Professional Qualifications:
European Patent Attorney
Chartered Patent Attorney
As a Chartered and European Patent Attorney and European Patent Litigator, Paul is able to represent clients in matters before the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Unified Patent Court (UPC).
Academic Qualifications:
M.A. Biochemistry, University of Cambridge
Ph.D. Molecular Microbiology, University of Cambridge
Diploma in Patent Litigation in Europe, University of Strasbourg
Scientific Background
Paul’s PhD was directed to an investigation of the molecular genetics of pigment production in a bacterial plant pathogen.
Experience
Paul has 20 years’ experience of patenting in the pharma and biotech fields both as in-house counsel (Eli Lilly, Sanofi) and as external counsel. He has particular expertise in the area of small molecule and large molecule therapeutics, including antibodies and vaccines. Prior to training as a patent attorney, Paul worked in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector for Unilever as part of their prestigious graduate training programme.
Key areas of competence for Paul include:
- Patent drafting and prosecution
- Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs)
- Freedom to Operate (FTO) and Patentability analyses
Patent drafting and prosecution
Paul has been involved in hundreds of different patent portfolios over the years, gaining wide experience across the life science and chemistry areas. He has particular experience of obtaining patents with a broad geographical scope, including countries in South-East Asia, the Middle East and South America. He particularly relishes working on technically complex inventions where his deep scientific knowledge and attention to detail are key.
Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs)
Paul has been responsible for the prosecution of SPCs both in the UK and more broadly across Europe. SPC law and practice is constantly evolving, especially post-Brexit, and Paul prides himself on making sure his knowledge is up to date.
Freedom to Operate (FTO) and Patentability analyses
Since his time working in-house, Paul has carried out many FTO and/or patentability analyses in many different technical fields. When advising clients in these areas, Paul always attempts to provide clear, concise and practical advice, even if his conclusions are not favourable to his client.
Following more than five years of residence in France, Paul is fluent in French (CEFR level C2).
