Eleanor Root

I am partner in the International IP Group specialising in litigation of patents and related rights and providing strategic advice on issues in connection with the broader IP, commercial and regulatory environment in the life sciences, healthcare and retail and consumer sectors.

I have a background in Cell Biology and a keen interest in science, in particular the life sciences, healthcare and wellness industries and supporting these, including through relevant industry associations and events.

My particular expertise in contentious patent and SPC matters, now encompassing the UPC, has been developed through my 20+ years experience of working on commercially important, legally ground-breaking, multi-jurisdictional cases, mainly in the fields of pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical and medical device products from both the originator and 'generic' sides of the fence.

My holistic approach as a private-practioner has also been honed through first-hand in-house experience supporting pharma clients where I managed a heavy and diverse workload spanning high stakes patent litigation and broader IP, regulatory and commercial matters. The experiences also deepened my understanding of the wider ecosystem, various business functions and the pressures faced by our clients and the pragmatism needed to achieve commercial goals and manage internal clients.

I have built up complementary experience in advising and supporting clients in a range of sectors in relation to their multi-jurisdictional patent portfolio management and strategy (including associated proceedings/enforcement and commercialisation), freedom to operate (validity and infringement), specific regulatory considerations and IP due diligence and disclosure in corporate transactions.

I enjoy working in a team to develop strategy that aligns legal and commercial objectives as well as getting into the detail on technical aspects. I have extensive experience of coordinating and collaborating with colleagues, other external advisors, technical experts and client personnel on a multi-jurisdictional basis and considering and leveraging national/EPO patent and SPC approaches (now including UPC), as well as varying national healthcare systems, regulation and public policy.

To assist in the effective collaboration, implementation and management of various projects, we work closely with clients in the development of e-tools. I have particular experience in tailoring the Access portal tool for patent commercialisation and enforcement and the Fibonacci platform in the context of managing and collaborating on multijurisdictional patent/SPC litigation.

• Patent/SPC related:
• Ustekinumab (re SPC manufacturing waiver)
• Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (EvaquaTM; Airvo 2)
• Teva (Copaxone®, Abiraterone, Melatonin prolonged-release)
• Honeywell (refrigerants including R-1234ze and R-1234yf)
• Actavis (Pemetrexed, Pregabalin, Tadalafil, Telmisartan, Entacapone, Pramipexole, Fluvastatin and Finasteride)
• Gedeon Richter (Drospirenone)
• Baxter Healthcare Corp (Sevoflurane)
• Warner-Lambert Company/Pfizer (Lipitor®)
• Trade mark, Design and Copyright related:
• Mattel (MyScene Barbie dolls vs Bratz)
• Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd (Alfred McAlpine's rebranding)
• Globe GB Limited (side designs on shoes vs Gola)