Catherine has carried out her extensive patent attorney practice in both private practice and in-house positions in the fields of chemistry, materials science, and related engineering fields. Over the years, Catherine has accumulated enviable IP experience and applied her knowledge in areas as diverse as composite and 3D printing materials, pharmaceuticals, mechanical devices and authentication materials for passports and currency.

Whilst highly experienced in patent drafting and prosecution, Catherine also specialises in European Patent Office oppositions and opposition appeals, in which she has a high success rate.

Catherine also provides high quality IP consultancy surrounding freedom to operate (FTO) and due diligence, with substantial experience providing opinions in sectors ranging from pharmaceutical and material science to printing fields and medical devices.

Medical devices is an area Catherine has had extensive involvement including successful litigation, but also opinions on supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) and paediatric extensions.

In addition, Catherine’s chemical expertise has helped support clients IP in aerospace with development of new materials, power generation covering gas, steam and hydro, to hydrogen hybrid technologies and new energy sources including renewables.

Catherine serves on one of the key committees that administer the official examinations that trainee patent attorneys undertake to achieve qualified European patent attorney status, and lectures globally on behalf of WIPO at patent drafting seminars.

Catherine is a member of our leadership team here at Openshaw & Co, and is fluent in French, English, German and Thai.