Powell Gilbert LLP

Powell Gilbert LLP is a specialist European intellectual property law firm advising clients across a broad spectrum of knowledge-driven industries, including technology, life sciences, creative and brand-focused businesses. The firm is recognised as one of the largest and most highly regarded IP practices in the UK, with unrivalled patent litigation expertise and a leading brands practice. Its services extend to complex technology contract disputes, IP portfolio assessments and freedom-to-operate projects.

The firm includes some of Europe’s most experienced IP litigators, most of whom have technical backgrounds and many with PhDs or master’s degrees in relevant scientific fields. Supported by a dedicated litigation support team, Powell Gilbert regularly appears before the UK patents courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court, and has acted in a number of precedent-setting cases. With substantial multi-national dispute experience, the firm is frequently instructed to devise European patent litigation strategies, acting as co-ordinating counsel to ensure consistency across jurisdictions.

Powell Gilbert is actively involved in proceedings before the Unified Patent Court, which commenced in June 2023, and has already represented clients in cases before divisions in Germany, Milan, Helsinki and the Nordic-Baltic region, as well as in revocation proceedings before the Central Division. The firm advises across all IP rights, including patents, trade marks, design rights, copyright, passing off, confidential information and plant variety rights. Its patent litigation expertise spans biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, electronics and FRAND licensing disputes, with representation in technically complex and high-value cases. The firm also represents clients in smaller claims before the UK IP Enterprise Court and is experienced in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration, particularly in relation to patent and technology licensing.

Powell Gilbert has a pre-eminent reputation for advising on and co-ordinating complex multi-jurisdictional patent litigation. It has been involved in cases before courts across Europe, Scandinavia, the UPC, the United States, Australia, China, Korea and Japan, and frequently represents clients in European Patent Office opposition proceedings and registry matters before the UK IPO.

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), English, Finnish, French, German, Punjabi

Memberships

AIPLA
AIPPI
CIPA
EPLAW
INTA
LES
MARQUES
PTMG
ChIPs
IPLA
LSLA
Supporter of IP Inclusive

Staffing

15 UK Partners
30 Other UK Fee-earners