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Gemma Barrett

Biography

Gemma is an experienced and trusted advisor for some of the world’s leading life sciences and chemical companies.

She has more than ten years’ experience advising clients in patent litigation matters before the English Courts and providing strategic advice in relation to complex, multi-jurisdictional patent portfolios. Her advice is technically excellent but also takes into account wider commercial implications.

Gemma's stellar academic background in biochemistry underscores her proficiency in navigating disputes spanning small molecule pharmaceuticals, molecular diagnostics, biologics, antibodies, antibody technology and industrial chemical processes. Her litigation expertise includes securing preliminary injunctions, advising on global cross-border litigation, and coordinating worldwide litigation, working closely with multi-disciplinary teams in the defence and enforcement of patent portfolios. Gemma has developed innovative and successful strategies, often combining patent and regulatory law, to assist pharmaceutical companies in the enforcement of their rights.

Gemma has a wealth of experience in domestic and international arbitrations, particularly in technical domains, managing numerous cases with substantial damages claims. Beyond her legal practice, she actively contributes to industry knowledge through publications, including co-authoring chapters and providing insights into UK and EPO case law for various IP publications.

Practice areas

  • Intellectual property
  • Intellectual property litigation
  • Disputes

Sectors

  • Life sciences and healthcare

Selected experience

  • A high profile patent revocation action at High Court and Court of Appeal relating to the anticoagulant apixaban (previous firm experience).
  • Patent revocation action relating to a biologic product for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (previous firm experience).
  • Patent litigation for a large pharmaceutical company at High Court and Court of Appeal proceedings relating to their small molecule product for the treatment of eye disorders (previous firm experience).
  • Coordination of multi-jurisdictional patent disputes for large pharmaceutical companies (previous firm experience).
  • An arbitration for a large pharmaceutical company relating to the development of their antibody product (previous firm experience).

Education

  • MBiochem, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Oxford, 2004
  • Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice, University of Oxford, 2010

Admissions

  • Admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales