First Impressions

Jenny Antcliff joined the Dispute Resolution team at Carpmaels & Ransford in March 2016 after working in-house as IP Litigation Counsel at Actavis (Allergan) and, before then, at a specialist patent litigation boutique.

“Like many of my colleagues, I was initially drawn to the firm because of their enviable clients and outstanding reputation (albeit impressive and intimidating in equal measure when it comes to preparing for the interview!). However, what ultimately tipped it for me was a rare opportunity to contribute to the development of the growing Dispute Resolution (DR) team, and to help shape the way in which that team continues to flourish and evolve.

My feet haven’t touched the ground since. I have been extremely fortunate to work with almost all of the life sciences Partners so far, each of whom has an unbelievable roster of fantastic clients, and an infectious enthusiasm to work with the DR team and deliver holistic and forward-looking advice. It is brilliant to be able to help make a difference. In return, I am learning about aspects of European patent practice that have always baffled me as a litigator, attending EPO hearings and working alongside colleagues who are the best in their field.

Having these complementary functions under one roof also means that my role is evolving from a predominantly litigation-based case load (typically deployed when proceedings are already on foot) to one which incorporates much more strategic and pre-emptive advice. This puts us in a unique position to influence the way in which any future litigation is likely to unfold right from the outset, often several years ahead of market entry and whilst patent portfolios are still evolving. As well as broadening my experience in a patent strategy sense, this kind of multifactorial analysis invariably brings into play complex questions of SPC and pharmaceutical regulatory law, which is precisely the kind of challenge that I enjoy the most.

Working at Carpmaels is as much fun as it is rewarding – even my interview as things turned out and despite the sleepless night before… My first day happened to coincide with a champagne lunch to celebrate recent exam results and it never ceases to amaze me how many clients pass through London and stop by for dinner, just because they enjoy working with the Carpmaels team. Colleagues at all levels have given up their free time to help me settle in, to ensure that my opinions are valued and that I have every opportunity to get involved in the kinds of cases that I thrive on. As I look back on my first six months here I feel very lucky and very grateful to have joined the firm at this exciting time!”