From Lab Bench to Legal IP Strategy: Meet Joeeta Murphy, Patent Attorney and Head of Life Sciences at ip21 Ltd

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.