Name
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Rob Pugh
Partner - Patent Attorney
Nottingham, UK
Contact
Rob is a UK and European patent attorney with over 20 years of experience in the life sciences and industrial chemistry sectors. He helps clients navigate complex patent landscapes, has extensive experience in EPO oppositions, and is known for his strategic insight and approachable style.
Rob joined Potter Clarkson in 2003 following a Marie Curie research fellowship at a multinational energy company in Amsterdam and a post-doctoral position at Imperial College London.
He became a partner in 2011 and is a trusted advisor to clients seeking commercially focused patent strategies.
- Drafting and prosecuting patent applications in fields such as chemical process technology, foodstuffs, enzyme technology and pharmaceutical compositions
- Coordinating global patent portfolios for clients and advising on patent infringement, validity, and freedom to operate
- Handling over 100 EPO opposition and appeal cases, and related litigation support
EPO opposition highlights
- EP1509261 Baxter vs Fresenius (T0690/11) – successful defence of a patent (maintained as granted) relating to a dialysis system including a display device, web browser and web server.
- EP1678106 Mexichem vs Honeywell (T0215/15) – successful opposition (complete revocation) of a patent relating to a process for the preparation of HFO-1234ze from HCC-240fa via HCFC-244fa.
- EP1900716 Mexichem vs Honeywell (T0090/15) – successful opposition (complete revocation) of a patent relating to a process for the preparation of trans-HFO-1234ze including catalytic cis/trans isomerisation.
- EP2061534 Baxter vs Fresenius (T0565/16) – successful defence of a patent (claim 1 maintained as granted) relating to a kidney failure therapy system including a disposable unit.
- EP1974030 Novozymes vs AB Enzymes – successful opposition (complete revocation) of a patent relating to a method for preparing a thermostable enzyme product for use in the manufacture of animal feed.
- EP2185001 Bunge Loders Croklaan vs Fuji Oil Europe – successful defence of a patent (maintained as granted) relating to a confectionary composition comprising a defined fat blend.
- EP2590916 Mexichem vs Arkema France (T0360/19) – successful opposition (complete revocation) of a patent relating to a composition comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and various other specified components.
- EP2675287 Novozymes vs DuPont Nutrition Biosciences (T1499/19) – successful opposition (complete revocation) of a patent relating to a feed additive comprising a direct fed microbial (DFM) and Citrobacter phytase.
- EP1928990 Bunge Loders Croklaan vs AAK and Enzymotec (T2697/19) – successful defence of a patent (maintained as granted) relating to a process for preparing a composition comprising 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl glyceride (OPO).
- EP2566930 Mexichem vs Honeywell (T0739/20) – successful opposition (complete revocation) of a patent relating to use of a composition comprising HFC-134a and HFO-1234ze in a medium temperature refrigeration system.
- EP2611767 Bunge Loders Croklaan vs Stepan (T1741/20) – successful opposition (complete revocation) of a patent relating to a process for preparing a carboxylic acid ester stream with reduced levels of organohalo, glycidyl or other oxirane species.
- EP2800476 Novozymes vs DuPont Nutrition Biosciences (T0119/22) – successful opposition (complete revocation) of a patent relating to the use of a Buttiauxella phytase in animal feed.
- EP3321348 Bunge Loders Croklaan vs Cargill and Stepan (T1880/22) – successful defence of a patent (maintained as granted) relating to a process for refining vegetable oil to supress the formation of monochloropropanediol esters.
- EP2970062 Mexichem vs Honeywell (T0999/22) – successful opposition (complete revocation) of a patent relating to a process for preventing the formation of 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne during the manufacture of fluorocarbon compounds.
- UK and European Patent Attorney
- Unitary Patent Court (UPC) Representative
- PhD, Chemistry, University of Bristol
- BSc, Chemistry, University of Bristol
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)
- Member, Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Robert Pugh has represented us in three oppositions since November. In two of the oppositions, the patent was entirely revoked and in the third, the patent was limited to a scope that was no longer of commercial relevance to us. Needless to say that we are extremely pleased with these outcomes, but we are also extremely pleased with the quality of the advice and performance provided by Robert Pugh in these matters.
Pugh excels in drafting and filing robust patent applications, and is a highly skilled representative at the EPO. His high-quality written submissions and expert advocacy consistently achieve favourable outcomes.
Rob is a great choice for EPO patent prosecution and general patent advice. He is great to work alongside, provides proactive advice and is easy to approach. He is a smooth communicator, offers a deep understanding of technical fields and delivers professional work product. His professionalism, communication, quick response times and problem-solving abilities are admirable.
Pugh is consistently responsive, paints a clear strategic picture for clients and quickly understands both the technical and business aims.
They give sound advise from a legal perspective but they also consider the commercial aspects on projects which makes them stand out from other competitors. Mark Snelgrove, Simon Curtis, Ian Dee, Rob Pugh do an excellent job on patent litigation.
- IAM Patent 1000: Prosecution
About Rob
Experience
Areas of expertise
Qualifications
Testimonials
Awards
How We Live Our Values: Collaboration
I really enjoy working (and winning!) with talented, friendly, and driven people. Collaboration is central to how I work, both with colleagues and clients. By working closely together, we can navigate complex technical and legal issues and help clients maximise the strategic and commercial value of their IP.
In My Own Words
During my time in academia and industry, before I became a patent attorney, what I enjoyed most was to analyse complex problems, write about them, and discuss with my peers our work. Now, about 25 years on, it is essentially the same elements that remain at the heart of what makes my job so fulfilling: analytical thinking, persuasive writing, oral advocacy, and collaborative dialogue. All the more so because I can see the value this adds to my clients’ businesses.
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