Powell Gilbert LLP has retained its top ranking for Chambers Global UK - Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation.
Penny Gilbert and Tim Powell are recognised in Band 1 (IP: Patent Litigation), with Simon Ayrton, Zoe Butler and Ari Laakkonen all recommended for Intellectual Property. Alex Wilson is listed as Intellectual Property German Foreign Experts based in the UK. Penny Gilbert is also recommended Global-wide for Life Sciences IP: Patent Litigation
Chambers describes the recognised partners as follows:
Simon Ayrton is an IP disputes all-rounder, steeped in complex patent litigation but also highly effective in trade mark disputes. Sources say he is "immensely thorough," and praise his commercial sensibility.
Penny Gilbert is universally regarded as being one of the finest patent litigators in the country, specialising in life sciences and telecoms cases. Sources say: "She has a very clear idea of what she's trying to achieve and how to achieve it," and rate her client management skills as "fantastic."
Tim Powell is a renowned patent disputes lawyer with a successful record acting for electronics and life sciences companies. He is also a solicitor advocate and a leading authority on the forthcoming Unified Patents Court.
Zoë Butler is a seasoned patent litigator with experience handling difficult, high-value cases in life sciences, electronics, and oil and gas technology. Sources appreciate her strategic insights and practical case management.
Ari Laakkonen is one of the UK's leading telecoms, media and technology law litigators. He is a former Nokia employee, and sources say of him: "Beyond patent validity issues, he is superb on FRAND and licensing issues which are nebulous and confusing, so it's great to have someone who has been in the client's shoes."
Alex Wilson specialises in European patent disputes and so is an ideal co-ordinator of multi-jurisdictional campaigns concerning a wide range of technologies. He is an authority on the interactions between English and German court procedures. Sources commend his tenacity and he is recommended for oppositions as well as court litigation.