Whether it is visible or not, chemistry is a driving factor in nearly every field of industry – not least pharmaceuticals.  As both qualified scientists and highly experienced patent attorneys, at GJE we seek to protect the tangible end result of every type of chemical innovation. Our expertise can ensure a successful commercial future for your innovation and the products it is used in.

Our expertise covers the whole range of chemistry and pharma industrial sectors.

We have helped clients achieve success in all areas of industrial chemistry; a list that includes catalysis, surface chemistry, electrochemistry, polymers, process chemistry, the manufacture of smart materials, semi-conductors and nanotechnology.  We also do a sizeable amount of work in the CleanTech arena with clients involved in energy needs and usage reduction, carbon capture, CO2 reduction, biodegradables and nature-inspired materials.

From a commercial perspective we have helped our clients put their specialised knowledge to use in a range of industries including steel production, insulation materials, hi-tech, telecoms, FMCG, inks, coatings and the automotive industry.

Pharmaceutical patents are a particular speciality of ours and we recognise that the use of intellectual property within the pharmaceutical sector has changed in recent years. Previously, pharmaceutical companies built a portfolio of medicine patents simply as a defence against competitors.  Now business strategy within the pharmaceutical sector has become much more sophisticated, with intellectual property at the heart of research and development.  In addition to using patents as a barrier to entry, you also need to consider minimising the risk of costly litigation, and maximising any potential licensing revenue from you non-core IP assets.

GJE’s pharmaceutical team understand both the commercial realities of the pharmaceutical sector and the practical challenges that come with getting a drug to market and securing a valuable revenue stream.  We can help you secure strong initial IP protection and we follow a consistent plan as we draft, prosecute and litigate throughout the pharmaceutical patent lifecycle.

We will work with you to develop technical, legal and geographical strategies which maximise the commercial value over the pharmaceutical product lifecycle.  For example, we may file follow-up applications covering new and inventive formulations, salt forms, polymorphs, dosage regimes, combination products, and new medical indications to help you extend the scope of your patent.  Our team are recognised within the industry for putting our clients in the best possible position to obtain robust and defensible drug patents and the protection provided by a supplementary protection certificate.

Many of our team members have worked in industry and all have experience of working with leading applied chemistry and/or drug companies.  This genuine insight and interest in the field enables us to provide support that is specific to our clients’ technology and business objectives.

The team has a wide range of expertise that touches every aspect of IP rights including:

Freedom to operate and market intelligence

In the chemistry and pharma sector it’s more important than ever to minimise the risk of patent infringement in both research and development, and commercial production.  To mitigate risk, we conduct searches to assess the novelty of your particular invention before a patent application is filed.  Similarly, we can identify patents that might be infringed by your invention prior to launching a new product – this is known as a freedom to operate search.

These searches are really insightful and can help you understand competitors’ activities that might infringe your own patents.  It’s an effective way of policing an IP portfolio or providing prime leads for your IP licensing strategy.

Effective management of costs

Protecting your IP and filing for medicine patents or drug patents can be costly, which is why we help you to efficiently manage your IP so you have control and visibility over everything.  We appreciate that cash is the lifeblood of a growing business, so we’ve created a bespoke client portal where you can access your portfolio and easily review the scope and status of your portfolio.

If you’d like, we can also provide you with annual and/or quarterly cost estimates to help you manage cash flow.  Where it’s appropriate, we can also advise you on how to minimise costs, and which costs can be delayed without putting your IP at risk.

Alternative business strategies

We understand that getting a drug or other chemical product to market may not be your immediate goal.  Perhaps you want to raise finance for growth or put in place an exit strategy.  Over the years we’ve helped clients in numerous funding rounds, and have successfully steered many companies through the acquisition process.  We regularly conduct due diligence on both sides of the deal, so getting companies ‘due diligence ready’ as part of an exit strategy comes as second nature to us.

A leading oppositions team

Chemical and pharmaceutical patents are frequently disputed, due to their high value.  A third party may seek to invalidate your patent, or perhaps you want to remove a patent which stands in your commercial path.  Either way, our dedicated oppositions group has considerable experience in defending and attacking the validity of patents.  Over the years, we have represented patent owners in more than 1000 opposition proceedings and have one of the best track records in the industry.  We are confident that we can provide you with a defence or attack which is second to none.

Find out more about patent opposition practice by following these links. Oppositions & supplementary protection certificates

Since our company was founded in 2009, we have received outstanding IP support from the Chemistry team at Gill Jennings & Every.  From preparing intelligent, well-drafted patent applications to supporting our fund-raising activities, GJE has always delivered.