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.
If you ask Stephen Mohun how he got into intellectual property, he’ll be the first to admit it wasn’t a lifelong calling. “I’m ashamed to say it was nothing more than a job advert,” he confesses with a laugh. But sometimes the best careers start with curiosity—and in Steve’s case, it sparked a lifelong passion for helping innovators protect and leverage their ideas.
Now the founder of Mohun Aldridge Sykes, Steve has spent nearly four decades advising clients on patents and trademarks, building a reputation for practical, strategic, and empathetic support—especially for those in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. His client base ranges from ambitious start-ups to global corporates, and his advice is always grounded in commercial reality.
“We always start with their bigger goals and work back from there. That’s how we build a real IP strategy—not just a filing plan.”
From Yorkshire Roots to Global Reach
Steve began his career at a local Yorkshire firm and worked his way through larger practices, eventually becoming a partner before founding the firm that became Mohun Aldridge Sykes. Launching his own boutique firm wasn’t just a career pivot—it was a chance to do things his way.
What sets Mohun Aldridge Sykes apart? It’s the depth of relationships. “We genuinely get to know our clients. We’re not just experts on the other end of the phone—we’re part of their strategic team.”
Intellectual Rigor, Commercial Focus
With a background in physics and a mind wired for problem-solving, it’s no surprise Steve is drawn to patent work. “I like understanding how things work,” he says. “Manufacturing clients, especially those in second or third-generation family businesses, are some of my favourites. They’re quietly innovating in ways they don’t always recognise.”
And that’s where Steve sees one of his biggest responsibilities: helping clients see the true value in their ideas. “Too many engineers dismiss their own work as ‘obvious.’ It’s our job to show them that what they’ve created might be valuable—and worthy of protection.”
Helping Clients Navigate Complexity
One of Steve’s great strengths is translating legal complexity into clear, actionable advice. “You have to put yourself in the client’s shoes. Legal jargon just puts up barriers. Our goal is to empower them.”
He’s particularly mindful of budget constraints for early-stage businesses. “The biggest mistake they make is spending too much too soon on the wrong things. We help them build a flexible, strategic IP plan that grows with them.”
A Trusted Partner in Innovation
Steve describes the ideal client relationship as one built on mutual trust. “They need to trust me to give honest, clear advice. And I need to trust that they’re telling me what’s really going on in the business.”
That trust has paid off—whether it’s guiding a manufacturing client into a leadership position through carefully managed IP, or helping a tech start-up secure patents in a notoriously difficult field. “That one surprised even me,” he says, recalling a breakthrough. “But we got there, and today those patents are their most valuable asset.”
Supporting the Next Generation
Mentorship matters to Steve. Mohun Aldridge Sykes welcomes interns and work experience students, giving them a real taste of the profession. “We’ve all had good careers in this field,” he says. “It’s important to put a bit back in.”
Staying Agile in a Changing Landscape
As AI and tech continue to reshape the IP world, Steve stays ahead by listening. “You’ve got to talk to people—clients, colleagues, other professionals—and keep your ear to the ground. The moment you stop adapting, you fall behind.”
His golden rule for entrepreneurs? Talk to your IP attorney early and often. “There’s no such thing as too early, but there’s definitely too late.”
Beyond the Office
When Steve isn’t advising clients or mentoring the next generation, you might find him on stage. A proud member of the Batley Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Steve regularly takes on leading roles—with his recent turn as the captain in H.M.S. Pinafore being a personal highlight. “Both my kids were on stage with me,” he smiles. “There’s nothing better than that.”
Get in Touch with Steve Mohun
With nearly four decades of experience in intellectual property, Stephen Mohun has built a reputation not just for legal precision, but for the kind of clear, trusted advice that clients remember. As founder of Mohun Aldridge Sykes, Steve blends technical expertise with commercial insight—helping innovators protect what matters and make confident decisions along the way.
How PatWorld Supports Firms Like Mohun Aldridge Sykes
At PatWorld, we understand that high-quality, professional patent searches are the foundation of strong IP advice. For firms like Mohun Aldridge Sykes—who focus on strategic guidance, commercial insight, and trusted relationships—our global patent search tools and analyst-led services offer an ideal complement. Whether it’s prior art, freedom-to-operate, or competitive intelligence, we help professionals like Steve deliver peace of mind to their clients with search services they can trust. Click for further information on PatWorld search services.
For Julia D’Arcy, European Patent Attorney and Director at Harrison IP, intellectual property is more than just legal frameworks and technical jargon. It’s a dynamic field that keeps her at the cutting edge of scientific innovation. As a Chartered and European Patent Attorney, Julia has carved out a distinguished career in intellectual property. She specialising in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and medical sectors. Her expertise spans a diverse range of technologies, from biocompatible prostheses to advanced drug delivery systems, making her an invaluable asset to inventors and businesses alike.
A Journey into IP Law
Unlike the deep specialisation required in academia, Julia was drawn to intellectual property law for its breadth and variety. “In academia, you are asked to focus on a narrow specialism. Working in IP means that you are involved in cutting-edge developments while maintaining a broader specialism and enjoying a great variety of work,” she explains.
Her passion for the field has only grown, fuelled by the ever-evolving challenges of patent prosecution and strategy. Julia has extensive experience navigating the complexities of the UK and European patent offices, where she emphasises the importance of pre-emptive strategy. “Added matter and sufficiency are key aspects to consider before the EPO. To avoid problems during prosecution, it’s useful to provide an array of fall-back positions, highlight preferred combinations, and include as much experimental data as possible in the specification as filed,” she advises.
Understanding Innovation Across Sectors
One of Julia’s greatest strengths is her ability to work across a range of complex life sciences technologies. Whether dealing with medical devices or pharmaceutical compounds, she believes that the key to understanding diverse innovations lies in communication. “Inventors generally love talking about their inventions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and try to put what the inventors tell you into your own words during discussions to check your understanding,” she says.
Her problem-solving skills were put to the test when a UK patent she was responsible for was challenged through the Examiner opinion service at the UKIPO. The case highlighted the importance of cost-effective dispute resolution and reinforced her appreciation for tools available to challenge or defend patent validity.
Emerging Trends in Life Sciences IP
With a keen eye on the evolving landscape of IP law, Julia notes the increasing impact of the Unified Patent Court (UPC). “The UPC is proving popular, although the take-up is mixed depending on the technology space,” she observes. While medical technology companies have embraced its lower litigation costs and quicker decisions, pharmaceutical and biotech companies remain cautious. However, she predicts that as UPC case law develops, its adoption will likely increase across the board.
Julia also understands the significance of intellectual property in driving innovation and investment in the life sciences industry. “IP plays a key role in fostering innovation, attracting investment, and preventing unfair exploitation by third parties,” she states. “Filing a patent application allows the applicant to freely discuss their invention with third parties, including VCs and potential licensors, while also creating barriers for potential competitors.”
Tailoring IP Strategies for Every Client
Working with clients ranging from multinational corporations to start-ups and SMEs, Julia tailors her approach to suit each client’s level of IP knowledge and experience. “We try to ensure that the client knows what’s coming next, in terms of likely next actions, complexity, and length of typical prosecution, with clear estimates of likely costs,” she explains. Clarity and communication are at the heart of her practice, ensuring that even clients without a technical background can make informed decisions.
Beyond the Office
Outside of her professional life, Julia enjoys a balance of work and leisure. A devoted dog owner, she and her family began running with their dogs in the park during the pandemic—a hobby that has stuck ever since. “We aren’t fast, and there are lots of breaks for the dogs to sniff, but it gets us out for some exercise, come rain or shine,” she shares.
A pivotal moment in her career and personal life came when she moved from London to Glasgow in 2001 to start a new role in a patent and trade mark company. “I have stayed ever since,” she says, noting that the move led to both professional success and personal fulfilment—her three children are now proudly Scottish.
A Leader in Life Sciences IP
Julia D’Arcy’s expertise, strategic approach, and passion for intellectual property make her a leading voice in life sciences patent law. Whether guiding inventors through the complexities of patent applications or keeping an eye on the latest industry trends, her commitment to innovation and client success is clear.
For those looking to navigate the ever-changing world of IP in the life sciences sector, Julia’s insights and experience offer invaluable guidance.
Harrison IP – Supporting Innovation with Expert IP Advice
Julia is a valued member of Harrison IP. They are a UK-based intellectual property firm specialising in patents, trade marks, and design protection. With a strong focus on life sciences, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and emerging technologies, Harrison IP provides expert advice to help businesses safeguard their innovations. The firm’s client-focused approach ensures tailored IP strategies that align with commercial objectives, from start-ups to multinational corporations.
For more information about Harrison IP and its services, visit www.harrisonip.com.
Supporting IP Professionals with Expert Search Services
At PatWorld, we understand the challenges that IP professionals like Julia face when handling complex patent matters. Our advanced IP Search services provide the critical insights needed to support robust patent strategies, from prior art searches to competitor intelligence. By equipping professionals with accurate, comprehensive data, we help ensure that innovations are protected and that IP strategies are built on a foundation of strong, reliable information. Whether you’re an experienced patent attorney or an innovator looking for protection, our services are designed to support your success in the ever-evolving IP landscape.
For more insights from IP thought leaders, explore our latest interviews on the PatWorld blog.
At the intersection of technology, law, and innovation stands Dave Clark, a Partner at Potter Clarkson, renowned for his expertise in software, AI, and electronics-based patents. His career journey, technical acumen, and commitment to client success exemplify the dynamic nature of the patent profession and the ongoing mission of innovating intellectual property.
From Engineering to Intellectual Property
Dave’s path into patent law was as innovative as the inventions he now helps protect. Initially pursuing a degree in electronic engineering, Dave found himself unexpectedly transitioning into the world of patents in 2003. “I really fell into it by accident,” he admits, recounting how the withdrawal of a graduate job offer prompted him to explore alternative career paths. A chance suggestion from a recruitment agent introduced him to the patent attorney profession, and the rest, as they say, is history.
A Day in the Life of a Patent Attorney
As a partner at Potter Clarkson, no two days are the same for Dave. Whether he’s navigating the nuances of patent applications or supervising trainees, his role is a tapestry of technical challenges and creative problem-solving. “One day, I might be working on 10 different cases; the next, I’m diving deep into a single patent application,” Dave explains. The diversity of technologies he encounters—from agricultural machinery to AI-driven healthcare solutions—keeps his work exciting and rewarding.
Tackling Complexities in Software and AI Patents
Navigating the intricate landscape of software and AI patents requires both technical expertise and legal dexterity. Dave is well-versed in overcoming the challenges posed by the European Patent Office’s (EPO) stringent criteria for software-related inventions. “Patents are available for the right type of software,” he emphasises, advocating for realistic client expectations and tailored strategies. His ability to engage directly with EPO examiners further bolsters the likelihood of success for his clients.
Championing Innovation: The Paindrainer Case
Among Dave’s notable achievements is his work with Paindrainer AB, a Swedish start-up that developed a ground-breaking app to aid individuals managing chronic pain. By helping the company secure a patent through the EPO, Dave contributed to a solution that could significantly improve quality of life for countless patients. “Chronic pain is a huge issue, and it’s rewarding to support a client whose goals align with making a real-world impact,” he reflects.
The Future of AI in Patent Law
The rapid evolution of AI continues to shape discussions within patent law. While current EPO guidelines treat AI inventions similarly to other software innovations, Dave foresees significant debates on whether AI can be recognised as an inventor. He highlights the importance of evolving legal frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring companies can protect AI-driven innovations effectively.
Advice for Aspiring Patent Attorneys
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Dave offers practical advice: “Persevere. It’s a small profession, so timing is crucial.” He also underscores the importance of understanding patents as commercial tools rather than purely academic exercises, encouraging aspiring attorneys to cultivate both technical passion and business acumen.
Balancing Work, Life, and Passions
Outside the office, Dave finds solace in open-water swimming and rugby, activities that help him recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Participating in events like the Rutland Water swim with his son exemplifies his belief in the importance of switching off to stay refreshed and inspired.
Looking Ahead: The Potter Clarkson Perspective
As technology continues to transform industries, Potter Clarkson is preparing for the future with initiatives like its AI policy. By ensuring transparency in the use of generative AI tools and safeguarding client confidentiality, the firm remains at the forefront of ethical innovation in patent law.
Dave Clark’s journey, expertise, and dedication highlight the vital role of patent professionals in fostering innovation and protecting intellectual property. Whether guiding a start-up like Paindrainer AB or navigating the complexities of AI, Dave’s work is a testament to the transformative power of combining technical knowledge with legal precision.
For further insights or to discuss how Dave Clark and the Potter Clarkson team can assist with your intellectual property needs, feel free to reach out to Dave at [email protected]. You can also learn more on innovating intellectual property by visiting the Potter Clarkson website at www.potterclarkson.com.
At PatWorld, we understand the importance of comprehensive and efficient patent searches in driving innovation forward. Our advanced search services are designed to support professionals like Dave Clark and companies like Paindrainer AB. We provide precise insights into prior art and patent landscapes. Whether you’re securing protection for ground-breaking software or exploring opportunities in AI and healthcare, PatWorld’s tools empower innovators to navigate the complex world of intellectual property with confidence. Visit www.patworld.com to discover how we can support your innovation journey.
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