Qualifications
Chartered UK Patent Attorney; European Patent Attorney; Degree in Biochemsitry, University of Bristol; PhD Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Manchester.
Technical
Jon’s background equips him for a broad range of biotechnology related subject matter, though he has particular expertise in antibody engineering and phage display, areas in which he has been actively involved in renowned large scale contentious matters before the European Patent Office.
Jon’s facility with immunology also features in another active area of Jon’s portfolio – that of vaccines, an area in which he has represented one of the worlds best known vaccine manufacturers – Sanofi Pasteur.
In addition to his experience in therapeutic areas, Jon has further developed a following in more mechanical and quasi-mechanical aspects of Life Sciences. Working closely with a team including litigation solicitors, Jon has successfully defended patents relating to lateral flow diagnostic kits (covering the well know “Clear Blue” (RTM) pregnancy testing kits). Other mechanical applications of life sciences within Jon’s expertise include nucleic acid arrays and microfluidics.
The cross-over between Life Sciences and mechanics also features heavily in the third aspect of Jon’s technical field. Building on experience gained as a patent examiner in the UKIPO, Jon has an active interest in medical devices, and is currently the Client Manager for a Californian company who is seeking to commercialize customized drug eluting stents.
Legal
Jon enjoys prosecution of patent applications before the European Patent Office and the UKIPO, and has an active work load in those areas. However his first passion is for contentious work, primarily in the form of Oppositions and Appeals before the EPO. Increasingly, his EPO contentious work has domestic litigation implications and he often finds himself working closely with multi-party legal teams on international litigation matters.
Commercial
Consistent with the legal bias of Jon’s work towards contentious matters, much of his advice includes a significant commercial aspect. Strategic advice underpins a program of contentious activity, and the strategy must be formed with full knowledge of the client’s commercial situation. Jon actively takes steps to understand his clients’ commercial position and aspirations and develops strategy and tactics on that basis.
Jon also offers strategic advice to start-up companies – taking an interest in, and contributing to SWOT analysis where required.
By understanding a client’s business, whether for a program of contentious activity, or to assist in the management of a growing start-up company, Jon seeks to build lasting relationships with clients that are mutually profitable and rewarding.
“Jon is extremely knowledgeable and results oriented. I value his opinions and appreciate that he gives straight answers to tough questions. Jon also manages a good group of people with whom I've been happy to work. I value Jon's technical and legal expertise and his ability to suggest creative solutions.” Steve Collier, Fluidigm Corporation.
