Philip Thomas
Philip has over 30 years’ experience as a patent attorney and a strong track record in complex biotech and pharmaceutical disputes. A skilled advocate, easy to work with but hard to fight against, he understands the value of intellectual property (IP) as a business tool and builds case strategies that always focus on commercial goals.
Philip has been lead advocate in more than 150 hearings before the European Patent Office (EPO) Opposition Divisions and Boards of Appeal. He has also acted in complex, multi-jurisdictional biotech and pharmaceutical patent disputes across Europe and the United States. This includes the successful defence of some of the most commercially significant European patents against multiple opponents, such as those covering GLP-1 products and therapeutic antibodies.
Clients value Philip’s ability to view disputes in their broader commercial context and leverage them to deliver the best possible business outcomes. That same commercial awareness also informs his work with early-stage companies, whom he advises on IP due diligence as they prepare for fundraising or acquisition.
- Acting as lead advocate in over 150 hearings before EPO Opposition Divisions and Boards of Appeal
- Developing IP strategies and guiding clients from start-up to major investment and acquisition
- Successful defence of several European patents covering blockbuster GLP-1 products from multiple oppositions
Industries
- UK and European Patent Attorney
- Patent Attorney Litigator
- Unified Patent Court (UPC) Representative
- BSc, Microbiology and Virology, University of Warwick
- IAM Patent 1000: European Patent Office
- MIP IP STARS: IP Star
- WWL: IP: Patent Agents & Attorneys
About Phil
Experience
Areas of expertise
Qualifications
Testimonials
Awards
How We Live Our Values: Ambition
Working in the life sciences sector is varied and exciting. I enjoy getting to know clients’ business objectives and building legal strategies that help them secure and defend their position in the market.
Opposition proceedings before the European Patent Office can present immense challenges, but it is also very rewarding, especially when we achieve the outcome our client needs. I get a real buzz from identifying the key legal and technical issues, then persuading the tribunal to follow our argument.
In My Own Words
I have always been interested in science, languages and business. Being a patent attorney is the perfect combination of all three.
Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have come from helping bring new therapeutic products to market, especially when they make a tangible difference to patients and their families. I’m proud to play a part in that process.
I also enjoy the variety of the work. I advise life science clients of all sizes, each with different goals and challenges. Because I’ve supported start-ups, investors and multinationals, I can help find practical solutions to the commercial challenges each of them faces.
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