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Elizabeth has delivered outstanding results in terms of obtaining and defending key patents.

- Managing IP, IP Stars

Excellent ability to think on [her] feet.

- Managing IP, IP Stars

Partner

Elizabeth Crooks

London
+44 (0)20 3947 4211 V-card download Connect on Linkedin

Elizabeth has delivered outstanding results in terms of obtaining and defending key patents.

- Managing IP, IP Stars

Excellent ability to think on [her] feet.

- Managing IP, IP Stars

Described by her clients as “a force of nature in opposition proceedings before the EPO” (IAM Patent 1000), Elizabeth has over 20 years of experience in defending her clients most important patents in contentious proceedings.  As one of the UKs most experienced opposition and appeals practitioners, with an enviable track record, Elizabeth combines her legal expertise with a deep understanding of her clients businesses and priorities.  Her experience permeates the chemistry team, who in turn focus on delivering IP strategies that are robust, pragmatic and can withstand contentious disputes to deliver clients’ strategic & commercial objectives.
 
Elizabeth has a PhD in Chemistry and her clients appreciate her “vast technical expertise in the chemical field” (IAM Patent 1000).  She specialises in the area of high value industrial chemicals and materials with particular experience of protecting refrigerants, propellants, blowing agents for foam, solvents, surfactants, films and coatings, additives for consumer products, security markers, polymers and large scale chemical processes
 
Elizabeth is recognised by her clients as having “practical and pragmatic approaches to addressing patent issues with an eye towards the underlying business needs of her clients” (Legal 500).  In particular, she is able to apply her knowledge of contentious matters to help her clients to build strong defensible patent portfolios.  She collaborates closely with clients, emphasising building an understanding of their business today and in the future, and providing strategic advice to allow them to maximise the value their portfolios to meet those business objectives.  

'IP Star' for Patents - Managing IP, IP Stars, 2024

The rigorously business-minded Crooks does superb work for those in the field of high-performance chemicals and consumer products. She thinks tactically to make all the right moves to protect key inventions, and ensures her patrons’ rights remain protected through her masterful handling of opposition and appeal proceedings at the EPO. Lately she has showcased her expertise on behalf of AdvanSix, for whom she successfully defended a key patent before the Opposition Division. - IAM Patent, 2024

"Elizabeth Crooks has keen problem-solving abilities, creative use of case law, and practical and pragmatic approaches to addressing patent issues with an eye towards underlying business needs of her clients set her and her team apart from the peers." - The Legal 500, 2023

"Crooks boasts vast technical expertise in the chemical field, from industrial through consumer applications. Alongside her easy familiarity with drafting in that sphere, Crooks is also an accomplished hand at EPO oppositions and took on 12 hearings over 2021. Names she has represented there include Honeywell, Ball Corporation and AdvanSix Resins & Chemicals." - IAM Patent 1000, 2023

"Crooks is a force of nature in opposition proceedings before the EPO and specialises in industrial chemistry and consumer products." - IAM Patent 1000, 2022

"Elizabeth Crooks is a smart and passionate advocate and many in my company have repeatedly commented on how lucky we are to have her on our side." - The Legal 500, 2022

'Recommended' in IAM Patent 1000 2021 edition.

Managing IP has acknowledged Elizabeth as an ‘IP Star’ for Patents in their 2022, 2021 and 2020 IP Stars Handbook.

Elizabeth has been acknowledged by a client in Managing IP, IP Stars 2017 edition as having an "excellent ability to think on [her] feet”, adding that she "has delivered outstanding results in terms of obtaining and defending key patents".

‘Recommended’ in Managing IP’s 2016 Patent Handbook

Elizabeth is named as part of the team who are noted as "all brilliant and make a fantastic life sciences and chemistry team that displays real confidence". - The Legal 500, 2016

 

Qualifications

Chartered UK Patent Attorney
European Patent Attorney
IP Litigator - Patent
Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) (2024)
PhD Chemistry - University of Southampton (1998) 
BSc (Double Hons) Chemistry and Biochemistry - University of Southampton (1995)

Memberships

Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)
The Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (EPI)