Brodies achieves sole Scottish gold ranking in leading patent guide

Brodies is the only Scottish law firm to have achieved a gold ranking in this year’s IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals – a guide to the leading patent professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe.

The guide commends Brodies’ 12-strong IP, technology and outsourcing team, for having “patent litigation on lock, making it a ‘go-to for disputes in Scotland’”, adding that it is “proficient in all disciplines key to the native economy, including oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and construction”.

Partners Gill Grassie (pictured) and Robert Buchan are described as “leading lights”, and are praised for being “clear, pragmatic, knowledgeable and user-friendly”.

The IAM Patent 1000 rankings follow extensive research conducted over several months by a team of full-time analysts, involving more than 1,700 interviews with patent specialists around the world. The guide features 48 country-specific chapters analysing local patent professional services markets and detailing the firms and individuals identified as leaders in their respective fields.

Turning to the individual lawyers in Brodies’ IP, technology & outsourcing team, the guide says Ms Grassie’s “breadth and depth of understanding of the law is always impressive, and she has a nuanced approach to a client’s commercial needs”. Mr Buchan earns plaudits for his “insight, approachability and expert knowledge of the Scottish courts”. “At the head of the practice is Grant Campbell, who brings over 20 years of transactional know-how to the table,” the guide adds.

Non-contentious patent specialist Shona Tennant, who is currently seconded to the University of St Andrews on a part-time basis to assist with complex transfer and research agreements, “consistently provides clients with perfect feedback and advice”.

Nicholas Richardson, research editor for the IAM Patent 1000, said: “In the world of commerce, patents have become pivotal in driving corporate value and profitability. When it comes to obtaining, enforcing and monetising these vital commodities, private practice lawyers and patent attorneys play an essential role; selecting the right specialist is of paramount importance.

“The IAM Patent 1000 delivers the most in-depth coverage of the market yet undertaken, pinpointing the best of the best in prosecution, litigation and licensing. The listings and editorial provide readers with a truly comprehensive overview of patent services around the world, making the IAM Patent 1000 an essential tool for all IP decision makers.”