Powell Gilbert
Firm overview:
Disputes powerhouse Powell Gilbert has one of the largest IP litigation teams in the UK. Alongside its focus on litigation and contentious work, Powell Gilbert devises creative solutions to meet clients’ commercial objectives without the need to serve legal proceedings. The team represents clients in high-stakes cases before the UK courts and in referrals to the European Court of Justice and EFTA Court, as well as implementing strategies for multi-jursidictional litigation.
Team overview:
Simon Ayrton, partner and head of department, specialises in IP litigation, arbitration, and counselling. He advises clients on trademark and passing off, patents, breach of confidence, copyright, and design-related issues in a wide variety of industries. Ayrton’s clients include leading companies in the consumer goods, fashion and luxury, food and beverage, and life sciences sectors.
Joel Coles, who operates from the London and Dublin offices, is widely known for his patent work but also has experience of handling multi-jurisdictional trademark actions and is praised as “very smart, very technically prepared” and “very business oriented”.
A client who recommends Powell Gilbert singles out Alex Borthwick and Alex Wilson as go-to practitioners at the firm. Borthwick advises clients in contentious matters across the full range of IP rights, as does Wilson, who has particular expertise in multi-jurisdictional matters.
Key matters:
- Proctor and Gamble and Mielle Organics: High Court proceedings
Powell Gilbert was instructed by Procter & Gamble and one of its group companies, Mielle Organics, in High Court proceedings to tackle dealings in counterfeit Mielle-branded hair care products by a number of defendants.
Shortly after proceedings were brought, a preliminary injunction was applied for and settlements favourable to Procter & Gamble/Mielle were achieved.
- Ocado Group: Trademark infringement/passing off proceedings
The team advised Ocado in respect of its claims for trademark infringement and passing off against a supplier of fruit and vegetable products under a similar brand name. Ocado obtained an injunction restraining further use of the name and also successfully sought a change of the defendant’s name at Companies House.
- Lambretta UK Proceedings: UK trademark litigation
Powell Gilbert is representing the ‘Lambretta Consortium’ in High Court litigation against a claimant concerning ownership of the Lambretta brand. The case will clarify the ownership of the Lambretta brand in the UK and is significant for setting potential precedents on the revival of abandoned brands, and the interpretation of Section 10B of the Trade Marks Act 1994.
Clients:
Lambretta UK Proceedings, Mielle Organics, Ocado Group, Pro Archery, The Procter & Gamble Company, Salsa Tamazula
