Mark Earnshaw
Executive Director
Patent Oppositions & Appeals
Our expert patent attorneys provide best-in-class representation and guidance for your EPO patent oppositions and appeals.
We are experts in EPO patent oppositions
Patent opposition proceedings at the European Patent Office (EPO) are an amazing tool for third parties seeking freedom to operate within Europe. They are cost-effective compared to litigating a European patent in even a single European national court; the decisions are consistent and rendered in a timely manner.
Our experienced patent team has an impressive record of helping patentees defend and maintain their rights during opposition proceedings initiated by third parties. The team is also regularly involved in opposing third-party rights on behalf of our clients, thereby successfully obtaining freedom to operate within Europe.
With in-depth technical knowledge, unique industry insight and excellent advocating skills, our talented team of patent specialists are highly qualified to guide you through the entire process.
Protecting your rights, ideas and innovations across Europe
An EPO opposition is a procedure allowing a third party to challenge the validity of a European patent. An opposition can lead to the patent being maintained as granted, amended or revoked. Anyone can file an opposition to a patent within nine months of the date of the grant being published.
These proceedings are an important tool in any effective intellectual property strategy. They can offer huge commercial benefits – proactive and strategic management of the patent opposition and appeal process from the outset can deliver a long-lasting competitive advantage.
Whether you’re the patentee or the opponent, choosing the right team to guide you through these proceedings is key to success. We have deep expertise and a proven track record in attacking and defending patents of all types and complexity.
Technical and legal specialists in patent oppositions and appeals
We have extensive and in-depth knowledge of the EPO opposition and appeal procedure, with a proven track record of success in cases across a wide range of sectors and technologies.
- Broad, deep expertise: With over 100 attorneys, 360 staff and 22 global offices, we cover all fields of technology, ranging from pharmaceuticals compositions to mechanical devices, polymers, digital systems, diagnostics and more.
- Comprehensive support: You will benefit from our expertise and support at every stage of the patent opposition proceedings, including assistance in preparing necessary documentation and evidence.
- Innovative solutions: We’ve worked on many complex cases, including those involving multiple opponents. Our approach is analytical, thorough and, at the same time, creative – we’ll find the most suitable solutions, even if they are out of the ordinary.
- Integrated strategy: We will keep an oversight of any co-pending litigation or ongoing licence agreement negotiations for you and leverage them into the proceeding.
- In-depth insights: We will utilise our in-house search expertise to monitor your competitor activities and to find the most relevant prior art, if needed.
- Industry recognition: As a law firm and individually, we’re routinely listed in leading patent directories and ranking reports, including IAM 300, IAM 1000, IPStars, Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
Meet our patent opposition team
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Protect your patents and effectively challenge competitors at the EPO. Our support in oppositions and appeals ensures your rights are defended.