Christopher Casley

Chris works with inventors and founders to turn cutting-edge science into valuable IP. Specialising in the life sciences sector, Chris has extensive experience in providing comprehensive IP services across a wide range of technologies. From offering pre-drafting strategic advice to drafting and prosecuting worldwide patent portfolios, Chris is highly skilled in navigating the complexities of patent law in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.
 
His expertise also includes IP due diligence, European oppositions, and providing valuable insights on patent portfolio management for clients of all sizes, from start-ups to multinational corporations.

Areas of Expertise

Chris brings deep technical expertise to his patent practice, with particular focus on:

• Biological Therapeutics: Extensive experience with cutting-edge therapeutics, including antibody-drug conjugates, cell therapy and other advanced therapeutics.
• Prognostic and Treatment Response Predictive Methods: Expertise in computational biology, especially in predictive biomarkers for cancer treatments.
• Cancer Therapeutics, Diagnostics, and Biomarkers: Specializing in the intersection of patent law and novel cancer therapies and diagnostic tools.

Clients

Chris works closely with a wide range of clients in the life sciences sector, providing tailored IP services that address their specific needs at each stage of innovation. His clients include:

• Universities and Research Institutions: Advising academic and public sector clients on patent strategy and commercialisation of breakthrough research.
• Charities and Non-Profit Organizations: Supporting non-profit organisations in protecting innovative solutions for public health challenges.
• Spin-Outs and SMEs: Helping early-stage companies navigate IP protection as they scale their innovations and enter the market.
• Multinational Corporations: Managing complex, multi-jurisdictional patent portfolios for large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Background

Chris has a strong academic foundation in the life sciences. He holds a degree in Natural Sciences (Pharmacology) from the University of Cambridge and a PhD from University College London, where his research focused on the neurochemistry of Alzheimer’s disease. His scientific career includes post-doctoral research at a multinational pharmaceutical company, where he gained hands-on experience in drug development and research strategy.

Chris joined Mewburn Ellis LLP in 2004, qualifying as a Chartered Patent Attorney in 2007 and as a European Patent Attorney in 2008. He became a partner in the firm in 2011, where he has continued to build his reputation as a trusted advisor in the life sciences patent space.

Key Skills & Services:

• Patent drafting and invention capture
• Patent Portfolio Management & Strategy
• Patent Prosecution & Litigation Support
• European & International Patent Filings
• IP Due Diligence & Commercialisation
• Expert Counsel on Biological and Pharmaceutical Patents
• Post-Grant Proceedings (European Oppositions & Appeals)

With a combination of scientific expertise and legal acumen, Chris is committed to delivering value-driven, results-oriented patent strategies for his clients.

Opposition highlights

Chris has worked on multiple opposition cases, including:

EP2734549, T0102/20 – 3.3.04: Straw person opposition against the patent covering Lokivetmab, the first monoclonal antibody to be approved for veterinary use in the European Union. This Zoetis patent was revoked by the Board of Appeal.

EP3219729: Straw person opposition against patent covering feline use of an anti-IL-31 antibody was also revoked by the Opposition Division.

EP1224273, T0754/10 – 3.3.02: An offensive opposition for Danisco US Inc. of Novozymes A/S, the patent directed to enzyme-containing granules. The patent was finally revoked by Board of Appeal.

EP1032655, T1663/08 – 3.3.08: An offensive opposition for Genencor International, Inc. of Novozymes A/S for a patent directed to protease variants having improved wash performance. The patent was maintained in amended form by the opposition division. Following our arguments at the appeal oral proceedings, the patent proprietor withdrew approval of the text and the patent was revoked.

EP1141286: An offensive opposition for AstraZeneca AB of Genetics Institute, LLC and Johns Hopkins University. It was a patent directed to IL-13 antagonists for use in treatment of allergic conditions or cancer. The patent was  revoked by the Opposition Division.