Antonella De Gregori

I am a partner with a broad experience in Italian and European intellectual property law, representing clients in particular in the chemistry field.

I have assisted our clients in contentious and non-contentious patent and design-related matters and provide specialist knowledge of the chemicals and pharma sectors, on the basis of my wide-ranging experience of Italian and European intellectual property law.

I am strongly convinced that a patent or a design has to be carefully thought through and built from the beginning with a clear view of possible future outcome. I always consider each new case according to this approach and it is fundamental to have a continuous interaction with my client to build the most effective strategy together. I am very fond of my job and this clearly shows from my enthusiastic and proactive work in helping my clients achieve their objectives.

With an in depth knowledge of patent proceedings, I have expertise in obtaining patents, defending and opposing patents in opposition procedures before the European Patent Office and in nullity suits before the Italian Courts.

Over the years I have built substantial experience in Opposition and Appeal procedures before the European Patent Office, attending and successfully conducting an amazing number of hearings.

In addition, I have considerable experience in handling patent and design portfolios, providing advice and opinions on design infringement and on patent infringement or patent validity in the chemicals sector, most notably in the area of organic and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as in other fields including surfactants, food, oils and polymers.

I have developed a very diverse client base in the pharmaceutical sector, from cement and oil companies, to companies active in the field of detergency, chemical synthesis of intermediates and in the synthesis of active principles for agriculture.

After working as an Italian and European patent attorney for 20 years and in the last five years as patent department manager in my previous firm, I joined the team at Bird & Bird in Italy in 2011. My previous long experience in another firm allowed me to join Bird & Bird with a deep knowledge of patent portfolio handling and patent and design prosecution procedures in Italy and abroad.

I have built up a motivated and enthusiastic group of patent attorneys, a team which is able to assist clients in any technical sector in a very competent and efficient way.

I joined Bird & Bird in Italy in 2011, as an Italian and European patent attorney.