Michael Carter

Legal Director

Michael Carter is a legal director in Gowling's award winning intellectual property team, with particular experience of enforcing a broad range of intellectual property rights. Having spent time on secondment at two leading automotive brands, he understands the challenges involved in building and maintaining a strong brand identity, and protecting the intellectual property rights in the technology which underpins the business.

In particular, Michael has considerable practical experience of:

• how trademark and design law is applied throughout Europe and the Middle East from his role coordinating anti-counterfeiting and enforcement strategies for clients with global IP portfolios
• advising in relation to design rights and patents, particularly in respect of clearance and enforcement matters, and
• guiding clients through proceedings before the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, which has proven to be a popular forum for companies to enforce their IP rights in a proportionate and cost-effective manner. Michael's understanding of the procedural rules and the importance of pinpointing the strengths and weaknesses of a case at an early stage, has often results in a successful outcome.

Michael frequently needs to cooperate closely with other lawyers and trademark or patent attorneys, including those located overseas, and understands the importance of clear communication in ensuring consistency of approach; whether in the development of a brand strategy or a complex multi-jurisdiction patent dispute.

Recently, Michael has also recently taken a leading role in preparing the team for the development of the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court for the team. He is therefore well placed to advise clients on the proposals and how best to prepare for them.