Biography: Life Sciences

Penny Gilbert is a partner and founder member of Powell Gilbert LLP (www.powellgilbert.com), a specialist intellectual property law firm.

Penny has a degree in biochemistry and a DPhil in molecular biology from the University of Oxford. Her strong technical background has led to her focus on IP issues in the life sciences sector. She represents clients before the UK Patents Courts and also has a wealth of experience in coordinating multinational patent litigation, including representing clients in EPO opposition and appeal proceedings. UK cases include Genentech v Wellcome (tPA), Genentech v Eli Lilly) (HGH), Chiron v Murex & others) (HCV), Chiron v Evans Medical & others) (pertussis antigens), Quadrant v Roser, Inhale v Quadrant (Protein stabilisation), Pharmacia v Merck (COX 2 inhibitors), Oxford Gene Technology v Affymetrix (DNA microarrays), Roche v Chiron (Fuzeon; Herceptin), Eli Lilly v Human Genome Sciences (Neutrokine-alpha), Sandoz/ratiopharm v Napp (controlled release oxycodone) and Hospira v Amgen (protein pegylation).

Penny has also represented clients in technology contract disputes before the UK courts, and in arbitration proceedings, and is a qualified mediator and solicitor advocate. She also counsels on patent litigation strategy, including pharmaceutical lifecycle management, and is experienced in providing freedom to operate and due diligence advice.

She is a member of the editorial board of BioScience Law Review, a tutor on the Oxford University diploma in intellectual property law and practice course and frequently lectures on aspects of IP law affecting the life sciences sector. She is a board member of EPLAW, and a member of AIPPI.

Other Practice Areas

Penny Gilbert also features in the following practice areas:

• Patents