Partner
Chartered Trade Mark Attorney
UK Design Attorney
BEng Civil Engineering, University of Paisley
CTMA
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Alistair joined Keltie in 1997, following two years with a Glasgow-based patent and trade mark firm. Having qualified in 1998 to become a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, European Trade Mark Attorney and Member of the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys, he has been a partner in the firm since 2003. Based in the firm’s London office, Alistair is co-head of Keltie's trade mark practice, specialising in trade mark, design and copyright law.
In addition to advising on general trade mark clearance, prosecution and registration matters, Alistair has considerable experience in dealing with enforcement issues and the strategic management of international trade mark portfolios. Much of Alistair's work involves advising clients on the law of infringement and passing off, representing clients in settlement negotiations, opposition, invalidity or revocation proceedings and working with solicitors and overseas counsel in representing clients in litigation matters.
He routinely prepares UK and overseas clearance and filing strategies and IP audits for clients, and has handled many 'due diligence' searches in support of corporate mergers and acquisitions. Alistair has particular expertise in representing clients with trade mark and design interests in the fields of automotives, gaming and gambling, entertainment, computer software and systems, clothing, healthcare and personal care products, finance, insurance and regulatory affairs.
What people think about Alistair
Alistair is frequently referenced in several industry directories:
Managing Intellectual Property IP STARS publications from 2016 to 2025: Alistair is listed as an IP Star (Trade Mark Prosecution).
World Trademark Review: WTR Global Leaders draws on market-leading research projects (the WTR 1000 and the WTR 300) to identify the best of the best in trade mark practice. Alistair has been ranked as a Global Leader (private practice) since 2019 and has been consistently gold ranked. The World Trade Mark Review 1000 2023 states “Alistair has all the attributes that a top attorney needs. He is very experienced, has a great understanding of the brands that he works with and, crucially, he has a winning mentality.” He features again in the WTR 1000 2024 ranking. Co-head of the trade mark team, Alistair Gay, stands out as a “go-to trade mark attorney who is highly skilled, extremely responsive, efficient, and incredibly trustworthy.” He has assisted Lotus Cars in expanding its global trade mark and design portfolio.
2023 Lawyer Awards: London serves as a hub of intellectual property law, hosting some of the world’s most prominent lawyers specialising in trade marks. Alistair is ranked in the top 10 most influential intellectual property trade mark attorneys in the UK in 2023. They state that “he excels in all registry and portfolio management processes and has formidable experience in litigation support for UK and US claims. With his extensive experience and knowledge, he caters to clients from the gaming, entertainment, and healthcare sectors, ensuring their intellectual properties are protected and managed effectively.”
Chambers and Partners: Alistair has been ranked in Band 1 of Trade Mark Attorneys UK-wide for the last 11 years, with the 2024 edition stating, "Alistair Gay is excellent in all respects.”
30.06.2025
The UK Supreme Court gives guidance on Post-Sale ConfusionThe Supreme Court recently issued its decision in Iconix Luxembourg Holdings SARL (“Iconix”) v Dream Pairs Europe, Inc. and another (“DPE”).
02.07.2025
Recognition, growth, and what’s next for Keltie in Ireland: A Q&A with Sean CummingsKeltie’s success in delivering its renowned IP services to the Irish market has been recognised by being named among leading Irish and UK firms in the recent IAM Patent 1000 and IP STARS rankings.
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02.05.2026 - 06.05.2026
2026 INTA Annual MeetingThe INTA Annual Meeting is coming to London on 2 May 2026. London is Europe’s powerhouse of innovation, finance, and legal excellence. We look forward to welcoming over 10,000 people, including IP professionals, business leaders, policymakers, and solution providers from more than 100 jurisdictions to London.
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