Powell Gilbert has retained its top ranking for Patent Contentious in the 2015 IP Stars Handbook.  Partners Simon Ayrton, Zoe Butler, Penny Gilbert, Ari Laakkonen, Tim Powell and Alex Wilson are listed amongst the IP Stars 2015.

The firm is also listed for its Trademark Contentious with partners Simon Ayrton and Ari Laakkonen recognised as IP Stars in this field. 

The rankings states:

IP boutique Powell Gilbert is renowned for patent litigation. "Undoubtedly one of the heavyweights in the field," says one commentator... Peers and clients praise the whole team. One describes the team as "solid, knowledgeable and customer-focused".

"They're reliable and active in patent litigation," says one peer. "I'd refer work to them," admits one competitor. "They are incredibly successful and one of the market leaders in patent litigation." Penny Gilbert and Tim Powell are recommended for pharmaceutical litigation including SPC-related work. "Penny is an excellent patent litigator," says one. One continues: "Ari Laakkonen is pragmatic and easy to deal with." Another commentator sees Tim Whitfield as "diligent, responsive, and a very nice person".

"They put together an excellent trial team and understood all the nuances required. They have a very deep bench of well-qualified and strategic thinkers," says one client. "The firm understood the merits of the case and the technologies involved, and effectively communicated with in-house counsel." Another client describes Laakkonen as "a top notch strategist who is extremely knowledgeable in multi-jurisdictional litigation, and very technically savvy". "Simon Ayrton is efficient. He knows what to focus on and what to abandon," recalls one client.