Praised by clients for its ‘deep bench’ strength, Powell Gilbert LLP’s expertise spans numerous technical sectors, from pharma and medical devices to telecoms and electronics. The team handles an array of high-profile and complex litigation, two examples being Regeneron v Kymab and Unwired Planet v Huawei. Joint practice head, Penny Gilbert specialises in the life sciences field, which means she is regularly sought out by clients from this sector, while other practice head Simon Ayrton is recommended for his experience in handling heavyweight technical dispute resolution. Tim Powell is well-versed in representing a variety of clients in multijurisdictional patent litigation, with Zoë Butler’s strength in technology-related IP disputes, further bolstering the practice. Bethan Hopewell advises clients on issues arising from international technology standards, patent pools and associated licensing issues. ’Impressive’ Ari Laakkonen’s broad range of experience encompasses FRAND obligations, licensing disputes, as well as general strategic advice. Peter Damerell specialises routinely assists clients on complex disputes that involve various technologies, with Tim Whitfield recommended for his pharma expertise. Alex Wilson, Siddharth Kusumakar, Tom Oliver, Joel Coles and Tess Waldron are also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The firm has a deep bench of lawyers with substantial experience in patent and design litigation. They are very good at preparing a complex case for winning in court and at devising a winning strategy.’
‘Ari Laakkonen is very impressive in all respects and is an outstanding litigator He has very extensive experience in patent litigation and masters every detail of a case. I would classify Ari as the best of the best for UK patent litigation.’
‘Very smart and analytic team; extremely diligent thinkers.’
‘Fast and precise.’
‘Boutique, specialist, commercially focused.’
‘Simon Ayrton and Tom Oliver are standout partners. Commercial, concise, perceptive and client focused.'
'Alex Wilson; Uniquely good with clients, business oriented and strong on the matter vis-à-vis the opponent.'
'We have worked with Tim Powell, Bethan Hopewell and Joel Coles - they are outstanding.'

Key clients

Philip Morris International
Ocado Group plc
Biogen Inc
Edwards Lifesciences
Illumina, Inc (2 cases)
MED-EL
BioNTech
Shenzhen Carku Technology Ltd
Otsuka
Cook Medical
AIM Sport
Saint Gobain
CommScope
Promptu
NuCana
GEC
DSM
Oxford University and Oxford University Innovation Ltd

Work highlights

Advising Philip Morris International in its global patent dispute with BAT, including representing PMI entities in four UK patent actions involving 9 patents in total.
Representing Ocado in patent infringement, validity and entitlement proceedings against rival robotic warehousing operator, AutoStore.
Representing BioNTech in patent litigation relating to its SARS-CoV2 vaccine UK litigation against (1) Moderna and (2) CureVac will go to trial in the UK in the first half of 2024, with both of these companies seeking damages and BioNTech/Pfizer challenging the validity of the asserted patents.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Tim Powell

Hall of famePowell Gilbert LLP

Senior Counsel and solicitor advocate specialising in intellectual property litigation and healthcare regulatory advice,. particularly large scale patent actions with an international dimension. Acts for a wide range of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in disputed IP matters and has had conduct of major cases such as Edwards Lifesciences v Boston Scientific, Illumina v Premaitha and Warner Lambert v Actavis. Also advises clients in industry sectors ranging from petrochemicals to electronics on disputed patent matters. Notable electronics cases include Nokia v Apple, HTC v Apple and Motorola v Microsoft. Has appeared as a solicitor advocate in the High Court, Court of Appeal, House of Lords and CJEU.

Penny Gilbert

Hall of famePowell Gilbert LLP

Leading individuals

Zoë Butler

Powell Gilbert LLP

Specialises in contentious intellectual property matters; practice covers full range of IP rights, acting for clients across a broad range of technical areas and industry sectors, from IT/electronics to biotech/ pharma. Particularly known for her expertise in advising clients in complex patent disputes, with experience before UK High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, European Patent Office, UK Intellectual Property Office; and extensive experience of co-ordinating parallel litigation in a number of jurisdictions. Also advises on related issues arising from international technology standards, such as patent pools, licensing and FRAND, and counsels on patent litigation strategy, including pharmaceutical lifecycle management, with a wealth of experience in providing freedom to operate and due diligence advice. Teaches on the Oxford University Diploma in IP law and is a contributor to the CIPA Guide to the Patents Act.

Simon Ayrton

Powell Gilbert LLP

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