Described by clients as an “antibody expert” 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), Tom is sought by biotechs and pharmaceutical companies alike as one of the leading attorneys in Europe working in the biologics sector.
With almost 20 years of experience in the profession, clients say Tom is “first-class in the biopharm space, extremely diligent and very hardworking” as well as “friendly, emotionally intelligent and highly considerate of others” (IAM Patent 1000). He has represented numerous UK and European start-ups, as well as VCs, in fund-raising, investment and acquisitions, in deals totalling hundreds of millions of dollars. Tom guides his clients through not only the patent drafting and filing process, but also the overall IP strategy, risk assessment (FTO) and due diligence exercises required to secure these deals. Tom relishes the opportunity to devise and implement IP strategies that help companies realise their business goals, be that developing a product all the way to market, collaborating with third parties, or selling or licencing their portfolio.
In addition to antibodies, Tom has an active and expanding practice in the field of nucleic acid therapies, including antisense RNA therapies, nucleic acid vaccines, and gene editing technologies. Other areas of practice include peptidic therapeutics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), liquid biopsies, next generation sequencing, cell therapies, formulations, diagnostics, and new medical uses for known compounds. Tom is particularly adept at navigating the complexities of patent filing, prosecution, and defence in the context of clinical trials, and has presented to hundreds of in-house IP professionals on this topic over recent years.
With a reputation for getting difficult patents granted, Tom is highly accomplished at representing his clients at oral proceedings. Tom has a large EPO opposition and appeals practice and is actively involved in pan-European litigation support. He is cited by a client as “one of the best advocates I have worked with in my 20 years of practice” (Managing IP, IP Stars Handbook) and another says he “is a tremendous patent attorney who completely engages his audience at opposition and appeals proceedings at the EPO. He presents his arguments clearly and persuasively, and has an excellent track record of success” (IAM Patent 1000).
As part of the industry’s IP Inclusive initiative, Tom is co-founder of IP Out, the support and networking group for LGBT people working in IP, and also of Out in IP, a similar organisation for IP professionals based in Boston. Do get in touch with Tom if you’d like to know more.
Prior to starting his career as a patent attorney, Tom obtained a degree in Musical Theatre, which somehow he still finds time for through his involvement in Sedos, London’s premier amateur theatre company, as a performer and choreographer. For the past 15 years he has taught a weekly adult jazz dance class, currently held at Central School of Ballet in London.