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Jennifer specialises in complex and high-value patent portfolio creation and management and IP strategy in the chemical sector. Her practice focuses on strategic drafting and prosecution of patent applications before the EPO and UKIPO, advising on issues relating to supplementary protection certificates (SPCs), and the management of international patent filing and prosecution strategies. She also regularly acts to protect  her clients’ interests in hearings at the EPO in pre-grant, opposition and appeal proceedings.
 
In terms of technology, Jennifer works across the chemical field, with a particular focus in the areas of pharmaceutical chemistry, drug delivery formulations, synthetic methods, polymers and composite materials.
 
Jennifer’s expertise includes assisting clients in the pharmaceutical sector at all stages of the drug development process, from invention capture and original patent drafting, through to managing complex patent portfolios for high value clinical trial candidates and marketed drug products. She also has significant experience advising on infringement and validity issues and regularly assists clients with commercially important due diligence projects.

Jennifer is recognised by all of the leading legal directories, including Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, Managing IP, IAM Patent 1000, and JUVE. She has also been recognised by IAM Strategy 300 as one of the world’s leading IP strategists.

Awarded a Band 1 ranking in the UK-wide Intellectual Property: Patent Attorneys practice area - Chambers and Partners, 2025

"Jennifer consistently provides top-notch advice informed by a clear understanding of the industry and client's concerns. She is always my first selection for European patent counsel." - Chambers and Partners, 2025

Spearheading a "growing chemistry practice with a large group of pharmaceutical clients." - The Legal 500, 2025

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

Harris has also seen recent success at the EPO when representing Alkermes, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing medicines for neurological disorders, in appeal proceedings, and secured even more extensive protection for the patent at issue. She earns praise from another satisfied customer for being “a go-to practitioner for complex questions on patent protection. She is exceptionally thorough, knowledgeable and a safe pair of hands for matters of high importance."- IAM Patent, 1000, 2024

"The standout individuals are Nick Bassil, Jennifer Harris, Sarah Lau, and Mark Abthorpe. All have excellent technical knowledge and are great communicators." - The Legal 500, 2023

"Gareth Fennell and Jennifer Harris provide valuable advice on IP strategy and legal counselling on IP related matters." The Legal 500, 2023

"Jennifer delivers clear and reliable advice. Discussions with her invariably add value and often lead to an improved strategy. Jennifer shows particular strength in delivering comprehensive patent strategies to ensure across-the-border protection. She has a keen tactical eye." - IAM Patent 1000, 2023

"Harris focuses on pharmaceuticals – her clients range from start-ups to multinationals and she ably handles the entire patent lifecycle." - IAM Patent 1000, 2022

"Jennifer Harris has shown particular strength in identifying appropriately balanced patent strategies and claim structures to provide broad and strong composition of matter IP protection." - The Legal 500, 2022

IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists has recognised Jennifer Harris in the 2021 rankings.

'Recommended' in IAM Patent 1000 2021 edition.

Qualifications

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

Memberships

​Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)
The Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (EPI)
Royal Society of Chemistry - Member of Law Group Committee