Jeremy Webster

Jeremy is a results-driven UK & European Patent Attorney with a proven track record in securing, protecting and defending intellectual property rights for businesses operating in the chemistry, materials and devices fields. His passion for innovation and dedication to excellence drive his thriving patent practice making him the go-to person for businesses of all sizes in need of an effective, pragmatic IP strategy. His commercial appreciation and years of experience managing global IP portfolios enable him to craft a tailored IP roadmap for his clients that aligns directly with their specific needs, resources and ambitions.  

Jeremy has sustained success in EPO oppositions and appeals, his effective advocacy skills mean he delivers favourable results in both offensive and defensive matters. Flexible in his approach he handles everything from compact cost-conscious cases through to 'win at all costs' proceedings. His expertise in patent oppositions is so well-regarded that clients often entrust him with defending their patents, even when he was not involved in the original drafting or prosecution.  “It’s all about digging deep, really understanding the technology and it’s commercial context and asking the right questions. This then allows me to devise bold and creative strategies that offer the best chance of a positive outcome for my clients” says Jeremy. 

Jeremy’s enthusiasm for, and deep understanding of, sustainability and the circular economy, means that his clients benefit from his appreciation of the technical and commercial journeys that characterise the pivot to sustainability. He is proud to be a trusted partner, strategist and expert practitioner on these exciting, necessary and challenging journeys. 

EPO Oppositions expertise

Jeremy has extensive experience representing clients at opposition and appeal hearings at the EPO. He has worked on more than 100 cases, defending and opposing patents in diverse technical fields across the Chemical, Materials and Devices sector, for example: 

Offensive Oppositions

• EP1661978, T1598/13 and T2191/17: Unilever PLC/Unilever NV and Henkel AG & Co. KGaA vs The Procter & Gamble Company. Successful revocation of this patent relating to the deposition of perfume by laundry compositions.
  
  
• EP1712610, T1259/17 and EP1712611, T2186/17: Unilever PLC/Unilever NV and Henkel AG & Co. KGaA vs The Procter & Gamble Company. Successful revocation of these two closely-related patents relating to enzyme-containing laundry compositions.
  
  
• EP1427790, T0144/16: Scott Bader Company Ltd. vs Sika Schweiz AG. Successful invalidation of independent claims relating to styrene-free meth(acrylic) adhesive compositions.
  
  
• EP2387973: Strawman and Medtronic Inc. and Neovasc Tiara Inc. vs  Symetis SA. Successful revocation of this patent for a stent-heart valve delivery system.
  
  
• EP3146044, T1035/22: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. vs Bunge Loders Croklaan B.V. Successful appeal proceedings resulting in surrender of this patent relating to immobilization of enzymes for the production of high value fatty acid food ingredients.
  
  
• EP3214957, T1696/21: Imperial Tobacco Limited and JT International S.A and Schlich, George William and Plate Schweitzer Zounek vs Nicoventures Trading Limited. Successful revocation of this patent relating to liquid formulations for use in electronic smoking substitute device.

Defensive Oppositions

• EP 3496548: Serjeants LLP vs LIPTON Teas and Infusions.  Successful defence of this patent relating to tea leaf processing technology to optimize flavour and appearance.
  
  
• EP3031960: Perlon Nextrusion Monfil GmbH vs Toray Industries, Inc.  Successful defence of this patent relating to resilient core-sheath monofilament technology.
  
  
• EP3816230 and EP3816231: EMS Chemie AG vs Toray Industries, Inc. Successful defence of two patents relating to high performance resin compositions for hydrogen storage – patents maintained as granted after Opponent withdrew their opposition following the preliminary opinions.
  
  
• EP0750936, T0867/05 and T2348/13: Fresenius Medical Care AG vs Toray Industries, Inc. Successful defence of this patent that protected high performing permselective membranes for artificial kidneys.

Background and key skills 

• Strategic IP Advisor: With over 20 years’ experience in the IP sector, Jeremy works alongside his clients through all stages of the patent life cycle. Grounded in the commercial context, his ability to grasp complex technical concepts and translate them into successful IP strategies is a cornerstone of his practice.
  
  
• Expert in EPO Opposition and Appeal Proceedings:  Jeremy has an enviable success rate with opposition and appeals and regularly represent clients at oral proceedings before the EPO. He is recommended on the IAM Patent 1000 EPO Rankings short list, and has been for many years.
  
  
• Trusted Advisor:  Jeremy fosters long-term partnerships built on trust and open communication. By understanding his clients' business goals, he delivers tailored IP solutions that drive growth and success. Jeremy thrives in identifying opportunities to leverage IP for commercial advantage.
  
  
• Effective Leader: As head of the firm's growing chemistry and materials practice group and a member of the firm’s Management Board, Jeremy actively and positively contributes to the strategic development of the firm. Jeremy champions the firm’s “trained for excellence” value and supports colleagues on their journey to success.
  
  
• Driver of positive change: Jeremy has a life-long interest in sustainability and sustainable technologies. His PhD was grounded in what was then called “green chemistry” and he continues to be energised and excited working with innovator companies developing new sustainable solutions. Many of the businesses he works with are on a “green journey”, whether they are a cleantech start-up or are a large corporate pivoting towards more sustainable technologies. Helping them to use their IP to carve out technology and commercial advantage gets him out of bed in the morning!
  
  
• An established professional: Jeremy’s degree and PhD in chemistry was followed by a University-based technology role, actively partnering with industry to provide clean tech solutions and creating IP. He joined Mewburn Ellis LLP in 2001, qualifying as a Chartered Patent Attorney and European Patent Attorney in 2005. He joined the partnership in 2008.

Recommendations and feedback

Jeremy is consistently recognised in the leading Legal IP directories including:

IAM Patent 1000
Jeremy is one of only 116 attorneys included in the IAM Patent 1000 EPO Rankings short list - 2016-2024

He is also a “Recommended Individual” for Patent Prosecution - 2016–2024

Legal 500
He is listed as a "recommended lawyer" and a "key lawyer" - 2021-2024

Managing Intellectual Property’s IP Stars
Jeremy is named a  “Patent star” - 2021-2024.

Other feedback

"Jeremy Webster partners closely with his clientele from the inception of new innovations through to opposition and appeal proceedings at the EPO. He brings a business-oriented mindset to his practice and ensures each patent application has a commercial edge". - IAM Patent 1000 – 2024

"Jeremy Webster is my go-to partner for all external work and he always delivers." - Legal 500 2025

"Chemistry doyen Jeremy Webster, has a high success rate in oppositions and appeals at the EPO and effortlessly coordinates global portfolio management for Japanese multinationals". - IAM Patent 1000 – 2020

Focus on Inclusivity

Jeremy has personally signed up to the IP Inclusive Leader’s Pledge and is committed to doing everything he can to advance our inclusive culture.