Gareth Ashworth

Associate
UK & European Patent Attorney

Based in Birmingham

Tel: +44 (0)121 456 0346

Overview

Gareth is an associate European and UK patent attorney with a background in chemistry, working with clients across many fields of chemistry including coatings, pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, carbon capture and battery technology. In addition, Gareth has experience drafting and prosecuting patents concerning medical devices, energy systems, and sensor technology.

From 2021 to 2022 Gareth provided in-house support to a global pharmacy, health and beauty enterprise during which he contributed to the management of a multi-jurisdiction patent portfolio and delivered drafting and Freedom to Operate projects. Gareth has continued to advise global businesses on prosecution before the EPO and other matters. He has also worked with various SME’s to develop their IP portfolios, including a start-up in the entertainment and education space build a suitable IP portfolio ahead of their product launch.

Gareth received his doctorate in Organometallic Chemistry from the University of Nottingham, where he also completed his undergraduate degree which included a one year placement at Lubrizol Corporation where he worked on detergent additives for engine oils.

This range of experience demonstrates Gareth’s ability to work across a broad range of technologies and his skill in adapting his approach and advice to an individual client’s goals.

Experience

Advised an entertainment and education start-up on protecting its intellectual property rights ahead of collaborating with third parties to facilitate a product launch. Gareth helped the start-up build a portfolio of design and patent rights, delaying publication to allow the product launch to be as impactful as possible.
Provided in-house support to a leading global pharmacy, health and beauty enterprise during a period of recruitment. During this time Gareth managed a multi-jurisdiction patent portfolio, delivered several drafting projects and over twenty-five Freedom to Operate opinions in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sector. The client was able to successfully complete the recruitment round, and Gareth supported the business during the handover process. Barker Brettell continues to work closely with the client to support their IP department.
Handled the European prosecution of a portfolio of food additive applications, liaising with the in-house counsel in the US to prepare suitable strategies for progression before both the US and European patent offices.
Drafted a portfolio of applications for a small enterprise focusing on supporting the development of the hydrogen economy in the UK, the applications covering innovative energy production, transportation and storage systems.

“Gareth looks after us very well – he is always super-responsive, clearly cares, and has a way with the EPO examiners to get us what we want; moreover, he is aware of adopting a uniform claim amendment approach with respect to overcoming prior art in multiple jurisdictions, when appropriate and if possible.”

IP Counsel, multi-national chemical compositions company

“Gareth has been adept in analysing hydrogen systems in deep detail and advising on the possible snags that crop up in such innovative technologies. His chemistry background is great, coming from Nottingham University, which is one of the best in Britain, but he also has strong knowledge of chemical engineering aspects and the mechanical/electronic issues necessary to make things work. I have very much appreciated his patent drafts and his rapid response to time-pressures.”

Dr Kevin Kendall FRS, HydrogenUnited.org