Expertise

Deborah advises clients of all sizes in patent applications, prosecutions and oppositions, both before the UKIPO and the European Patent Office. With her background in biochemistry, she is particularly known for providing astute commercial advice on new physiological technologies ranging from diagnostic methods to vaccines.

A highly experienced patent attorney with more than 20 years in the profession, Deborah has a strong technical background in biochemistry and physiology. Her practice spans a wide range of technologies in the life sciences sector, including diagnostic methods, gene technology, biomass processing, vaccines, pharmaceutical chemistry and mechanical devices.

Deborah is experienced in preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications at both the UK and European Patent Offices. She has also been involved in opposing and defending oppositions to European patents, and providing advice on infringement and freedom to operate to clients in a range of technical fields. Responsive and pragmatic, she acts for a variety of clients, ranging from start-ups to leading multinationals, both in the UK and abroad.

Committed to the development of the sector, Deborah, along with her colleagues John Hull, Anna Hatt, Matthew Ng, and Sarah-Jane Crawford, writes a monthly update on UK patent case law for the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys journal. She is also a STEM Ambassador, taking part in events to promote careers in science, technology, engineering and maths in schools.

Career

Before joining the profession, Deborah studied the effect of the cytokine Interleukin-6 on the gene expression of heat shock proteins, and the relationship with disease severity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. She joined Beck Greener in 2019, having previously spent 18 years at another leading firm of patent attorneys.