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Zoë Butler

Specialises in contentious intellectual property matters; practice covers full range of IP rights, acting for clients across a broad range of technical areas and industry sectors, from IT/electronics to biotech/ pharma. Particularly known for her expertise in advising clients in complex patent disputes, with experience before UK High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, European Patent Office, UK Intellectual Property Office; and extensive experience of co-ordinating parallel litigation in a number of jurisdictions. Also advises on related issues arising from international technology standards, such as patent pools, licensing and FRAND, and counsels on patent litigation strategy, including pharmaceutical lifecycle management, with a wealth of experience in providing freedom to operate and due diligence advice. Teaches on the Oxford University Diploma in IP law and is a contributor to the CIPA Guide to the Patents Act. · Powell Gilbert LLP

EnglandIntellectual Property, Patent Litigation

About

Zoë Butler is a founding partner at Powell Gilbert LLP who specialises in contentious intellectual property matters, particularly complex patent disputes across sectors from IT/electronics to biotech and pharmaceuticals. She has acted before the UK High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, the EPO and UK IPO, advises on standards-related issues (patent pools, licensing and FRAND), patent litigation strategy, freedom-to-operate and due diligence, and teaches on the Oxford University Diploma in IP Law.

Practice areas

Intellectual PropertyPatent LitigationIP LicensingLife Sciences / PharmaceuticalsTechnology

Office

Expertise

IT & ElectronicsBiotech & PharmaceuticalsPatent pools and FRAND/licensingPharmaceutical lifecycle managementFreedom-to-operate and due diligenceCo-ordinating cross-border/parallel litigation

Education

  • Westcliff High School for Girls
  • Newnham College, Cambridge (MA Cantab, Natural Sciences and Law)
  • College of Law (prize for LPC result, awarded by the Law Society)
  • Bristol University, Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice (top mark in year)

Admissions

  • Qualified 1996
  • Solicitor (Ireland) 2020
  • UPC Representative 2023