Gareth is highly skilled in contentious IP having represented clients in more than 250 Opposition and Appeal hearings at all levels of the European Patent Office.
For the last 10 years Gareth has held senior positions at two leading IP firms. He was partner and head of the medtech group at Potter Clarkson and was partner at another European IP firm prior to joining EIP.
Gareth has a track record of success in high-value difficult cases, including in several oppositions which were carried out in conjunction with parallel litigation proceedings. During his 20-year career in the profession Gareth has gained substantial experience in medtech and healthcare, in particular the FMCG, formulation, peptide, food and chemical sectors. In 2020 he was appointed to CIPA's Life Sciences Committee.
Gareth has a PhD in Synthesis using Zirconocene and a degree in Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, both from Southampton University.
Experience
- Defending AstraZeneca's Nexium patents against multiple opponents (19 opponents against two patents).
- Leading commercially significant opposition cases for Novo Nordisk which concerned protection of important products.
- Represented Edwards Lifesciences in several significant medtech oppositions.
- Achieved a commercially successful result for a client in an admissible Petition for Review involving a hearing before the Enlarged Board of Appeal.
Published articles
- July 2020
The Patent Lawyer Magazine, Supplementary Protection Certificates in the UK - what happens after Brexit? (link)
Specialities
- Oppositions and Appeals
- Medtech and healthcare
Education and qualifications
- European Patent Attorney, 2002
- UK Chartered Patent Attorney, 2002
-
1993 — 1996
PhD Synthesis using Zirconocene, Southampton University -
1989 — 1993
BSc Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, Southampton University
Career history
- 2020 — present
Partner, EIP - 2018 — 2020
Partner, HGF - 2010 — 2017
Partner, Potter Clarkson - 2004 — 2009
Associate and Senior Associate, Potter Clarkson - 2002 — 2004
Associate, WP Thompson - 1999 — 2002
Assistant, Forresters - 1996 — 1998
Synthetic Organic Chemist, Tocris
Awards and recognition
- Legal 500, 2021 (link)
- CIPA Gill Prize, 2002 - highest mark in the UK patent qualifying exams
Speaking engagements
- January 2021
CIPA/EPO Seminar , Oral Proceedings and Examiner Interviews - November 2020
CIPA Life Sciences Conference , EP Case Law Update (Implications of Covid 19 on Prosecution Implications of Covid 19 on Proceedings at EPO G3/19 Decision)