Our people

Justin primarily works on drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the UK, Europe and around the world, and devising appropriate patenting strategies to protect his clients’ technologies to the greatest extent possible.  He has also handled a number of oppositions and appeals before the European Patent Office and has been involved in several due diligence projects, including in relation to stock market listings and potential acquisitions.

Justin has particular expertise in gene and cell therapies and as a result heads up Withers & Rogers’ cell & gene therapy specialist practice group.

More broadly, Justin also has experience across a range of technologies in the life sciences, in particular in biochemistry, immunology and pharmacology.  Some of the specific areas he has worked on with clients include: new active pharmaceutical ingredients; formulations of pharmaceuticals; drug delivery systems; screening and diagnostic methods using genetic and/or protein markers; therapeutic antibodies; vaccines; RNA therapeutics; gene therapies; therapeutic T-cells; diagnostic kits; bacteria and methods for genetically engineering bacteria, and biofuels.  Justin also has experience in Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs).

Justin works with a range of different clients so he is comfortable adapting and tailoring his advice to suit their needs.  He does work for a number of academic institutions, both in the UK and Europe.  He also works with small and medium size companies, as well as large multinational organisations.

Education & background

Justin has a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford, covering all aspects of molecular and cellular biochemistry as well as organic chemistry. His final year specialisation was in immunology and neuropharmacology. Justin also spent time conducting research in the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford, both as part of his degree and also afterwards as a research assistant.  He joined Withers & Rogers in 2005. In March 2023, he was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.

On a personal note...

Justin is an avid cricketer, playing regularly for the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and travelling to support the England and Surrey cricket teams. He is also a keen skier, having spent time working in the French Alps, and plays tennis and golf.