Some careers are forged by ambition. Others by curiosity. For Joeeta Murphy, it was both. A former research scientist turned top-tier patent attorney, Joeeta blends a deep love of science with a sharp legal mind—bringing decades of insight to the ever-evolving world of life sciences intellectual property.
Now Head of Life Sciences at ip21, Joeeta’s career spans more than 30 years and reflects her unique ability to bridge two complex worlds: cutting-edge science and rigorous intellectual property strategy.
A Scientist at Heart, A Strategist by Choice
Joeeta began her career working on vaccines, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s research. But it was a law A-Level—taken in the evening out of sheer interest—that set her on a new path. “I didn’t want to give up science, but I also really enjoyed the legal side,” she explains. “Becoming a patent attorney allowed me to do both.”
That instinct paid off. Joeeta went on to complete an MSc in IP Management at Queen Mary, London, and qualified as a UK and European Patent Attorney. She now also holds the CIPA Litigation Certificate and is registered to represent clients before the Unified Patent Court (UPC).
But ask her which qualification was the toughest? “Definitely my MPhil in pharmaceutical sciences. It was a pure research degree—I was on my own, designing experiments and trying to make discoveries. That experience gave me huge respect for inventors. It’s what they do every day.”
The Power of Perspective
That scientific empathy has shaped Joeeta’s entire career. Whether advising startups or representing multinationals in high-stakes oppositions, she takes a tailored approach—always grounded in clarity, context, and commercial awareness.
“With startups, the focus is on budget and timing. We work closely to prioritise their innovations, patent filings and avoid early disclosure,” she explains. “With multinationals, it’s about building expansive, global patent portfolios and aligning with long-term product lifecycles.”
It’s a skillset that’s earned her a place on the IAM Strategy 300 list, for the third year running, recognising the world’s leading IP strategists.
A Career Highlight: Uncovering Hidden Value
Among her many successes, one case stands out. After reviewing a client’s large patent portfolio following an acquisition, Joeeta identified a buried platform patent with huge potential. “Several competitors were already in clinical trials using that technology—it was a clear case of infringement.”
Her work led to successful EPO oppositions, strategic pre-litigation moves, and ultimately a lucrative licensing deal for the client. “It was high pressure but incredibly rewarding. That’s when the job is really fun.”
Vision, Leadership and a Global Outlook
As head of ip21’s Life Sciences team, Joeeta combines legal excellence with natural leadership. “It all comes down to organisation and understanding priorities,” she says. She actively mentors young innovators through initiatives like the Trinity Bradfield Prize, and sits on the CIPA Council, helping shape the profession’s future.
For her, the best IP strategies are deeply embedded in a company’s broader goals. “Your IP should evolve with your business—identifying what to protect, where, and why. Freedom to operate and patentability searches are vital. So is knowing when to prune a portfolio.”
She’s also a passionate advocate for staying up to date. “Technology is always moving—so we have to move with it. That means reading constantly, attending conferences, and learning from our clients, who are often the real subject-matter experts.”
Life Outside IP: Snorkels, Spices and Cambridgeshire Walks
When she’s not in the courtroom or mentoring PhD students, Joeeta unwinds with cooking, countryside walks, and the occasional snorkelling adventure. “I’ve tried windsurfing—failed miserably,” she laughs. “But snorkelling in the Red Sea and in Key West, Florida was incredible.”
Her favourite recipe? A Bengali classic: chilli chicken, rich with spices and colour. “I love cooking with my children. They’ve picked up my tips and cook on their own now, which is brilliant.”
As for her go-to walk? “Around the Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire. It’s beautiful, and not too steep,” she says, smiling. “We also love visiting the Lake District and enjoy the circular walks and mountain scenery.”
A Lasting Legacy
Looking ahead, Joeeta is optimistic. “AI will transform drug discovery. Biotech innovation continues to accelerate. I want our Life Sciences team at ip21 to be at the forefront—offering the kind of support that makes a real difference to our clients’ success.”
And with Joeeta leading the way, there’s no doubt they will be.
Connect with Joeeta
If you’d like to follow more of Joeeta’s work or connect professionally, you can find her on LinkedIn. To explore the innovative IP services offered by her team, visit ip21 Ltd—a firm at the forefront of life sciences and biotech intellectual property.
PS: PatWorld works closely with leading Patent Attorneys like Joeeta Murphy to provide professional, reliable patent search services—including Freedom to Operate (FTO), Patentability, and Collection (State-of-the-Art) searches. Learn more.
Freedom to Operate Searches: Why Quality, Experience, and Communication Are Essential
For patent attorneys, the importance of a thorough and reliable Freedom to Operate (FTO) search is well understood. As a crucial step in assessing potential patent infringement risks before product launch or market entry, the quality of the FTO search has direct implications for strategic decision-making and risk management.
With many search providers available, it’s important to choose a partner who not only understands the technical and legal dimensions of FTO work but also aligns with your standards of responsiveness and quality.
At PatWorld, our goal is to support attorneys with detailed, jurisdiction-specific analyses that help inform sound legal opinions and provide confidence in complex commercial environments. This post outlines what sets our FTO search services apart—and why attorneys across the globe continue to trust PatWorld with their most critical IP assessments, time and again.
What Defines a High-Quality FTO Search?
An effective FTO search is characterised by its relevance, clarity, and depth. It should:
Identify potentially relevant third-party rights with precision.
Focus on enforceable patents within jurisdictions of interest.
Be tailored to the specific product or process in question.
Deliver findings in a format that facilitates legal interpretation and advice.
At PatWorld, we combine claim analysis with technical experience to ensure that each search reflects the practical needs of attorneys and their clients. We take the time to understand the commercial context and align our approach accordingly.
Why the Right Search Provider Matters
Selecting the right FTO search partner can significantly affect the reliability and usability of the results. At PatWorld, we prioritise:
Clear and proactive communication: We work closely with clients to define scope and expectations. Pre-search consultations with the search team, and regular progress updates are readily available to ensure alignment throughout the project.
Extensive experience: Our team has over 200 years of combined IP search experience, across a wide range of subject matters.
Efficient turnaround: We understand time pressures and deliver searches promptly, without compromising quality.
Competitive pricing: We offer clear, fixed-rate quotes wherever possible, ensuring confidence in cost and avoiding last-minute surprises.
These qualities contribute to long-term client relationships built on trust and consistent delivery.
Reducing Risk Through Reliable Support
Our reports are structured to be both comprehensive and easy to interpret, allowing attorneys to quickly assess key issues and determine next steps. We are also available to provide clarification and support throughout the process.
A Professional Relationship You Can Rely On
At PatWorld, we value the professional relationships we have built with our clients. For some, we have conducted hundreds of FTO searches, providing consistent support across multiple projects, sectors, and jurisdictions. We understand that trust is earned through experience, reliability, and results.
We take pride in being a responsive and dependable extension of your team. Whether it’s adjusting to evolving requirements, meeting urgent deadlines, or collaborating across time zones, we adapt to your needs. Our commitment to ongoing partnership ensures a seamless and effective working relationship, built on mutual respect and shared standards of excellence.
Conclusion: Trusted by IP Professionals Worldwide
The value of a dependable FTO search provider cannot be overstated. At PatWorld, we combine experience, communication, and efficiency to support attorneys in delivering the highest quality advice to their clients.
We take pride in the trust we’ve earned from attorneys and IP professionals worldwide. If you’re seeking a partner who brings not only expertise, but consistency and responsiveness, we’d be pleased to support your next FTO search.
Navigating the Electric Vehicle Innovation Landscape with Expert FTO Searches
In the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) sector, the pace of innovation is nothing short of remarkable. However, the excitement and promise of bringing new technologies to market come with complex legal landscapes to navigate. One of the most critical steps in the innovation process is ensuring that your new invention or process doesn’t infringe on existing patents. This is where Freedom to Operate (FTO) searches become indispensable.
Understanding FTO Searches
FTO searches are comprehensive investigations conducted to determine if a particular action, such as launching a new product, can be done without infringing the valid intellectual property rights of others. In the context of the EV sector, an FTO search helps innovators and patent attorneys identify potential patent barriers to the commercialisation of new EV technologies, thereby mitigating the risk of costly legal disputes down the line.
The Critical Role of FTO Searches in EV Innovation
The EV market is characterised by a dense patent landscape, with numerous players ranging from start-ups to established automotive giants, all striving to stake their claims. In such an environment, the risk of inadvertently infringing on existing patents is high. FTO searches offer a clear path forward, enabling innovators to:
Identify potential patent infringements: Before investing significant time and resources into product development, an FTO search can reveal if your invention treads on existing patents.
Inform strategic planning: FTO search results can guide strategic decisions, including design around existing patents, licensing negotiations, or even acquisition of patents.
Mitigate legal risks: By identifying potential infringement issues early, companies can avoid costly legal disputes and focus on innovation.
Specialised FTO Search Services for the EV Sector
Recognising the unique challenges and opportunities in the EV sector, specialised FTO search services offer tailored support. These services are designed to navigate the complex EV patent landscape efficiently, ensuring that innovators can proceed with confidence. With expertise in both the technical nuances of EV technologies and the intricacies of intellectual property law, these services provide a critical foundation for successful EV innovation.
Innovate with Confidence
As the EV sector continues to grow, the ability to innovate freely without the looming threat of patent infringement has never been more important. Specialised FTO search services empower patent attorneys and innovators with the insights needed to navigate the patent landscape confidently. Whether you’re developing a new battery technology, an innovative charging solution, or any other EV-related technology, ensuring your innovation’s freedom to operate is a pivotal step toward success.
Embark on Your FTO Journey
For EV innovators looking to bring their technologies to market with peace of mind, embarking on a comprehensive FTO search is a crucial step. With specialised support, you can navigate the patent landscape, mitigate legal risks, and focus on what you do best: innovating for a sustainable future. Discover how expert FTO searches can streamline your innovation process and lay the groundwork for unhindered success in the EV industry.
In the electric vehicle sector, every innovation carries the potential to revolutionise how we think about transportation. Ensure that your innovations stand on solid legal ground with a thorough Freedom to Operate search, paving the way for a future where your ideas drive us forward, unencumbered by legal obstacles.
Are you or your clients developing technologies in the EV space? Are you seeking support with FTO searches?
PatWorld are experts in providing Patentability, Freedom To Operate (FTO), Patent Busting, State of the Art, and Patent Mapping searches. As an Intellectual Property search firm we work with Patent Attorneys worldwide, and do not offer legal opinion. We would advise individuals to speak to a patent attorney either before or after instructing a patent search. Need help in deciding which search you need? Email: [email protected] for information.
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Patent, Design, and Trademark Research Experts with a combined experience of over 200 years in Intellectual Property searching. Highly trained, dynamic in-house research teams specialising in a wide range of subject matter. All our analysts follow a training program developed by former IPO Examiners. Our teams are available to discuss any specific technical points regarding your search enquiries.
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