Hogan Lovells

Firm overview:

US-UK law firm Hogan Lovells deploys its significant resources on both sides of the Atlantic to assist clients with patent matters, from initial idea to defence in court. The firm has been involved in some of the most significant UK patent cases over the years and is well respected for its litigation capability.

The team advises on IP portfolio management, transactions and licensing agreements, making use of the firm’s global network of lawyers to handle cross-border matters. However, the practice is best known for its contentious work, with notable matters including acting for Eli Lilly in landmark patent dispute Actavis v Eli Lilly before the UK Supreme Court, and representing Oppo in its much-publicised FRAND litigation with Nokia.

Team overview:

Litigation experts at the firm include London-based partner Stephen Bennett, who has handled some of the most complex pharmaceutical patent cases and biggest disputes in the tech sector in Europe. Described as “excellent” by a peer, Bennett’s key achievements include acting for mobile phone maker ZTE in its multi-jurisdictional patent litigation with Ericsson, and representing Qualcomm in a cross-border patent action against Nokia.

IP partner Paul Brown also focuses predominantly on litigious patent work, although he also advises clients on issues related to licensing and strategy. Brown led Hogan Lovell’s representation of Oppo against Nokia and Philips in UK technical and FRAND litigation, including coordinating Oppo’s global FRAND strategy in both disputes.

Former partner and heavyweight litigator Joel Smith left the firm in October 2024 to join Simmons & Simmons.

Key matters:

• Global litigation strategy—Oppo

Hogan Lovells represented Oppo in its immense patent battle with Nokia, which came to a conclusion in January 2024 when the parties settled.

The multijurisdictional dispute began when Oppo’s licence agreement with Nokia ended in June 2021. The pair were unable to reach an agreement on new terms and Nokia sued in various courts, including Germany, France, Brazil, the UK, India and elsewhere.

Under the agreement made last year, Oppo will pay royalties to Nokia, along with catch-up payments to cover periods of non-payment during the disputes.

• Global FRAND licensing dispute—Amazon

Hogan Lovells represents Amazon in its dispute with Alcatel and Nokia over telecom patents. This year, the Court of Appeal held that Amazon’s claim for an interim reasonable and non-discriminatory (RAND) licence from Nokia had reasonable prospects of success and should be allowed to proceed to trial, a ruling that overturned the decision of the High Court.

The case is Alcatel Lucent v Amazon Digital UK & Ors.

Clients:

Amazon, Oppo