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Kirk Gallagher

Partner, Patent Attorney London
Profile of Kirk Gallagher

I’ve been a partner at D Young & Co since 2004. Turning complex, contentious cases into winning ones is the most rewarding part of my role. I particularly enjoy presenting cases at EPO oral hearings.

Since joining D Young & Co, I’ve represented my clients in a number of high value opposition and appeal proceedings at the EPO especially in relation to major pharmaceutical products such as, Lipitor, Nexium, Abilify, Crestor and Sovaldi / Harvoni. I’m also qualified to represent clients in the Higher Courts as a patent attorney litigator.

I’m experienced in coordinating strategy between EPO oppositions and appeal proceedings, and corresponding litigation in other jurisdictions – both in Europe and the US. I’m also highly skilled at IP due diligence, having supported successful funding rounds for a number of SME clients, and product acquisitions for multinational clients.

I advise a range of clients in patent matters in the field of organic chemistry. My practice encompasses drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications with a particular emphasis on the preparation of infringement and validity opinions. I also have a specific interest in IP protection for the pharmaceutical sector, including SPCs and regulatory data exclusivity.

Prior to joining D Young & Co, I worked as an in-house patent attorney at GlaxoSmithKline. In 2006, I was seconded to the law firm Kenyon & Kenyon in New York.

Awards

Ranked as an IPSTAR 2022.

Qualifications

  • BSc (Hons) in Chemistry, University of Sussex.
  • PhD in Organic Chemistry, University of Southampton.
  • Pfizer Organic Chemistry prize, University of Southampton.
  • Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, Queen Mary, University of London.
  • LLM in Intellectual Property Litigation, Nottingham Law School.
  • Patent Attorney Litigator.
  • European Patent Attorney 2001.
  • Chartered Patent Attorney 2002.

Memberships

  • Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA).
  • European Patent Institute (epi).
Pharmaceuticals and organic chemistry whizz Kirk Gallagher put in a shift at GlaxoSmithKline.
IAM Patent 1000
Experienced European patent attorney.
IP Stars (Managing IP)
Patent Expert 2018.
Who's Who Legal
Recommended by Legal 500 2020
Legal 500
Kirk Gallagher specialises in turning tricky pharmaceuticals briefs into sure-fire wins – his advocacy in EPO oral hearings can turn the tide of any proceeding.
IAM Patent 1000
Experienced senior European patent attorney.
IP Stars (Managing IP)
[Neil Nachshen and Kirk Gallagher]...their analyses are reliable. In addition, both attorneys are very responsive and hard-working. They always meet deadlines and are always available when unexpected urgent matters arise.
Legal 500
Managing IP IPSTAR 2020
IP Stars (Managing IP)
Those seeking counsel on SPCs need look no further than Kirk Gallagher and Garreth Duncan.
IAM Patent 1000
Neil Nachshen and Kirk Gallagher are both highly capable and very professional. They grasp the most complicated matters very quickly. They are responsive to e-mails and always available for a chat over the phone. It is a pleasure working with them.
Legal 500
A “fantastic” ally to have, Gallagher is extremely hardworking and knows life sciences inside out.
IAM Patent 1000
IP Star 2019/20: recognising top practitioners in private practice who have performed exceptionally for their clients and firms in the past year.
IP Stars (Managing IP)
Gallagher is at his best when devising infringement and validity opinions or handling contentious EPO proceedings.
IAM Patent 1000
Kirk Gallagher excels at EPO hearings and disputes, with sources finding him "shrewd, thorough and well prepared."
Who's Who Legal
Highly recommended for his performances in oppositions at the EPO.
IAM Patent 1000
With a PhD in organic chemistry – is patent attorney litigator and EPO oppositions sharpshooter Kirk Gallagher, a skilled coordinator of contentious proceedings across Europe and the United States.
IAM Patent 1000
Pharmaceuticals and nutrition are two key areas of interest for Kirk Gallagher, who is skilled in drafting, filing and prosecution.
Legal 500
Kirk’s advice is well founded and timely. Where needed he doesn’t hesitate to obtain additional information to provide the best possible advice.
IP Stars (Managing IP)
Gallagher is a pharmaceuticals and nutrition ace.
IAM Patent 1000
Gallagher impresses in EPO proceedings.
IP Stars (Managing IP)
Kirk Gallagher shines on SPC matters.
IAM Patent 1000