From diagnostics to cannabis-based therapeutics, Sophie Topham’s career in biotech patent law has been anything but predictable. A Senior Associate in the biotechnology team at Marks & Clerk, Sophie’s calm, analytical approach is matched by a refreshing curiosity—qualities that have made her an invaluable asset to clients and colleagues alike. We caught up with her to hear about her work, career path, and the rare case that led to one of her most widely read articles.
From Immunology to Innovation
Sophie’s current docket spans a broad range of biotechnology innovations. While she regularly works with immunology-based diagnostics and oncology-related inventions (including peptide vaccines and tools for identifying oncogenic mutations), her work is as diverse as the biotech field itself.
“Over the last few years, I’ve also worked in the cannabis field, particularly with extracts and synthetic cannabinoids for medical uses,” she explains. “And more recently, I’ve seen an increase in devices—some that resemble ELISAs on a chip, others that use antibodies in more novel ways.”
Despite the increasing overlap between biotech and AI, Sophie admits she still has a soft spot for what she calls “pure biology.” “As a biologist by training, those are the ones I find the most intuitive to work with.”
A Curious Case of Prior Art
In 2024, Sophie penned an article about an unusual and educational experience: having a client’s own clinical trial proposal cited as prior art against their European patent. It was the first time she’d encountered such a scenario—and it proved just as useful for the IP community as it did for her personally.
“Opponents in an EPO opposition cited the client’s trial proposal, which we hadn’t seen before due to a team change on the client’s side,” she recalls. “I had to dig into the case law to understand how such documents are interpreted, especially regarding whether the invention was truly disclosed.”
The case raised interesting questions around whether and how other documents—such as scientific publications—can be used to interpret clinical trial proposals, and how that squares with the EPO’s guidelines.
Understanding the Unusual
Sophie is quick to point out that having clinical trial proposals cited as prior art is still uncommon. “Patent applications in biotech typically don’t require clinical data to be granted. In vitro data is often sufficient for meeting plausibility requirements, so most companies file before trials begin,” she says.
Still, her experience highlighted how easy it is for assumptions to trip up even the most diligent teams. “We’ve seen clients express genuine surprise that their own publications can be cited against them—especially in Europe where there’s no grace period.”
The Route Not Taken
Like many in the IP profession, Sophie’s path wasn’t a straight line. “I originally wanted to be an airline pilot,” she laughs. “But when airlines stopped sponsoring training, the cost became unrealistic. Then I remembered a careers talk we had at university about being a patent attorney. I looked into it, and here I am.”
With a background in biological natural sciences from Cambridge, Sophie’s analytical mindset found a perfect home in IP law. She’s since seen applications through from drafting to grant, oppositions, and even appeals.
“Seeing something I’ve written be granted—and knowing I helped a startup gain recognition through their patent—those are the highlights,” she says.
Life Outside the Office
When she’s not deep in a patent claim, Sophie is rarely still. “I always try to move—walk, cycle, yoga, strength training. Even when working from home, I’ll build exercise into my day.” She’s part of a cycling club and makes time for a proper lunch break most days—usually with some kind of movement.
Evenings are more relaxed: cooking from scratch, reading anything from spy novels to translated Japanese fiction, and planning her next getaway. This summer, she’ll finally fulfil a childhood dream—horse riding along the beaches of Morocco with her twin sister.
If Only There Were More Hours…
When asked which fictional invention she’d most like to patent, Sophie doesn’t hesitate: “Hermione Granger’s Time-Turner. I’d love more hours in the day. If I knew how it worked, I’d make one!”
With her blend of sharp legal insight and grounded, genuine enthusiasm for the science behind the patents, Sophie brings a distinct human touch to biotech IP. Whether she’s tackling tricky prior art or galloping down a Moroccan beach, she’s doing it with purpose and passion.
Marks & Clerk is a leading international firm of intellectual property experts, providing comprehensive patent, trade mark, design, and litigation services. With a global presence and deep sector knowledge, Marks & Clerk supports innovative companies from startups to multinationals in protecting and leveraging their IP assets.
How PatWorld Supports Biotech Innovators
At PatWorld, we help biotech companies, attorneys, and researchers access fast, reliable, and intuitive global patent search tools. Our advanced search and analytics features enable professionals like Sophie to:
Top Packaging Conferences for Innovators and Attorneys
In an ever-evolving industry, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for innovators, patent attorneys, design experts, and trademark specialists working in packaging. As the sector continues to grow, driven by sustainability, digital innovation, and consumer demand, attending key conferences can provide invaluable insights, networking opportunities, and a chance to explore the latest trends and technologies.
Here’s a roundup of the must-attend packaging conferences from August 2024 to December 2025 that will be particularly beneficial for professionals in the field of innovation and intellectual property law.
London Packaging Week
– Date: September 11-12, 2024
– Location: London, UK
– Overview: Packaging Première, PCD, PLD and Food & Consumer Pack connect the world’s top luxury, beauty, drinks and FMCG groups with the packaging suppliers, materials and inspiration that will define the future of their brands. Gain insights into the latest design trends and explore opportunities for brand protection and innovation in packaging.
– Overview: A premier trade event dedicated to processing and packaging innovations across various industries, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The event brings together industry professionals to showcase cutting-edge technologies, sustainable solutions, and the latest trends in packaging and processing. Innovators, Patent, Design, and Trademark Attorneys should attend to gain insights into emerging technologies, network with industry leaders, and explore opportunities for new patents and designs. This event is crucial for those looking to protect and advance their clients’ intellectual property in the dynamic packaging and processing sectors.
– Overview: Pack Expo is one of the largest and most comprehensive packaging events globally. It showcases the latest packaging machinery, materials, and technology, making it a key event for innovators and attorneys specialising in patents and trademarks. Discover cutting-edge technologies, network with industry leaders, and explore opportunities for innovation and intellectual property protection.
– Overview: A key event for exploring trends and innovations in pharmaceutical packaging. It gathers industry leaders to discuss sustainability, regulatory updates, serialisation, and digital transformation. Stay updated on cutting-edge packaging technologies, network with industry leaders, understand regulatory changes, and discover new opportunities for patents and trademarks. This event offers critical insights for protecting and advancing your clients’ innovations in the pharma industry.
– Overview: The Plastic Free World Conference & Expo 2024 is a pivotal event focused on eliminating plastic waste and driving sustainable innovation. Taking place in Frankfurt, Germany, on November 6-7, 2024, this conference gathers global leaders, innovators, and experts to discuss cutting-edge solutions and alternatives to traditional plastics, aiming to create a more sustainable future. Innovators, Patent, Design, and Trademark Attorneys should attend to explore the latest sustainable materials, connect with industry pioneers, and understand the evolving regulatory landscape. This event offers valuable insights for developing and protecting eco-friendly innovations and intellectual property in the rapidly evolving sustainability sector.
– Overview: The Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA) World Congress focuses on the latest advancements in smart packaging. This conference is perfect for innovators and attorneys working with patents related to smart technologies in packaging. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest smart packaging innovations, and explore the intersection of technology and packaging in terms of IP.
– Overview: This conference provides insights into new technologies and packaging innovations. Bringing together professionals from across the packaging value chain to discuss new materials, sustainability, regulatory impacts, and emerging trends that are shaping the future of packaging. Learn about the latest packaging innovations and network with industry leaders, understand regulatory shifts, and explore opportunities for new patents, trademarks and designs.
– Overview: A premier trade event dedicated to processing and packaging innovations across various industries, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The event brings together industry professionals to showcase cutting-edge technologies, sustainable solutions, and the latest trends in packaging and processing. Innovators, Patent, Design, and Trademark Attorneys should attend to gain insights into emerging technologies, network with industry leaders, and explore opportunities for new patents and designs. This event is crucial for those looking to protect and advance their clients’ intellectual property in the dynamic packaging and processing sectors.
– Overview: This forum is dedicated to flexible packaging, particularly pouches, which are becoming increasingly popular. It’s an essential event for those interested in the technical and design aspects of flexible packaging. Engage with pioneers in pouch packaging and understand the IP challenges and opportunities in this rapidly growing sector.
– Overview: Another major event by Pack Expo for innovators and legal professionals in the packaging sector. Explore the latest innovations, network with peers, and discuss IP strategies with leading professionals.
Attending these conferences will keep you informed about the latest industry trends and technologies. Innovators, Patent, Design, and Trademark Attorneys should attend to gain insights into emerging technologies. In addition, network with industry leaders, and explore opportunities for new patents and designs. Whether you’re looking to innovate, protect, or market new packaging solutions, these events are essential for staying ahead in the competitive world of packaging.
How Can PatWorld Assist Your Innovation in the Packaging Sector?
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Embracing the Future: Anti-Aging Technology – The Senescence Revolution
The realm of anti-aging has been revolutionised by ground-breaking research and technology, a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of longevity. A recent feature in the Women’s IP World Annual 2024, titled “Anti-Aging Technology – The Senescence Revolution,” penned by the innovative minds at PatWorld, casts a spotlight on the strides being made in this field.
Unveiling the Secrets of Senescence
Cellular senescence, a state where cells cease to divide yet remain metabolically active, plays a pivotal role in aging. The article delves into how understanding and manipulating this process can lead to significant anti-aging breakthroughs, promising a future where the effects of aging can be drastically mitigated.
Innovations at the Forefront
PatWorld’s experts provide an overview of the latest technologies and therapies that target cellular aging. These include genetic modifications, pharmaceutical interventions, and lifestyle changes that together form a comprehensive approach to extending the human health-span.
A Testament to Collaborative Genius
Highlighting the collaborative spirit within the scientific community, the article emphasizes the importance of shared knowledge and cross-disciplinary efforts in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in anti-aging research.
Looking Ahead
The journey toward conquering aging is filled with challenges and opportunities. As we stand on the brink of a new era, the insights from “Anti-Aging Technology – The Senescence Revolution” not only inform but inspire continued exploration and innovation in the quest for longevity.
Chelsey Edwards – Patent Analyst at PatWorld on the Biotech team, specialising in Biotechnology, Medicine and Pharmaceuticals.
Chulin Dai – Senior Patent Analyst at PatWorld on the Chemistry team, specialising in Bio-Chemistry, Medicine and Pharmaceuticals.
Are you or your clients developing technologies in this critical area? Are you seeking support with IP Search Services or Patent Databases? If so, please click on the relevant links below.
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This is one of the largest global events for biotechnology, covering a wide range of topics in biomanufacturing, biofuels, genomics, and biopharmaceuticals.
2. European Congress on Biotechnology (ECB2024): June 30-July 3, 2024 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. https://www.ecb2024.com/
Organized by the European Federation of Biotechnology, it’s a leading conference in Europe for biotech research.
This conference focuses on genomics research in plants, animals.
6. American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy Annual Meeting: May 7-11, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. https://annualmeeting.asgct.org/
This event is a key meeting for professionals in gene, cell therapy research.
7. World Biotechnology and BioEngineering Congress: September 23-24, 2024 in Singapore. https://biotech-congress.com/
This conference brings together leading professionals from academia, industry and government to discuss scientific and strategic advances resulting in global sustainability and to foster collaboration
14. International Conference on Agricultural, Biotechnology, Biological and Biosystems Engineering (ICABBBE-24): September 24-25, 2024 in Washington D.C, USA. https://iiter.org/conf/index.php?id=2473539
15. International Conference on Biotechnology and Bioengineering (ICBB 2024): August 25-27, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. https://bbseries.org/
These conferences provide excellent opportunities for learning, networking, and staying updated with the latest advancements in the field of biotechnology.
With the ever-increasing pace of innovation in the Biotechnology sector, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest patents and prior art. PatWorld patent search services are particularly useful for those involved in Biotech research. Our experienced teams of researchers have a deep understanding of the Biotech industry and can help you find the information you need to stay ahead of the competition.
Whether you are looking to develop a new product, launch a new service, or simply stay informed about the latest trends in Biotech, our patent search services can help you achieve your goals.
If you prefer to carry out your searches, we encourage you to sign up for the PatWorld patent database. The PatWorld database is a leading online platform for patent search and analysis that is reliable, fast, and affordable.
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Whether you prefer to carry out search and analysis yourself or want some help from the experts, PatWorld has you covered. Don’t miss this opportunity to utilise the best patent search report for your project.
PatWorld is a professional patent database for R&D that provides users with access to millions of patents from around the world. With this subscription, Vascular Perfusion Solutions will have access to the latest information in their field and be able to stay ahead of the competition. We are excited for them as they embark on this new journey with PatWorld!
Vascular Perfusion Solutions, Inc. is a medical technology company based in San Antonio, Texas. They are developing the VP.S ENCORE® designed to have a significant impact on patients awaiting lifesaving or life-altering transplant surgeries by extending the viability of organs outside the body, and by extending the time for transport compared to traditional ice cooler technology. The goal in developing the VP.S ENCORE® includes the ability to expand the donor organ pool, optimizing matching of the donor organs, and to minimize rejection. VPS believes that machine perfusion devices for preserving organs should be simple, portable, and accessible to all patients needing a lifesaving organ. Evidence-based science is the root of what they do, and they use science and engineering to provide simple, elegant, and effective solutions to preserving the life of organs beyond the standard of care.
On April 19th, Vascular Perfusion Solutions competed in the 3rd annual BioFest Invest Event hosted by BiomedSA. BioFest Invest is a pitch competition for Texas bioscience companies to present their life changing products to potential investors, network among the MedTech industry, and learn from industry professionals. VPS pitched among 13 other bioscience companies from the greater Texas area. VPS was represented by Research Engineer, Isabella Cano, who has been part of the team since June 2021. The pitch presented the impact of the lifesaving technology of the VP.S ENCORE® and its competitive advantages. Vascular Perfusion Solutions received the best pitch award among all the competitors and was awarded a prize package of $10,000, SBIR consulting, a marketing strategy consult, a press release, and a membership to PatWorld.
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