An IP partner and head of the Life Sciences Litigation team, I have over 20 years' experience in the IP field, especially multi-jurisdictional patent litigation. Regulatory and clearance advice (FTOs - freedom to operate opinions) are also a key part of my work.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7664 0324
Email: adam_cooke@wragge.com
Life sciences litigation, clearance advice and intellectual property
Advising Genentech Inc of California, the world's first and largest biotech company, for over 20 years. My first trial for Genentech concerned tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), an enzyme used for dissolving blood clots. As it was the first trial anywhere in the world relating to the patenting of a DNA sequence, the court was packed with lawyers, analysts and big names in science such as James Watson of Watson and Crick fame. Litigation for Genentech has concerned Insulin-like Growth Factor for the treatment of growth disorders.
In October 2007, we won a major patent action for Siemens Magnet Technology Ltd, one of the world's leading suppliers of superconducting magnets for MRI scanners. The patent was directed to the design of superconducting magnets and involved the use of complex mathematical techniques for optimising the magnetic field within the magnet bore.
Almost all our work is international in nature, either because the clients are foreign or because there are parallel issues or disputes in other countries, especially Continental Europe and the USA.
My patent litigation work is not confined to the life sciences field. Last year (2006) for example, we scored a major win for Tamglass of Finland, a top manufacturer of machines for bending and tempering flat glass. Tamglass sued a Chinese manufacturer and its UK customer for patent infringement. When giving his ruling for Tamglass, the trial judge, Mr Justice Mann, praised the Wragge & Co team for 'the entirely practical way in which they dealt with the shifting and fast moving events of this trial, unaccompanied by any unhelpful forensic or tactical huffing and puffing of the kind that one still not infrequently encounters. Their entirely appropriate and sensible approach enabled the principal focus to remain firmly on the issues in the case and not on procedural points and greatly assisted the efficient conduct of the case'.
A great track record for winning cases or resolving disputes on the best possible terms.
I am a trustee of SOS Sahel International UK. SOS Sahel helps communities in the Sahel countries on the southern edge of the Sahara, such as Mali, Niger and Ethiopia. Three years ago my family and I visited Mali to see some of SOS Sahel's projects first-hand. It was an extraordinary experience being greeted by the whole village and then joining in in a noisy ceremony to celebrate the completion of a new water well.
In Chambers 2008, I am described as 'a competent and charming all-round patent litigator who impresses clients with his manner'.