Stephen Michell

Stephen is a biotechnology specialist within the Life Sciences group, with a particular focus on antibody therapeutics, vaccines, cell-culture based manufacturing and tissue repair.  He works closely with his clients to protect or free up areas of commercial value, within the context of often complex European and global patent portfolios.  Stephen has over a decade of experience as a patent prosecutor, coupled with a robust understanding of the role of IP in the growth of a biotechnology company.  This was reinforced when he spent the last two months of 2019 in Cambridge, MA, on secondment with Scholar Rock, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical client.  A large part of his practice involves successfully defending and attacking patents before the EPO in opposition and appeal proceedings.  While in the US, Stephen also helped advocate a client’s platform technology in examiner interview at the USPTO.

Stephen advises a range of clients, from start-ups to some of the world’s most successful biopharma companies.  He has secured and defended valuable European patent protection for the world’s leading manufacturer of cell-based influenza vaccines, and for one of the leading players in monoclonal antibody-based Parkinson’s immunotherapy.  He has helped other global biotech clients improve their freedom-to-operate position by attacking and clearing away their competitors’ European patents.  More recently, he has been working with an ambitious new developer of antibody therapeutics to build an impressive portfolio of patents in Europe and around the world.  He enjoys getting to know his clients and takes great satisfaction from developing a deep understanding of their technologies and commercial goals, allowing him to take a value-driven and proactive approach to their patent strategy.

Stephen developed a broad technical background at the University of Cambridge, UK (King’s College), where he graduated with a Master’s degree in Natural Sciences.  He specialised in biochemistry, having also studied a range of other subjects, including chemistry, cell biology, genetics, pathology and evolution and behaviour. During his time at university, he undertook research projects relating to quorum sensing in bacterial pathogens and fruit fly centriolar proteins, and he spent time working at both the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and the Gurdon Institute.

Stephen joined the firm in 2012, having worked in another private practice firm since 2007.  He qualified as a European Patent Attorney and a UK Patent Attorney in 2011.

Outside the office, Stephen enjoys having adventures with his young family and occasionally finds the time to pursue his love of music, playing drums in a funk band.