Arnold & Porter

Firm overview:

Arnold & Porter retains a distinctive position in the UK patents market through its internationally integrated life sciences practice. Rather than competing on prosecution volume, the firm focuses on sophisticated cross-border patent matters, giving clients support where European patent strategy intersects with global litigation and commercial objectives. A dedicated Life Sciences Transactions team assists innovators and investors with complex deals, serving major companies in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device sectors.

Team overview:

The London patents team is compact but closely connected to a much broader international life sciences platform. Beatriz San Martin is the main name in the practice, while colleagues across the wider network add depth on technically demanding European and global patent disputes. That international reach is central to the firm’s ability to support clients on matters where patent, regulatory and commercial issues overlap.

San Martin has earned widespread respect for her ability to navigate the intersection of patent litigation, regulation and life sciences. A peer describes her as a “very well-rounded litigator” with a deep understanding of life sciences law within the IP arena—expertise that she is “able to bring to patent matters”.

At the end of 2025, the firm added to its life sciences transactions capability with the hire of George Jenkins, who joined from Covington & Burling.