How I can help your business

• Advise on patenting and IP strategy in biotechnology and life sciences, including immunology and microbiology.
• Guide you from early-stage invention disclosure through to portfolio development and commercialisation.
• Deliver practical advice on freedom to operate, due diligence and IP strategy to support funding and investment outcomes.

Overview & Expertise

Richard Gibbs is a Partner based in Marks & Clerk’s Glasgow and Edinburgh offices and a Chartered UK and European Patent Attorney with over 20 years’ experience advising on patenting and IP strategy in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors.

He has particular expertise in antibodies, vaccines, biologics, virology, bacteriology and molecular biology, and works with a broad range of clients including multinational organisations, SMEs, start-ups, individual inventors and universities. A significant proportion of his work involves supporting domestic and international academic institutions.

Richard has worked closely with leading research-intensive universities across the UK, as well as advising on international matters through collaborations with US associate networks. His experience in these environments enables him to provide practical guidance on navigating academic research, publication considerations, translational funding and commercialisation pathways.

He regularly supports clients from early-stage invention disclosure through to portfolio development, patentability assessment and commercialisation.

Before entering the patent profession, Richard was a research scientist and university lecturer. He holds a degree in Medical Microbiology and a PhD in Immunology and Microbiology from the University of Edinburgh.

Client Work & Case Experience

• University spin-out — developing an antimicrobial IP portfolio, supporting significant investment fundraising.
• University client — conducting detailed freedom-to-operate analysis underpinning the award of a major grant.
• Academic client — assisting in the defence of a patent portfolio through USPTO IPR proceedings and appeal to the Federal Circuit.
• Life sciences client — successfully defending first medical use claims in opposition proceedings before the EPO.
• Early-stage innovators — supporting students in securing IP funding to develop and launch new ventures.