EIP is pleased to announce the promotion of Catherine Howell to Partner, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the firm’s first home‑grown litigation partner. Catherine joined EIP as a Trainee Solicitor in 2015 and has progressed through every stage of the firm’s litigation practice, most recently serving as Managing Associate.
Catherine is an IP Solicitor with deep experience across proceedings in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and multi‑jurisdictional patent litigation. Her practice focuses on FRAND and SEP disputes, technical patent litigation, and strategic advice on jurisdiction and confidentiality issues. She has acted in several high‑profile and landmark cases, including Unwired Planet v Huawei & Samsung, Conversant v Huawei & ZTE, and Optis v Apple, and has played an important role in EIP’s work in the UPC.
Catherine is widely recognised within the IP community. She serves on the AIPPI UK Events Committee and was former Chair and Social Secretary of IPSoc. She is recommended in Legal 500, has been named as a “Rising Star” by Managing IP for six consecutive years and was recognised as a “Trailblazer” by WIPR Diversity. She also received the AIPPI UK prize for best contribution to a study question on preliminary injunctions.
Her academic background spans science and law, holding a BSc in Biochemistry (University of Bristol), an MSc in the Management of Intellectual Property (Queen Mary University of London), a Graduate Diploma in Law, the LPC, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice from the University of Oxford.
Magnus Hallin, CEO at EIP, said:
Cat’s progression from trainee to partner is a proud moment for the firm. She represents the very best of EIP’s litigation practice: rigorous, collaborative, and client‑focused. Her promotion reflects both her achievements and the strength of our commitment to developing exceptional talent.
Andrew Sharples, Partner and Head of Litigation at EIP, added:
Cat has made an invaluable contribution to some of the most complex and influential patent cases of the last decade. Her promotion is thoroughly deserved, and we are delighted to see her take this next step.