Christopher Hamer

Partner

UK & European Patent Attorney and UK Design Attorney

BSc, CPA, EPA

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 his “vast legal know-how.” 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

“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)

“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)

“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)

“Chris K Hamer always ensures that he applies his vast legal know-how with an eye on the commercial realities his clients are facing. He brings an intimate familiarity with the Chinese market, as well as an understanding of any and every area of chemistry.”

IAM Patent 1000 (2021)

“The individuals we work with in Mathys & Squire are all highly skilled, clear, driven and provide excellent service, especially under pressure. We would like to single out Chris Hamer, who has been exemplary. Chris is equally at home working with us on patent filings and advice one minute and the next advising CEOs and board members on the status of IP and influencing our commercial strategy. He is always available no matter what time of day.”

The Legal 500 (2021)

“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

“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

“Christopher Hamer is always keen to provide support in whatever way the firm can, which is very useful for an in-house team that has several peaks of legal work and different priorities from time to time.”

The Legal 500

“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

“An anchor in the toughest negotiations, he is consistent and concise with his advice. Chris is a truly remarkable combination of technical talent and client care.”

IAM Patent 1000 (2019)