We understand the importance of European patent coordination: whether asserting patent rights on an international level or facing a threat across multiple jurisdictions, a coherent and carefully coordinated international strategy is essential. Powell Gilbert is frequently called upon to design and implement strategies for complex patent disputes, both across Europe and around the world.
We can help you to assemble and co-ordinate a team of specialist advisors across all key locations. We sit at the centre of a network of renowned law firms and advisers who specialise in IP. Leading or working alongside other firms, we are able to draw upon the most relevant expertise to assist with issues worldwide. Our style of working with advisers in other jurisdictions is collaborative, rather than top-down.
From our deep understanding of the cultural, legal and procedural differences of the significant patent jurisdictions, we can put together and execute a strategy which leverages the advantages of each jurisdiction to achieve the best overall outcome. For example, this may involve using an evidence-gathering procedure of one jurisdiction to feed into another, or could take advantage of a favourable judicial attitude in one court to obtain a first persuasive judgment. In each case, we aim to produce a strategy which is focussed on achieving our clients’ commercial objectives.
Our role is always tailored to the particular requirements of the matter and the needs of the client. Some clients want us to take the reins, whereas others prefer to be involved closely at all stages. However, the common theme for all coordination exercises is to select the best possible local counsel for the job, then to know when and how best to assist them – and when to defer to their knowledge and better judgement of the local system. Through using document sharing platforms and having a comprehensive oversight of the parallel proceedings, we ensure a cohesive and thorough approach to coordination.