Gareth Probert

Partner, European Patent Attorney
London
UPC Representative

areth is highly skilled in contentious IP having represented clients in many 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 is now the head of the EIP HeathTech practice group protecting innovations in the medtech and healthcare sectors. In addition, his practice covers food and fragrance technologies and the crossover area of chemistry and biotech.

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. He is a member of the CIPA Life Sciences Committee and the FICPI UK Council.

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.

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

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