Mewburn Ellis takes on experienced litigator in life sciences

Mewburn Ellis has appointed Aled Richards-Jones as a new partner in its growing life sciences practice. He brings extensive experience in patent litigation, with a particular focus on life sciences and SPC disputes.

Richards-Jones has managed parallel patent litigation concerning small molecules and biologics across Europe, the US and beyond. His expertise spans interrelated issues of IP and regulatory law.

Beyond patents, Richards-Jones has acted in copyright, trademarks and trade secrets cases before the High Court, Court of Appeal, Intellectual Property Enterprise Court and UKIPO.

Mewburn Ellis’ chairperson Richard Johnson says, “His arrival underscores our commitment to expanding our international litigation practice, a key growth area for the firm. With his extensive experience and reputation as a trusted adviser in complex patent disputes and cross-border litigation, Aled will play a pivotal role in supporting clients navigating high-stakes cases in the UK and across Europe, particularly in the life sciences and technology sectors.”

Rapid expansion of the litigation practice

In October, Mewburn Ellis brought in patent litigator Amy Crouch from Simmons & Simmons in London as a partner to bolster its life sciences litigation practice. This followed the May appointment of Camilla Balleny, who joined four months after leaving Carpmaels & Ransford. Balleny, who became head of patent litigation, brought life sciences litigation experience as Mewburn Ellis expanded its mixed approach.

Like Carpmaels, the firm is one of the UK’s leading practices for life sciences patents with a strong focus on patent attorney work. Balleny’s arrival marked the start of the litigation practice expansion.

Furthermore, the firm recently welcomed Susannah Dragosavac, a digital health and medtech specialist, further enhancing its capabilities in these rapidly evolving sectors.

Carpmaels & Ransford is one of the UK’s largest mixed law firms with a strong track record in UPC proceedings, for example for Sanofi and Regeneron.