Ben Tolley

Ben does patent work in the life sciences sector.  This includes drafting and prosecuting UK, European and International patent applications. The majority of his practice is engaged in 'defending' or 'attacking' patents in opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO.

Areas of Expertise

• Plant-and algal biotechnologies, including genetic modification techniques and transformation
• Microbial inoculants for plant growth, protection and bioremediation
• Genetic technologies, including nucleic acid editing tools, riboswitches and expression systems
• Synthetic biology
• Biologics, nucleic acid and antibody therapeutics
  
  

Clients

Ben works with a range of clients in the life sciences sector, from multinational biotech companies and SMEs to universities and research institutes.

Background

Ben has a first class honours degree from the University of Manchester, where he won the prize for highest-placed student in his year for biological sciences. He won a Sainsbury-sponsored undergraduate scholarship to the University of Cambridge to investigate plant molecular markers for climate change, and completed an undergraduate research placement at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He has a Sainsbury-sponsored PhD from the University of Cambridge, specialising in plant molecular genetics. Ben joined Mewburn Ellis LLP in 2019, after qualifying as a European Patent Attorney in 2017 and then as a Charted Patent Attorney in 2021. 

Recommendations

Named as a Managing IP Rising Star 2019 - 2024.

"Ben Tolley demonstrated exceptional professionalism and skill during our opposition proceedings. His ability to distill complex issues into compelling arguments addressing the most critical aspects combined with a clear and persuasive presentation during the hearing, played a pivotal role in securing a favorable result. His discovery of a decisive document further demonstrated his commitment to the case. We are extremely satisfied with his work and highly recommend his services."- one of the 50 largest pharmaceutical companies in the world