Fiona Hey
Fiona helps life sciences companies protect innovations across fields including oncology, immunotherapy, antibody technologies and biochemistry. With a strong background in academic research, she brings first-hand scientific insight to her patent work, from drafting and oppositions to managing international portfolios.
Fiona is a UK and European Patent Attorney who specialises in protecting innovation across the life sciences, with particular expertise in biological medicines such as therapeutic antibodies, immunology, and industrial biotechnology. She works with a wide range of clients, from early-stage university spinouts to global pharmaceutical companies, helping them secure and maximise value from their intellectual property (IP) through effective invention capture, tailored filing strategies, and global patent portfolio management.
With a degree and PhD in Biochemistry, and five years of post-doctoral research experience in cell biology and preclinical cancer models, Fiona brings deep scientific understanding to her legal work. This strong technical foundation enables her to provide commercially focused, strategic advice across diverse areas such as immunotherapy, cell and molecular biology, and therapeutic antibody development.
Fiona is also experienced in contentious proceedings and advocates for clients before the European Patent Office (EPO) in oppositions and oral proceedings. Having worked with academic institutions, SMEs, and multinationals alike, she understands the different pressures shaping innovation and patent strategy, and focuses on delivering pragmatic, balanced solutions that support long-term commercial success.
- Drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the life sciences sector
- Managing global patent portfolios across multiple jurisdictions, including handling the IP for high-profile pharmaceutical products, some with projected annual sales exceeding $1bn
- Supporting EPO prosecution and opposition proceedings
- Conducting freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses
Industries
- UK and European Patent Attorney
- PhD, Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Nottingham
- BSc, Biochemistry, University of Nottingham
About Fiona
Experience
Areas of expertise
Qualifications
Testimonials
Awards
How We Live Our Values: Collaboration
For me, being collaborative means working closely with my clients to ensure an IP strategy directly supports their business goals. Whilst managing the portfolio for a multinational with a late-stage biologic under clinical evaluation, I stay closely aligned with their evolving commercial plans, so that the protection we secure not only covers the science but also underpins market exclusivity and delivers real strategic value.
In My Own Words
Transitioning into patent law was a natural progression for me, as it seamlessly integrates my scientific background with strategic thinking and advocacy skills. Joining Potter Clarkson was a deliberate choice, given the firm's esteemed reputation in biotechnology and life sciences. Their multidisciplinary approach and commitment to aligning IP strategies with clients' commercial objectives resonated with my own professional values, making it an ideal environment to contribute meaningfully to innovative ventures.
