Our people

Nicholas’s practice includes drafting and prosecuting patent applications for inventions in the fields of chemistry and life sciences. His areas of technical expertise include specialist chemicals, batteries, pharmaceuticals, polymers, packaging, minerals & mining, biochemistry and bioprocessing. He also has experience advising on freedom-to-operate and conducting infringement and validity assessments.  He especially enjoys tailoring his advice to the various strategic requirements of different types of clients, from SMEs to universities and multinational companies.

Education & background

Nicholas has a PhD in chemistry and molecular biology from the University of Cape Town. His PhD project focussed on the synthesis of inhibitors of redox enzymes found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. He then became a research fellow at the University College of Dublin in the field of organic synthesis of carbohydrates, conducting multistep syntheses of derivatives of the anticoagulant drug, Heparin.

Prior to joining Withers & Rogers, Nicholas worked for one of the top patent attorney firms in South Africa and qualified as a South African patent attorney in 2017.

On a personal note...

Nicholas is a keen cyclist and enjoys mountain biking, road cycling and cycle touring. He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) cricket team.