Penny Gilbert

Over the past 19 years, Penny Gilbert has helped build Powell Gilbert from a five-partner practice into one of the largest and most highly regarded patent litigation firms in Europe, now comprising 16 partners. 

Under her leadership, the firm has expanded internationally, recently launching offices in Ireland and Germany, and has established itself as one of the most active firms before the Unified Patent Court (UPC).

Gilbert is widely recognised for her expertise in patent litigation and has played a significant role in shaping the European IP litigation landscape. In addition to her practice, she is a regular speaker at leading international IP conferences and contributes to the development of future IP professionals through her role as a tutor on the University of Oxford’s Diploma in Intellectual Property Law.

She is a member of the European Patent Lawyers Association (EPLAW), Licensing Executives Society, and the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), reflecting her longstanding involvement in the international IP community.

Gilbert is a strong advocate for greater representation of women in IP. She established the Women in EPLAW initiative, which promotes and supports the involvement of women in patent litigation and as representatives before the UPC, helping to increase visibility and opportunities for women across the profession.