Annabel Strawson

Annabel qualified as a UK and European patent attorney in 2014. A key member of the Life Sciences team, Annabel has developed a practice with a strong focus in diagnostic and drug development platform technologies, including nucleic acid diagnostics, stem cells and organoids.  She works on award-winning and high-value technologies, particularly in regenerative therapies. She contributed to EPO consultations and panel discussions regarding the development of stem cell practice at the EPO, and continues to stay closely involved in developments in the field. Annabel also works on a wide range of biological therapeutic products in both human and veterinary fields, and advises in all areas of biotechnology.

Most of Annabel’s time is spent leading teams in opposition proceedings at the EPO, where she is an experienced advocate in both offensive and defensive opposition and appeal hearings. Her litigation qualifications and experience with contentious proceedings across Europe, and further afield, set her up well for representing and advising clients in the new UPC forum.

According to one client: “Annabel combines in-depth scientific understanding of the subject matter of the IP, intellectual creativity and broad knowledge on patent prosecution to create very successful patent portfolios”.

Before entering patent law, Annabel studied Biochemistry at Oxford University where she specialised in oncology and biotechnology, and she subsequently worked in the medical publishing field, working closely with scientists in the write-up and presentation of cutting-edge research projects.

Annabel has a keen interest in supporting and developing the next generation of UK attorneys. She sat on the Education committee at CIPA and led the student body from 2012-2013. She has also worked closely with the Holborn Community Association, developing projects that support STEM learning in local children at a young age.