Diane Adair
Senior IP Counsel
Novartis
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LIFE SCIENCES PATENT ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Leslie Fischer
Principal Patent Attorney
Sandoz
Leslie Fischer is a Principal Patent Attorney at Sandoz, who focuses on global IP strategy for biosimilars. Before joining Sandoz, Leslie was a patent attorney at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where she worked for over a decade developing global patent portfolios for biologicals. Before joining the Novartis group, Leslie was an associate at Fitzpatrick Cella (NY) (now Venable). Leslie holds a J.D. from Rutgers University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Thomas Jefferson University. Her scientific work appears in JCB, JBC, and Osteoarthritis & Cartilage. She speaks frequently at patent-related events and is an adjunct professor at Seton Hall Law School.
Christof Bull
Associate General Patent Counsel
UCB
Mathilde Rauline
Head of Greater Europe Patent Litigation
Sanofi
Mathilde is a European patent attorney, is qualified as a French patent attorney, and is admitted to the Paris bar.
She is head of Greater Europe patent litigation at Sanofi, after having been a patent litigator in private practice (mostly in the pharmaceutical field), and a patent attorney in the industry (Sanofi, Nestlé).
She has extensive experience in pharmaceutical and life-science patent litigation in France, at the EPO, in Europe, and in Eurasia.
Her expertise also comprises contractual matters, settlements, regulatory aspects, and the SPC regulation.
Lorenz Kallenbach
Senior Corporate Patent Counsel (Director)
Merck
Lorenz Kallenbach is a senior corporate patent counsel in the healthcare division of Merck KGaA. He is responsible for defining and executing the IP strategy for innovator projects. Including the assessment of the IP landscape, coordination of worldwide patent litigation, and portfolio development.
Before joining Merck, Lorenz worked in private practice. He is qualified as a German and European patent attorney.
Lorenz studied biochemistry and received a Ph.D. in the field of epigenetics.
Stephan Kutik
Senior Director, Intellectual Property
Genevant Sciences GmbH
Ewan Nettleton
Principal IP Counsel, Oncology Litigation
Novartis Pharma AG
Tessa M. Malamud-Cohen
Director, Patents, Global Intellectual Property
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Paki Banky
Senior IP Counsel (IP Lead Cell & Gene)
Novartis
Corinna Sundermann
Senior Vice President Intellectual Property
Fresenius Kabi
Frank Landolt
Chief Counsel IP & Legal
Confo Therapeutics
Frank Landolt is Chief Counsel, Intellectual Property and Legal at Confo Therapeutics, a privately held biopharmaceutical start-up based in Ghent, Belgium specializing in GPCR-targeted therapeutics.
After studying chemistry and law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, Frank worked for almost ten years on pharmaceutical and biotechological patents and licensing in private practice in the Netherlands, where his clients included major pharmaceutical companies as well as some of the top biotech firms and research institutions in the Netherlands.
Prior to joining Confo in 2018, Frank worked for fifteen years in Ablynx N.V. (now a wholly owned Sanofi company), where he was a member of the management team and headed an integrated IP and legal group of four lawyers and five patent professionals. At Ablynx, Frank was involved in negotiating Ablynx’s strategic partnerships and licensing deals with AbbVie, Boehringer-Ingelheim, MSD, Merck-Serono, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and Wyeth.
From 2000 to 2004, Frank was director of IP and legal counsel at Devgen N.V. (now part of Syngenta), another Ghent-based biotechnology company, where he was involved in negotiating Devgen’s strategic collaborations with Sumitomo, Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer.
Frank is a Dutch and European patent attorney, and also holds a degree in business law from the University of Antwerp. He is a member of the Dutch association of patent attorneys (where he is a tutor for the professional qualification course), EPI and LES Benelux (where he is involved in the LES Licensing Course). He is a regular speaker on a range of topics relating to IP and licensing in the (bio)pharmaceutical sector. Frank was named as one of Managing IP’s ‘Corporate IP stars’ for four years in a row (2015-2018).
Guido Pontremoli
Vice President Global IP
Chiesi
Currently employed as global Head of the IP department-Patent at Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, managing and coaching a team of experienced patent attorneys, patent searchers and administrators, working on the protection, enforcement, litigation and/or opposition of the Chiesi IP, aligned with business decisions.
Before joining Chiesi, I worked in IP groups of big pharma companies (GSK Vaccine, and Bracco Imaging) as senior patent attorney responsible for all the IP aspects concerning some key R&D projects. I also had experience as patent counsel in private practices, dealing with pharma, chemical and bio entities.
Graduated in chemistry from the Univ of Milan, with a PhD in medicinal chemistry and a post-doc experience in USA, I am qualified EPA and chartered Italian patent attorney.
Kristin Cooklin
Group Head IP Counsel
Recordati
Toni Santamaria
Vice President Intellectual Property
Adalvo
Toni has been leading the Intellectual Property team at Adalvo since 2021. He has more than 20 years of experience in different pharmaceutical companies where he has been involved in developing and implementing complex patent and data exclusivity litigation strategies for several generics and added value products, including leading parallel litigation cases in multiple European countries. He also has experience in patent and trademark prosecution.
Toni qualified as European Patent Attorney in 2010 and holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry.
Shohta Ueno
Assistant General Counsel - Dispute Resolution
Regeneron
Adrian Spillmann
Director of Intellectual Property
Valneva
Julia Pike
Global Head of IP
Sandoz
Since March 2020, Julia has been the Global Head of IP for Sandoz. In her previous roles with Sandoz, she has had a leading role in the first wave of US biosimilars litigation, including the first litigations on critical aspects of the governing legislation (the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act or BPCIA), culminating in the landmark US Supreme Court decision, Sandoz v Amgen.
Since leaving private practice at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Julia has been in-house counsel for many years including at Mayne Pharma and Hospira Inc before joining Sandoz in 2008. While there, she has taken on roles in European public affairs and led Sandoz’s global IP litigation function as Global Head of IP Litigation. Through those roles, she has maintained a keen interest in IP strategy and litigation worldwide, including cases arising under the Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA legislation in the US, PM(NOC) regulations in Canada and litigation arising from patent linkage systems around the world.
Christoph Rehfuess
Head of IP
Sotio
Philip Caramanica
Chief IP Counsel & Deputy General Counsel
Alvotech
Dr. Leslie Fischer
Principal Patent Attorney
Sandoz
Leslie Fischer is a Principal Patent Attorney at Sandoz, who focuses on global IP strategy for biosimilars. Before joining Sandoz, Leslie was a patent attorney at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where she worked for over a decade developing global patent portfolios for biologicals. Before joining the Novartis group, Leslie was an associate at Fitzpatrick Cella (NY) (now Venable). Leslie holds a J.D. from Rutgers University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Thomas Jefferson University. Her scientific work appears in JCB, JBC, and Osteoarthritis & Cartilage. She speaks frequently at patent-related events and is an adjunct professor at Seton Hall Law School.
Christof Bull
Associate General Patent Counsel
UCB
Mathilde Rauline
Head of Greater Europe Patent Litigation
Sanofi
Mathilde is a European patent attorney, is qualified as a French patent attorney, and is admitted to the Paris bar.
She is head of Greater Europe patent litigation at Sanofi, after having been a patent litigator in private practice (mostly in the pharmaceutical field), and a patent attorney in the industry (Sanofi, Nestlé).
She has extensive experience in pharmaceutical and life-science patent litigation in France, at the EPO, in Europe, and in Eurasia.
Her expertise also comprises contractual matters, settlements, regulatory aspects, and the SPC regulation.
Lorenz Kallenbach
Senior Corporate Patent Counsel (Director)
Merck
Lorenz Kallenbach is a senior corporate patent counsel in the healthcare division of Merck KGaA. He is responsible for defining and executing the IP strategy for innovator projects. Including the assessment of the IP landscape, coordination of worldwide patent litigation, and portfolio development.
Before joining Merck, Lorenz worked in private practice. He is qualified as a German and European patent attorney.
Lorenz studied biochemistry and received a Ph.D. in the field of epigenetics.
Stephan Kutik
Senior Director, Intellectual Property
Genevant Sciences GmbH
Ewan Nettleton
Principal IP Counsel, Oncology Litigation
Novartis Pharma AG
Tessa M. Malamud-Cohen
Director, Patents, Global Intellectual Property
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Paki Banky
Senior IP Counsel (IP Lead Cell & Gene)
Novartis
Corinna Sundermann
Senior Vice President Intellectual Property
Fresenius Kabi
Frank Landolt
Chief Counsel IP & Legal
Confo Therapeutics
Frank Landolt is Chief Counsel, Intellectual Property and Legal at Confo Therapeutics, a privately held biopharmaceutical start-up based in Ghent, Belgium specializing in GPCR-targeted therapeutics.
After studying chemistry and law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, Frank worked for almost ten years on pharmaceutical and biotechological patents and licensing in private practice in the Netherlands, where his clients included major pharmaceutical companies as well as some of the top biotech firms and research institutions in the Netherlands.
Prior to joining Confo in 2018, Frank worked for fifteen years in Ablynx N.V. (now a wholly owned Sanofi company), where he was a member of the management team and headed an integrated IP and legal group of four lawyers and five patent professionals. At Ablynx, Frank was involved in negotiating Ablynx’s strategic partnerships and licensing deals with AbbVie, Boehringer-Ingelheim, MSD, Merck-Serono, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and Wyeth.
From 2000 to 2004, Frank was director of IP and legal counsel at Devgen N.V. (now part of Syngenta), another Ghent-based biotechnology company, where he was involved in negotiating Devgen’s strategic collaborations with Sumitomo, Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer.
Frank is a Dutch and European patent attorney, and also holds a degree in business law from the University of Antwerp. He is a member of the Dutch association of patent attorneys (where he is a tutor for the professional qualification course), EPI and LES Benelux (where he is involved in the LES Licensing Course). He is a regular speaker on a range of topics relating to IP and licensing in the (bio)pharmaceutical sector. Frank was named as one of Managing IP’s ‘Corporate IP stars’ for four years in a row (2015-2018).
Guido Pontremoli
Vice President Global IP
Chiesi
Currently employed as global Head of the IP department-Patent at Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, managing and coaching a team of experienced patent attorneys, patent searchers and administrators, working on the protection, enforcement, litigation and/or opposition of the Chiesi IP, aligned with business decisions.
Before joining Chiesi, I worked in IP groups of big pharma companies (GSK Vaccine, and Bracco Imaging) as senior patent attorney responsible for all the IP aspects concerning some key R&D projects. I also had experience as patent counsel in private practices, dealing with pharma, chemical and bio entities.
Graduated in chemistry from the Univ of Milan, with a PhD in medicinal chemistry and a post-doc experience in USA, I am qualified EPA and chartered Italian patent attorney.
Kristin Cooklin
Group Head IP Counsel
Recordati
Toni Santamaria
Vice President Intellectual Property
Adalvo
Toni has been leading the Intellectual Property team at Adalvo since 2021. He has more than 20 years of experience in different pharmaceutical companies where he has been involved in developing and implementing complex patent and data exclusivity litigation strategies for several generics and added value products, including leading parallel litigation cases in multiple European countries. He also has experience in patent and trademark prosecution.
Toni qualified as European Patent Attorney in 2010 and holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry.
Shohta Ueno
Assistant General Counsel - Dispute Resolution
Regeneron
Adrian Spillmann
Director of Intellectual Property
Valneva
Julia Pike
Global Head of IP
Sandoz
Since March 2020, Julia has been the Global Head of IP for Sandoz. In her previous roles with Sandoz, she has had a leading role in the first wave of US biosimilars litigation, including the first litigations on critical aspects of the governing legislation (the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act or BPCIA), culminating in the landmark US Supreme Court decision, Sandoz v Amgen.
Since leaving private practice at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Julia has been in-house counsel for many years including at Mayne Pharma and Hospira Inc before joining Sandoz in 2008. While there, she has taken on roles in European public affairs and led Sandoz’s global IP litigation function as Global Head of IP Litigation. Through those roles, she has maintained a keen interest in IP strategy and litigation worldwide, including cases arising under the Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA legislation in the US, PM(NOC) regulations in Canada and litigation arising from patent linkage systems around the world.
Christoph Rehfuess
Head of IP
Sotio
Philip Caramanica
Chief IP Counsel & Deputy General Counsel
Alvotech
A Snippet Of Our In-House Speaker Faculty
Mike Cottler
Ex Global Head of LitigationAlvotech- Mathilde Rauline
Head of Greater Europe Patent LitigationSanofi 
Stefanie Kies
Senior Director Intellectual PropertyPolpharma Biologics
- Kristin Cooklin
Group Head IP CounselRecordati - Toni Santamaria
Vice President Intellectual PropertyAdalvo 
Filip De Corte
Head of IPSyngenta
- Corinna Sundermann
Senior Vice President Intellectual PropertyFresenius Kabi - Shohta Ueno
Assistant General Counsel - Dispute ResolutionRegeneron 
Georgia Roussou
Senior Legal CounselWin Media
Naoise Gaffney
Vice President - Intellectual PropertyGH Research
- Guido Pontremoli
Vice President Global IPChiesi - Frank Landolt
Chief Counsel IP & LegalConfo Therapeutics
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A Snippet Of Our Private Practice Speaker Faculty
Paul Inman
PartnerGowling
Eleanor Root
PartnerBird & Bird
Rob Cerwinski
PartnerGemini Law
Luca Pellicciari
PartnerTrevisan & Cuonzo
Daan De Lange
PartnerBrinkhof
Cecile Goy
PartnerAramis Law
Naomi Pearce
CEO and LawyerPearce IP
Agathe Michel-De-Cazotte
PartnerCarpmaels & Ransford
Tjibbe Douma
Partner, IP, AmsterdamBird & Bird
Peter van Schijndel
PartnerHoyng Rokh Monegier
Benjamin May
PartnerAramis
Otto Swens
PartnerVondst
Oya Yalvac
PartnerDERIS
Denis Schertenleib
PartnerSchertenleib Avocats
Our 2024 Speakers
Agathe Michel-De-Cazotte
Partner
Carpmaels & Ransford
Andreas Robinson
Senior Counsel Intellectual Property & Litigation
Amgen
Andrew Hutchinson
Partner
Simmons & Simmons
Antje Brambrink
Counsel
Finnegan
Dr. Antje Brambrink is qualified and admitted as an attorney at law in Germany. She advises and represents clients in complex patent disputes on all IP-related matters, often at the interface of antitrust and regulatory laws. Her expertise covers various fields of technology with a focus on pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, med-tech, as well as renewable energies and high-tech. Our clients appreciate Antje’s deep understanding of the life sciences sector based on her dual qualification as a licensed dentist.
As a patent litigator, Antje represents clients in infringement, preliminary injunction and inspection proceedings before German district and appeal courts as well as in nullity and compulsory license proceedings at the German Federal Patent Court and the Federal Supreme Court.
In addition to her work as a litigator, Antje advises clients strategically on all issues relating to intellectual property rights (patents, utility models, supplementary protection certificates), such as contracts for the licensing and transfer of rights also in connection with international transactions or the newly established Unified Patent Court (UPC). She has extensive experience in the European coordination of multinational patent disputes.
Prior to joining Finnegan, Antje practiced patent litigation for several years in the patent litigation teams of two international law firms seated in Germany. Antje’s medical and scientific background is of great benefit in advising clients from the life sciences sector. Renowned pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices companies regularly seek her advice. She also advises in the field of renewable energies and in the enforcement of standard-essential patents.
Aoife Murphy
Partner
DLA Piper
Arjan Reijns
Legal Director Amsterdam
Pinsent Masons
Arvid van Oorschot
Partner
Vondst
Benjamin May
Partner
Aramis
Benjamin May was admitted to practice law in 2000 and further admitted to the panel of “Intellectual Property specialists” with the Bar Association. Practice head of IP at Aramis, Benjamin specializes in cross-border patent litigation with a focus on pharmaceuticals, medical devices and biotechs. The 7 attorneys of the IP team are all internationally trained and address a wide range of patent law matters (e.g. invalidity strategies, infringement, launching at risk, preliminary injunctions, licensing, R&D and consortium agreements). In 2023 the team was ranked amongst the leading patent litigation practices in France, and Benjamin as “leading individual” (Legal 500).
Brian Goldberg
Counsel
Dechert
Brian M. Goldberg is a Counsel in Dechert LLP’s intellectual property practice with a focus on life sciences patent litigation. Mr. Goldberg has successfully litigated patent cases through bench and jury trials, as well as parallel PTAB proceedings, with vast experience litigating Hatch-Waxman Act ANDA infringement actions. Mr. Goldberg has extensive first-hand experience applying the doctrine of equivalents in patent litigations involving small molecule and biologic pharmaceutical products. Mr. Goldberg’s neuroscience background and deep understanding of the statutory and regulatory framework of the Hatch-Waxman Act provides him invaluable insight in litigating cases to achieve successful outcomes for his clients.
Brian O'Moore
Honourable Judge
Irish High Court
Cecile Goy
Partner
Aramis Law
Cécile Goy is a member of the Paris Bar focusing on international patent litigation, in particular in the life sciences sector. Before joining Aramis, Cécile worked with an international IP boutique and in-house in the legal department of a car manufacturer. Cécile has also completed an internship at the IP section of the Paris Court of Appeal. Cécile is the author of several articles, including on medical devices and digital therapeutics.
Charles Collins-Chase
Partner
Finnegan
Charles Collins-Chase focuses on district court patent litigation and appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, where he served as a clerk. He uses his chemical engineering background to help clients protect innovations in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, energy and renewables, and chemical products. He has assisted numerous clients in Hatch-Waxman (ANDA) litigation. Charles has handled district court litigations at every stage, from pre-litigation through discovery, dispositive motions, and trial. He particularly enjoys writing briefs and motions.
Charles has extensive experience at the Federal Circuit, where he has argued cases and assisted clients in over two dozen appeals from district courts and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). He has particular experience in appeals involving patent eligibility under 35 U.S.C. § 101. Charles lectures on and has published in several legal and industry media outlets on strategic IP considerations for protecting AI innovations in the pharmaceutical industry.
Before law school, Charles completed an M.Phil. in engineering for sustainable development at the University of Cambridge, where he researched the feasibility of community-scale biodiesel production using a novel reactor system. His undergraduate thesis research involved synthesizing and characterizing thermosetting polymers made from soybean oil and other renewable resources.
Charles also devotes substantial time to pro bono matters and leads the firm’s pro bono committee. He argues before the Federal Circuit on behalf of veterans seeking service-connected disability benefits. He successfully represented a client seeking Social Security disability benefits, writing the briefs and arguing at a hearing before an administrative law judge.
He holds a J.D. (cum laude) from University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Chris Buntel
Co-Founder & CIPO
Tangibly
Chris Buntel is a US intellectual property attorney with over 20 years experience connecting innovation and intellectual property law. He is a co-founder and the CIPO of Tangibly. Chris is passionate about trade secrets – the “next big thing” in intellectual property evolution. While other forms of intellectual property have been well supported for years, people are just now realizing the huge need for trade secret management tools and education. He has a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Stanford University, and J.D. in Law from University of Houston.
Christine Kanz
Partner
Hoyng Rokh Monegier
Christopher Freeth
Principal Associate
Gowling WLG
Clemens Heusch
Head of Global Disputes and Resolution
Nokia
Conrad Eckhardt
Vice President IP
Biotronik
Conrad practices in the IP field for more than 20 years and gained experience across various industries. Having started with Consumer Products at Procter & Gamble he moved on to Pharmaceuticals at Boehringer Ingelheim and is now active in the medical device field, first as Chief IP Counsel at Leica Biosystems and currently as Chief IP Counsel at Biotronik. Conrad is a European Patent Attorney and a European Patent Litigator and has patent litigation experience in Germany, the USA and China.
Corinna Sundermann
Senior Vice President Intellectual Property
Fresenius Kabi
Daan De Lange
Partner
Brinkhof
Daniela Kinkeldey
Partner
Bird & Bird
Denis Schertenleib
Partner
Schertenleib Avocats
Diane Adair
Senior IP Counsel
Novartis
Doug McCann
Principal
Fish & Richardson
Edgar Brinkman
Honourable Judge
UPC Local Division Hague
Mr. Brinkman finished a chemistry degree in 1993, specialising in biochemistry, and law degree in 1995 at Utrecht University in The Netherlands. After joining the bar that same year as a solicitor/barrister in Amsterdam focusing on patents and regulatory affairs, he was appointed judge at the Court of The Hague, IP department in 2002. He became a senior judge in 2007. He has been involved in many patent and other IP cases and speaks regularly on international conferences. He is co-editor of a leading Dutch IP magazine (BIE).
Eleanor Root
Partner
Bird & Bird
Eun-Joo Min
Director
WIPO Judicial Institute
Ewan Nettleton
Principal IP Counsel, Oncology Litigation
Novartis Pharma AG
Filip De Corte
Head of IP
Syngenta
Filip De Corte is Head of Intellectual Property at Syngenta Crop Protection, leading patent attorneys based in Switzerland, the UK, the US, The Netherlands and China. Filip joined Syngenta on October 1, 2013. Until then, he held the position of Chief IP Counsel Europe at Cargill (2008 – 2013). Before joining Cargill in 2008, he worked in the Johnson & Johnson patent department, working in Beerse with Janssen Pharmaceutica (1991-2004), New Brunswick (2004-2007), and Brussels (2007-2008). Filip has a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, he is a qualified European Patent Attorney and passed the US patent bar exam. He has the qualification of European Patent Litigation from the University of Strasbourg. He also has an MBA of the Vlerick School of Management. Filip taught patent law in Antwerp under the auspices of CEIPI (Université de Strasbourg) as well as at the University of Leuven in the IPR management course and is a lecturer in the CEIPI patent litigation course.
Filipe Pedro
Director of IP
BIAL
Frank Landolt
Chief Counsel IP & Legal
Confo Therapeutics
Frank Landolt is Chief Counsel, Intellectual Property and Legal at Confo Therapeutics, a privately held biopharmaceutical start-up based in Ghent, Belgium specializing in GPCR-targeted therapeutics.
After studying chemistry and law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, Frank worked for almost ten years on pharmaceutical and biotechological patents and licensing in private practice in the Netherlands, where his clients included major pharmaceutical companies as well as some of the top biotech firms and research institutions in the Netherlands.
Prior to joining Confo in 2018, Frank worked for fifteen years in Ablynx N.V. (now a wholly owned Sanofi company), where he was a member of the management team and headed an integrated IP and legal group of four lawyers and five patent professionals. At Ablynx, Frank was involved in negotiating Ablynx’s strategic partnerships and licensing deals with AbbVie, Boehringer-Ingelheim, MSD, Merck-Serono, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and Wyeth.
From 2000 to 2004, Frank was director of IP and legal counsel at Devgen N.V. (now part of Syngenta), another Ghent-based biotechnology company, where he was involved in negotiating Devgen’s strategic collaborations with Sumitomo, Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer.
Frank is a Dutch and European patent attorney, and also holds a degree in business law from the University of Antwerp. He is a member of the Dutch association of patent attorneys (where he is a tutor for the professional qualification course), EPI and LES Benelux (where he is involved in the LES Licensing Course). He is a regular speaker on a range of topics relating to IP and licensing in the (bio)pharmaceutical sector. Frank was named as one of Managing IP’s ‘Corporate IP stars’ for four years in a row (2015-2018).
Gaëlle Bourout
Counsel
Linklaters
Georgia Roussou
Senior Legal Counsel
Win Media
Guido Pontremoli
Vice President Global IP
Chiesi
Currently employed as global Head of the IP department-Patent at Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, managing and coaching a team of experienced patent attorneys, patent searchers and administrators, working on the protection, enforcement, litigation and/or opposition of the Chiesi IP, aligned with business decisions.
Before joining Chiesi, I worked in IP groups of big pharma companies (GSK Vaccine, and Bracco Imaging) as senior patent attorney responsible for all the IP aspects concerning some key R&D projects. I also had experience as patent counsel in private practices, dealing with pharma, chemical and bio entities.
Graduated in chemistry from the Univ of Milan, with a PhD in medicinal chemistry and a post-doc experience in USA, I am qualified EPA and chartered Italian patent attorney.
Hannes Iserentant
Head of IP
Ceylad Oncology
Hannes Iserentant, Head of IP at Celyad Oncology, started his IP career in private practice Bird Goën & Co as member of the Life Sciences team. In 2008, he joined the tech transfer team of VIB, a dedicated life sciences research institute, as IP Manager. From 2013 to 2016, he was part of the Expert Group on patent law in the field of biotechnology for the European Commission. He joined Celyad Oncology in 2016, where he now is Head of IP. Hannes Iserentant holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Ghent University, is a qualified European Patent Attorney and European Patent Litigator.
Jako Eleveld
Head of IP Licensing
Philips
James Horgan
Assistant General Counsel
MSD
Jenny Davies
Partner
Gowling
Jenny Davies is a life sciences and patent specialist with a Masters in Biochemistry from Oxford. She provides strategic advice to help clients protect and exploit their R&D investment in the life sciences sector, medical device sector and the chemical industry. Her work regularly entails negotiating agreements to support her clients' research, development, manufacture and commercialisation, and protect their markets through the enforcement of patents.
Jenny delivers business-focused solutions across her unique practice area spanning patents and dispute resolution, transactions ranging from strategic licensing to highly complex collaborations and regulatory matters. She advises clients in all aspects of patent enforcement, from technical analysis and global strategy to leading UK litigation and EPO oppositions.
Given the commercial and practical value of the assets Jenny protects, her approach combines precision and detail with a commercial mindset and sector-led solutions. Clients praise her "endless determination", "formidable intellect" and are "deeply impressed" with her "unusual capacity to think creatively".
Her work highlights include leading ground-breaking patent litigation up to the UK Court of Appeal to achieve a novel form of "Arrow declaration" for Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin and advising AstraZeneca across a range of high value and complex transactions: its collaboration with the University of Oxford (COVID-19 vaccine); two $6 billion oncology collaborations with Daiichi Sankyo; an $8.5 billion oncology deal with Merck; and a $300 million oncology deal with Genzyme (Caprelsa).
Jenny is a member of the BioIndustry Association's IP Advisory Committee, and SPC and exclusivities committee, and a regular speaker on patent litigation and strategy.
Jiri Slavik
Director of IP
Adalvo
John Cox
Partner
Barnes & Thornburg
With deep knowledge of issues facing the life sciences industry, John Cox counsels clients regarding their worldwide intellectual property rights and represents their patent interests when litigation arises, particularly regarding pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology matters. John takes his role in protecting these important assets of life science innovators very seriously while approaching each matter with enthusiasm.
Through his ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, John advises on, develops, and carries out global IP strategies for the benefit of innovative companies, his clients, who are focused on developing core assets that save and improve the lives of patients. John enjoys leveraging his unique ability to put together targeted and enduring teams for each matter – paying close attention to each person’s strengths and skillsets and how they fit with one another, alongside his highly specialized experience and thoughtful and responsive nature.
John is intimately familiar with the pharmaceutical industry, having dealt with patent and IP subject matter ranging from brain chemistry, the gastrointestinal system, drug delivery systems and treatments of rare diseases and cancer to medical diagnostic methods, the generation of biofuel using bacteria, and processes for manufacturing chemicals and pharmaceutical products. He also has almost two decades of experience in Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) cases, including pre-litigation investigations.
John offers guidance from the first step of a matter through to resolution, including all aspects of litigation. He has extensive experience related to discovery and motion practice, as well as in developing offensive and defensive strategies. He is well versed in dealing with complex subject matter and technical witnesses, such as inventors and experts.
John adeptly helps clients navigate the crossroads of foreign business practices and the complexities of U.S. patent practice, having worked with foreign pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology companies throughout his career.
Julia Schönbohm
Partner
Linklaters
Kamleh Nicola
Partner
Marks & Clerk
Kamleh Nicola is a partner at Marks & Clerk and Co-Head of the firm’s Litigation practice in Canada. Her intellectual property litigation practice centers around patent, trademark, and copyright disputes. Though her client base is broad in scope, she specializes in Health and Life Sciences, working with domestic and multinational pharmaceutical, biopharma, and MedTech organizations. Kamleh is particularly knowledgeable on matters involving Canada’s patent linkage regimes, health regulatory and related compliance, and trade secrets.
Karin Pramberger
Head of IP
Polpharma Group
Karin has been Intellectual Property Director at the Polpharma Group since April 2018. She is responsible for all patent and trade mark related activities. Prior to joining the Polpharma Group, Karin was Head of IP of Medichem, Spain, and worked in various positions within the patent department of Teva, Barr and Pliva. She spent 7 years in a law firm in Vienna, Austria, where she became European and Austrian patent and trade mark attorney. She studied Biotechnology in Vienna, Austria, and at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chemie de Paris, France. In 2017 she graduated with an LLB from the University of London. Since 2005 she has been a tutor at CEIPI, University of Strasbourg, for the pre-exam and the C-part of the European Qualifying Exam.
Kathleen Fox Murphy
Partner
EIP
Katie Coltart
Partner
Linklaters
Kevin Feng
Patent Attorney/Deputy Chief
Tsai, Lee & Chen
Kit Carter
Head of IP Litigation
Sandoz
Kristin Cooklin
Group Head IP Counsel
Recordati
Laila Beynon
AD- Dispute Resolution
Regeneron
Laila Beynon is Director, Dispute Resolution at Regeneron, responsible for the strategic co-ordination of ex-US patent litigation. She has a PhD in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, 10 years’ private practice experience in life sciences patent litigation at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, and prior to her role at Regeneron headed up the Patent Litigation team at BAT.
Marc Holtorf
Partner
Pinsent Masons
Marc Lauzeral
Counsel
Schertenleib Avocats
Martina Hufnal
Principal
Fish & Richardson
Mathilde Rauline
Head of Greater Europe Patent Litigation
Sanofi
Mathilde is a European patent attorney, is qualified as a French patent attorney, and is admitted to the Paris bar.
She is head of Greater Europe patent litigation at Sanofi, after having been a patent litigator in private practice (mostly in the pharmaceutical field), and a patent attorney in the industry (Sanofi, Nestlé).
She has extensive experience in pharmaceutical and life-science patent litigation in France, at the EPO, in Europe, and in Eurasia.
Her expertise also comprises contractual matters, settlements, regulatory aspects, and the SPC regulation.
Maximilian Haedicke
Honourable Judge
UPC Central Division Paris
Michael Swita
Director of Intellectual Property Policy
EFPIA
Michiel De Bruijn
VP of Sales
Tangibly
Mike Cottler
Ex Global Head of Litigation
Alvotech
Mike Gilbert
Partner
Marks & Clerk
Mike Gilbert is a partner at Marks & Clerk in London. He is an Intellectual Property (IP) lawyer who advises clients in a wide variety of business sectors on issues including litigation and dispute resolution, IP strategy and risk limitation, due diligence projects and commercial and licensing transactions involving IP. His primary focus and expertise, however, lies in life sciences patent litigation where he is considered to be one of the UK’s leading practitioners. He has represented some of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical corporations in complex patent and technical disputes including Genentech, Roche, Chugai, Pfizer, Wyeth, AstraZeneca, MedImmune, Daiichi Sankyo, AbbVie, Amgen and Illumina to name but a few. Mike is well known for his strategic and creative vision and is consistently recommended in various legal directories including the World IP Review, Legal 500, Who's Who Legal and the IAM Patent 1000 guide, which describe him as “always at the top of the pile, especially for pharmaceutical matters”. Mike graduated from Cambridge University in 1989 with a degree in chemical engineering.
Naoise Gaffney
Vice President - Intellectual Property
GH Research
Naomi Pearce
CEO and Lawyer
Pearce IP
Naomi Pearce is CEO, Executive Lawyer, Patent & Trade Mark Attorney, and Founder of Pearce IP which commenced in 2017 and won 2021 “IP Team of the Year” at the Australian Law Awards. With a science background in biology, Naomi has been serving life sciences clients for 25 years. Among other awards, Naomi is 2023 Lawyers Weekly “IP Partner of the Year”, the 2022 Lexology Client Choice Award winner (Life Sciences), 2022 Women in Business Law Asia Pacific “Patent Lawyer of the Year”, 2022 Australasian Lawyer “Most Influential Lawyer”, is ranked in IAM Patent 1000, and a MIP “Patent Star”.
Oliver Laing
Partner
Potter Clarkson
Oscar Lamme
Partner
Simmons & Simmons
Owen Swens
Partner
Vondst
Oya Yalvac
Partner
DERIS
Oya is a Turkish and European Patent Attorney with a background in molecular biology and genetics.
She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry as an in-house patent attorney for more than 10 years.
She is specialized in patent litigation and freedom to operate analysis.
Patricia Rombach
Honourable Judge
UPC Court of Appeals
Paul Inman
Partner
Gowling
With more than 25 years' experience of litigating intellectual property (IP) disputes both within the UK and internationally, Paul Inman works with companies ranging from small start-ups to major multi-national corporations. He specialises in the life sciences sector, which includes acting on high-profile pharmaceutical patent infringement cases in the UK Patents Court.
Paul provides life science businesses with commercial advice from an international outlook. His specialist experience ideally places him to provide this expertise and client care, with the ultimate aim of delivering well-rounded advice and guidance to ensure the best possible outcome.
As well as litigating in the English courts, he has co-ordinated and advised on IP and regulatory litigation matters across the globe; from all over Europe and the US, to as far afield as Asia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Successfully guiding clients through the maze of litigation is where Paul's strength lies, having now been involved over 25 years of litigation in cases leading to more than 40 reported judgments. These range from the tribunals of the UK Patent Office up to the House of Lords, European Patent Office and European Court of Justice.
Paul also has a degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and during his professional career has established an outstanding reputation in the market. He is distinguished in the 2023 edition of IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals, ranked individually for both IP law and life sciences law in the peer review publication 'Best Lawyers® in the UK' and recognised in several categories within Chambers & Partners UK 2023.
Peter van Schijndel
Partner
Hoyng Rokh Monegier
Petra Bohanec Grabar
IP Lead
Sandoz
Petra Bohanec Grabar is a Slovenian and European Patent Attorney and holds a diploma of Patent Litigation in Europe from the University of Strasbourg.
Petra has extensive experience working in house. In her current role as Group Head in Sandoz, Petra leads a team of patent practitioners supporting development, in licensing and launch of generic products on global markets.
Petra holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana and is an author of twelve peer reviewed articles in the field of pharmacogenetics.
Petri Rinkenen
Honourable Judge
UPC Helsinki Local Division
Mr. Petri Rinkinen works as a legally qualified judge in the Unified Patent Court (UPC). He is the presiding judge in the Helsinki local division. He has worked as a judge from September 2013 in the exclusive Finnish IP-court, the Market Court in Helsinki, Finland focusing on IPR-matters, especially to patent cases. Prior to joining the court he has worked as an attorney-at-law since mid 1990’s focusing on IPR-matters. He is a frequent lecturer in IPR-matters.
Pierluigi Perrotti
Honourable Judge
UPC Local Division Milan
Rae Crisler
Principal
Fish & Richardson
Rebecca Lawrence
Partner
DLA Piper
Rian Kalden
Honourable Judge
UPC Court of Appeal
Rob Cerwinski
Partner
Gemini Law
Roberto Rodrigues
Partner
Licks Attorneys
Rob Rodrigues manages high-stakes business and IP disputes in Brazil. He assists Fortune 500 and startup companies in matters requiring complex technical ability with a strategic approach, managing patent portfolios of the largest life sciences companies across the globe. His understanding of the Brazilian market makes him a "go-to" lawyer when dealing with enforcement measures.
Rob earned an LLM from Stanford Law School and is regularly recognized by leading publications like The Legal 500, IAM, and IP Stars, with clients noting that he “combines strong technical skills and a flair for complexity with commercial awareness, pragmatism, and sound judgment.” His clients praise his technical skills, his ability to perform under pressure, and his outstanding leadership in the local community.
Sean Alexander
Head of IP Strategy
Umicore
Sean Alexander is a qualified European Patent Attorney as well as a Canadian and U.S. Patent Agent. He has worked in the IP field for many years and is currently the Head of IP Strategy (H&N) for Chr. Hansen in Denmark. Prior to joining Chr. Hansen, Sean headed the IP team at Elanco Inc. based in the Netherlands and was a Partner with Gowling WLG in Canada. Sean has been recognized as one of the world's leading IP strategists by IAM Magazine and is regularly praised for his pragmatic and commercially aware approach to IP.
Sergio Napolitano
General Counsel
Medicines for Europe
Shohta Ueno
Assistant General Counsel - Dispute Resolution
Regeneron
Stefanie Kies
Senior Director Intellectual Property
Polpharma Biologics
Stefan Luginbuehl
Head of Department European Legal Affairs
European Patent Office (EPO)
Stefan Luginbuehl, PhD, lawyer, is Head of the Department European Legal Affairs (Dep 5222) at the European Patent Office where he is dealing with a wide range of patent law and patent litigation related subjects, with emphasis on the implementation of the EU unitary patent package into the existing European patent system.
He participated in several Diplomatic and Intergovernmental Conferences on the reform of the European patent system and the international litigation system. He is a lecturer in different universities and is the author and editor of several books and articles on patent procedure and patent litigation in Europe and China.
Sufiyah Sulaiman
Senior Patent Manager Patent Litigation
STADA
Sufiyah Sulaiman is an attorney-at-law with a master’s degree in science. As an in-house patent litigation counsel of generic pharma giants, she has been managing their patent litigation and product launch-at-risk globally. At the moment, she is a senior manager (patent litigation) at STADA (Arzneimittel) AG, before that she was the Global IP litigation counsel for Sandoz (International GmbH) and, IP and regulatory litigation counsel for Mylan (now Viatris).
Takanori Abe
Managing Partner
ABE & PARTNERS
Mr. ABE is an Attorney-at-Law, admitted in both Japan and New York. He is currently a Guest Professor of Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine and formerly a lecturer of The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine. He is an arbitrator in Japan and sit on various positions in Japanese medical/pharmaceutical societies.
Mr. ABE works in wide areas of international and corporate matters with a focus on intellectual property law and international commerce. The patent litigations that he has participated covers the fields of pharmaceuticals, chemistry, electronics and machinery, which involve advanced technology such as biotechnology, semiconductors, etc., and which are cross-border matters. He has extensive experience on representing and advising multinational and domestic clients in pharmaceutical industry and is currently involved in the drastic battle between brands and also the one between brands and generics. He also has experience in trademark, copyright and unfair competition litigation.
For Mr. ABE’s detail information and activities, please visit www.abe-law.com or email to: [email protected]
Thierry Lautier
Partner
Bird & Bird
Tjibbe Douma
Partner, IP, Amsterdam
Bird & Bird
Toni Santamaria
Vice President Intellectual Property
Adalvo
Toni has been leading the Intellectual Property team at Adalvo since 2021. He has more than 20 years of experience in different pharmaceutical companies where he has been involved in developing and implementing complex patent and data exclusivity litigation strategies for several generics and added value products, including leading parallel litigation cases in multiple European countries. He also has experience in patent and trademark prosecution.
Toni qualified as European Patent Attorney in 2010 and holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry.
Wioletta Niwinska
Legal Counsel
Sano
Wioletta Niwińska is a qualified Polish Attorney, well-versed advising clients on legal issues in all aspects of business operations including IP protection, particularly in the new technologies industry, including AI, machine learning, MedTech. She has gained experience working in international and national law firms, the public sector (at the National Centre for Research and Development) and the private sector, however, she decided to work closer to people. She enjoys working with high-growth start-ups and SMEs, helping them develop their innovative ideas in a legally secure environment. Working with creative people motivates her to continuously develop and explore AI and innovation.
Wouter Pors
Partner
Bird and Bird
Zack Mummery
Partner
Reddie & Grose
Zack is a partner at Reddie & Grose and is a UK and European patent attorney based in London.
Zack assists large multinational corporations, SMEs and start-ups operating at the cutting edge of chemistry and pharmaceutical technologies.
Zack has a wealth of experience drafting new patent applications and managing large patent portfolios covering developed and emerging markets. Zack regularly provides clear commercially focussed advice on global patent strategies, utilising patent protection and managing the risk posed by third party patent rights.
Zack also has experience supporting clients through funding rounds, assisting clients with investor due diligence and he has provided IP support for a number of large deals including a multimillion dollar public offering.
Portfolio Testimonials
I had two goals in attending the litigation conference, and both were accomplished. First, network:
in just two short days, I met a number of lawyers who I may call to one day for advice or just to chat.
Second, learn: the presentations and roundtables provided just the right depth for someone like me, a
US-trained lawyer, who wanted to learn more about ex-US IP law and litigation. I am grateful for having
the opportunity to speak at the conference, and I look forward to attending others to come.
Mike Cottler, (Former) Head of Global Litigation, Alvotech
It is always great to attend conferences wherein both in house and law firm speakers are there, in addition when we can get generic and innovators views
Aude Veinante, European Patent Attorney, Lavoix
Great topics and high quality speakers. Not to forget about the great networking opportunities face to face. I truly enjoyed the event.
Adrian Spillmann, Director of Intellectual Property, Valneva
Good, relevant and practical topics, with good interaction between attendees and frank but respectful exchanges of views.
Daniel Lim, Partner, Kirkland & Ellis
Our 2025 Partners
Interested in how you can get involved with Pharma & Biotech Patent Litigation 2025?
Based on your objectives, we can create bespoke packages for you. From presenting your expertise on stage to partnering with us to deliver networking activities. Partner with us in 2025 to showcase your brand and make valuable new connections. Opportunities include thought leadership, branding, and networking.
Discuss your objectives with Duncan Henderson, Commercial Partnerships Director, [email protected]
Life Sciences Patent Advisory Board
Dr. Leslie Fischer
Principal Patent Attorney
Sandoz
Leslie Fischer is a Principal Patent Attorney at Sandoz, who focuses on global IP strategy for biosimilars. Before joining Sandoz, Leslie was a patent attorney at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where she worked for over a decade developing global patent portfolios for biologicals. Before joining the Novartis group, Leslie was an associate at Fitzpatrick Cella (NY) (now Venable). Leslie holds a J.D. from Rutgers University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Thomas Jefferson University. Her scientific work appears in JCB, JBC, and Osteoarthritis & Cartilage. She speaks frequently at patent-related events and is an adjunct professor at Seton Hall Law School.
Christof Bull
Assistant General Patent Counsel
UCB
Mathilde Rauline
Head of Greater Europe Patent Litigation
Sanofi
Mathilde is a European patent attorney, is qualified as a French patent attorney, and is admitted to the Paris bar.
She is head of Greater Europe patent litigation at Sanofi, after having been a patent litigator in private practice (mostly in the pharmaceutical field), and a patent attorney in the industry (Sanofi, Nestlé).
She has extensive experience in pharmaceutical and life-science patent litigation in France, at the EPO, in Europe, and in Eurasia.
Her expertise also comprises contractual matters, settlements, regulatory aspects, and the SPC regulation.
Lorenz Kallenbach
Senior Corporate Patent Counsel (Director)
Merck
Lorenz Kallenbach is a senior corporate patent counsel in the healthcare division of Merck KGaA. He is responsible for defining and executing the IP strategy for innovator projects. Including the assessment of the IP landscape, coordination of worldwide patent litigation, and portfolio development.
Before joining Merck, Lorenz worked in private practice. He is qualified as a German and European patent attorney.
Lorenz studied biochemistry and received a Ph.D. in the field of epigenetics.
Stephan Kutik
Senior Director, Intellectual Property
Genevant Sciences GmbH
Ewan Nettleton
Principal IP Counsel, Oncology Litigation
Novartis Pharma AG
Tessa M. Malamud-Cohen
Director, Patents, Global Intellectual Property
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Paki Banky
Senior IP Counsel (IP Lead Cell & Gene)
Novartis
Corinna Sundermann
Senior Vice President Intellectual Property
Fresenius Kabi
Frank Landolt
Chief Counsel IP & Legal
Confo Therapeutics
Frank Landolt is Chief Counsel, Intellectual Property and Legal at Confo Therapeutics, a privately held biopharmaceutical start-up based in Ghent, Belgium specializing in GPCR-targeted therapeutics.
After studying chemistry and law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, Frank worked for almost ten years on pharmaceutical and biotechological patents and licensing in private practice in the Netherlands, where his clients included major pharmaceutical companies as well as some of the top biotech firms and research institutions in the Netherlands.
Prior to joining Confo in 2018, Frank worked for fifteen years in Ablynx N.V. (now a wholly owned Sanofi company), where he was a member of the management team and headed an integrated IP and legal group of four lawyers and five patent professionals. At Ablynx, Frank was involved in negotiating Ablynx’s strategic partnerships and licensing deals with AbbVie, Boehringer-Ingelheim, MSD, Merck-Serono, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and Wyeth.
From 2000 to 2004, Frank was director of IP and legal counsel at Devgen N.V. (now part of Syngenta), another Ghent-based biotechnology company, where he was involved in negotiating Devgen’s strategic collaborations with Sumitomo, Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer.
Frank is a Dutch and European patent attorney, and also holds a degree in business law from the University of Antwerp. He is a member of the Dutch association of patent attorneys (where he is a tutor for the professional qualification course), EPI and LES Benelux (where he is involved in the LES Licensing Course). He is a regular speaker on a range of topics relating to IP and licensing in the (bio)pharmaceutical sector. Frank was named as one of Managing IP’s ‘Corporate IP stars’ for four years in a row (2015-2018).
Guido Pontremoli
Vice President Global IP
Chiesi
Currently employed as global Head of the IP department-Patent at Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, managing and coaching a team of experienced patent attorneys, patent searchers and administrators, working on the protection, enforcement, litigation and/or opposition of the Chiesi IP, aligned with business decisions.
Before joining Chiesi, I worked in IP groups of big pharma companies (GSK Vaccine, and Bracco Imaging) as senior patent attorney responsible for all the IP aspects concerning some key R&D projects. I also had experience as patent counsel in private practices, dealing with pharma, chemical and bio entities.
Graduated in chemistry from the Univ of Milan, with a PhD in medicinal chemistry and a post-doc experience in USA, I am qualified EPA and chartered Italian patent attorney.
Kristin Cooklin
Group Head IP Counsel
Recordati
Toni Santamaria
Vice President Intellectual Property
Adalvo
Toni has been leading the Intellectual Property team at Adalvo since 2021. He has more than 20 years of experience in different pharmaceutical companies where he has been involved in developing and implementing complex patent and data exclusivity litigation strategies for several generics and added value products, including leading parallel litigation cases in multiple European countries. He also has experience in patent and trademark prosecution.
Toni qualified as European Patent Attorney in 2010 and holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry.
Shohta Ueno
Assistant General Counsel - Dispute Resolution
Regeneron
Adrian Spillmann
Director of Intellectual Property
Valneva
Julia Pike
Global Head of IP
Sandoz
Since March 2020, Julia has been the Global Head of IP for Sandoz. In her previous roles with Sandoz, she has had a leading role in the first wave of US biosimilars litigation, including the first litigations on critical aspects of the governing legislation (the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act or BPCIA), culminating in the landmark US Supreme Court decision, Sandoz v Amgen.
Since leaving private practice at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Julia has been in-house counsel for many years including at Mayne Pharma and Hospira Inc before joining Sandoz in 2008. While there, she has taken on roles in European public affairs and led Sandoz’s global IP litigation function as Global Head of IP Litigation. Through those roles, she has maintained a keen interest in IP strategy and litigation worldwide, including cases arising under the Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA legislation in the US, PM(NOC) regulations in Canada and litigation arising from patent linkage systems around the world.
Christoph Rehfuess
Head of IP
Sotio
Dr. Leslie Fischer
Principal Patent Attorney
Sandoz
Leslie Fischer is a Principal Patent Attorney at Sandoz, who focuses on global IP strategy for biosimilars. Before joining Sandoz, Leslie was a patent attorney at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where she worked for over a decade developing global patent portfolios for biologicals. Before joining the Novartis group, Leslie was an associate at Fitzpatrick Cella (NY) (now Venable). Leslie holds a J.D. from Rutgers University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Thomas Jefferson University. Her scientific work appears in JCB, JBC, and Osteoarthritis & Cartilage. She speaks frequently at patent-related events and is an adjunct professor at Seton Hall Law School.
Christof Bull
Assistant General Patent Counsel
UCB
Mathilde Rauline
Head of Greater Europe Patent Litigation
Sanofi
Mathilde is a European patent attorney, is qualified as a French patent attorney, and is admitted to the Paris bar.
She is head of Greater Europe patent litigation at Sanofi, after having been a patent litigator in private practice (mostly in the pharmaceutical field), and a patent attorney in the industry (Sanofi, Nestlé).
She has extensive experience in pharmaceutical and life-science patent litigation in France, at the EPO, in Europe, and in Eurasia.
Her expertise also comprises contractual matters, settlements, regulatory aspects, and the SPC regulation.
Lorenz Kallenbach
Senior Corporate Patent Counsel (Director)
Merck
Lorenz Kallenbach is a senior corporate patent counsel in the healthcare division of Merck KGaA. He is responsible for defining and executing the IP strategy for innovator projects. Including the assessment of the IP landscape, coordination of worldwide patent litigation, and portfolio development.
Before joining Merck, Lorenz worked in private practice. He is qualified as a German and European patent attorney.
Lorenz studied biochemistry and received a Ph.D. in the field of epigenetics.
Stephan Kutik
Senior Director, Intellectual Property
Genevant Sciences GmbH
Ewan Nettleton
Principal IP Counsel, Oncology Litigation
Novartis Pharma AG
Tessa M. Malamud-Cohen
Director, Patents, Global Intellectual Property
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Paki Banky
Senior IP Counsel (IP Lead Cell & Gene)
Novartis
Corinna Sundermann
Senior Vice President Intellectual Property
Fresenius Kabi
Frank Landolt
Chief Counsel IP & Legal
Confo Therapeutics
Frank Landolt is Chief Counsel, Intellectual Property and Legal at Confo Therapeutics, a privately held biopharmaceutical start-up based in Ghent, Belgium specializing in GPCR-targeted therapeutics.
After studying chemistry and law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, Frank worked for almost ten years on pharmaceutical and biotechological patents and licensing in private practice in the Netherlands, where his clients included major pharmaceutical companies as well as some of the top biotech firms and research institutions in the Netherlands.
Prior to joining Confo in 2018, Frank worked for fifteen years in Ablynx N.V. (now a wholly owned Sanofi company), where he was a member of the management team and headed an integrated IP and legal group of four lawyers and five patent professionals. At Ablynx, Frank was involved in negotiating Ablynx’s strategic partnerships and licensing deals with AbbVie, Boehringer-Ingelheim, MSD, Merck-Serono, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and Wyeth.
From 2000 to 2004, Frank was director of IP and legal counsel at Devgen N.V. (now part of Syngenta), another Ghent-based biotechnology company, where he was involved in negotiating Devgen’s strategic collaborations with Sumitomo, Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer.
Frank is a Dutch and European patent attorney, and also holds a degree in business law from the University of Antwerp. He is a member of the Dutch association of patent attorneys (where he is a tutor for the professional qualification course), EPI and LES Benelux (where he is involved in the LES Licensing Course). He is a regular speaker on a range of topics relating to IP and licensing in the (bio)pharmaceutical sector. Frank was named as one of Managing IP’s ‘Corporate IP stars’ for four years in a row (2015-2018).
Guido Pontremoli
Vice President Global IP
Chiesi
Currently employed as global Head of the IP department-Patent at Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, managing and coaching a team of experienced patent attorneys, patent searchers and administrators, working on the protection, enforcement, litigation and/or opposition of the Chiesi IP, aligned with business decisions.
Before joining Chiesi, I worked in IP groups of big pharma companies (GSK Vaccine, and Bracco Imaging) as senior patent attorney responsible for all the IP aspects concerning some key R&D projects. I also had experience as patent counsel in private practices, dealing with pharma, chemical and bio entities.
Graduated in chemistry from the Univ of Milan, with a PhD in medicinal chemistry and a post-doc experience in USA, I am qualified EPA and chartered Italian patent attorney.
Kristin Cooklin
Group Head IP Counsel
Recordati
Toni Santamaria
Vice President Intellectual Property
Adalvo
Toni has been leading the Intellectual Property team at Adalvo since 2021. He has more than 20 years of experience in different pharmaceutical companies where he has been involved in developing and implementing complex patent and data exclusivity litigation strategies for several generics and added value products, including leading parallel litigation cases in multiple European countries. He also has experience in patent and trademark prosecution.
Toni qualified as European Patent Attorney in 2010 and holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry.
Shohta Ueno
Assistant General Counsel - Dispute Resolution
Regeneron
Adrian Spillmann
Director of Intellectual Property
Valneva
Julia Pike
Global Head of IP
Sandoz
Since March 2020, Julia has been the Global Head of IP for Sandoz. In her previous roles with Sandoz, she has had a leading role in the first wave of US biosimilars litigation, including the first litigations on critical aspects of the governing legislation (the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act or BPCIA), culminating in the landmark US Supreme Court decision, Sandoz v Amgen.
Since leaving private practice at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Julia has been in-house counsel for many years including at Mayne Pharma and Hospira Inc before joining Sandoz in 2008. While there, she has taken on roles in European public affairs and led Sandoz’s global IP litigation function as Global Head of IP Litigation. Through those roles, she has maintained a keen interest in IP strategy and litigation worldwide, including cases arising under the Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA legislation in the US, PM(NOC) regulations in Canada and litigation arising from patent linkage systems around the world.
Christoph Rehfuess
Head of IP
Sotio
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Platinum Partners
Fish & Richardson
Website: https://www.fr.com/industries/life-sciences/
Fish & Richardson has represented pioneering life science innovators from our earliest days. We work closely with life sciences companies to help them achieve their strategic IP goals through acquisition, partnering, licensing, financing, and enforcement. We do this by bringing a unique holistic approach to our clients’ IP matters, fostered by the collaboration between our patent prosecution, litigation, and regulatory practices. We have helped our clients build valuable patent portfolios worth billions of dollars, score big victories at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and win bet-the-company cases in court. When life sciences clients come to Fish to build an IP strategy, they know that we will leave no stone unturned when crafting creative and comprehensive solutions to maximize the value of their IP.
Gowling WLG
Website: https://gowlingwlg.com/
With more than 1,500 legal professionals in offices worldwide, Gowling WLG offers clients a comprehensive suite of sector-focused legal services. With an award winning global intellectual property practice, our full service firm stands out for its ability to provide support for the full life cycle of a smart idea.
Trade secret protection is an important part of this offering with services spanning multiple disciplines – from the development of trade secrets and data protection policies, to the drafting of NDAs and employment contracts, through to cybersecurity risk management and high stakes litigation.
Whether you are looking to identify and protect your trade secrets to avoid leakage, establishing the value of your intangible assets for merger or acquisition or pursuing a trade secret thief, we can help guide you through trade secrets law around the world and across a number of key sectors. Learn more
Linklaters
Website: https://www.linklaters.com/
Linklaters cross-border Intellectual Property team successfully advises market-leading companies on high-profile IP litigation and complex IP-driven transactions.
We advise clients in a broad range of sectors, with a focus on IP-heavy industries such as healthcare and life sciences.
Our history of advising clients in the healthcare and life sciences sector is long and we have developed strong working relationships and a deep understanding of our client’s business environment. Many of our lawyers have technical backgrounds and therefore have in-depth understanding of complex technologies.
We support our clients with outstanding legal skills, expert sector knowledge and a pragmatic mindset in cross-border IP disputes. More specifically our litigation practice covers the full scope of dispute resolution, including court proceedings, arbitration, mediation and settlement discussions. Where possible, we aim to resolve disputes before court proceedings become necessary. However, where litigation is unavoidable, we take care to pick the right cases to pursue through the courts and continue to look for pragmatic solutions.
We tackle the entire spectrum of IP rights, including patents, supplementary protection certificates, copyrights, designs and trademarks. Our practice also covers issues of confidentiality, as well as trade secrets protection and misappropriation.
Marks & Clerk
Website: https://www.marks-clerk.com/
Marks & Clerk is an international law firm specialising in intellectual property (IP) law. With a vast network of over 650 professionals across the world, including a qualified team of experienced patent and trademark associates, the firm offers comprehensive technical expertise covering all aspects of intellectual property matters, such as patents, trademarks, designs and copyright. Its services encompass worldwide protection, portfolio management, strategic advice, commercial guidance, licensing, enforcement, clearance and searches, validity and infringement opinions, due diligence and litigation. Operating through a network of offices in Canada, Europe and Asia, Marks & Clerk consistently delivers high-quality, seamless and cost-effective services to clients both locally and globally.
Pinsent Masons
Website: https://www.pinsentmasons.com/
Pinsent Masons international Life Sciences practice is one of the best in Europe.
Their team, comprising more than 100 sector specialists, many of whom are leading individuals in their field with relevant scientific degrees (some to Ph.D.) and experience, drawn from industry, is dedicated to helping their clients continue to develop cutting-edge strategies that use the law as a business enabler to positively impact their bottom line.
The team acts for businesses globally on complex market shifting transactions; cutting edge R&D collaboration; partnering and licensing deals; the most high profile, business-critical patent and regulatory litigations; and hugely impactful anti-trust investigations and litigations.
Comprising some of the world’s leading life sciences experts, the team works with senior management and in-house legal teams to navigate complex regulatory environments, develop effective risk management strategies, and spot and convert opportunities.
Schertenleib Avocats
Website: https://schertenleib-avocats.com/en/equipe/denis-schertenleib/
Please visit our website for more information.Gold Partners
Barnes And Thornbug LLP
Website: https://btlaw.com/
Intellectual Property
Barnes & Thornburg’s Intellectual Property Department, with more than 130 attorneys and professionals, is one of the largest intellectual property practice groups found in a full-service law firm. Our practice covers a broad spectrum of services, including strategic IP portfolio services, prosecuting and litigating patents, trademarks and copyrights, enforcement of patents and trademarks, and defense of IP enforcement actions.
Our IP practice advises and helps a diverse and multinational roster of clients. From electrical and mechanical engineering, to chemistry and microbiology, to computer technology and business methods – our attorneys’ background and experience in several technical disciplines positions us to meet a variety of sophisticated business and inventorship needs.
Life Sciences
Barnes & Thornburg provides a wide range of interdisciplinary legal services to organizations engaged in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical and laboratory devices, health services and bioinformatics. Most of the lawyers in our biotech practice have educational and practical research experience pertinent to the biotechnology industry and many hold advanced degrees in organic chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, genetics, immunology and microbiology. We understand chemistry, biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device technologies. In addition, our intellectual property practice includes professionals with advanced degrees in molecular biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, biology, pharmacology, immunology, microbiology, biotechnology, bioengineering, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, and civil engineering.
Our team represents a wide array of clients in this industry – from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Some of our representative clients include 3M Company, DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Johnson & Johnson, H.D. Smith Wholesale Drug Co., Hillenbrand, \
Carpmaels & Ransford
Website: https://www.carpmaels.com/
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP is a leader in the European IP market, having driven innovation in the industry for over 200 years. The firm advises clients on all aspects of intellectual property, including drafting, filing and prosecuting patent and trademark applications; drafting and negotiating licence agreements and other commercial IP agreements; advising on the transfer of property rights; assisting clients with patent restoration matters; and conducting enforcement and revocation litigation.
The firm has one of Europe’s largest IP teams serving blue-chip clients across the globe, including Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Mars, Gilead, Raytheon, Regeneron, Takeda, Allergan and Xeros. The firm’s attorneys have considerable technical knowledge, bringing together experience from industry-leading companies, academic research at leading universities and extensive patent expertise in the areas of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, engineering, tech, chemistry, materials, supplementary protection certificates and information and communication technologies and standards.
Through its fully integrated dispute resolution and transactions teams, the firm is able to provide a holistic service to clients which supports their IP needs from inception to commercialisation. The dispute resolution team, made up of experienced solicitors, barristers and patent attorney litigators, represents clients at all levels of the European Patent Office. The team is also adept at conducting enforcement litigation and revocation actions before the UK Intellectual Property Office and patent, copyright, trademark and other IP litigation in the English courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union, often advising in cases where parallel or related litigation is ongoing in courts across Europe or in the United States.
As a European IP firm with litigators and patent attorneys under one roof, Carpmaels & Ransford is looking forward to offering clients the chance to both obtain UPs using the existing EPO procedure and enforce their patents across Europe in the UPC.
LAVOIX
Website: https://www.lavoix.eu/en
LAVOIX, a European firm fully dedicated to Intellectual Property (IP), has close to 200 IP professionals including 80 attorneys-at-law, industrial property attorneys and technology specialists.The firm’s sheer size and the diversity of its team’s areas of expertise enable LAVOIX to assist its clients in every aspect of IP across all business areas and technological fields.
Our Life Science team has extensive technical expertise in many areas including biotechnology, pharmaceutical chemistry and bioinformatics.
Our attorneys are able to prosecute patent applications in the three European Patent Office official languages (English, German and French). Our Munich office provides direct and easy access to the EPO and the German Patent Office.
Our Life Science team is also regularly involved in oppositions, appeals and oral proceedings before the EPO, management of Supplementary Protection Certificates, as well as due diligence, precontentious opinions and national or pan-European litigations.
With a view to maximize the position of our clients and meet their specific needs, our Life Science Team also monitors the latest developments of the European Union’s law which could potentially affect our client’s businesses, in particular in respect of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agrochemicals and medical devices.
Potter Clarkson
Website: https://www.potterclarkson.com/
Leading European intellectual property law firm, Potter Clarkson helps companies, organisations, and individuals across all sectors of business to understand, create, protect, and defend the commercial value of their innovations anywhere in the world. Its 200-strong specialist team of patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys, litigators, and licensing specialists, operate from dedicated offices in the UK, Sweden, and Denmark.
Recognised as one of Europe’s leading intellectual property law firms, Potter Clarkson is particularly well-known for its deep expertise in resolving life science disputes, its contentious practice routinely conducting high-profile litigation in key jurisdictions around the world as well as before the EPO, and now the UPC, with multiple actions currently on foot before this important new court.
Simmons & Simmons
Website: https://www.simmons-simmons.com/en/expertise/service/intellectual-property/patents
Our international Patent team seamlessly integrates the specialized expertise of a boutique practice with the extensive service offerings of a major international firm. Recognized in the market for our high-calibre clients and active involvement in leading global patent cases, we stand as a trusted force in the European legal landscape; with offices and well established patent experts in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Munich and Milan and with Pharma & Biotech as one of our firm’s four core sectors.
Leveraging our extensive experience, we adeptly guide clients through specialised procedures, including infringement seizures, preliminary injunctions, patent infringement actions, patent nullification actions, and non-infringement declarations. With over 45 years at the forefront of IP law and practice, our international reputation is anchored in a pre-eminent track record in complex patent litigation (alongside a market-leading IP transactions and regulatory practices). Our comprehensive suite of services offers a "one-stop-shop" for pharma and biotech clients needing advice and strategic partnership on patents and other areas of IP.
Simmons and Simmons has played a pivotal role in the development of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) system. Our partner, Kevin Mooney, is acknowledged as one of the "fathers of the UPC", if not “Mr UPC”. Positioned at the forefront of every aspect of the new system, we don't just advise on the law – we actively shape it.
Sterne Kessler
Website: https://www.sternekessler.com/
Please visit our website for more information.Trevisan & Cuonzo
Website: https://www.trevisancuonzo.com/en/index.html
Please visit our website for more information.Solutions Partner
RWS
Website: https://www.rws.com/intellectual-property-services/
RWS is the world’s leading provider of technology-enabled language, content management, and intellectual property services. With over 60 years of experience in the IP arena RWS expertise in patent translations, foreign filing and IP research services is unrivalled.
Clients trust RWS to deliver high-quality translations in a format ready for filing, in compliance with national filing formalities and maintaining exactly the same protective scope as the original.
RWS also helps clients simplify and streamline their internal processes, by providing flexible, cost-effective foreign filing and renewals services dramatically reducing the administrative burden associated with EP validations, PCT national phase entries and direct filings.
When it comes to research, RWS offers the most robust intellectual property (IP) researcher services and tools available. From our market leading patent research database, PatBase, to the world’s most comprehensive set of IP search offerings from desk based analysts to crowdsearch.
RWS clients include many of the world's largest filers including 19 of the top 20 applicants at the World Intellectual Property Organization and 16 of the top 20 applicants at the European Patent Office.
Founded in 1958, RWS is headquartered in the UK and publicly listed on AIM, the London Stock Exchange regulated market (RWS.L).
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