Full-service firm August & Debouzy's IP practice is notable for its patent specialists, specifically the "excellent" Grégoire Derousseaux and François Pochart, who are both qualified patent attorneys and lawyers. The pair are famed for their litigation and opposition work, particularly Derousseaux, and known for representing generics including Teva. Ericsson and Citroen are among its other clients. The firm's IP and IT practice, which comprises around 20 lawyers, also offers contentious and non-contentious advice in trade mark and copyright. In trade marks, the firm acts for Pepe Jeans and the French Ministry of Culture, and in copyright, Microsoft seeks it advice.
The firm moves into tier 2 for patent contentious after an active year in which Derousseaux and Pochart impressed their competitors. "They are doing a great job," says one. Others describe the two partners as "very smart," "knowledgeable" and "very good engineers".
A longstanding client of Pochart's is Teva, who he was busy representing in several cases throughout 2012. One ongoing matter sees him advising it with Edouard Kling in litigation against Mylan. Unusually, Teva is the one having to defend its patent. Often the firm represents Teva on the other side. Two examples of this were the same team defending Teva against infringement suits brought by Eli Lilly and Sanofi.
On the trade mark side, the firm has been representing PSA Peugeot Citroen in a dispute relating to a new trade mark.