Meet the IP Professional: Ross Cummings – Leading the Charge in Life Sciences Innovation 

At the forefront of biotech patenting and innovation sits Ross Cummings, a partner at Gill Jennings & Every LLP (GJE), whose career has been shaped by scientific rigor, a deep commitment to clients, and a passion for future-forward technologies. With a PhD in molecular biology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and nearly two decades of IP experience under his belt, Ross brings a rare fusion of technical depth and commercial strategy to one of the most fast-moving areas in intellectual property: cellular immunotherapy and RNA-based technologies. PatWorld sat down with Ross to discuss recent data relating to cellular immunotherapy, as well as his career journey, strategic insights, and the trends shaping the future of biotech IP. 

From the Lab Bench to the Patent Bar 

Ross’s journey into the world of patents began during his doctoral work on malaria enzymes. It was then that a Japanese patent, offering unexpected insights into his research, altered the trajectory of his thesis—and eventually his career. “It gave me the tools to push my research forward,” Ross reflects. “That was my first exposure to the value of patents—not just as legal instruments, but as sources of technical knowledge.” 

Since then, Ross has become a trusted adviser to biotech innovators, working with companies across the UK, Europe, the US, and Asia. His experience spans everything from gene therapies and diagnostics to CRISPR and synthetic biology. 

Navigating the Patent Boom in Cell and Gene Therapies 

Ross’s enthusiasm for biotech is palpable, particularly when discussing the renaissance in RNA and cell therapies. “We’re in a period of rapid acceleration,” he says. “COVID-19 changed everything. It proved RNA technologies could be safe, fast, and effective, and that opened the floodgates.” 

The data backs this up. Landscape charts generated by PatWorld show a sharp rise in first-priority patent filings over the past decade in cellular immunotherapy—a trend Ross believes is sustainable, provided financing remains strong. “We feel very busy, and that’s usually a good indicator,” he notes. 

Figure 1: First Priority Year (see Landscape Charts) 

Global Trends and Shifting Hubs 

When reviewing Figure 2, which maps first-priority countries, Ross notes the dominant presence of the US in this space. “That’s not surprising—the US biotech scene has much deeper funding,” he comments. “But the UK is punching above its weight, even if some of that activity is driven by a handful of companies.” 

He also points to China’s rapidly growing interest in antibodies and biologics. “We’re seeing more biotech filings from China, and companies there are now licensing innovations back to US pharma firms. That’s a shift worth watching.”

Figure 2: 1st Priority Country (see Landscape Charts) 

Strategic IP in a Crowded Landscape 

For biotech start-ups working in competitive areas like RNA or CAR-T therapies, Ross stresses the importance of early, robust data. “The patent system is shifting—strong experimental support is more important than ever,” he explains. 

He also encourages companies to embrace flexibility: “A narrow claim might still be powerful in biotech, especially if it directly protects your approved product. It’s about tailoring your IP strategy to your development path.” 

The Human Element in High-Stakes Innovation 

Ross is especially motivated by the potential of these therapies to transform lives—particularly for children with rare diseases. “For the first time in history, many of these genetic conditions have real hope,” he says, adding that early screening and fast action can make all the difference. 

He also sees platform technologies and adaptable delivery mechanisms as crucial to expanding access to these innovations, both scientifically and commercially. 

Looking Ahead: Synthetic Biology and Sustainability 

Beyond therapeutics, Ross is enthusiastic about the future of synthetic biology. “We’re approaching a time where we can manufacture materials and chemicals using engineered organisms rather than fossil fuels,” he says. “That has massive implications—not just for IP, but for the planet.” 

Inside GJE: Collaboration, Clarity, and Client Focus 

Ross describes Gill Jennings & Every as a firm where collaboration and adaptability are central to the culture. “It’s not a siloed environment—we build cross-disciplinary teams to match our clients’ evolving technologies,” he explains. That flexibility is especially valuable in a sector where biotech increasingly intersects with AI, diagnostics, and chemistry. 

This approach has helped GJE earn double gold recognition in the IAM Patent 1000 rankings. Ross attributes that success to the firm’s emphasis on clarity, commercial awareness, and strong client relationships. “We focus on practical advice, not just legal precision. We aim to become a real extension of our clients’ teams.” 

Beyond the Office 

When he’s not helping clients navigate patent law, Ross enjoys life with his young family, reading a mix of sci-fi and science history, and keeping fit. He’s also an advocate of internal knowledge sharing at GJE, from legal updates to seminars on new biotech tools—ensuring both the law and the science stay front of mind. 

Connect with Ross 

🔗 Connect with Ross Cummings on LinkedIn 
🏢 Find out more about Gill Jennings & Every 

P.S. PatWorld supports IP professionals like Ross by providing tailored reports that make navigating complex patent landscapes more efficient and informed. Whether it’s freedom-to-operate (FTO) searches, invalidity assessments, or in-depth landscape reports, PatWorld delivers actionable insights across a wide range of technologies. From global trend analysis to highly focused data sets, our support helps attorneys stay ahead of the curve. 

The data visualisations referenced in this article were created by Geraint James, Senior IP Manager at PatWorld, using the Questel platform.