Benjamin Thomas
Ben is an experienced patent litigator, with a particular interest in pharma/biotech cases, based on a strong technical background in the life sciences. He has experience of both UK litigation and cross-jurisdictional coordination of complex patent/SPC actions.
Over recent years, Ben's experience has included patent and SPC litigation relating to patents for blockbuster antibody drugs, product manufacturing and formulation, orphan drugs and HIV treatments. He has particular experience in coordinating complex, multi-jurisdictional actions.
Ben has frequently advised on SPC issues, including validity and the application of the SPC waiver, and exceptions to patent infringement such as the Bolar and research exemptions. He has also advised on Unified Patent Court strategies, and previously served as an assistant to the committee that drafted the UPC's Rules of Procedure.
Ben has a degree and PhD in biochemistry, and subsequently obtained distinctions in the Graduate Diploma in Law, the Legal Practice Course and the Postgraduate Diploma in IP Law and Practice. Before converting to law, Ben worked for 18 months at the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, now the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as a technical writer, assisting in the preparation of technology appraisals and clinical guidelines.
Ben joined Osborne Clarke in 2025 from a leading international IP practice.