Kate Hickinson
Partner
BSc(Hons), PhD, CPA, EPA
Kate is a partner at Appleyard Lees and helps to lead the chemistry team. She joined the patent profession after completing a BSc(Hons) in chemistry and a PhD in the areas of phosphine chemistry and homogeneous catalysis at the University of Bristol.
Kate handles all types of chemical subject matter and has considerable experience and expertise in the pharmaceutical area having worked in-house at AstraZeneca for several years.
She is experienced in working with clients to help them to identify the best ways to protect their inventions. In the pharmaceutical area, Kate has experience in filing and prosecuting patent applications directed to new chemical entities, chemical processes, formulations, solid forms and combination therapies, as well as experience of SPCs and data exclusivity. Kate also handles work in the area of industrial chemistry, particularly relating to chemical compositions and new uses of known compounds.
In addition, Kate has experience of working in a wide range of countries and regions, managing prosecution worldwide. She also advises on FTO and handles due diligence work.
Kate has experience of advising on and filing oppositions at the European Patent Office (EPO), as well as defending patents that have been opposed. She regularly attends hearings before the EPO in opposition and appeal proceedings.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF EXPERTISE IN PATENTS:
- Adhesive products
- Agriscience
- Catalysis
- Chemical engineering
- Clean technology
- Cleaning materials
- Consumer healthcare
- Cosmetic products
- Diagnostic methods and tools
- Environmental chemistry
- Fuel additives
- Fuels/Biofuels
- Materials science
- Medical devices
- Medical treatment regimes
- Novel active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
- Oil products
- Oncology
- Paints and coatings
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pigments and dyes
- Polymers
- Processes for manufacturing chemical products
- Speciality chemicals
- Surfactants
- Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs)
- Textiles
SPECIFIC AREAS OF EXPERTISE IN DISPUTES:
- Appeals
- Infringement
- Invalidity
- Licensing and royalty agreements
- Oppositions
- Revocations
