Adrian Hayes

IAM Research

The Patent 1000 focuses exclusively on patent practice and has firmly established itself as the definitive 'go-to' resource for those seeking world-class legal patent expertise.

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Recommended - Individuals: prosecution

“It is always a positive experience working with Boult Wade Tennant. The firm is of a consistently high calibre and can be relied on 100% for a top-quality work product. Its team of highly skilled professionals instils the utmost confidence in its clients and delivers a service that is always prompt, professional and dependable.” Leading the chemical and materials group, Adrian Hayes is a skilled advocate who presents logical arguments in a compelling manner to secure top results in complex opposition and appeals proceedings before the EPO. Likewise, the “savvy and client-centric” Rohan Setna puts in regular performances before the EPO and understands the ins and outs of what makes up a successful argument. Setna has recently demonstrated his expertise when acting for Koninklijke Douwe Egberts on numerous high-profile oppositions relating to domestic coffee beverage compositions and machines. Working alongside him on this is Daniel Weston, who is described as “having extensive IP knowledge as well as a deep technical understanding of the areas in which his patrons work. Inventors can count on getting a friendly yet detailed grilling from Daniel when they discuss brand-new inventions to be patented. On the very infrequent occasions when he doesn't know something, Daniel will say so, and isn’t afraid to involve other experts to get to an answer. As a result, he can always be counted on to give reliable advice and pragmatic, practical solutions.” Bringing even further expertise to the set are Oliver Rutt and IAM Patent 1000 newcomer Michelle Pratt. Rutt’s research experience makes him a detail-oriented practitioner who ensures every angle of an invention is protected through well-designed patent applications. Pratt enters the guide this year on a wave of positive feedback: “Michelle is an excellent all-round prosecution expert in the chemical field. She is highly skilled at drafting patent applications and draws on her experience handling opposition proceedings to ensure that there are no vulnerabilities. Michelle also has fantastic communication skills and is able to clearly explain the minutiae of patent practice and law to an outsider.” Captaining the high-tech and electrical team, Jonathan Palmer does a superb job at tailoring his advice and devising bespoke solutions to suit the changing needs of his clientele. He takes the lead drafting and prosecuting patent applications for UK Research and Innovation, one of Europe's largest multidisciplinary research organisations. Characterised by “professionalism and a high level of service”, Simon Kahn works with SMEs and large corporations to secure solid patent protection. As does Daryl Penny, who earns plaudits for being “a highly seasoned advocate in opposition proceedings who can cover a range of technologies with ease”. Jason Pelly brings further strength to the high-tech and electrical bench. He is quick to get to grips with complex technology and comes up with clever strategies to achieve protection and build valuable portfolios. Taking the lead of the biotechnology and life sciences team, Nina White is a business-oriented attorney who provides highly specialised support at all stages of patent prosecution. She is supported by Matthew Spencer and Edward Ronan, who dispense sage strategic advice and know exactly which moves to make to give portfolios commercial impetus. Spencer earns particular praise for being a “formidable opponent at the EPO multi-party proceedings; he is very effective and highly knowledgeable”. On the engineering and designs side, Tessa Bucks and James Short are the names to note. Bucks heads up the team and is extremely adept from a technical and business perspective; Short provides clearcut and straightforward advice on IP strategy, which makes him a big hit among start-ups. IP all-rounder Tony Pluckrose is a go-to for particularly complex instructions. He has a deep strategic playbook to draw from and can come up with practical solutions to almost any problem.

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