Steve Smith
With over 25 years of experience supporting life sciences SMEs, Steve has unparalleled expertise in devising and implementing IP strategies with a resolutely commercial focus. Clients value his clear, incisive advice and warm, approachable style.
Since becoming managing partner of the Potter Clarkson group in 2019, Steve has guided its transformation into one of Europe’s most progressive full-service intellectual property (IP) firms, with offices throughout the UK and Nordic region.
Despite this demanding leadership role, he has never lost his passion for helping innovative and entrepreneurial scientists take their ideas from the lab bench to the clinic, ultimately improving the lives of patients.
Steve understands the vital importance of building a solid platform of IP rights, including patents and trade marks, to attract investors and partners and to prevent unfair competition. For SMEs, especially those in the life sciences sector, he knows that getting an IP strategy right from the start is often the difference between success and failure.
- Devising and implementing IP strategies for life sciences SMEs, tailored to support commercial objectives
- Patenting immunotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer, and related diagnostics, including personalised (precision) medicines
- Supporting clients in attracting investors and negotiating licensing deals and collaboration partnerships
- Advising investors on IP due diligence matters
Industries
- UK and European Patent Attorney
- Unified Patent Court (UPC) Representative
- Certificate in Intellectual Property Litigation (UK)
- D.Phil, Neuroscience, University of Oxford
- MA (Oxon), Biochemistry, University of Oxford
Managing partner Steve Smith heads a talented team of dedicated patent professionals who are committed to delivering a comprehensive service, ensuring every patent need is met with the highest level of excellence.
As a start-up, it is essential to get clear, targeted and commercially focussed advice from IP advisors. Having personally worked with and alongside Steve for a number of years in different settings, Potter Clarkson has always been my number one choice. My interactions with the team at Potter Clarkson are always productive, on target, and above all – enjoyable.
- IAM Patent 1000: Prosecution
About Steve
Experience
Areas of expertise
Qualifications
Testimonials
Awards
How We Live Our Values: Collaboration
As a post-doc research scientist in my days at Oxford, I remember the thrill (and occasional despair) of conducting a new experiment and reviewing the data. I no longer wear a lab coat, but I still get to share that excitement when clients show me their latest results and to witness that entrepreneurial spark as I help them shape a business plan that allows their ideas to benefit patients. Being part of that journey and working closely with clients as their ideas take shape is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. At heart, I'm still a scientist (just disguised as a patent attorney)!
In My Own Words
As managing partner, most of my time is spent leading the business and supporting the hugely talented team here at Potter Clarkson. Each 'generation' of new recruits seems to be brighter, more motivated and more focused than the last. To lead them is a privilege that I don't take for granted.
However, the real reward for me comes from getting to work with and support entrepreneurial individuals and teams as they create and grow a business to commercialise their innovations. As patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys and IP solicitors, we can really make the difference between success and failure for our clients.
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