Rob Pugh
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. His background in homogeneous and polymerisation catalysis underpins his work across the life sciences and industrial chemistry sectors.
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
- 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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