David Hobson

David is a Partner in our life sciences and chemistry team. His practice focusses on providing commercially-focussed advice for UK and overseas multinational pharmaceutical clients operating in the field of biologics. He has particular expertise in the botulinum neurotoxin, cell therapy, and antibody fields.

“Biochemistry expert” David Hobson has been recommended in the 2022 edition of The Legal 500, in which one source describes him as “top rate”, as well as recognised as a ‘Notable Practitioner’ in the latest edition of Managing IP’s IP STARS directory. Other clients have said “David is by far one of the best foreign counsel we have ever worked with (and we have worked with quite a few by now!!). We are constantly amazed by his proactive work to engage with Examiners and obtain fabulous claim sets on behalf of our clients. Truly, truly one of the best, and we are so grateful we get to work with him. When a strange project or question in Europe comes up, we also run straight to David for help and guidance!” and “It goes without saying that David is an outstanding patent attorney but above all he is very gifted (and creative) with claim drafting – especially in view of the commercial importance of our products. This is invaluable to us.” On contentious matters “We only have praise for David and are very satisfied with the results so far. Consequently, we would like to entrust more opposition cases to David when they present in the future.”

Expertise

Patent Filing & Prosecution: David excels at putting in place and defending robust, valuable patents encompassing his clients’ key assets throughout the product lifecycle.
IP Strategy: Leveraging his extensive patent drafting and portfolio management practice, he works closely with his clients’ commercial and scientific teams to map out optimal filing strategies to maximise patent exclusivity, and to guard against biosimilar threats.
Freedom to Operate (FTO) & EPO Opposition: Given the competitive nature of the pharmaceutical field, David and his team perform regular competitor intelligence gathering and patent monitoring for clients, advise on high-value FTO matters, and represent clients in key offensive and defensive opposition and appeal proceedings.

Key EPO Opposition Hearings

Ipsen Biopharm Limited v ReVance Therapeutics, Inc. (EP3368071)
Mathys & Squire v Chugai Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha (EP2311492)
Keltie LLP v AT Promotions Ltd (EP3193675)
Allergan, Inc. v Ipsen Bioinnovation Limited (EP2677029) & Enlarged Board of Appeal Referral R 14/24
Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA v Ipsen Bioinnovation Limited (EP2398495)
Polymun Scientific Immunbiologische Forschung GmbH v Sterrenbeld Biotechnologie North America, Inc. (EP1124984)

Academic

David has a PhD in biochemistry from the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute (awarded by UCL). His PhD focussed on the mechanism of transcription of convergent genes, including RNA polymerase II collision and resolution. The latter required the reconstitution of RNA polymerase transcription complexes in vitro from the purified eukaryotic polymerase complex, nucleic acids, and other factors. The associated scientific publication can be accessed here.

Memberships & Organisations

David is a European Patent Attorney, Chartered UK Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, member of the European Patent Institute (EPI), and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA).

Awards

Sectors

Biotechnology

Food & beverage

Life sciences & chemistry

Pharmaceuticals

Testimonials

Latest articles by David Hobson

Mathys & Squire sponsors LSPN North America – Fall 2026

Mathys & Squire Partners ranked in Managing IP’s IP STARS 2026