Nathan Zhang

Nathan is a European patent attorney specialising in chemistry and advanced materials.  He works in all stages of the patent lifecycle, working extensively in invention capture, drafting and prosecution of patent applications relating to a range of chemical innovations.  He also has experience in opposition proceedings before the EPO, as well as in providing freedom-to-operate and validity opinions.

Nathan’s clients include multinational chemical companies, particularly those active in technological areas such as polymers for optical lenses and new cathode materials.  Within the UK, Nathan works with various universities, spinouts, and start-ups to identify and pursue new chemical innovations.

Nathan has a particular interest in the development of new and sustainable materials, from biopolymers to batteries, and has written several articles around this topic.

EPO Opposition Highlights

Nathan has growing experience in opposition proceedings before the EPO, particularly in successfully defending patents of high commercial importance.  Notable cases include:

EP3031960: Perlon Nextrusion Monofil GmbH vs Toray Industries, Inc.  Successful defence of this patent relating to resilient core-sheath monofilament technology.  The patent was maintained with the claims as granted.

EP3396269: Althoff, Claudia vs Blueair AB.  Successful defence of this patent, under our Main Request which turned round a negative preliminary opinion, relating to packaging.

EP 3730264: Victrex Manufacturing Limited vs Toray Industries, Inc.  Successful defence of this patent that protected pre-impregnated reinforcing fibres.

Qualifications and Technical Background

Nathan has a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Oxford.  His Master’s project involved the synthesis of zirconium-based catalysts for the polymerisation of nature-based monomers.  Nathan also took part in a summer project at the University of Oxford, where he developed an electrochemical method of surface-initiated polymerisation.

He has particular experience and knowledge in areas including:

• Polymer compositions
• Energy storage and battery materials
• Green industrial chemistry processes
• Detergent and personal care compositions
• New age chemistry

Professional Career

Nathan joined Mewburn Ellis LLP in 2020 and passed the Queen Mary Certificate in Intellectual PropertyLaw with Distinction in 2022.  Nathan qualified as a European Patent Attorney in 2024.

Memberships and Affiliations

Nathan is a member of The Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (epi).