Ben Tolley#13578

Dr Ben Tolley

European Patent Attorney, Mewburn Ellis
Ben does patent work in the life sciences sector. This includes drafting and prosecuting UK, European and International patent applications. The majority of his practice is engaged in 'defending' or 'attacking' patents in opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO.

Areas of Expertise
• Microbial inoculants for plant growth, protection and bioremediation
• Plant, algal & microbial biotechnologies
• Microbiome technologies
• Genetic technologies, including nucleic acid editing tools, riboswitches and expression systems
• Synthetic biology
• Biologics, nucleic acid and antibody therapeutics

Contributed to

2

Patents in the agricultural sector—a focus on plants
Patents in the agricultural sector—a focus on plants
Practice Notes

Innovation in agricultureAgriculture has a long history of innovation. Over the last century alone, advances such as the mechanisation of farming, the development of improved crop varieties through modern breeding techniques, and the introduction of fertilisers and crop protection technologies have transformed agricultural productivity. These innovations have enabled farmers to produce more food more efficiently, while responding to the challenges of a growing global population and changing environmental conditions.Innovation continues to play a central role in agriculture today. New developments in areas such as biotechnology, precision agriculture, automation and sustainable farming practices are helping to address emerging challenges relating to food security, climate change and resource efficiency. As agriculture evolves, continued investment in research and development will remain critical to delivering the next generation of agricultural innovations.Agricultural innovation often requires significant investment of time, expertise and financial resources. Innovators must typically undertake extensive research, testing and field trials before a new technology can be brought to market. Protecting these

Plant variety rights and other plant-related IP protection—EU
Plant variety rights and other plant-related IP protection—EU
Practice Notes

This Practice Note discusses the intellectual property protection available for plant varieties (known as plant breeders’ rights or plant variety rights (PVRs)). It covers the EU regime under Regulation (EC) 2100/94 (the Community Plant Variety Rights Regulation (EU CPVR Regulation)) for the Community plant variety right (CPVR). It then explains the validity requirements for obtaining PVR protection, the tests for infringement and the compulsory licensing of PVRs. Finally, it discusses the patent protection available for plant-related inventions.

Practice Area

Panel

  • Contributing Author

Experience

  • FR Kelly (Dublin) (2017 - 2019)
  • HGF LLP (London) (2013 - 2017)

Membership

  • Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (EPI)
  • Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys

Qualifications

  • European Patent Attorney (2017)
  • PG Certificate IP Law (2014)
  • Ph.D (Plant Molecular Biology) (2012)
  • BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Industrial Experience (Plant Sci) (2007)

Education

  • University of Cambridge (2007-2012)
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2005)
  • University of Manchester (2003-2007)
  • Universidad de Guadalajara (2002)

If you expected to see yourself on this page, click here.