
About
Provided by Powell Gilbert LLP
Powell Gilbert LLP is a specialist IP law firm with one of the largest, most innovative and highly regarded IP teams in the UK. It has unrivalled patent litigation experience and a blue-chip brands practice.
The firm’s lawyers include some of the leading IP practitioners, with expertise across the range of IP rights. This includes patents spanning all technologies, from complex biotech to telecom/electronics and FRAND issues, as well as trade marks, copyright, design rights, passing off and confidential information. The technical expertise at Powell Gilbert is second to none. Almost all of the firm’s lawyers have scientific backgrounds, many having PhDs in relevant scientific disciplines.
The firm has appeared in many of the most technically complex and legally challenging patent cases in the UK courts and has represented clients in referrals on SPC law to the CJEU and EFTA Court. The firm also represents clients before the UK IP Enterprise Court and in proceedings before the UK IPO and the EPO.
The firm’s flourishing soft IP practice acts for some of the world’s most sophisticated, brand-driven businesses and has a track record of devising and delivering creative solutions to meet clients’ commercial objectives. The firm also has a strong practice in copyright and design rights, including representing some of the leading manufacturers of iconic furniture.
Chambers Review
Powell Gilbert is regarded as one of the best patent litigation practices in the world. The firm has a comprehensive IP practice which advises on the registrability, protection and commercialisation of all core rights. The team is regularly instructed to handle the most cutting-edge of life sciences and hi-tech disputes, and is recommended for trade mark, passing-off and copyright instructions.
Work Highlights
- Powell Gilbert represented Illumina in patent infringement actions in the field of DNA sequencing by synthesis technology against MGI and a number of other entities in the BGI Group.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They all have huge experience and knowledge of the UK and multinational IP proceedings. The team are a pleasure to work with and are accessible and responsive at all times."
"The team at Powell Gilbert is fantastic. They understand the technology and the complexity of the legal issues. I have every confidence in them handling any matter we could throw at them."
"Powell Gilbert's lawyers are very technically astute and are good communicators. From partners to associates, everyone is very strong."
"They all have huge experience and knowledge of the UK and multinational IP proceedings. The team are a pleasure to work with and are accessible and responsive at all times."
"The team at Powell Gilbert is fantastic. They understand the technology and the complexity of the legal issues. I have every confidence in them handling any matter we could throw at them."
"Powell Gilbert's lawyers are very technically astute and are good communicators. From partners to associates, everyone is very strong."
Notable Practitioners

Simon Ayrton undertakes a wide range of largely contentious IP work, focusing on trade marks, designs and copyrights. He is also able to handle FRAND patent licensing disputes.
"Simon Aryton is an insightful lawyer."

Penny Gilbert is one of the most accomplished patent litigators in Europe, specialising in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. She has deep expertise across a magisterial sweep of technologies, not least vaccines, medical devices and antibody drugs.
"Penny Gilbert has an incredible breadth of knowledge of the law and technology, which with her facility for user-friendly strategic advice makes for a winning combination."
"Penny Gilbert is a star."

Tim Powell is hugely respected for his patent litigation and advocacy practice, which is focused on life sciences but takes in a wide range of technical disciplines. He has appeared before the highest levels of court, including the CJEU, the House of Lords and the Supreme Court.
"Tim Powell's vast experience means that his approach is spot-on. He is the person to have on the team when something unexpected happens."

Zoë Butler represents life sciences and technology companies in patent litigation and registry oppositions, often coordinating multi-jurisdictional disputes. Her experience includes patent infringement claims relating to medical devices as well as FRAND licensing disputes.
"Zoe Butler is a sensible litigator."

Bethan Hopewell draws on her background in molecular biology to expertly guide life sciences clients through high-stakes patent litigation battles. Her broad and impressive practice covers second medical use patents, diagnostics, small molecules and medical devices.
"Bethan Hopewell is really sharp and knowledgeable. She works hard and it shows."
"Bethan is a really sensible and collaborative litigator."

Ari Laakkonen is recommended for his expertise and experience with regard to telecommunications patent litigation, and is particularly noted for his command of the law concerning FRAND licensing. He has acted on behalf of clients before UK and European courts.

Alex Wilson is a seasoned litigator and registry practitioner handling disputes concerning all core rights. He is frequently instructed by leading innovators in the technology and life science sectors.

Tim Whitfield is an experienced patent litigator who handles disputes on behalf of pharmaceutical and technology companies. He has worked on many disputes spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Ranked Lawyers at
Powell Gilbert LLP
London (Firms)








Members
Provided by Powell Gilbert LLP
Bethan Hopewell
Peter Damerell
Siddharth Kusumakar
Tim Whitfield
Tom Oliver
Clients
Provided by Powell Gilbert LLP
Access Advance LLC
Actavis
BioNTech
Biogen
Cassina
Coloplast A/S
CommScope
Edwards Lifesciences
Elbit Systems
Elekta
Fritz Hansen
Garmin
GlaxoSmithKline
Huawei Technologies
Illumina Inc
Kymab
Napp Pharmaceuticals / Mundipharma
Nichia Corporation
Ocado Group plc
Philip Morris International
Prada
Procter & Gamble
Promptu Systems Corporation
Reckitt Benckiser
Research Corporation Technologies
Royalty Pharma
Saint-Gobain
Sony Corporation
UCB Biopharma
Vitra
Vivagro SARL
Xiaomi
Industries
Provided by Powell Gilbert LLP
Biotech
Chemicals
Consumer & luxury goods
Energy & clean technology
Engineering
Food & beverages
Media & entertainment
Medical devices
Pharma
Telecoms & electronics