YORK
QUALIFICATIONS
M.Sc. Intellectual Property Management, QMW
B.Sc. Biotechnology, University of Leeds
European Patent Attorney
Chartered Patent Attorney (UK)
Catherine Coombes is an experienced European and Chartered (UK) Patent Attorney applying a commercial focus to IP across life sciences including: biotechnology, life sciences, gene editing; molecular biology, food ingredients, enzymes, health, gene/protein sequences, diagnostics, immunology, drug delivery, biochemistry and plant biotechnology.
Cath Coombes has conducted many large EPO multi-opponent oppositions in food science, pharmaceuticals and CRISPR, bringing a strategic focus and careful consideration of the impact on her client’s overall patent strategy to such contentious matters. Previously, Cath was also an Examiner for the European Qualification Examination sitting on the Examination Committee responsible for setting and marking the opposition paper.
Cath’s direct clients vary from universities and spinouts to SMEs and large multinational companies and her advice is tailored accordingly. Her day to day work encompasses the preparation and prosecutions of patent application, strategic reviews, managing worldwide portfolios, handling contentious matters and opinion work.
A particular area of her expertise lies in CRISPR technology, having a detailed knowledge of CRISPR systems acquired from over a decade of experience in securing and upholding patent protection and involvement in oppositions in this field. She has written several articles and is regularly asked to provide comments on CRISPR IP to various legal and scientific journals. Her experience encompasses many aspects of CRISPR technology including applications in gene-editing, antimicrobials, foods, industrial biotechnology, diagnostics and agriculture.
Core Expertise: CRISPR technologies, gene-editing, enzymes, food ingredients, pharmaceuticals, antimicrobials.