Email: gary.fern@7stones.co.uk
Called to the Bar (Lincoln’s Inn): 1992
After completing an IP pupilage at an intellectual property chambers Gary undertook a masters degree in EU and competition law before spending almost a decade at one of the specialist sets of intellectual property chambers within Lincoln’s Inn.
Gary has a broad range of experience in both intellectual property and commercial cases involving IP matters. His experience includes advising corporate bodies, SME’s and individuals in respect of contentious and non-contentious matters concerning all areas of intellectual property rights, including where there are issues involving competition law, such as parallel imports. Additionally Gary advises on franchising, merchandising and licensing issues.
Gary has advised and represented clients in matters concerning patents, copyright, trade marks, registered and unregistered design rights and confidential information. He acted as counsel in one of the few reported design right cases (Apps v Weldtite Products [2001] FSR 39, [2000] All ER (D) 1976).
Gary has a strong interest in electronic and mechanical patents, computer software, and advanced weapons systems.
Prior to practice at the Bar, Gary was an avionics engineer in the Royal Air Force. Most of his career was spent on the phantom jet fighter maintaining a complex radar guided missile control system, including ECM and ECCM systems.
Highlights of Experience:
Significant Matters
- Monoclonal antibodies – Inverness Medical Switzerland GmbH v Ani Biotech OY.
- Bathroom suite design right – Trojan Plastics v Direct Distribution Ltd & othrs.
- Bicycle stabilizer design right – Apps v Weldtite Products [2001] FSR 39, [2000] All ER (D) 1976.
- Patents: mechanical moles, low power radios and plastic water well pumps for use in third world countries.
- Design right: bathroom suites, trainers and items of clothing.
- Trade marks: clothing and company names on vans, wine brands.
- Copyright: computer software for mobile phones.
- Data protection: confidentiality and database rights in client lists and business contacts.
Memberships:
IP Bar Association.
Associate member of Chartered Institute of Patent Agents.
Qualifications:
BEng. Electronic Engineering.
LLM (EU & Competition Law).