Katherine Mabey

Background

Katherine joined Dehns in 1999, having graduated from Oxford University with a First Class Honours Degree in Physics. She became a Partner in 2011 and handles patent work in various fields including physics and telecommunications. She also handles design work.

Type of clients and client work

Based in the Brighton office, Katherine drafts and prosecutes patent applications in a diverse range of fields of physics and engineering, including satellite navigation systems, packaging, oil drilling systems, personal care articles and medical devices. She also advises on infringement and validity of patents in the above fields, and handles design work. Her clients range from large US multinational companies to SMEs and overseas patent attorneys.

Katherine has over 20 years of expertise in EPO opposition and appeal proceedings. Since joining the firm, she has been extensively involved in handling oppositions and appeals before the European Patent Office (EPO), regularly representing multinational clients in the consumer products sector. Each year, she conducts approximately 10-15 opposition and appeal hearings, providing strategic guidance and advocacy in complex cases.

Katherine has particular expertise in the treatment of parameter cases by the EPO, having played a key role in shaping the current approach early in her career. She also has a strong interest in added matter issues, especially those arising from differences between U.S. and European patent law—a focus informed by her extensive opposition practice.

Her deep understanding of EPO procedures and strategic approach to opposition and appeal work make her a trusted advisor for clients navigating the complexities of European patent law.

Expertise

Katherine handles patent work in the physics, engineering and electronics fields, as well as design work. She has considerable experience of handling opposition and appeal work before the European Patent Office.

Qualifications and Memberships

• Authorised Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) 2023
• UK Registered Patent Attorney, 2002 (Awarded Gill Prize for first place overall and Strode Prize in Practice Paper)
• Chartered Patent Attorney
• European Patent Attorney, 2002
• Certificate in IP Law, University of London, 2000

Higher Education

MA, University of Oxford, Physics (First Class), 1999

Other

In 2003 Katherine was awarded the Gill prize by the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents for achieving first place in the Final Examinations, and the Strode prize for the top performance in the Practice paper.