Powell Gilbert LLP’s patent team, which includes a number of UPC representatives, works across offices in London and Dublin, acting for an impressive client roster operating in the patent-heavy sectors of life sciences, biotech, medical tech, and more. Veteran patent litigation expert Penny Gilbert leads the team alongside Simon Ayrton, a key figure in FRAND disputes who also advises clients on strategy and parallel proceedings. Zoë Butler is experienced in handling multijurisdictional disputes and technology transfer cases, and Bethan Hopewell and Joel Coles specialise in life sciences work. Siddharth Kusumakar leverages a technical background in immunology to represent clients before various courts, and Ari Laakkonen focuses on disputes and licensing in the electronics, IT, and telecoms spaces. Further key names include versatile litigators Tom Oliver and Alex Wilson, life sciences-oriented Tess Waldron, Tim Whitfield, whose broad remit includes various international contentious patent matters, and Rajvinder Jagdev, a key contact for TMT clients. Bryce Matthewson’s caseload comprises medical devices and pharma-related proceedings, barrister Callum Beamish-Lacey handles damages inquiries, and Claire Robinson is well-versed in tech disputes. FRAND litigator Richard Fawcett’s knowledge spans microelectronics, engineering, and nanoscience, and Daniel Down is another main player in the practice, along with Pete Damerell.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘First-class patent litigation team for UK and Europe. Also very good strategic advisors for global patent litigation.’

  • ‘Alex Wilson is a brilliant strategist with a high EQ and strong ability to work with local counsel in global litigation.’

Key clients

  • BioNTech
  • Edwards Lifesciences
  • ASUSTek Computer Inc.
  • Tesla
  • ZTE
  • Glenmark
  • DSM
  • Biogen Inc
  • Samsung Bioepis
  • NadorCott / Nador Cott Protection S.A.S.
  • Saint Gobain
  • City Glass and Glazing Private Limited

Work highlights

Acting for BioNTech against Moderna in actions related to the mRNA technology and the specific antigens and delivery formulations for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
Representing Edwards Lifesciences in an international patent dispute with Meril Life Science in respect of Meril’s Myval, Myval Octacor, and Myval Octapro transcatheter heart valve systems.
Acting for Tesla against InterDigital & Avanci in FRAND 5G patent litigation.

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.

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Simon Ayrton

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Penny Gilbert; Simon Ayrton

Other key lawyers

Zoë Butler; Bethan Hopewell; Joel Coles; Siddharth Kusumakar; Ari Laakkonen; Tom Oliver; Alex Wilson; Tess Waldron; Tim Whitfield; Rajvinder Jagdev; Bryce Matthewson; Callum Beamish-Lacey; Claire Robinson; Richard Fawcett; Daniel Down; Pete Damerell