Elizabeth Swan

Background

Elizabeth Swan is a European and a UK Chartered Patent Attorney who specialises in chemical inventions. Elizabeth entered the patent profession in 2002 and worked for Intellectual Property companies in London and Bristol before joining Dehns as a senior associate in their Bristol office in 2023.

Prior to joining the patent profession, Elizabeth graduated from Durham University with a first-class degree in chemistry.

Type of clients and client work

The majority of Elizabeth’s work is conducted at the European Patent Office, where, in addition to prosecution, she has a long and successful track record defending and attacking patents in opposition and opposition-appeal proceedings. Away from the EPO, Elizabeth conducts patent prosecution and portfolio management in many countries, drafts new applications and provides advice relating to patent validity and infringement.

Expertise

Elizabeth is interested in all aspects of chemistry and has worked with a wide range of chemical inventions over the course of her career including medical solutions and devices, industrial-scale fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, insulation, authentication technology, and fast moving consumer goods such as personal care formulations, cosmetic formulations, detergents, firelighters, food and drink.

Qualifications and Memberships

• Authorised Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) (2023)
• European Patent Attorney, 2006
• UK Chartered Patent Attorney, 2010
• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys
• Member of the European Patent Institute
• Certificate in IP Law, Queen Mary College, University of London, 2003
• Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry
• Member of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists

Higher Education

First-Class honours degree in Chemistry, Durham University, 2001

Other

Before joining the patent profession, Elizabeth spent time working with one of the world’s leading multinational fast moving consumer goods companies.