Kieron O'Connell
With a strong technical background as a research scientist, Kieron advises clients across the chemistry and life sciences sectors, with a particular focus on pharmaceuticals.
A significant proportion of Kieron’s practice involves advising on intellectual property (IP) strategy and developing patent portfolios for small and medium-sized companies. He also manages portfolios for large corporations and supports universities and academics in creating foundational IP for spin-out companies.
Kieron also has experience in contentious proceedings, including defending pharmaceutical patents through opposition and appeal procedures at the European Patent Office (EPO), handling invalidation proceedings in China, and supporting litigation in the UK High Court.
Before joining the IP profession, Kieron worked as a medicinal chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, and he maintains a strong interest in research at the interface of chemistry and biology. He supports many projects in the pharmaceutical sector, across all stages of drug discovery and development. He also works with clients in the wider life sciences and chemistry fields.
- Developing patent portfolios to protect candidate drugs
- Advising start-ups on IP strategy
- Defending pharmaceutical patents before the EPO
- Supporting litigation in the UK High Court
- UK and European Patent Attorney
- UK Higher Courts Litigator
- Unitary Patent Court (UPC) Representative
- PhD, Organic Chemistry, The University of Cambridge
- MChem, Chemistry with a year in industry, University of Reading
- Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
About Kieron
Experience
Areas of expertise
Qualifications
Testimonials
Awards
How We Live Our Values: Excellence
Whether preparing a patent specification or developing a long-term IP strategy, clarity and precision are central to the role of a patent attorney. I aim to be clear about my clients’ goals and how best to achieve them, while explaining any risks involved. This approach allows me to provide pragmatic advice that supports the commercial outcomes clients are working towards.
In My Own Words
For me, the best thing about being a patent attorney is the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of my clients’ projects. Working with original and exciting discoveries means the job is always interesting. And having that technical understanding gives me the foundation I need to guide clients through the legal challenges of commercialising scientific research.
Related News
The SPC Manufacturing Waiver in Practice: Legal Framework and Emerging Jurisprudence
Potter Clarkson strengthens life science team in Stockholm
Potter Clarkson celebrates eight promotions
.avif)
Proposed changes to pharmaceutical regulatory exclusivities in Europe
