Influential in-house counsel, barristers, patent attorneys and peers lavish praise on IP litigation boutique Powell Gilbert. It is "definitely one of the best and has been a spectacular success since its inception" in 2007. It "only hires excellent people" and can consequently draw on a rich well of talent and expertise, "which is why blue-chips go there - the level of quality is superb across the board; the legal and technical research is second to none; robust tactical direction is guaranteed and the lawyers understand the business objectives underpinning matters, instilling total confidence". Despite the intellectual prowess on offer, there are no ivory towers here and the firm is one of the most user-friendly outfits around. As befits the firm of the moment, Powell Gilbert is active in many of the hottest pan-European cases. It appeared for Nokia in Apple v Nokia and, demonstrating its prodigious capabilities in pharmaceuticals, it acted for Napp in Sandoz v Napp, Ratiopharm v Napp and Napp v Sandoz. "There is none better than Penny Gilbert at planning, developing and implementing a strategy that will remain effective five years down the road." She combines a technical background in biotechnology with a polished bedside manner to "make one feel totally comfortable when dealing with the toughest problems". Timothy D Powell is "the ideal patent litigator: technically grounded, astute and forceful, with impeccable judgement". He is also "practical, excellent at managing complex multi-jurisdictional battles and a very nice guy to boot". IP-rich companies "always want Simon Ayrton on their side in a fight". "Clever, thoughtful and with an eye for detail", Ayrton "knows the precedents and which way the wind is blowing in Europe". Biotech whizz Zoë Butler is "like a professional chess player: her strategic nous future-proofs her advice as she thinks through all the moves to the endgame". She is "proactive and instantly puts patent owners at ease". Alex Wilson brings "an invaluable global perspective and relationships with peers around the world to the table". Commercially aware and enthusiastic, he partners seamlessly with in-house departments, many of which are household names in the telecommunications industry.