Fieldfisher

Firm overview:

Full-service law firm Fieldfisher has more than 1,800 people working across 23 offices in Europe, the US and Asia. Known for its prowess in trademarks, the firm is focusing on elevating its patent work to the same high level of recognition, with the team in a period of dynamic growth and strategy setting.

Fieldfisher’s patents team has an impressive breadth of practice, working with some of the giants of the tech world as well as leading life sciences clients, and is building on a growing reputation for handling matters relating to emerging technologies. The firm’s patent services include portfolio management and strategic advice relating to transactions and commercially exploiting patent rights.

Particularly excelling in litigation, Fieldfisher often leads multi-jurisdictional matters against top tier patent teams, with its UK team co-ordinating with a wide international network of expert colleagues.

Team overview:

Fieldfisher’s UK patents practice operates out of the London and Birmingham offices, with its capability in the area extending across Europe and to the Unified Patent Court (UPC).

Tommy McKenna leads the team of patent specialists and has a broad practice covering offensive and defensive litigation of patent rights, with experience in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and UK and EU Intellectual Property Offices.

In March 2025 the firm welcomed Victoria Bentley to strengthen its growing patent practice. Bentley, who joined from Shoosmiths, comes highly recommended by peers who describe her as “an expert in her field” and “extremely good at relaying her advice”. A “very diligent lawyer with excellent technical understanding”, Bentley mainly focuses on high-tech sectors and has acted in groundbreaking patent and copyright cases before the UK courts. “My clients always thank me for an introduction to Vicky,” says another industry counterpart who sings her praises.

Key matters:

• MGA Entertainment v Cabo Concepts

Fieldfisher represents MGA Entertainment, a global designer and distributor of children’s toys, in a dispute with Cabo Concepts which claimed that MGA had made unjustified threats of patent infringement. Parallel competition law claims were also asserted against MGA in the Patents Court and Cabo Concepts claimed significant losses as a result of MGA’s alleged behaviour.

The trial concluded in January 2025 and judgment has not yet been handed down.

Partners Tommy McKenna, Nick Pimlott, and Stephen May, along with senior associate James Groves and solicitor Holly Johnson, are on the Fieldfisher team for MGA.

• Garrett Motion v Melett

The team represents Melett, an English subsidiary of US company Wabtec, in a dispute at the High Court. Melett sells parts for the turbocharger aftermarket, and has been sued by Garrett Motion for patent infringement.

Tommy McKenna (partner) and Fiona Waples (senior associate) are key contacts for the matter.

Clients:

Melett, MGA Entertainment