Tom

Oliver

Partner

An extremely experienced and reliable lawyer, having a deep knowledge of IP law and litigation.

Legal 500

Tom

Oliver

Partner

An extremely experienced and reliable lawyer, having a deep knowledge of IP law and litigation.

Legal 500

Profile

Tom specialises in complex intellectual property litigation and strategic counselling.

He has an international practice, with extensive experience in devising multi-jurisdictional patent litigation strategies and co-ordinating legal teams across Europe, Asia and North America.

With an academic background in chemistry and biochemistry Tom is well suited to handle complex life science disputes and has advised clients in a variety of disputes concerning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. However, Tom also acts for clients spanning a wide range of industry sectors and technologies, including the determination of FRAND rates for standards essential patents.

In addition to considerable experience before the English courts, Tom is representing clients in several of the first cases brought in the UPC.

Tom advises on the full range of intellectual properties rights, including trade mark oppositions and infringement proceedings, confidential information, copyright and passing off.

Tom spent several months seconded to a leading German firm specialising in patent litigation.

Tom joined Powell Gilbert in 2010 and became a partner in 2020.

Key cases

  • AutoStore v Ocado (robotics)
  • Warner-Lambert v Actavis & Others (pregabalin / damages inquiry)
  • Helms-Man v Amazon (power adaptors)
  • Napp v Dr Reddy’s & Sandoz (buprenorphine transdermal patches & subsequent cross undertaking damages inquiry)
  • Ansell v Reckitt Benckiser (synthetic polyisoprene products)
  • Leonardo MW v Elbit Systems (missile defence systems)
  • Unwired Planet v Huawei & Others (telecommunications / FRAND licensing)
  • R (Vitra, Cassina, Knoll) v Secretary of State for Business (judicial review – copyright)
  • Cambridge University v Punter of England (enforceability of trademark settlement agreement)
  • Wobben Properties v Siemens & Others (wind turbines)
  • Good Technology v Airwatch (mobile management technology)
  • HTC v Gemalto (microcontrollers)
  • HTC v Apple (smartphones)
  • LG v Sony (Blu-ray technology / FRAND licensing)
  • W.L. Gore & Associates v Geox (footwear)
  • Abbott v Evysio (coronary stents)
Qualifications

2009 Solicitor (England & Wales)

2022 Solicitor (Ireland)

2023 Solicitor Advocate (England & Wales)

Education

MSci (Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry), Nottingham University

Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice, Oxford University

Connections & Networks

Member of AIPPI, CIPA, EPLAW and LESI

Awards & Recognition

Expert Guides – Rising Star in Patents (2021)

Managing IP’s IP Stars – Notable Practitioner (2022) and Rising Star (2020, 2019, 2018)

IAM Patent 1000 – UK Patent Litigation (Silver Tier)

WTR 1000 – UK Litigation (Bronze Tier)

Additional Facts
Places I’ve lived

Paris, Dusseldorf, Swiss Alps.

Additional Facts
Interests

Cycling, Swimming, Skiing.

Additional Facts
If I wasn’t a lawyer

… I would be a scientist.