Phil Bates’s practice is mainly in the chemical field, including pharmaceuticals, everyday chemical products, and manufacturing processes.
Dr. Phil Bates joined Reddie & Grose in 1996 and became a partner in 2004. Phil’s practice is mainly in the chemical field, with a particular focus on pharmaceuticals. His areas of expertise include reproductive medicine, urology, gastroenterology and the treatment of cancer. Phil also has extensive experience in the general chemical area, particularly specialist fibre, plastic and foam products, and resealable and tamper-proof packaging. His expertise also encompasses medical devices, filtration and purification devices, solar panel technology, as well as the processing of fuels and materials.
Phil specialises in the drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications before the UK and European patent offices. Phil has a broad range of experience of patent practice around the world, including practice in emerging markets. He regularly provides opinions on the strength of third party rights for his clients.
Phil regularly appears before the EPO’s opposition divisions and boards of appeal, and is equally happy defending patents in opposition proceedings, or opposing them on behalf of his clients. His opposition experience is primarily in the field of substance, formulation, polymorph and novel patient sub group patents. He also has experience with Petitions for Review before the EPO’s Enlarged Board of Appeal.
Phil’s clients include global pharmaceutical firms (based in Europe, the US, Japan and India) as well as small start-ups.
Outside of work Phil has a keen appreciation of all types of live music and is a member of his local Gramophone Recording Society; while recognising the place for digital media in the modern world he retains an affection for the warmth and crackles of vinyl. Phil is somewhat surprised that after years in the wilderness, vinyl is now somewhat fashionable.