EPO Oppositions
With an outstanding success rate in EPO oppositions and appeals, we combine legal expertise and advocacy skills to defend your patents and challenge third-party rights effectively.
EPO oppositions are a cost-effective alternative to national litigation, offering a powerful way to invalidate competitors’ patents across Europe and secure freedom to operate (FTO). Winning an opposition requires a unique blend of legal, technical, and advocacy skills, as well as meticulous planning and execution.
Our specialist multidisciplinary team has a proven track record of winning even the toughest cases. From pharmaceuticals to polymers, food products to fluorocarbons, and toothbrushes to tractors, we’ve handled thousands of oppositions across a wide range of technologies and company sizes. Whether you’re seeking to secure FTO, protect a platform technology, or strengthen your negotiating position, we’ll help you achieve your commercial goals.
Ready to defend your patents or challenge third-party rights? Contact our oppositions specialists today to discuss how we can help you achieve your commercial objectives.
Areas of Expertise
An enviable success rate
The experience and skill of your representative can determine the outcome of an opposition. Over the last 10 years, 51% of patents we opposed were revoked (compared to the EPO average of 28%), and only 10% were maintained as granted (compared to the EPO average of 31%). On appeal, our success rate is even stronger, with only 6% of cases being maintained as granted.
The experience and skill of your representative can determine the outcome of an opposition. Over the last 10 years, 51% of patents we opposed were revoked (compared to the EPO average of 28%), and only 10% were maintained as granted (compared to the EPO average of 31%). On appeal, our success rate is even stronger, with only 6% of cases being maintained as granted.
Procedural experts
Procedural errors can be fatal in opposition and appeal proceedings, even in clearly winnable cases. Our team’s deep understanding of EPO rules ensures your case is handled with precision and care, avoiding costly missteps.
Procedural errors can be fatal in opposition and appeal proceedings, even in clearly winnable cases. Our team’s deep understanding of EPO rules ensures your case is handled with precision and care, avoiding costly missteps.
A flexible & commercial approach
Every opposition is different. Some are high-stakes battles over groundbreaking technology, while others are strategic moves to support licensing deals. We always remember that oppositions are part of a broader commercial context and tailor our approach to your specific needs.
Every opposition is different. Some are high-stakes battles over groundbreaking technology, while others are strategic moves to support licensing deals. We always remember that oppositions are part of a broader commercial context and tailor our approach to your specific needs.
An integrated UPC & national litigation offering
EPO oppositions often form part of a larger dispute involving national or UPC litigation. Our team includes specialist IP solicitors and UPC litigators who can coordinate multi-jurisdictional litigation alongside EPO oppositions, ensuring a seamless and strategic approach.
EPO oppositions often form part of a larger dispute involving national or UPC litigation. Our team includes specialist IP solicitors and UPC litigators who can coordinate multi-jurisdictional litigation alongside EPO oppositions, ensuring a seamless and strategic approach.
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