Christopher Hamer - Mathys & Squire LLP

Chris is consistently recommended by The Legal 500 in which he is commended for his “unbelievable ability to analyse complicated concepts incorporating chemistry” (2023), “never-ending energy and inspiration” (2022), as well as his “exemplary” service, and “commercial strategy” advice (2021). He has also been commended for his “high-quality advice on patents involving a chemistry angle” and for being “pleasant to work with.” “Chemistry maven” Chris has been recommended in the IAM Patent 1000 guide, noted for being “a true expert in his field, whose years of experience are invaluable“ (2024). He is described as “ionic liquids expert” (2022) “an anchor in the toughest negotiations”, “consistent and concise with his advice” and a “truly remarkable combination of technical talent and client care.” Chris is also ranked as a Leading Individual in JUVE Patent‘s Rankings UK, in which he is recommended for his technical speciality in the field of chemistry.

Expertise

Chris works in the field of chemistry, with particular expertise in oil and petrochemical technologies, catalytic processes, polymers and composite materials, food chemistry, natural food supplements and absorbent articles. He is also involved in protecting inventions in the environmental sector, including solar cells, biofuels, biochemicals and green solvents. He is one of the world’s leading attorneys in the field of ionic liquid technologies and represents clients in four continents. His practice areas include drafting and prosecution of global patent families, opposition and appeal proceedings before the European Patent Office where he has significant experience and a successful track record having acted for international companies such as BP, Ineos, Petroliam Nasional Berhad, AarhusKarlshamn, Borealis, Sasol, Toray, Novartis, and the QUILL Research Centre, as well as strategic planning and freedom to operate advice and litigation. In addition, Chris is also experienced in dealing with design and copyright infringement and validity. Chris is highly regarded for his pragmatic commercial expertise, which has helped his clients to grow from small SMEs to valuations of in excess of £300 million. He is also actively involved in advising on Petronas’s highly acclaimed mercury removal processes.

Academic

Chris has an honours degree in chemistry from Bristol University. He qualified as a Chartered and European patent attorney in 2002. Before joining Mathys & Squire, he spent two years working for a German firm of patent attorneys in Munich.

Memberships & organisations

Chris is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association and the Licensing Executives Society and has been an invited lecturer at universities and conferences.

Recent work

IGM Resins Ltd v Anstar Ltd (multi-jurisdictional proceedings including China)
OPES Corporation Oy V Republic Technologies (UK) Limited

Awards

Sectors

Life sciences & chemistry

Manufacturing, engineering & automotive

Chris Hamer garners attention for his ability to “develop successful technology development strategies and achieve protection for novel inventions. He is a true expert in his field, whose years of experience are invaluable. Chris always makes himself available, thinks creatively and executes strategies in a timely fashion to effectively manage portfolios.”

IAM Patent 1000 (2024)

“Chris Hamer’s unbelievable ability to analyse complicated concepts incorporating chemistry, physics and mechanical disciplines, and somehow render the interaction clear and easy to read, is outstanding. I can say with total transparency that the strength of our patent portfolio is in good part thanks to Chris.”

The Legal 500 (2023)

“Ionic liquids expert Hamer is the lead partner for China and has acted in 100 hearings at a success rate of 90%.”

IAM Patent 1000 (2022)

“We really enjoy working with our team of attorneys at Mathys & Squire. They have great technical knowledge which is very helpful for us as they understand our business. Overall, our feedback is very positive and we are happy with the service they provide.”

AAK

“Chris’ support and commitment to us over the years and his ability to understand and put chemical and physical processes in order in a relatively short amount of time is amazing, particularly when it has taken us months to put it all together.”

Acell

“Mathys & Squire is the strongest partner we have in Europe. Their work is of the highest quality, is very thorough and sets a benchmark for international collaboration on sophisticated patent issues. They layout options in terms of success rates which is invaluable in helping me make commercial decisions on how to proceed.”

Adventip

“Over the last 20 years Mathys & Squire has assisted us in maintaining a 100% success rate at achieving patent grant and we’ve found the team as a whole is very professional, proactive, and easy to work with. Chris Hamer, especially, has played a pivotal role in this.”

Costain

“Chris Hamer and his team have put in a very good effort to understand our business and work very well with our inventors, despite their some times difficult mindset. We go to meetings enjoying the discussions and leave the meetings with a very good energy for moving ahead. Problem-solving is a big part of their mindset, highly appreciated by us. Difficulties and issues are for solving with never-ending energy and inspiration.”

The Legal 500 (2022)

Latest articles by Christopher Hamer

Mathys & Squire’s German team have moved office in Munich

Mathys & Squire teams recommended in The Legal 500 2025 directory for their “unparalleled knowledge and experience in all areas of intellectual property”

Mathys & Squire Partners discuss the importance of protecting IP in the alternative proteins industry

Fifteen Mathys & Squire attorneys recognised in IAM Patent 1000 2024