Zhaobo Li

Zhaobo is a European and Chinese patent attorney specialising in chemistry and materials. He operates at all stages of the patent lifecycle including drafting, prosecution and opposition proceedings before the EPO, for a range of global chemical clients.

Zhaobo has a solid foundation in Chinese patent law and practice, having spent four years as patent examiner at the Chinese Patent Office and another four years as a patent attorney at a leading IP law firm in China.  This expertise and perspective allow him to navigate the complex legal landscapes in both Europe and China with ease and coordinate successful multinational proceedings in these jurisdictions.

Zhaobo is adept in crafting high-quality submissions. Leveraging his background as a Chinese patent examiner means he can identify critical details in patent cases and assess legal matters from multiple viewpoints, a skill that is highly valued by his clients. His deep understanding of both legal systems ensures he delivers objective, targeted strategies, and insightful arguments.

EPO Opposition Expertise 

Zhaobo is experienced in both in offensive and defensive oppositions and appeals.  Notable cases include:

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.

EP3171706:  International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. vs CHEMI S.P.A. Successful defence of this patent relating to nutritional compositions containing phosphatidylserine powder.

EP3511380, T 0232/23: Appeal against Examining Division decision. The decision under appeal is set aside by the Board of Appeal without oral hearing.

Recommendations and feedback 

For his strategic analysis in two territories one client commented: “Thank you for the incredibly clear and helpful guidance.”

Another said: “Thank you for stepping in and providing your insights which I think contributed greatly to our arguments.  This is much appreciated.” 

Qualifications and technical background 

Zhaobo has a BSc in Chemistry from the Peking University which exempted him from the national entrance exam, Gaokao and a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, which focused on functionalisation research of SiO₂ nanoparticles with photosensitizers. 

His areas of technical expertise include:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Polymers
• Nanotechnology
• Composite Materials
• Agricultural Chemistry
• Biological Chemistry
• Industrial Chemistry
• Mechanics

Professional Career

Zhaobo qualified as a Chinese Patent Attorney in 2014. He obtained his Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in Intellectual Property and Competition Law from the Munich Intellectual Property Law Center of the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition in 2019. 

Zhaobo joined Mewburn Ellis in 2020 and qualified as a European Patent Attorney in 2023.

Memberships and Affiliations

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