Chris Newcombe

Profile

Chris has experience in the drafting and prosecution of UK, European, and international patent applications in the fields of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, materials, medical devices, and chemical engineering. He has also assisted clients in opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO and in the preparation of freedom-to-operate opinions.

During his time at Venner Shipley, Chris has spent a significant amount of time seconded to a global technology company, assisting their internal patent team. While on secondment, Chris has supported invention mining and harvesting, chaired ideation sessions, and prepared invalidity opinions for a broad range of technologies. Furthermore, Chris has been heavily involved in patent chess activities, reporting to various stakeholders across the business, such as members of the brand team, senior R&D team members, and the operations team.

Chris thoroughly enjoys digging into the commercial goals of each of his clients, in order to provide the most appropriate advice and suggestions possible.

Education

Chris graduated from the University of Bristol with an undergraduate master’s in Chemistry. During his degree, Chris studied organometallic complexes, catalysis, organic synthesis, and advanced analytical techniques. His final year research project investigated the synthesis of trimethylsilyl diazomethane derivatives and their subsequent use in cyclopropanation reactions. Chris also has a certificate in Intellectual Property Law from Queen Mary University of London.

Chris has also succesfully completed the CIPA litigation skills course.