Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons is a full-service international firm with a UK IP team that can deal with IP protection, transactions, and disputes.  It is among the few law firms in the UK that have a patent attorney team. Its patent and transactional practice covers biotechnology, chemistry, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

Notable patent litigators: Priya Nagpal and Scott Parker.

Notable patent attorneys: Kevin Cordina and Frederick Nicolle.

Notable soft IP practitioners: Marisa Broughton, John Slater, and Darren Meale.

Notable IP transaction lawyers: Lydia Torne, Michael Gavey, Angus McLean, and Joel Smith.

2025

"Excellent lawyers and excellent commercial advice and service."

2023

"Excellent technical skills coupled with reliable, balanced advice."

"John Slater manages a team of attorneys and paralegals in the Simmons & Simmons Hong Kong and London offices who primarily do work for us. This means almost round the clock coverage during Asia and European business hours.

"The team is able to leverage their experience and work they do for the group around the world and offer strategic advice to us having regard to issues that might affect the rest of our portfolio. An effective one-stop-service for us."

"They are competent and efficient and offer tailored advice."

"We like their high-quality and swift response."

"They are personable, professional and have a fantastic grasp of highly complex agreements, presenting clear and concise advice."

"The firm's experience within the areas in question set them apart, as does their ability to provide assistance of the highest quality in a number of European jurisdictions."

Case studies show a range of commercial IP work, including patent licensing. Clients include Genmab, GSK, BlackRock, Cooper Consumer Health, and the Akkermansia Company. Other notable lawyers for technology transactions are Lawrence Brown and Alexander Brown.

Patent case studies show patent prosecution, EPO proceedings, and court litigation. The UK team is also involved in UPC litigation. Clients include Network System Technologies, Sibio Technology, Danaher Corporation, Solventum, Grünenthal, Apple, Netradryne, and Acerus Pharmaceuticals. Veteran patent litigator Kevin Mooney has retired. Michael Burdon now serves as a consultant in the firm. Partner Andrew Hutchinson and managing associate Amy Crouch left the firm in 2025.

Case studies show trade mark protection, office proceedings, and court litigation. The UK team is also involved in EU trade mark work. Clients include Hugo Boss, New Balance, Monzo, Hermès International, and Venture Life Group. IP Star and former Hogan Lovells' partner Joel Smith joined the firm in 2024. Adrian Smith has retired.