Qualifications
Chartered UK Patent Attorney; European Patent Attorney; Masters Degree in Chemistry (1st Class).
Technical
Prior to joining HLBBshaw, Sarah worked for two major pharmaceutical companies. Experience at these pharmaceutical companies includes working as a chemist principally dealing with polymorphism and crystal formation issues of active pharmaceutical products, and assisting in the regulatory/product information department of an animal health division.
Sarah’s industrial experience and broad background knowledge in chemistry has equipped her to deal with technology in a cross-over of technical fields ranging from electronic odour sensors, sanitary products to cutting devices. Nevertheless, Sarah specialises in the pharmaceutical area, which includes Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production, formulation chemistry, natural products chemistry and vaccines.
Legal
Sarah’s responsibilities include the original drafting and prosecution of UK, European and international patent applications for a variety of domestic and overseas clients, and assisting with the management and prosecution of a world-wide IP portfolio for a major European corporate.
Sarah also has experience in contentious EPO practice such as oppositions and appeals, and assisted in an infringement action at the Chancery Division of the UK High Court. Sarah has provided advice on freedom to operate issues.
Commercial
Having worked for two major pharmaceutical companies has given Sarah a real insight into how patents affect a company’s bottom line. Sarah’s industrial experience combined with her broad technical and strong legal background equips her to understand her clients’ commercial position allowing her to help develop strategies to achieve their goals.