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Powell Gilbert LLP

Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)

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Powell Gilbert LLP

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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.

Clients (32)

  • Huawei Technologies
  • Napp Pharmaceuticals / Mundipharma
  • Elekta
  • Research Corporation Technologies
  • Edwards Lifesciences
  • Elbit Systems
  • Garmin
  • UCB Biopharma
  • Reckitt Benckiser
  • Sony Corporation
  • Philip Morris International
  • Nichia Corporation
  • Kymab
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Vitra
  • Cassina
  • Fritz Hansen
  • Actavis
  • Biogen
  • Ocado Group plc
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Coloplast A/S
  • BioNTech
  • CommScope
  • Access Advance LLC
  • Royalty Pharma
  • Xiaomi
  • Saint-Gobain
  • Promptu Systems Corporation
  • Prada
  • Illumina Inc
  • Vivagro SARL

Industries (10)

  • Biotech
  • Pharma
  • Medical devices
  • Chemicals
  • Telecoms & electronics
  • Engineering
  • Energy & clean technology
  • Consumer & luxury goods
  • Food & beverages
  • Media & entertainment

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation - London (Firms)

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
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. Its 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.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Powell Gilbert represented BioNTech in UK infringement and revocation proceedings concerning multiple EP (UK) patents held by Moderna.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They provide a superb client service.

    Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK

  • Powell Gilbert on patent litigation have provided an excellent service and are very responsive.

    Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Penny Gilbert
    Penny Gilbert

    Penny Gilbert

    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 is an obvious heavyweight in patent litigation arena.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK

    • Penny Gilbert is rightly recognised as one of the best people in the business.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK
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  • Simon Ayrton
    Simon Ayrton

    Simon Ayrton

    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.

    • I couldn't rate Simon Ayrton more highly - he's a tactical genius and the nicest person to work with.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK
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  • Zoë Butler
    Zoë Butler

    Zoë Butler

    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.

    • I really like working with Zoë Butler - she is a very clear and critical thinker who really gets what it is we need.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK
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  • Alex Wilson
    Alex Wilson

    Alex Wilson

    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.

    • Alex Wilson is a consummate professional who has the depth of experience and knowledge to really help with our global strategy.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK

    • A very able and very shrewd litigator.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK

    • Alex Wilson is smart, good on strategy and well liked in the market.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK
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  • Ari Laakkonen
    Ari Laakkonen

    Ari Laakkonen

    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.

    • Ari Laakkonen is extremely clever, able and creative; a brilliant guy.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK
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  • Bethan Hopewell
    Bethan Hopewell

    Bethan Hopewell

    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 is very impressive and clients really respect her judgement. She is very client-friendly and good on strategy.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK
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  • Tim Whitfield
    Tim Whitfield

    Tim Whitfield

    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.
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  • Tess Waldron
    Tess Waldron

    Tess Waldron

    Tess is garnering praise for her patent litigation experience spanning different industries, particularly the life sciences, but also hi-tech engineering.

    • Tess Waldron is thoughtful, sensible and straightforward; she gets on with things and is cheerful with it.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Powell Gilbert LLP (9)

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