Life sciences
Life sciences is a continuously evolving sector with a highly complex regulatory landscape. Our specialist patent and commercial law advice in this sector enables clients to gain and retain competitive advantage, for example, by maximising the value of their innovations or bringing products to market.
Our multidisciplinary EIP Life team supports value creation in the innovative endeavors of our clients by representing them before the European Patent Office, the Unified Patent Court and national courts as well as in patent focused transactions and in relation to Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs).
Highly ranked based upon client and peer recommendations
Gold ranking for Biotechnology & Healthcare from 2021-2025 in the Financial Times list of Europe's Leading Patent Law Firms
Testimonial: "EIP has been drawing attention in another field: its investment in a dedicated life sciences group is paying dividends." - Juve Patent, 2024
A new client-focused service leveraging AI for better outcomes and greater agility in European and US patent work.
Our dedicated team leverages specialist AI for patent work, getting better results than humans alone.
Send us a case to benchmark. We'll show you the difference.
No obligation. Just a side-by-side comparison of what your US or European patent work could cost with Visser AI.
Every engagement is strategic, relevant and aligned with commercial objectives. Tailored AI workflows combine the strengths of generative AI with the nuance of expert legal and technical judgement.
Visser AI is for you if you want to benefit from generative AI in your patent drafting, prosecution or challenges. The Visser AI team are experts in Patently, a specialist AI platform for patent work, and how to deliver your desired outcomes using hybrid intelligence.
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Life sciences
Life sciences is a continuously evolving sector with a highly complex regulatory landscape. Our specialist patent and commercial law advice in this sector enables clients to gain and retain competitive advantage, for example, by maximising the value of their innovations or bringing products to market.
Our multidisciplinary EIP Life team supports value creation in the innovative endeavors of our clients by representing them before the European Patent Office, the Unified Patent Court and national courts as well as in patent focused transactions and in relation to Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs).
Highly ranked based upon client and peer recommendations
Gold ranking for Biotechnology & Healthcare from 2021-2025 in the Financial Times list of Europe's Leading Patent Law Firms
Testimonial: "EIP has been drawing attention in another field: its investment in a dedicated life sciences group is paying dividends." - Juve Patent, 2024
The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is also now gaining traction in Europe and increasingly interacting with EPO opposition practice. Whether defending a granted patent or challenging one, success depends on experience, precision and a deep understanding of the process.
EIP's mixed practice and depths of experience in EPO oppositions, as well as UPC and national litigation make us the firm of choice for clients seeking representation in these proceedings across all technical areas.
Services
We offer compenhensive patent protection services tailored to your business needs.
Agritech
Biologics
Biotech
Cell therapy
Gene editing
Immunotherapy
Microbiome
Pharmaceuticals
Our specialisms
Additive manufacturing
Applied maths & cryptography
Applied physics
Artificial Intelligence / AI
Audio codecs
Automotive electronics
Computer hardware
Consumer electronics
Digital health
Electrical engineering
Electromechanical systems
Fintech
Gaming and graphics
Image and signal processing
Medical imaging
Photonics and optics
Quantum communication
Quantum computing
Quantum sensors
Robotics
Semiconductors
Software
Telecommunications
Telemedicine and remote surgery
Video codecs
Case study
Several patent offices offer fast-track schemes for energy-related innovations, including clean and energy-efficient technologies. If rapid patent grant is needed for investment, licensing, marketing, or enforcement, we guide clients through these schemes step by step.
Several patent offices offer fast-track schemes for energy-related innovations, including clean and energy-efficient technologies. If rapid patent grant is needed for investment, licensing, marketing, or enforcement, we guide clients through these schemes step by step.
Meet the team and get started today
The EIP Life team includes multi-qualified attorneys with backgrounds in life sciences, chemistry, and related disciplines. Many team members bring direct experience from academia and industry and work across EIP’s broader technical teams to deliver tailored, interdisciplinary support. We are highly ranked based upon client and peer recommendations including Gold ranking for Biotechnology & Healthcare consistently from 2021-2025 in a list of Europe's leading patent law firms by the Financial Times.
Our growth in this sector has attracted comments such as "EIP has been drawing attention in another field: its investment in a dedicated life sciences group is paying dividends." (JUVE Patent rankings 2024)
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FAQs
Standard-essential patents (SEPs) are patents that protect technology required to comply with industry standards, meaning companies must use them to produce compliant products. Because of this, they are licensed under FRAND terms (Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory) to ensure broad, balanced access to essential technologies.
For Chinese companies, SEPs present a significant opportunity to generate licensing revenue at scale. As adoption of global standards increases, SEP owners can license their portfolios across multiple markets, creating recurring income streams and strengthening their competitive position.
Europe is a key jurisdiction for SEP strategy. The UK is a leading forum for global FRAND rate-setting, while Germany and the Unified Patent Court (UPC) provide strong enforcement tools, including injunctive relief. This combination enables companies to align litigation, negotiation and licensing strategies to maximise commercial outcomes.
With a well-structured cross-border approach, Chinese-origin innovation can be transformed into sustainable, long-term licensing income.
We advise on SEP prosecution, enforcement and defence before the UK courts, German courts and the UPC, helping clients develop coordinated strategies that combine legal and technical expertise to maximise portfolio value.
"EIP has one of the best patent litigation teams in the country. They are resilient, insightful and determined. They always pursue their client's commercial goals in a determined, focused and resourceful way."
We work with clients to devise customised strategies for commercially important oppositions.
This includes:
- Strategic collaboration with other parties sharing a common interest
- Conducting mock hearings to refine arguments and tactics ahead of official proceedings
Mock hearings can range from internal simulations to full-scale exercises involving independent consultants acting as the Opposition Division or Board of Appeal, with attorneys, experts and clients participating.
Discover our featured insights
Stay informed with the latest developments in Patenting at EIP and across the global IP landscape. Tune into our EIP Talks podcast, explore expert insights and browse our published articles and thought leadership, all designed to keep you ahead in the world of intellectual property.
The IP Lifecycle: From Innovation to Monetisation
In this episode of EIP Talks, Mark Lubbock and Ellen Keenan O'Malley, solicitors at EIP, explore the full lifecycle of intellectual property, from the initial spark of innovation to the commercialisation of ideas. They share practical insights into how we support clients through the challenges of protecting, developing and monetising IP.The conversation covers how clients typically engage with us, the importance of identifying and securing various forms of IP, and the legal strategies needed to navigate collaborations, ownership, and licensing. It also highlights the significance of well-drafted contracts, website compliance and investor readiness. Whether you're launching a new product, entering a partnership, or preparing for investment, this episode offers valuable guidance on building a strong IP foundation and turning innovation into commercial success.
Reasonable expectation of success based on clinical trial disclosure: UPC Local Division takes a different view from EPO Board of Appeal
Find your match
We work closely with clients, from C-suite to IP teams, to unlock the full potential of their intellectual property. Our integrated team of litigators, patent attorneys and commercial IP experts helps drive business growth by protecting and strategically leveraging patents.
Search by expertise, industry or location to find the right team for your business.