Iain Armstrong - Mathys & Squire LLP

Iain has over 20 years experience advising clients in the life sciences field, providing practical and pragmatic advice through the entire patent process. Iain has a particular interest in stem cell technologies, wound healing, and cell therapies (such as CARs), reflecting his background in cell biology. He also works extensively on inventions relating to antibody therapeutics, diagnostics, and personalised medicines.

Expertise

Iain’s practice concentrates primarily on the therapeutic applications of biological inventions, with a particular focus on technologies relating to cell biology. He has spoken on patent issues relating to these fields at conferences, including the BIO International Convention.

During the course of his career, Iain has drafted hundreds of patent applications in the life sciences field. These cases cover a wide range of technical fields including: stem cell technologies and cell therapies, wound healing, diagnostic kits and methods, personalised medicines, therapeutic fusion proteins and antibodies, vaccines, biologically active medical devices, and cells modified for industrial uses.

Through looking after these cases, Iain has gained considerable experience in coordinating patent prosecution across multiple jurisdictions. He uses this experience to address difficulties that may be associated with particular technical fields, or regional laws. Iain works for clients of all types, with a focus on SMEs and universities. He helps his clients to implement commercially relevant patent filing and portfolio management strategies to meet their business needs, and is experienced in due diligence relating to the sale or acquisition of patent assets.

Academic

First class honours degree (cell biology) from the University of Glasgow.

Sectors

Life sciences & chemistry

Membership & organisations

Iain is a member of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and European Patent Institute (EPI). He has served as a member of the CIPA Life Sciences Committee for a number of years. He has also been responsible for preparing CIPA lectures on patent drafting in biotechnology, and the patentability of stem cells.