Bird & Bird

Firm overview:

Bird & Bird is deserving of its place in the 2026 rankings because of the “strength and depth” of its patent specialists, according to a peer. The firm offers expertise in telecommunications alongside its prominent life sciences practice. Its investment in patent intelligence, together with one of Europe’s strongest networks, enables clients to develop litigation strategies informed by both legal analysis and portfolio analytics. The firm remains particularly influential in standard-essential patent (SEP), FRAND and multinational technology disputes.

Team overview:

Specialising in global patent litigation, Trevor Cook has over 45 years’ experience in IP and has acted in many of the leading English patent infringement cases. Other key members of the patent team include Richard Vary, known for his work advising global technology businesses on sophisticated SEP and FRAND disputes.

Jane Mutimear has built a respected telecommunications practice centred on complex patent litigation and international arbitration, and has handled numerous cases that have reached the High Court and Court of Appeal.