Jonathan Stafford

Intellectual Property

Jonathan handles patent matters in the chemistry and life science sectors, with emphasis on pharmaceuticals, industrial chemistry, materials, synthetic methods and medical and diagnostic devices. Jonathan has particular expertise in the area of small molecule drugs, formulations, graphene, catalysis, polymers and polymer additives, and stereoselective synthetic processes. Jonathan also handles design work in all fields.

He was recognised as a Rising Star by IP Stars in 2017 and named as a recommended life sciences practitioner in the Legal 500 2020 rankings, JUVE 2020 and JUVE 2021 rankings, and IAM Patent 2021 rankings.

Jonathan's work includes the drafting and prosecution of patent applications including coordinating the prosecution of multi-jurisdictional patent portfolios, advising on validity and infringement, and advising companies on improving their IP strategy and processes. Jonathan has significant experience in leading EPO opposition and appeal proceedings, including complex multi-party hearings representing patentees and opponents, and working closely with litigators to coordinate EPO opposition and local national litigation strategies. Jonathan also has extensive experience in handling IP due diligence for companies looking to buy, license, or invest in new technology, including conducting freedom to operate and SWOT analyses.

Jonathan's clients include large corporations, SMEs, start-ups and university technology transfer companies. He has particular experience of advising spin-outs in patent matters from initial start-up stage through to preparing for the IPO process. Furthermore, he was recognised by the IAM Patent 1000 rankings as "the quintessential full-service practitioner, with the perfect balance of acumen, command and reliability: He understands a wide variety of complex technologies and is astute at identifying the opposition’s weaknesses and turning them in the client’s favour.”

MChem, University of ManchesterPhD Chemistry, Organic synthesis/medchem, University of Cambridge