Adrian is currently the firm’s partnership chairperson with responsibility for working with the other partners to set the long term strategic direction of the firm.A partner within the engineering, physics and mechanical devices patent department since 2007, Adrian Bennett has approaching 20 years' experience in the profession, with a focus in mechanical engineering. His specialist areas of knowledge include fluid mechanics, oil and gas exploration technology, hand-held power tools, engine design, control systems, aerodynamics and aircraft design. Adrian has considerable experience in the original drafting of patent applications and their prosecution around the world. He also has considerable experience at leading oral proceedings at the European Patent Office and regularly handles these matters, including proceedings before the Examining Division and particularly proceedings before the Opposition Division and Board of Appeal. Other principal areas of work include advising clients in infringement matters, for example by way of freedom to operate opinions, and instructing counsel as appropriate.Adrian's clients include individual inventors, start-up companies, SMEs and large corporations, in industry sectors such as oil and gas exploration, medicament dispensing devices, automated cow milking machinery, heat exchangers, separator devices, hand-held power tools, and personal hygiene and hair treatment devices, amongst others.Adrian is a member of the firm's systems group, who is responsible for IT hardware and software, including the specialist IP software systems that support the smooth and efficient running of the firm.
England - London • TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
AA Thornton
AA Thornton is praised by clients for its ‘deep understanding of the complexities within the biotech landscape’, and it handles large volumes of patent filing applications to the EPO and UKIPO. The practice’s client base is broad ranging, encompassing SMES, individual investors, and international corporations across Europe, North America, India, and the Far East. Sectors of strength for the team include life sciences, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, computing, telecoms, construction, engineering, manufacturing, oil and gas, and aerospace industries, amongst others. The team is especially skilled in patent work regarding complex computer-implemented technologies, for example, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, computer simulation, and modelling. Managing partner Adrian Bennett leads the engineering, physics, and mechanical devices group with significant experience in EPO opposition proceedings. ’Excellent attorney’ Craig Turner heads up the chemistry, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals team, and he has extensive expertise in contentious matters. Turner is supported by senior associate Leonita Paulraj and Marianne Privett, who manages global patent portfolios. Mike Jennings chairs the electrical engineering, electronics telecoms, and IT patents department.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The patent attorneys practice stands out due to its exceptional expertise and commitment to client satisfaction and it offers comprehensive and customised patent services specifically tailored for the biotech industry. What sets it apart from other firms is its deep understanding of the complexities within the biotech landscape and its ability to effectively handle patent prosecution and licensing matters.’
'Craig Turner is an excellent attorney, team leader, and advocate. His professionalism, communication skills, legal and technological analytical skills, and advocacy skills in European patent litigation is impressive.'
'Marianne Privett has exceptional analytical abilities, which have enabled her to obtain the grant of some extremely difficult patents. In addition, Marianne provides invaluable legal advice relating to European patent practice, and her general communication skills are excellent.'
‘The patent attorneys practice truly stand out for its exceptional qualities, deep expertise, and unwavering dedication to client success. It is differentiated by its professionalism, technical acumen, and effective communication of complex concepts.’
‘The team at AA Thornton provides insightful comments on patent law that guides decision-making processes. The team members are clear, prompt, and always willing to help.’
‘Incredibly helpful, patient, and always able to answer any questions. Always able to take the time and help navigate the legalities of IP protection.’
- 'Leonita Paulraj has a very impressive ability to handle a large number of quite complex European patent applications. Leonita is clearly very competent with regard to patent prosecutions in Europe and has obtained several important patents.'
- ‘Craig Turner and Leonita Paulraj are helpful, thorough, and extremely reliable. One knows that when issues are discussed with them, you will receive a clear, thoughtful answer.'
- 'Alex Bone is expert, clear, and commercial.'
Key clients
- Wlness Science
- Solveteq
- DeLaval Holding AB
- Cambridge Quantum Computing
- Authentix Inc.
- OSG Water
- Robert Bosch GmbH
- Estée Lauder
- Sol-Gel Materials and Applications
- Sulphur Mills
Work highlights
- Representing Authentix in a difficult prosecution before the European Patent Office and obtaining a decision from the Board of Appeal that will ensure Authentix obtain the grant of a European patent, based on claims that cover many of their commercially important compounds.
- Acted for Bosch on solving problems that could have resulted in significant commercial consequences by securing retrospective UK design protection and recovering UK patent protection that had lapsed.
- Advised a UK client on patent infringement and validity matters for one of its acquired companies that was interested in implementing a combined hardware and software solution.
Lawyers
Leading Individuals
Dr Craig Turner is a partner within the chemistry, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals patent team and has been in the profession for over 17 years. Craig’s patent practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters in the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Craig’s clients include large corporations in the oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industry sectors. Craig heads up the patent team for one of the firm’s biggest clients, an American multinational corporation and one of the world’s largest oil field service companies. Other clients include SMEs, start out companies and academic institutions. Craig is a member of the firm’s finance management group and is involved in the implementation of the financial strategy and plans for the firm.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Adrian Bennett, Craig Turner, Mike Jennings