Phil Hinchliffe has a degree in Biotechnology from King’s College, London, as well as a PhD in Molecular Biology, following cancer research at both Cardiff and Hamburg medical schools. He has over 30 years’ experience in patents, serving from 1990 to 2020 as a patent examiner in the biotechnology division of the European Patent Office in Munich. He has worked on seminal cases in PCR, humanised monoclonal antibodies, lateral flow diagnostic methods, vaccines and plant/animal cases.

Phil’s vast experience in all aspects of the patent application procedure puts him in rare position to advise clients on obtaining patent protection. As well as considerable experience as Chairman on the Opposition Division, Phil has lectured extensively, both to EPO colleagues and externally, on exclusions and exceptions to patentability in the biotechnology field. Via his work on exclusions to patentability he has extended his expertise to computer-implemented inventions.

Phil’s working languages are English, French and German. He enjoys working with innovators, researchers and students and assisting them with future patent applications.