Michael Roberts

Michael originally joined the firm in 2001, and following a short period with a UK-based biotechnology and pharmaceuticals specialist firm, returned in 2008. Michael was made a Partner in April 2010. His IP practice is focused in the life sciences fields, and includes biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetic engineering, immunology (including vaccines), enzymology, pharmaceuticals, medical instruments and plant protection (including plant variety rights).

Before entering the patent profession, Michael gained extensive technical knowledge and experience through his doctoral research at the University of St Andrews into the molecular genetics of sulphate assimilation, followed by three years of postdoctoral research at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, in plant molecular biology and genomics.

Michael has acted for clients from around the world, including smaller and medium-sized companies, multinationals and universities. In addition to patent drafting and prosecution, he assists clients with due diligence and patent reports, notably for private or public fund raising, patent portfolio advice, and issues such as freedom to operate and patent validity.

Away from the office, Michael enjoys cycling, walking, listening to music (particularly from the Renaissance period), art, travelling and being with his family.

Memberships

• Fellow, Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)
• Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office
• Biotechnology Committee of CIPA
• Foreign Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
  

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) degree in Cell Biology, University of Natal
• MSc degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Natal
• PhD in Molecular Genetics, University of St Andrews
• Chartered Patent Attorney 2003
• European Patent Attorney 2003

Other activities & achievements

• Postdoctoral research scientist at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK, 1996-1999
• Member, The Art Fund
• Member, The National Trust
• Correspondent, Bio-Science Law Review
  

Published

"European patents denied for methods of producing plants (or animals) by classical breeding techniques", Bio-Science Law Review, Vol 11(5): 158-161, 2011
"Plant variety rights reach the European Court of Justice", Bio-Science Law Review, Vol 10(6): 207-211, 2010

"Are we moving towards global patenting?", Pharmaceutical Technology Europe, Vol. 21: 30-32, 2009

"European plant intellectual property", Bio-Science Law Review, Vol. 9: 89-91, 2006/2007

“The Spin-Out Life Cycle”, European BioPharmaceutical Review, Summer 2006

“Patent Clarification”, Nature Biotechnolgy, Vol. 22: 943-944, 2004