Martin MacLean

Martin has conducted over 100 European Patent Office hearings, with a success rate of approximately 90%. He has a strong biotech background (PhD in microbial engineering from Warwick University), and specialises in technologies such as the protein therapeutics, antibodies, vaccines, expression systems, diagnostic assays, and ‘green’ agrochemicals.

He has extensive high value A&M (£100 m+) due diligence experience, which he is able to combine with the above core aspects of IP management, to provide valuable advice that is both informed and balanced.

Martin’s principal practice areas include; drafting and global prosecution, defence and opposition, freedom to operate and strategic advice.

Martin is a co-author of ‘Intellectual Property Issues for Bacteriophages‘, a Springer publication (2020), pp. 1-19 Bacteriophages. This article was written in combination with Dr David Harper (CEO & Founder of Evolution Biotechnologies Limited), a leading world expert in phage technology, and addresses the key challenges (and myths) associated with securing patent rights in this tech space.

Martin has a strong background in biochemistry and biotechnology, having obtained a first class degree (Warwick University) in microbial technology and a PhD (Warwick University) for research conducted into the biochemical aspects of acidophilic bacteria. He also has a master’s degree in IP from the University of London.

He acts as a tutor for the UK and European qualifying examinations. He also serves as a lecturer and clinician for the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys.

Martin has presented on the challenges of stem cell patentability in Europe and provided practical advice on how to obtain commercially-relevant patents in this technical field. 

Key hearings

• “HIV peptides” (Adaltis, Abbott Lab, United Biomedical, Institut Pasteur, Bio-Rad Pasteur)
• “Factor XIII” (Novo Nordisk, Baxter, Aventis Behring)
• “TACI” (ZymoGenetics, Corixa, HGS)
• “Omega-3” (Martek Biosciences, Nagase Biochem, Aventis R&T, OmegaTech, Monsanto)
• “Stomach-action molluscicides” (Young, W.Neudorff GmbH)
• “Pesticidal compositions” (W.Neudorff GmbH, Bayer CropScience AG)
• “Aqueous pesticide formulations” (Monsanto, Nufarm Australia Limited, Rhodia Operations)
• “RNase Ρ detection of pathogenic organisms” (Herrmann; MacLean)
• “Detection of microbial residues” (DSM IP Assets, Charm Sciences)
• “One-step detection of antimicrobial residues” (DSM IP Assets, Charm Sciences)
• “Clonal virus therapeutics” (Wellstat Biologics, Bayer Schering Pharma AG)
• “Propagation and directed differentiation of CNS stem cells” (Neuralstem Biopharma, Stem Cells Inc.)
• “Recombinant EPO” (Sterrenbeld Biotechnologie; Polymun Scientific Immunbiologische)
• “Neural Stimulation” (Enteromedics)
• “Livestock feeds” (Univ. BC, Akzo)

Martin is a member of the Life Sciences Committee for the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA).