Rhodri Hopes

Rhodri is a Senior Associate in the Life Sciences team at Carpmaels & Ransford, specialising in innovative small-molecule pharmaceutical products. He advises clients throughout the product life cycle, from building early-stage patent portfolios to defending high-value patents before the EPO’s Opposition Divisions and Boards of Appeal.

Rhodri has significant experience working with emerging pharmaceutical companies to build IP portfolios that support their commercial objectives. By immersing himself in each client’s technology, business model and stage of development, he develops focused IP strategies designed to support investment, protect future products and withstand third-party challenge. Highlights include building KalVista Pharmaceuticals’ patent portfolio around Ekterly®, as well as working closely with a European biotechnology company to build a portfolio protecting a psychedelic compound for treating psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder.

Rhodri brings to this work extensive experience of prosecuting and defending patents before the EPO and coordinating patent strategies globally. He has acted in complex contentious matters, including multi-party EPO oppositions and patent litigation in the UK and across Europe concerning high-value products such as Revlimid®, Imnovid®, Xyrem®, Zytiga®, Otezla®, and Elvanse®. He also advises on supplementary protection certificates, including representing clients before the UK Intellectual Property Office, and provides strategic IP advice in due diligence and freedom-to-operate exercises.

Within the firm, Rhodri is a strong advocate for a positive and supportive approach to mental health and is proud to serve as one of Carpmaels’ mental health first aiders.

Before joining the firm, Rhodri graduated with a first-class degree in Chemistry from Jesus College, University of Oxford. His final-year research focused on copper acetate-mediated synthesis of carbocycles. Outside work, Rhodri plays cricket, golf, tennis and darts, and is a close (and often vocal) follower of his beloved Welsh rugby team.