Alex Gittins

Background

Alex is a partner of the firm and handles a diverse range of work in the engineering, physical sciences and software fields, with significant experience in automotive, aerospace and power systems engineering.  He is also an Authorised Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC). He previously worked for a major engineering consultancy, and holds a degree in physics from Imperial College, London. Alex joined the firm in 2008.

Type of clients and client work

Alex works with a range of engineering clients, ranging from multinational corporations to SMEs and start-ups.  His current practice focusses on contentious proceedings at the European Patent Office (EPO), where he is part of a revered team at Dehns having an in-depth knowledge of the opposition and appeal procedure.  He has handled hundreds of opposition cases, and currently acts as lead advocate for about 20 opposition and appeal hearings each year.  Alex is also on hand to advise on all aspects of patent and design law including worldwide patent filing strategies, enforcement of patents in Europe, design registrations, IP licensing and issues of infringement and validity.  His technical focus is on aerospace, propulsion and power systems engineering.

Recent notable cases:

T2185/22 (Alex successfully overturned the first instance decision revoking the patent, with the Board allowing the client’s highest-ranking request)

T1371/20 and T0391/19 (Alex successfully overturned negative preliminary opinions of the Board)

T1945/19 and T0530/20 (Alex successfully revoked the opposed patents, overturning the first instance decisions in each case)

Expertise

Alex is retained for his specialist and expert knowledge in the more complex and high profile cases, such as those involving co-pending litigation.  As well as providing advocacy in such cases, he is also sought after for consultant work, for example to provide advice to other attorneys/law firms, or act as a ‘mock’ patentee/opponent.  He also continues to have a substantial prosecution docket.

Qualifications and Memberships

• Authorised Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) 2023
• IP Litigator
• UK Chartered Patent Attorney, 2013
• European Patent Attorney, 2012
• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys
• Member of the European Patent Institute
• Member of the Royal College of Science and Institute of Physics

Higher Education

MSci Physics, Imperial College, London, 2008

Other

Alex was mentioned in the 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 editions of The Legal 500 as a “key lawyer” of the firm.

Alex was also recently named as a “Recommended Individual” for Automotive and transport / Electronics, in the 2024 edition of the JUVE Patent UK Rankings.