Edward Nodder

Partner

Edward was Senior Partner from 2016 – 2018 and, until 2016, the long-serving head of patent litigation.

He has specialised in intellectual property, especially patent litigation, for over 35 years and been responsible for more than 100 patent cases. These include landmark UK decisions such as 3M v Rennicks (validity and infringement, stay of injunction and damages), 3M v Plastus Kreativ (cross-border injunctions), 3M v Nippon Carbide (stay pending EPO opposition), Unilin v B&Q (entitlement to priority, amendment, res judicata and EPO) and Servier v Apotex (enquiry as to damages under cross-undertaking).

Beyond the UK, Edward has taken a particular interest in the development of the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court (UPC). He has had the opportunity to do so through his activity on the Board and Advisory Board of the European Lawyers Association (EPLAW). EPLAW has been very closely involved with the preparation of the legislation and the rules of procedure of the UPC and Edward has given presentations on the rules to all the leading European Patent Judges at the Venice Conferences organised jointly by EPLAW and the EPO. His work with the European Patent judiciary has included participation in ‘mock trials’ conducted before these Patent Judges and already using the law and rules of the UPC. This has been an almost unique experience making Edward ideally qualified to advise clients on UPC issues when they arise. He has further honed his UPC skills sitting as a ‘Judge’ in the first real-time mock trials of UPC cases which Bristows has been conducting in the expectation that the UPC will commence operation soon despite the uncertainty of Brexit.

Edward is experienced in almost all technical fields, including electronics, but is particularly active in the life sciences sector, having acted for some of the largest pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices companies. He has developed successful strategies, combining patent and regulatory law, to assist his pharmaceutical clients facing the challenge of generics. In such matters, he has often coordinated cross-border litigation and advice within Europe and beyond. For over 12 years, he led a very large team successfully obtaining preliminary injunctions and other relief for originator companies such as Novartis against generic suppliers in many countries around the globe.

Edward is currently on the Advisory Board of the EPLAW and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents. He is a member of the Law Society’s Intellectual Property Law Committee. Edward was a UK Council Member of AIPPI from 2000 to 2015.

Credentials

  • MA Natural Sciences and Law, University of Cambridge
  • Qualified 1980
  • Partner 1986

What others say

"Senior statesman Edward Nodder has long-standing experience resolving IP disputes on behalf of some of the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies. His expertise straddles patent and regulatory law, which gives him great insight into portfolio and litigation strategy." Chambers and Partners 2019
"Edward Nodder is the firm's senior partner and is renowned as one of the finest patent litigators of his generation. He is also one of the leading authorities on the European Unitary Patent and the development of the Unified Patent Court (UPC)." Chambers and Partners 2019
"The outward-looking Edward Nodder has an affinity for advising Japanese rights holders on patent litigation in Europe." IAM Patent 1000 2018
The "excellent" Edward Nodder is known for the depth of his experience handling complex patent litigation. His recent activity includes representing life sciences companies in disputes concerning innovative treatments and medical devices. Chambers and Partners 2018
Senior partner Edward Nodder has acted for many of the world's leading innovators in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices in business-critical patent disputes. He continues to advise his clients on worldwide portfolio and litigation strategy. Chambers and Partners 2018
"Heavily involved in the development of the UPC, Nodder dispenses 'advice of the highest quality' and brings over 30 years’ experience to the table. His recent highlights include representing radiation oncology manufacturer Varian in a highly complex multi-jurisdictional patent infringement matter relating to its radiotherapy and MRI machines." IAM Patent 1000 2017
"Edward Nodder is recommended for his depth of experience handling patent litigation and his focus on multi-jurisdictional disputes. He is also an expert on the Unified Patent Court." Chambers and Partners 2017
"Edward Nodder is widely admired and highlighted for the quality of his client care. He has experience advising electronics and life sciences companies on patent litigation and has significant experience of multi-jurisdictional proceedings.” Chambers and Partners 2017
The Top 10 most highly regarded Patent lawyer in Europe Who's Who Legal 2016
"Boasts invaluable experience." Who's Who Legal 2016
"Joint head of patent litigation team Edward Nodder is regarded as 'a star of life sciences disputes'; his experience extends to more than 100 patent cases over 35 years of practice." Who's Who Legal 2016
"Edward Nodder chairs the firm's patent litigation practice and advises key clients on multi-jurisdictional disputes. He is a leading expert on the forthcoming European Patent Court and its implications for biotech and pharmaceuticals businesses." Chambers and Partners 2016
"Edward Nodder leads the firm's patent litigation practice and oversees high-value cases for key hi-tech and life sciences clients. He is also a leading authority on the European Unitary Patent and the forthcoming Unified Patent Court." Chambers and Partners 2016

Recommended For

Best Lawyers™ in the United Kingdom for Intellectual Property Law
2020/2019/2018

IP: Patent Litigation and Life Sciences: Patent Litigation (Senior Statespeople)
Chambers and Partners 2019/2018

Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Legal 500 2019/2018

Patent Litigation
Managing Intellectual Property, IP Stars 2019/2018

Patents, Litigation and Life Sciences, Patent Litigation
Who’s Who Legal 2019/2018

Patent Litigation
IAM Patent 1000 2018

Leading Partner: Patent Litigation
UK Best Law Firms, Leaders League 2018

Patents
Who’s Who Legal Thought Leader 2017