What will the talk cover?

Though we will be honing in on chemical examples, this talk will also give a brief overview of the opposition process in general, and so will benefit a broader audience looking to learn from our experience in this area.

Chemical patents can come in many forms, but common to all is the need to meet the legal requirement of “sufficiency”, in order to reach grant at the European Patent Office. However, despite the rigour of the examination process, it’s possible for patents to reach grant in Europe, only to be challenged by an opposition from a competitor, on grounds such as a lack of sufficiency. By sharing lessons learned through direct experience of European oppositions, this talk will cover what sufficiency is, why it matters, and how to minimise the risk of competitors attacking your patent for lack of sufficiency after grant.

Who will be speaking?

Rebecca Matheson is a Chartered and European Patent Attorney, specialising in patent matters within the chemical and pharmaceutical fields. During her time in the profession, Rebecca has enjoyed working across a diverse range of technology areas, from consumer goods to medical devices, to clean technology. Rebecca is a trusted advisor for companies ranging from large multinationals to brand new SMEs and enjoys helping her clients make use of the patent process to best support their commercial goals. Rebecca has experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications, including coordinating the prosecution of global portfolios. Rebecca has a keen interest in oppositions and appeals and has an impressive track record with attacking and defending patents at the European Patent Office on behalf of her clients. This contentious experience has helped Rebecca gain a full appreciation of how best to “waterproof” her client’s cases from an early stage.

Who are GJE?

Gill Jennings & Every (GJE) are a firm of European Patent, Trade Mark & Design Attorneys. We act throughout the UK and EU – through both our London and Munich offices.

We are recognised as a leading European IP firm by the Financial Times. In addition, we have received five Gold Awards for our work in the following industry sectors: Chemistry & Pharmaceuticals, Electrical Engineering, IT & Software, Materials & Nanotechnology, and Mechanical Engineering; as well as a Silver Award for our work in the Biotechnology and Food industries.

We work with an extensive and varied list of clients - from early-stage start-ups all the way through to global brands, and everyone in-between. 

Clients include Procter and Gamble, producer of many of the UK's most well-known household brands. GJE prosecutes and defends a very active, high-value IP portfolio of currently over 1500 patents and patent applications across 70+ countries for the world’s leading banknote supplier, De La Rue.

Some of our other well-known clients include:

• MasterCard
• Hasbro
• Xerox
• Micron Technology

Filing a well-prepared patent, trade mark or design registration may be critical to the future of your business. How it is written defines not just your innovation or identity but also the competitive landscape you wish to operate in. But there is more to intellectual property than filing a document. Other things to consider will include the amount of potential or unidentified IP in your business; the level of competition in your industry; licensing the technology to others; and key target markets. GJE’s attorneys consider all these issues and provide solutions to both grow and protect your business.

Please submit the form to be sent the link to the webinar and submit any questions you would like answered within the session.