Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird is recommended for contentious and non-contentious soft IP work, including brand protection and portfolio management. The French IP team can handle disputes in a range of sectors, notably TMT, life sciences and mechanics. Géraldine Arbant and Anne-Charlotte Le-Bihan lead the firm's IP team in France. Arbant specialises in brand protection and IP-related transactions, while Le Bihan is a patent litigator. In soft IP work, the partners are supported by a team of junior lawyers, notably Estelle Henry-Mayer, and Frédérique Bocqueraz. Henry-Mayer also specialises in brand protection work. The team can also tap into the knowledge of copyright scholar Edouard Treppoz.

The dual-qualified Thierry Lautier is another key practitioner for patent disputes. Lautier and Le Bihan are supported by Laurent Labatte, who is also a European patent attorney.

2023

"They communicate very well and explain the way the French litigation works. "

"They are very responsive, resourceful, dedicated and knowledgeable regarding practicalities at the respective courts, providing sound and reasonable advice. They formed a good team for addressing the issue at hand, i.e. lawyer(s) and patent attorney(s) that in combination were very efficient."

"They are innovative and think outside the box."

"We appreciate their uncomplicated, hands-on approach and deep knowledge of case law."

Case studies show patent disputes work in sectors such as telecommunications, automotive and life sciences. In 2023, the firm lost associate Simon Corbineau-Picci and welcomed Thierry Lautier, who is dual qualified as a lawyer and European patent attorney.  Former head of IP and IP Star Yves Bizollon retired in 2024.