Philip is a European patent attorney with nearly 25 years’ experience of working with patents in the biotech and pharma fields.
His first degree was in genetics from Cambridge University (UK); he then carried out research in molecular biology and received his PhD from Warwick University (UK). He qualified as a UK and European Patent Attorney with Dehns (formerly Frank B. Dehn & Co.) and is now a partner in their Oxford Life Sciences Group.
Philip writes and deals with patent applications in all areas of molecular biology and biochemistry including genomics, proteomics, recombinant DNA and protein products, transgenic plants and animals, diagnostics assays, virology and vaccines. He has particular expertise in patenting antibodies, stem cells and CRISPR-based inventions.
Philip works mainly with SMEs and universities by obtaining patent protection for their inventions and advising them on their IP strategies.
He is an active member of the Life Sciences Committee of the UK Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA). He has spoken at over 100 conferences, and on BBC Radio 4 on the patenting of inventions, as well as publishing a number of papers in this area.

Nicola is a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches and advises technology companies on all aspects of corporate law including the delivery of funding rounds and strategies for growth and realisation of value. She has acted for numerous companies from early stage through to major institutional funding rounds, strategic acquisitions and exit via sale or IPO. Her clients include organisations in the life sciences, digital and clean tech sectors, many of which have an international dynamic to their business. She has advised over 40 spin out and start-ups companies from Oxford University as well as several more from other institutions.
Nicola is recognised by both Chambers UK and The Legal 500, winning praise for coming up with ‘simple but effective solutions to complex legal issues’ and for being ‘absolutely charming and very competent’. She has also been described by clients in the directories as being ‘absolutely passionate about her job’ and as having ‘a palpable determination to drive change that is a pleasure to witness’.

Sue Staunton is a business services partner for accountants and business advisers, James Cowper Kreston, based in their Oxford office. Sue heads the firm's technology team which advises clients of all sizes from spin out to IPO and beyond.
Sue works with clients on the development and implementation of their corporate strategies. She also has a great deal of experience in working with businesses in financial crisis to establish strategies to assist them to move forward successfully.
Sue has been involved in running a number of businesses so understands what it can be like at the sharp end!
James Cowper Kreston is one of the leading firms of accountants and business advisers in the Thames Valley and South of England, with over 200 Partners and staff operating from six offices. The firm has a strong international capability through its membership of Kreston International, the 13th largest accounting association in the World.