Tom is a Partner in our Life Sciences and Chemistry group specialising in biotechnology, therapeutics and diagnostics. Described by clients as an “antibody expert” (IAM Patent 1000, 2020 edition) who is “at the top of his game in terms of both technical ability and client service, providing fantastic strategic advice for almost any project” (IAM Patent 1000, 2021 edition), Tom’s experience also includes machine learning and digital health, chemotherapy, biomarkers and infectious diseases. His practice is also strong in the areas of vaccines, liquid biopsies, next generation sequencing and new uses for known compounds.
Freedom-to-operate opinions and due diligence form a significant part of Tom’s practice, and he is experienced in helping business maximise the value of their IP when seeking to collaborate, to develop products or to sell their portfolio. With a reputation for getting difficult patents granted, Tom is accomplished at representing his clients at oral proceedings and he relishes the opportunity to represent his clients in EPO oppositions and appeals. Tom is cited by a client in the 2017 edition of Managing IP, IP Stars Handbook, as “one of the best advocates I have worked with in my 20 years of practice,” who adds, “[his] logical and concise arguments are perfectly tailored to what [IP offices] need to see to make proper decisions”.
Many of Tom’s clients are UK start-ups, for whom Tom devises and implements an IP strategy to maximise the company’s value in the early stages of development. Several of his clients have been purchased for hundreds of millions of dollars, with Tom guiding them through not only the patent drafting and filing process, but also the freedom-to-operate and due diligence exercises required to complete these deals.
His legal expertise has seen him lecture for the AIPLA, the Centre for Commercial Law Studies and at various conferences, and he also leads tutorials on European patent law to students studying for the European Qualifying Examinations. Tom is also happy to provide comments to journalists on the latest legal developments.
As part of the industry’s IP Inclusive initiative, Tom is co-chair of IP Out, the support and networking group for LGBT people working in IP.
Tom attended Christ's College, University of Cambridge, where in 2004 he graduated with a BA honours degree in Natural Sciences (Pharmacology). He also undertook an additional part II in Management Studies, which included a management consultancy project at Cambridge Antibody Technology (as it was then), and a master’s in Musical Theatre, which somehow he stills finds time for through his involvement in Sedos, London’s premier amateur theatre company.