Herbert Smith Freehills

United Kingdom (England)

Reviews

Practice area

IP STARS Reviews

Overview

International law firm Herbert Smith Freehills is well-regarded in pharmaceutical and biotechnology patent litigation in the UK. Laura Orlando and Sydney-based litigator Rebekah Gay oversee the firm’s global IP practice. Sebastian Moore, who splits his time between London and Milan, leads its UK IP practice. Other notable litigation partners in the UK are Andrew Moir and Jonathan Turnbull. Moir also has a practice in IT/cybersecurity. They are supported by former partner and IP leader Sophie Rich, senior lawyers such as Laura Deacon and a team of associates. Deacon specialises in IP transactions work.

Testimonial

2021 client testimonials

A brand owner client said: “The advice is always concise and on point. They are great to work with, quick to respond and provide comprehensible analysis. They reach a view where others are sometimes reluctant to do so.”

“[They are] approachable and explain complicated concepts well,” says another client.

 

2020 client testimonials

A client said the firm’s IP practitioners are “experts in the field, reliable and client-oriented”.

 

2019 client testimonials

A client commended the firm for its “reliability, responsiveness and frank advice”.

“Their advice is always based on a good understanding of the practicalities as well as legal interpretation,” an agritech client said.

A brand owner explained why they used the firm: “They have represented us in several cases on trade mark and design infringement and succeeded in resolving them in our favour. They are responsive and provide us with cost-effective solutions. We had an excellent experience.”

A pharmaceutical industry client said: “We have used Herbert Smith for many years, mostly due to our faith and trust in Sophie Rich and her team. Herbert Smith has been a valued partner in advising and representing [us] in pan-European litigation.”

Patent

Patent litigation case studies show the firm represented companies such as Genentech, Roche, Ariosa Diagnostics, and Gilead Sciences. This year’s practitioners to watch are Emily Bottle, Alex Freelove, and Andrew Wells. Sophie Rich, who became the co-head of the firm’s global IP practice in 2020, now serves as a consultant. Milan office managing partner Laura Orlando was appointed to co-lead the global IP practice in May 2022. 

In November 2024, the firm announced that it will merge with Kramer Levin to form Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.