D YOUNG & CO - Key Persons

Abigail Macklin

Job Titles:

Associate
Associate, Trade Mark Attorney
Associate, Trade Mark Attorney London

I joined D Young & Co in 2019, after completing a Graduate Diploma in Law and working in litigation and recoveries. I have a background in advertising so I enjoy supporting creative brand development and am particularly interested in the commercial implications of intellectual property issues.

Agnieszka Stephenson

Job Titles:

Solicitor

I carry out a range of contentious and non-contentious trade mark, copyright and design matters with a UK, EU and international dimension. I joined D Young & Co in 2019 and qualified as a solicitor in 2023. I advise on the protection and enforcement of a broad range of IP rights as well as portfolio management and dispute resolution. My experience includes litigation before national courts (such as the IPEC), registry proceedings before the UK and EU intellectual property offices, appointed person and High Court trade mark appeals, domain name disputes, anti-counterfeiting matters and transactional work. I particularly enjoy working with a diverse range of clients across various sectors, including entertainment, leisure, fashion, luxury goods, retail and tech.

Alan Boyd

Job Titles:

Partner
Partner, Patent Attorney
Partner, Patent Attorney Southampton

I have a strong academic background in computer science and I've brought this knowledge into my legal career. I enjoy tailoring arguments and in-depth expertise to turn a challenging or contentious case into a winning one. Before I joined the patent law profession, I was a software engineer researcher and research assistant. I've written several papers on embedded systems in the field of wireless sensor networks and I enjoy presenting my research at national and international conferences. For my PhD, I focused on different routing protocols to extend the diversity of received data in a wireless sensor network for as long as possible. My main areas of expertise include computer architectures, embedded systems, digital electronics, telecommunications and networks. I'm a partner in D Young & Co's electronics, engineering & IT team, and I have a great deal of experience in drafting and prosecuting patents for a range of clients. I'm also an examiner for the legal paper in the European Qualifying Exams - the professional European exams for patent attorneys.

Alice Holden

Job Titles:

Technical Assistant

With a background in pharmacology and specialising in cardiovascular science, I have enjoyed having the opportunity to work in a broad variety of biotechnology-related innovation since joining the patent profession. Before joining the D Young & Co biotechnology team in 2022, I worked elsewhere in private practice, where I assisted mainly universities, SMEs and single inventors. I was involved in a diverse range of biotechnology areas including medical devices, vaccinology, gene expression systems, and organic waste processing. I have experience in patent drafting and prosecution before both the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and European Patent Office (EPO), in addition to working with overseas attorneys in the US and other jurisdictions. Prior to entering the patent profession in 2018, I completed my DPhil in cardiovascular science at the University of Oxford. My main area of research was the role of nitric oxide and its redox variants in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone. As part of my undergraduate degree, I worked for a year in the central nervous system (CNS) research department of a leading pharmaceutical company.

Alice Stuart-Grumbar

Job Titles:

Senior Associate
Senior Associate, Patent Attorney
Senior Associate, Patent Attorney London

I joined the D Young & Co patent team as a technical assistant in 2015 and have a strong background in mechanical engineering. I enjoy working with clients to obtain the best possible scope of protection for their inventions. My main areas of expertise include aerospace and automotive engineering, mechanical systems and medical devices. I have experience in the prosecution and drafting of UK and European patent applications for a large range of technologies and for a variety of clients, including multinational companies, SMEs and individual inventors. I also have experience in carrying out freedom to operate analyses. During my Integrated Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Durham University, I worked on a research project which involved investigating reducing mixing losses caused by leakage flows in steam turbines. Qualifications MEng General Engineering specialising in Mechanical Engineering, Durham University 2015.

Andrew Cockerell

Job Titles:

Partner
Partner, Patent Attorney
Partner, Patent Attorney Southampton

I joined the D Young & Co patent team in 2014 and have particular expertise in the fields of physics, engineering and IT. I enjoy learning about clients' businesses and inventions in order to provide them with the best commercial IP protection. My work involves the drafting and prosecuting of UK, European and foreign patent applications in a wide range of technologies - from microprocessors, distributed computing and AI to medical devices, nuclear power systems and additive manufacture. I work with a variety of clients, including multinational corporations as well as SMEs and academic institutions located primarily in the UK and USA. I have experience of representing clients at oral proceedings before examining and opposition divisions of the European Patent Office (EPO), as well as providing infringement, freedom to operate and validity opinions. I also specialise in patent analysis and developing competitor intelligence, in order to advise clients on strategic prosecution and utilisation of their patent portfolios. Prior to joining D Young & Co I worked in engineering as an aerodynamicist with Airbus SE and in various roles within Rolls-Royce plc, including as a stress analyst on high temperature gas turbine components and as a design engineer on reactor coolant pumps for nuclear submarines, becoming a Chartered Engineer in 2014. I also have a keen interest in the education of patent attorneys; I am an examiner for the opposition paper (Paper C) of the European qualifying examination, the professional European exams for patent attorneys, the infringement and validity paper (FD4), and a tester for the amendment paper (FD3) of the Patent Examination Board, the professional UK exams for patent attorneys.

Anna Reid

Job Titles:

Partner
Solicitor
Partner, Solicitor London & Munich

I'm experienced in handling a broad range of IP matters across a number of sectors and enjoy working with a diverse range of clients, primarily to help them resolve disputes. I represent a variety of UK and international clients including those in the entertainment, leisure and fashion, FMCG, luxury goods, finance and gaming industries. I provide strategic advice on a wide range of IP matters including trade marks and passing off, copyright, designs and domain names (including handling disputes before Nominet and WIPO). I also advise on opposition and cancellation proceedings before the EUIPO, the UKIPO, and the European Courts. I have extensive experience of conducting litigation in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court and High Court in relation to trade mark and design infringement. My expertise extends to advising clients on their anti-counterfeiting strategies, including overseeing the seizure of counterfeit goods by Customs and other law enforcement bodies across the EU. I also assist my clients with advertising and marketing law queries, including clearance work and advising on, and resolving, complaints. I have signed the IP Inclusive Senior Leaders' Pledge to demonstrate my personal commitment to improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) in our firm. Anna Reid is smart, responsive, and vehemently defends the rights of her clients. Solicitor Reid made partner in 2018 and ably tackles both opposition proceedings and High Court disputes. Anna Reid is a key contact within the team for contentious matters and is prolific in IPEC cases. Anna Reid is a key name to note for contentious instructions, thanks to her "prompt expert advice, thorough analyses and ability to quickly address problems".

Anna Scheuermann

Job Titles:

Trade

Anthony Albutt

Job Titles:

Partner
Engineering, Aerospace and Medical Devices Expert
Key Member
Partner, Patent Attorney
Partner, Patent Attorney London

I joined D Young & Co in 2006 and became partner in 2009. I lead the firm's mechanical patent practice in London. For me, there's nothing like working with talented scientists and engineers and representing companies at the forefront of technology. Before joining D Young & Co, I worked in private practice in Germany and the UK. I also gained experience in the energy industry and IT consulting in both Europe and the US. This background enables me to represent clients across a variety of technologies - from telecommunications and medical devices to the oil industry and automotive/aerospace engineering. I represent clients before the European Patent Office's Examining and Opposition Divisions and also before the Boards of Appeal. In the UK, I act before the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office in both ex-parte and inter-partes proceedings. I am involved in contentious matters in patents and designs and I'm qualified to represent clients in the Higher Courts as a patent attorney litigator. Anthony Albutt is really good to work with - he is friendly, super smart, grasps inventions really quickly and has a good way of asking the right questions to inventors to develop the invention. Engineering, aerospace and medical devices expert Anthony Albutt is a key figure. Anthony Albutt is a key member of the group, and he leads the firm's growing mechanical practice as a specialist in engineering, aerospace, and medical devices. Anthony Albutt is very strong in engineering; he is always helpful. Anthony Albutt leads the outfit's mechanical offering with technical and legal finesse.

Anton Baker

Job Titles:

Partner
Partner, Patent Attorney
Partner, Patent Attorney London

I joined D Young & Co in 2012, having previously completed a Doctorate in Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Oxford. I enjoy working across a broad range of technology and have a particular specialism in artificial intelligence, computer-implemented inventions and other inventions at the edges of patentability. My academic career has given me a strong background across a broad range of key technologies in today's high-tech sector, including computing, semiconductors, photovoltaics and detection techniques. At D Young & Co, I have successfully represented clients patenting inventions ranging from neural network image manipulation, to network routing protocols, to implantable medical devices. My main areas of expertise lie in machine learning, computer software, telecommunications, computing architectures, additive manufacturing and techbio. I have a great deal of experience in assisting my clients in drafting and prosecuting patents, as well as providing opinions and representing my clients at oral proceedings in front of the European Patent Office (EPO) and the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO).

Antony Latham

Job Titles:

Partner
Partner, Patent Attorney
Partner, Patent Attorney Southampton

I joined D Young & Co in 2012. My expertise is in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals sectors, with a particular focus on RNA therapeutics, vaccines, infectious diseases, antibodies and gene editing. I enjoy making creative arguments, and being fully immersed in my client's patent strategy and portfolio in order to provide the highest level of service possible. I advise a range of clients - including some of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies - on the drafting, prosecution, opposition and defence of their patents. In particular, I've successfully represented my clients in numerous contentious legal proceedings before the European Patent Office (EPO) opposition divisions and Boards of Appeal. Before I joined D Young & Co, I completed a PhD in endothelial cell biology, focusing on pro-angiogenic signalling pathways. I've published many research papers in peer-reviewed journals and I've presented at bioscience and intellectual property conferences across the globe. I have signed the IP Inclusive Senior Leaders' Pledge to demonstrate my personal commitment to improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) in our firm. Antony Latham is super smart and fun to work with. He works hard, is always very well prepared and diligent in his follow up and communicates clear and to the point, no matter whether this is in internal meetings or when presenting our case at the EPO.

Arun Roy

Job Titles:

Senior Associate
Senior Associate, Patent Attorney
Senior Associate, Patent Attorney Southampton

I specialise in helping my clients obtain patents for electronics and software inventions and enjoy keeping up-to-date in this ever-evolving area of patent law. I find my job rewarding because I get to learn about a huge variety of inventions and meet lots of interesting people. My fields of professional interest include image processing, video games, telecoms, medical devices, payment systems, e-commerce, blockchain and machine learning. I am an expert in navigating the often complex path to obtaining patent protection for computer-implemented inventions at the European Patent Office (EPO), particularly those in the fintech field. I have many years' experience in drafting new patent applications and getting patent applications allowed at the EPO, UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and other patent offices around the world. This has included regularly representing clients at oral proceedings before the EPO. In the past I have also been seconded to the busy in-house patents team of a large, international company. This gave me a better understanding of the work in-house patent teams do and how outside counsel can best provide assistance.

Ben Hunter

Job Titles:

Associate
Associate, Patent Attorney
Associate, Patent Attorney London

I joined D Young & Co in 2016 and am a European and Chartered Patent Attorney. I enjoy working with clients in challenging technological areas to build a strong patent portfolio. My main areas of interest include semiconductor-based devices, computer-implemented inventions, telecommunications, quantum computing, and medical devices. I am experienced in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications and representing clients in oral proceedings both in ex parte and opposition proceedings, including before the Boards of Appeal of the European Patent Office. I enjoy working with a large range of clients, from large multinational corporations to UK-based start-ups, SMEs and academic institutions. Before I joined D Young & Co, I completed a master's degree in physics at the University of Bristol, specialising in condensed matter physics.

Ben Wood

Job Titles:

Technical Assistant

I joined the biotechnology team at D Young & Co in 2021. I have a strong background in cell and molecular biology, which I enjoy applying to the commercialisation of a diverse range of innovative biotechnologies. Since joining the firm I have gained experience in European and UK patent prosecution and opposition, providing strategic advice for a range of clients in the field of biotechnology and therapeutics. Prior to joining D Young & Co I completed a degree in natural sciences (biological) at the University of Cambridge, and continued there to complete a PhD in cell and molecular biology. My research aimed to provide fundamental understanding of the cellular mechanisms that underpin egg activation and meiosis during the egg-to-embryo transition, through detailed study of the actin cytoskeleton. Qualifications BA (Hons) Natural Sciences (Biological), Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, 2017. PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, 2021. Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, Queen Mary, University of London. Memberships Student Member of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA). Student Member of the European Patent Institute (epi).

Beth Kent

Job Titles:

Trade

Bonnie Brooks

Job Titles:

Trade

Caroline Priddle

Job Titles:

HR Manager - Engagement & Development
HR Manager - Engagement & Development Southampton

Catherine Keetch

Job Titles:

Partner
Partner, Patent Attorney
Partner, Patent Attorney London

With nearly 15 years' experience in private practice, it's great to be part of such a dedicated, expert team. I focus on chemical and biochemical subject matter, and get great satisfaction from helping my clients protect and launch exciting new products. As my practice has evolved, I've gained extensive experience and a broad client base, from individual inventors through to multinationals. I especially enjoy working on the wide range of cases this brings, including patent drafting and prosecution, as well as European Patent Office opposition and appeal proceedings. My expertise covers a range of chemical and biochemical subject matter, in particular, engine oils, lubricants, petrol additives, ink technology, food chemistry, nutrition, oral and personal care products, polymer chemistry, analytical chemistry (particularly mass spectrometry), proteomics, protein chemistry, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics. I have signed the IP Inclusive Senior Leaders' Pledge to demonstrate my personal commitment to improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) in our firm.

Cathrine McGowan

Job Titles:

Partner
Partner, Patent Attorney
Partner, Patent Attorney Southampton

I've been with D Young & Co since 2001 and was made a partner in 2019. I enjoy being able to work in a diverse selection of technological fields and with experienced and dedicated colleagues. I represent multinationals, SMEs and academic institutions in a number of areas. These include the preparation and prosecution of patent applications, opposition and appeal work before the European Patent Office, national and international assignment and licence recordal, and the preparation of opinions on the validity and infringement of patents and applications. My main areas of expertise are in the technical fields of physics, mechanics and electronics. I'm particularly experienced with cases involving optical fibres, medical devices and software, image processing, sensors, telecommunications and packaging. Before joining the firm in 2001, I gained several years' experience in a London-based private practice. There, I focused on patent, design and trademark work for a diverse range of clients.

Charles Harding

Job Titles:

Partner
Expert
Partner, Patent Attorney
Partner, Patent Attorney Southampton

I've been a partner at D Young & Co since 1995. Most of my practice concerns life sciences such as biotechnology, immunology and biochemistry. After more than 35 years in the sector, I'm still passionate about working with innovative clients who are breaking new ground and making a genuine difference. Before I joined the firm, I worked as a patent and trade mark attorney in the chemical and biotechnological industry with Rohm & Haas Company. This followed invaluable working experience in the life science arena gained at Amersham International, Hammersmith Hospital and the Gray Cancer Institute. Since then, I've frequently chaired and lectured at numerous international conferences and conventions on issues concerning patents in the life sciences. Since the early 1990s I've been giving lectures at Queen Mary, University of London, to candidates wishing to become European patent attorneys. I represent blue chip companies, SMEs and academic organisations before the UKIPO and the EPO on diverse life sciences patent matters. My portfolio covers technologies ranging from molecular biology, immunology, biotechnology, virology, veterinary science and food science, through to protein chemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceuticals and devices. I have an extensive practice in EPO oppositions and appeals, and offer over 25 years' advocacy experience including representation before the EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal. I've been involved in litigation (including at first instance and appellate level) in the UK, France, Germany, USA, South Africa and Japan. I have also attended interviews at the US Patent Office. In January 2021, I became an Honorary Professor of the Centre for Commercial Studies of Queen Mary University of London. In February 2024, I had the honour of being elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for my contributions to the chemical and biological sciences. Charles Harding is recommended for his prosecution nous, but also keeps busy with contentious matters. Charles Harding is an expert across the life sciences, including biotech, molecular biology and immunology. Charles Harding is a leading patent attorney with a great deal of experience in the life sciences sector.

Chris Weekes

Job Titles:

Technical Assistant

I joined the biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceutical team at D Young & Co in 2022. My background is primarily in molecular biology and biochemistry, with experience in immunology and immunotherapy. Since joining the firm, I have been introduced to a range of areas of patent law, including drafting, prosecution and opposition. This has covered a diverse range of clients and fields of bioscience, and I've carried out work on gene editing, vaccines, immunotherapies and many more, for small start-ups through to large multinational corporations. I completed my undergraduate studies in Natural Sciences in Cambridge, before undertaking a PhD in Biochemistry at Imperial College London. My research focused on the mechanism of DNA replication initiation, utilising engineered protein constructs in combination with mass spectrometry and genomic techniques. I also spent time in the clinical trials space prior to my PhD working on projects related to cancer immunotherapy data.

Claire Webster

Job Titles:

Technical Assistant

I joined the patent team at D Young & Co in 2021, and have a strong technical background in chemistry, with particular experience in carbohydrate and supramolecular chemistry. Since joining D Young & Co I have gained experience in various areas of the patent prosecution process. I have enjoyed applying my technical knowledge to a broad range of technologies, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and polymer chemistry. Prior to joining the firm I studied chemistry and biology at undergraduate level, before completing MSc and PhD degrees in chemistry at the University of Bristol. My doctoral research focused on the development of synthetic carbohydrate receptors operating in water. These molecules have the potential to be used a wide range of technologies - for example, in diabetes therapeutics or utilising carbohydrates as a renewable resource.

Connor McConchie

Job Titles:

Partner
Partner, Patent Attorney
Partner, Patent Attorney Southampton

My work is as diverse as it is rewarding. By supporting clients from the outset at the strategic stage, right through to drafting, prosecution and enforcement, I feel like I'm a key part of their business. Before joining D Young & Co in 2006, I spent time in industry with Interbrew UK, assisting in the maintenance and development of large scale in-place-cleaning systems, as well as in the control of microbiological contaminants through the use of micro-filtration systems. That industrial focus has continued at D Young & Co where I work closely with applicants in the fields of polymers, small molecules, drug delivery, and inorganic binders. I provide on the ground advice to clients regarding their IP strategy, portfolio management and competitor intelligence. It's really exciting to work alongside and represent such innovative minds, and to help protect their solutions, and ultimately their business. I have signed the IP Inclusive Senior Leaders' Pledge to demonstrate my personal commitment to improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) in our firm.

Daisy Bethell

Job Titles:

Technical Assistant

I joined D Young & Co in 2023 and have a strong technical background in molecular bioengineering, with a particular focus on biotechnology and synthetic biology. Before joining D Young & Co I completed an integrated masters in molecular bioengineering at Imperial College London. My studies covered a diverse range of topics, including biomaterials, tissue engineering and synthetic biology. My master's project involved genetically engineering yeast cells to produce commercially relevant chemicals and then optimizing the bioprocess and scaling-up production. Since joining the firm I have worked with a diverse range of clients and gained experience in a variety of areas of patent law including prosecution, opposition and appeals at the EPO.

Darren Lewis

Job Titles:

Partner
Partner, Patent Attorney
Partner, Patent Attorney Southampton

With a background in physics, I've always been excited by new science. Supporting clients' expansion as they develop and launch new products is one of the best aspects of my job. I became a partner at D Young & Co in 2010. Before entering the patent profession in 2001, I spent ten years working in academia. My main interests there included the design, construction and deployment of astronomical instruments; image and time series analysis techniques; spacecraft operations at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center; plus undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. Drawing on my technical expertise in a wide range of physics, electronics and mechanical subjects, I draft patent applications for worldwide prosecution, direct and coordinate patent prosecution strategies in different jurisdictions as well as undertaking opposition work. In addition, I regularly advise on infringement and validity issues, freedom to operate analyses and due diligence exercises. My clients range from individuals to large corporations - extending into aerosol delivery systems, mobile telecommunications, embryology, the oil industry, radiation detection, capacitive sensing, optical devices and medical imaging. I really value developing close working relationships with my clients. This allows me to fully understand their business IP needs and advise them in a commercially relevant way. Darren Lewis has a large brain and his advice is always sharp and impactful.