Gareth specialises in biotechnology-related patent work, with particular expertise in genomics and peptides. For his doctorate he conducted research into human molecular biology and genetics, which was funded as part of the Human Genome project. His patent practice includes inventions relating to therapeutic antibodies and proteins, stem cells, pharmaceutical formulations, genetically modified organisms, diagnostic and screening methods, and research tools. As well as filing and prosecution of patent applications worldwide, Gareth has extensive experience of attending hearings at the European Patent Office. His practice also involves advising on patent term extension, infringement matters and general intellectual property strategy. He provides freedom to operate and other due diligence reports on complex IP portfolios for clients considering investing in or acquiring IP assets. Gareth is a frequent speaker at conferences, and has published many articles on aspects of biotechnology patenting practice, as well as authoring and editing Marks & Clerk's annual Life Sciences Reports. He is listed in the LMG Life Sciences Guide 2014 as a ‘Life Sciences Star’ and described as “easy to work with and capable of producing good reports concerning patent diligence and transactions.”
Marks & Clerk
Lawyers
Kirsteen drafts, files and prosecutes patent applications worldwide and has experience of opposition and appeal work at the European Patent Office. She has also handled applications for Supplementary Protection Certificates and Patent Term Extensions in a number of jurisdictions. She additionally advises clients on due diligence and freedom to operate matters and provides infringement and invalidity opinions. Kirsteen has experience of a range of different chemical subject matter including pharmaceuticals, diagnostic assays, medical devices, polymers and petrochemicals. Her current practice focuses on pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and she is also Managing Partner of our Cambridge office.
Simon specialises as a commercial contract lawyer for technology companies. He works for clients in the electronics, bioscience, defence, software, nanotech and creative industries, advising companies ranging from small start-ups to big multinationals as well as individuals, public bodies and charities. Nordic clients form a significant part of his practice. He advises on a wide range of contracts, including licenses, R&D collaborations, manufacturing agreements and procurement documentation. On the regulatory front, he has advised on compliance with clinical trials legislation and novel food applications, as well as freedom of information and data protection issues. Simon has co-written two business textbooks, Commercial Issues for Life Science Companies and Intellectual Property: the Lifeblood of your Company and has contributed articles to numerous publications, including the Financial Times, Patent World and Managing Intellectual Property. He regularly gives seminars and workshops at pharmaceutical conferences in the UK and internationally. He was also part of a UK IPO steering group putting together policies and contracts suitable for R&D collaborations in China.Simon spearheads the Cambridge branch of Marks & Clerk Law. He heads the firm’s Extended Reality team and in that capacity supplies specialist advice and training to members of XR organisations such as Immerse UK and XR Nation. Simon has been recognised as a leading practitioner in Who’s Who Legal: Life Sciences 2019 and a rising star by Managing Intellectual Property, IP Stars, 2018. Simon is a Guest Lecturer at the University of Cambridge, teaching IP within the MPhil in Therapeutic Sciences. Representative Clients Alzheimer Scotland Daal Noise Control Systems IOmet Pharma Limited Downing College, Cambridge DS Smith Packaging Limited