Dr Penny Gilbert

The London-based firm said the new office would complement its existing practice with a reputation for UK patent litigation and for developing and implementing Europe-wide patent litigation strategies for its clients.

The firm will operate in Ireland as Powell Gilbert (Europe) LLP, with each of the firm’s 14 partners admitted to practice in Ireland. Lawyers authorised to practice in Ireland will be able to represent clients in the UPC.

Dr Penny Gilbert, partner at Powell Gilbert, said: “As a leading independent IP law firm, we have built a reputation for partnering with the highest calibre patent litigators across Europe to deliver solutions for clients in complex international litigation.

“Our Irish office represents the next logical step in this approach. It enables us to combine our extensive patent litigation and European co-ordination expertise, technical strength and depth of knowledge with the support of local counsel to create the optimal teams for our clients’ European litigation strategies, both within the UPC and across non-UPC countries.

“It has always been our intention to participate fully in the UPC, which we believe is of enormous strategic importance to clients.”

Partner Alex Wilson added: “We are looking forward to handling UPC litigation from our Dublin office […] This comes after years of our active involvement in the development of the system — inputting into the rules of the court and advocates’ code of conduct and the training of judges through EPLAW.”