Group Profiles

J.A. Kemp & Co. has a significant biotechnology practice. We have been involved in patenting in the modern biotechnology field since its birth in the late 1970's. We have considerable experience securing, defending and opposing biotechnology patents in the European Patent Office and in original drafting work for our domestic biotechnology clients.

We act for numerous companies ranging from small start-up ventures to large multinationals, as well as for universities both in the UK and around the world. The firm is an Associate Member of the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA).

Most of the attorneys and trainees in the Biotechnology Group have further degrees (Masters or PhDs) in a biotechnology related subject.

The depth of experience of the group, particularly bearing in mind the technical specialisations of our members, enables us to provide a high quality service in all aspects of biotechnology patent practice. That applies not only to drafting and prosecuting patent applications before the UK Intellectual Property Office and European Patent Office but also to representing clients in EPO oppositions and appeals, sometimes for the patentee and on other occasions for an opponent. With our extensive resources and breadth and depth of expertise, we can provide a balanced team for those EPO oppositions that involve several opponents and which consequently need so much attention.

We advise companies on patent strategy and help our clients evaluate the patent activity of competitors or potential partners. In recent years, we have provided a lot of litigation support both in the UK and in other European countries.

For further information, please contact Geoff Woods, Simon Wright, Pat Campbell, Sarah Roques or Andy Bentham.