Frank Charlton
Frank is a trainee patent attorney with a strong technical background in molecular biology, cell biology, and virology. He combines his scientific expertise with thoughtful, strategic IP guidance to support clients as they progress their innovations towards commercial success.
Frank supports the commercialisation of products with the potential to improve human health, from advanced diagnostics to novel treatments. He is passionate about ensuring that good science is translated into real-world solutions.
After completing a PhD at the University of Leeds, where he explored drug repurposing against emerging viruses, his journey continued with postdoctoral research at EPFL in Switzerland, contributing to the development of novel antivirals for a spin-out company. These experiences sparked a lasting interest in how innovation can be successfully commercialised.
Frank joined Potter Clarkson in November 2025 and works in the biotechnology and life sciences team.
- Working across the patent lifecycle, from drafting to prosecution before the EPO
Services
Industries
- PhD, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds
- Master’s by Research (MRes), Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds
About Frank
Experience
Areas of expertise
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How We Live Our Values: Collaboration
Collaboration has always been central to how I approach my work. The scientific community is full of varied expertise and when skills and knowledge are shared, we can be greater than the sum of our parts. Building communities and relationships is critical for getting the best outcomes from my work.
In My Own Words
At the end of my PhD, I realised that my research would have little impact beyond academic metrics and knowledge building. Whilst the pursuit of knowledge remains important to me, I made it my mission to involve myself in science with impact beyond the scientific journals. I joined a research group that was in the process of commercialising some of its candidate compounds, which was the first time I could see how research could be translated to real-world impact.
Having helped the group better understand its own technology and that of competitors, I realised that my knowledge could be applied to help many more scientists commercialise their ideas. As a trainee patent attorney, I now assist companies in the patent process to help them develop their ideas from the bench into commercial ventures.
