Elizabeth Jones

Background

Elizabeth is a UK Chartered and European Patent Attorney. She joined Dehns in 1993, was made a Partner in 2001 and is a senior member of Dehns’ Life Sciences and Biotechnology group. She holds a number of Chemistry and Biochemistry related degrees from the University of Cape Town and was awarded a PhD by the Open University.

Elizabeth is a former Dehns Managing Partner and in 2022 was elected Senior Partner, responsible for the growth and continued development of the firm. In 2026, Elizabeth also became Head of the Biotechnology group.

Type of clients and client work

Elizabeth’s clients include sole inventors and small companies, as well as University Technology Transfer Offices and multinationals. She provides a range of services including patentability assessments, drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications, defending and opposing granted patents and providing advice on aspects such as due diligence, infringement, validity and freedom to practice.

Expertise

Elizabeth handles patent work in the general fields of biochemistry and biotechnology, including genomics, proteomics, immunology, virology and microbiology, particularly in relation to molecular biology based inventions (such as recombinant products, transgenic plants and animals, genomic therapeutics and diagnostics), screening methods, purification protocols, diagnostic assays and therapeutic and prophylactic inventions.

Qualifications and Memberships

• Authorised Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) 2024
• UK Chartered Patent Attorney, 1997
• European Patent Attorney, 1997
• Certificate in IP Law, University of London, 1994
• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys

Higher Education

PhD, Open University, “Cell signalling pathways of IL-1 and TNF”, 1993

MSc, University of Cape Town, Crystallographic determination of cholic acid:alcohol structures”, (awarded with distinction), 1989

BSc (Hons), University of Cape Town, Biochemistry, 1986

BSc, University of Cape Town, Chemistry and Biochemistry (distinction in Chemistry), 1985

Other

For the last three years, Elizabeth has been highlighted in the IAM Patent 1000 rankings:

• 2026: “is known for working closely with clients and embedding herself in their business to support long-term success through effective portfolio management.”
• 2025: “Elizabeth Jones is known for working closely with clients and embedding herself in their business to support long-term success through effective portfolio management.”
• 2024: “Elizabeth Jones has a wealth of legal and technical experience to draw from which she leverages to dispense well-rounded, effective strategic advice to biochemistry and biotechnology companies.”
• 2023: “In short, collaborations with Elizabeth Jones never fail. She is a very capable professional and knows technology and the ins and outs of European patent law very well. She inspires unwavering confidence.”

Elizabeth has also previously been named as “Patent Attorney of the Year – UK” at the Women in Business Legal Awards 2017, mentioned in The Legal 500 2026 edition and recognised in  World IP Review’s Influential Women in IP 2026 list.