James specialises in European patent matters relating to chemistry, with a broad practice spanning everything from pharmaceuticals to novel materials and chemical processing. 
 
On pharmaceuticals, he advises clients at all stages, from small-molecule target identification to commercialised-product-stage portfolio strategy.  Notable recent pharmaceutical work includes protecting a first-in-class blockbuster small-molecule cardiac drug.  His non-pharmaceutical practice focusses on electrochemical inventions and speciality materials such as bioplastics and nanotechnologies.
 
James previously worked in-house for a global corporation as part of their IP strategy team.  In his current role, he leverages this experience and emphasises building commercial value for his clients through IP.  Here, he advises on the strategic use of patent portfolios and other IP tools to deliver on commercial objectives, particularly in contentious areas.  James adopts a pragmatic and business-oriented approach to support his clients’ success throughout. 
 
He is particularly experienced with diligence and opinion work for investment rounds, licencing/transactional negotiations and M&A.  He enjoys supporting companies during the acquisition of new assets and then devising an IP strategy to deliver on long-term commercial objectives.
 
James graduated with a Master’s in Chemistry (MChem) from the University of Manchester.  He also holds a second Master’s from the University of Manchester, in Intellectual Property Law (LLM).  James is also a regular lecturer on patent law and drafting for the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). 
 
He typically splits his time between our liaison offices in the US (San Francisco and Boston) and our HQ in London.  James previously spent two years working out of our San Francisco office and collaborates with the network he has built in the US to deliver for his clients in Europe.  Likewise, spending regular time in the US enables him to better deliver results for his US clients, being available on-the-ground to advise on best-practices with patents in Europe.

'Notable Practitioner' for Patents - Managing IP, IP Stars, 2024

James has been recognised as a 'Rising star' in both the 2022 and 2023 editions of Managing IP's IP Stars.

European Patent Attorney (2015)
Chartered UK Patent Attorney (2013)
IP Litigator - Patent (2015)
Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) (2023)
MChem Chemistry with Patent Law - University of Manchester (2011)
LLM Intellectual Property Law - University of Manchester (2014)

N. Lee, J. Snaith and J. Etherington, News on plausibility at the EPO: G 2/21 preliminary opinion released, Kilburn & Strode (2022) 
N. Lee, J. Snaith and J. Etherington, Plausibility and post-filed data at the EPO part I – a practical guide, Kilburn & Strode (2022)
N. Lee, J. Snaith and J. Etherington, Plausibility and post-filed data at the EPO part II – the technical and legal facts of G 2/21, Kilburn & Strode (2022)
N. Lee, J. Snaith and J. Etherington, Plausibility and post-filed data at the EPO part III – a deeper dive into the case law, Kilburn & Strode (2022)
J. Snaith and J. Etherington, Edging towards a circular model: recent innovation in the design and recycling of plastics, Kilburn & Strode (2022)
J. Snaith, World IP Day, Kilburn & Strode, (2020)
J. Snaith, Plastic waste: cost or opportunity?, Kilburn & Strode, (2019)