
The firm helped MitoRx Therapeutics develop and protect its patent portfolio, including protection for its lead weight-loss compounds, and negotiated key university licensing arrangements that supported the company’s £5 million venture capital investment.
- Detectronic: Patent protection and R&D collaboration agreements
The firm advised Detectronic on patent protection and university collaboration agreements, putting in place a strong IP and commercial framework for the development and future commercialisation of its wastewater monitoring technologies.
Clients:
AR8D, ASDA, Avient, Bivictrix, Bolt, Cambridge Enterprise, Cambridge Research UK, Clasado Biosciences, ColourMatrix, CO2 Sustain, Detectronic, Einride Autonomous, FeTu, International Procurement and Logistics (IPL), IPL, JT International, Microbiotica, Mimetrik, MitoRX, Oxa Autonomy, Puma, RegenxBio, Smith + Nephew, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Viasat, Zoetis/Petmedix
