Pippa Hothersall
Pippa supports early-stage companies and SMEs in devising and implementing effective IP strategies that are integrated into their overall business strategy. She supports a range of companies from set-up and initial fundraising through to clinical stage and commercial partnerships.
Pippa specialises in the life sciences sector, with broad experience that includes drafting and prosecuting patent applications, managing global patent portfolios, and conducting freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses. This global experience handling large patent portfolios includes national and international prosecution before the European Patent Office (EPO), and coordination of prosecution in key jurisdictions such as the US, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea and Australia.
A strong interest in the commercial applications of research led Pippa into the IP profession. She enjoys advising on strategic IP portfolio development to support commercial goals for SMEs, multinationals, academic researchers and spin-outs across a range of technologies.
Pippa is part of Potter Clarkson’s biotechnology group and has particular expertise in antibody-based therapeutics. She advises companies from research through to clinical development, ensuring the IP portfolio evolves to support changing requirements at each stage of product development.
- Establishing innovation capture frameworks, and IP policies and strategies for clients
- Supporting companies in the due diligence processes with commercial partners
- Drafting and globally prosecuting patent applications for therapeutic products in clinical trials
Industries
- UK and European Patent Attorney
- MSci, Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge
- MA (Cantab)
About Pippa
Experience
Areas of expertise
Qualifications
Testimonials
Awards
How We Live Our Values: Ambition
Throughout my career, I’ve seen clients face a range of commercial and technical challenges. I’m motivated by a strong desire to help them not only navigate these challenges, but use IP as a tool to drive growth and unlock new opportunities. I see our role as integral to the business, particularly where foundational IP underpins long-term commercial value.
In my experience, a robust IP strategy and portfolio can be critical for fundraising, partnerships, and securing competitive advantage. Especially in difficult commercial environments, I’m driven to help clients succeed through a flexible and creative approach to IP portfolio management.
In My Own Words
What I find most rewarding about being a patent attorney is the opportunity to support my clients. I like to feel part of the team, to understand their priorities and needs, and to help with whatever they are working towards.
I care about helping clients reach their business goals, and I am motivated by their success. That’s true whether I am supporting an academic during the spin-out process, where success means setting up a company and securing investment, or advising an SME in due diligence negotiations with a commercial partner.
Above all, I value building strong relationships with clients and feel personally invested in their business journey.
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