Chris Mason
Partner
MSci(Hons), LLM, MRSC, CPA, EPA
Chris provides strategic, pragmatic, and commercially focused IP advice to innovative companies, from multinational corporations to SMEs and start-ups. He develops and implements IP strategies aligned with business objectives, delivering robust patent protection and long-term value.
He works closely with in-house counsel, IP managers, R&D teams, and C-suite executives to build and manage global patent portfolios, advise on freedom-to-operate, competitor intelligence, contentious infringement matters, and commercial agreements, and represent clients at European Patent Office (EPO) opposition and appeal hearings.
With a strong track record in chemicals, materials, and process-based innovations, Chris has experience with polymers, coatings, catalysts, advanced ceramics, electrochemical materials, membranes, batteries, packaging, water purification, critical metal extraction, pharmaceuticals and food technology, as well as emerging clean energy technologies. He frequently supports R&D teams in the UK and abroad to navigate complex IP landscapes and maximise the value of their innovations.
Chris studied Chemistry at the University of Nottingham (MSci, First Class Honours), and holds a Masters in Intellectual Property Law (with Distinction) from the University of Manchester. Before entering the profession, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a medicinal chemist at GSK.
He is a ‘Recognised Individual’ in WIPR Leaders 2025 and was named a ‘Rising Star’ by IP STARS in 2024. Chris is also active in the wider chemistry community, serving as a Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) local group treasurer and RSC Law Group committee member.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF EXPERTISE IN PATENTS:
- Catalysis
- Clean technology
- Consumer products
- Cosmetic products
- Environmental chemistry
- Fuel cells
- Graphene
- Industrial biotechnology
- Materials science
- Medical devices
- Nanotechnology
- Packaging technology
- Paints and coatings
- Pharmaceuticals
- Polymers
- Processes for manufacturing chemical products
- Speciality chemicals
