Philip Webber

After obtaining a degree in Natural Sciences (Genetics) from Cambridge University (UK) and a PhD in molecular biology from Warwick University (UK), Philip joined Dehns in 1992. He is a qualified UK and European patent attorney, and a partner in Dehns’ Biotechnology and Life Sciences Group.

Philip’s work is largely with start-ups, small/medium size companies and universities with inventions in the pharmaceutical or biotechnological fields. He has over 30 years’ experience in dealing with the issues which are important to such entities, such as the financial constraints of start-ups, the need to develop IP strategies for a company’s products and the pressures upon academics to publish their work.

Philip’s work involves writing and filing patent applications, and getting them granted for his clients all around the world. He has particular expertise in obtaining European patents (including dealing with EPO Opposition and Appeal procedures) and US patents. He also provides advice on IP landscapes and Freedom to Operate (FTO) advice on competitors’ patents.

Using his background in molecular biology, Philip deals with patents and formulates IP strategies in all pharmaceutical and biotechnological fields, including recombinant DNA and protein products, antibodies, biosimilars, transgenic plants and animals, bioinformatics, stem cells, biofuels, diagnostics assays, therapeutic treatments, virology and vaccines.

Philip was a member of the Life Sciences Committee of the UK Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) from 2001-2016. His work on that Committee included reviewing proposed changes to UK and EPO patent legislation, and keeping UK patent attorneys updated on changes to biotech patent law and practice worldwide.