HLK has a proven track record in EPO opposition proceedings. In particular, HLK consistently outperform EPO averages on behalf of opponents. Between 2011-2020, 89% of patents opposed by HLK attorneys resulted in a limitation to the opposed patent, with 54% of those patents being revoked in their entirety. HLK has a number of attorneys who specialise in EPO opposition and appeal proceedings.

Meet the team

Below are the key members of the Oppositions & appeals team.

Joseph Lenthall

Joseph Lenthall

UK and European Patent Attorney | UPC Representative

Since joining HLK, Dr Joe Lenthall has achieved a successful outcome in 75 % of the hearings he has handled, acting for both patentees and opponents. These results build on his reputation for success in opposition proceedings established before joining HLK, where he held an almost unbeaten record in oppositions on behalf of a FTSE 100 multinational company.

Alex Rogers

Alex Rogers

UK and European Patent Attorney | UPC Representative

Alex’s recognition in the Legal 500 speaks for itself.

“Alex Rogers has provided thorough, successful representation in several opposition matters for the company. His representation has been second to none.”

“Alex Rogers is technically excellent, very responsive, and knows our business needs very well.”

James Ward

James Ward

UK and European Patent Attorney, Irish Patent Agent, European Design Attorney | UPC Representative

At the time of writing, James Ward has over fifteen years of experience in handling opposition and appeal cases for both patentees and opponents. As opponent, over 80% of the cases in which he has acted have resulted in revocation of the patent, and none of the patents has been maintained as granted. In James’ most successful year, all ten of the inter partes hearings at the EPO resulted in the revocation of the patents he was opposing.

The IAM Patent 1000, 2019, said about James: “James Ward maintains a formidable practice from the firm’s Munich office. His acuity across a diverse range of electronics and communications technologies wins him pan-European renown”.

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Jo Deas

Joanna Deas

UK and European Patent Attorney | UPC Representative

Joanna has a great deal of experience with opposition and appeals hearings. She regularly attends up to 20 hearings a year and is best known for her excellent reputation for handling oppositions for clients with a very high success rate. Her particular areas of expertise are medical devices and formulation chemistry, and in 2019 she was listed as a Rising Star by IPStars.

David Lewin

David Lewin

UK and European Patent Attorney | UPC Representative

“David is an opposition expert with tactical nous. He is excellent without being at all egotistical. With his help we won seven out of nine cases, making a significant difference to our overall negotiation with a competitor company.”

— Matthew Hitching, European Intellectual Property Director, Canon

Magnus Johnston

Magnus Johnston

UK and European Patent Attorney

Magnus has over 10 years of experience handling opposition and appeal hearings at the EPO. Most of the time Magnus is defending his client’s patents, which include Europe’s leading manufacturer of speciality minerals, one of Japan’s largest steel manufacturers, one of the world’s largest manufactures of aircraft engines, and one of the world’s largest oil and gas majors. By the end of 2021 Magnus will have handled over 20 such hearings in a single calendar year!

David Hammond

David Hammond

UK and European Patent Attorney | UPC Representative

David is a Partner in the Chemistry and Life Sciences team, and has considerable experience in European patent oppositions and appeals on a range of healthcare and chemical technologies. Recent successes include defending patents for multinational clients in the fields of inks and printing components, and new food compositions.

Clients value his strategic and business-focussed approach, and appreciate the clear, commercial, and pragmatic advice he gives.

George Tebbutt

George Tebbutt

UK and European Patent Attorney | UPC Representative

George is an experienced EPO oppositions attorney; his opposition work complements his patent prosecution work for major industrial companies as a leading specialist engineering attorney. Recognised in the Legal 500, George is particularly adept at handling technically complex matters, often conducting and drawing on in-depth research to support arguments in oppositions.

At the time of writing, more than 70% of his cases as patentee were maintained as granted (none revoked), whilst as opponent all of his cases have resulted in revocation or amendment.

George works closely with businesses to develop their IP strategy and portfolios, and maintains this strategic focus in the context of EPO oppositions, often advising on negotiated outcomes.

Greg Ward

UK and European Patent Attorney | UPC Representative

Greg is experienced in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications, including frequently representing clients in Oral Proceedings at the European Patent Office. Greg’s prosecution practice spans a diverse range of technologies, including telecommunication technologies, semiconductor and microelectromechanical devices, industrial machining, and automotive technologies. His breadth of knowledge is particularly useful in the prosecution of applications which span several fields of technology, for example, inventions which include electrical and engineering elements. Greg is also experienced in drafting and prosecuting applications in the emerging field of machine learning.

Insights from our team

Other cross disciplinary teams