John Somerton

Background

John joined Dehns in 2016 following his graduation from Durham University, where he received a Masters degree in Physics. His studies included a specific focus on electronics, laser physics and quantum computing. John became an Associate of the firm in 2022.

Type of clients and client work

John works with a range of clients including large multinationals, small companies and universities. He regularly meets with inventors to discuss and advise on the patentability of new concepts, prepares and files patent applications and prosecutes applications through to grant through engagement with various patent offices around the world. John also provides strategic advice on protecting IP, including appropriate use of trade secret protection.

John also has significant experience in opposition proceedings at the European Patent Office and before the Boards of Appeal, and in providing advice on other contentious matters including patent infringement and entitlement proceedings.

Expertise

John specialises in technology within physical sciences and engineering, including electronics, software and machine learning, microscopy, agri-tech, medical devices and composite materials.

 Qualifications and Memberships

• Authorised Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) 2023
• Intellectual Property Litigation Certificate, 2023
• UK Patent Attorney, 2021
• European Patent Attorney, 2021
• Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, 2017 (Queen Mary University of London)
• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)

Higher Education

MPhys, Physics, Durham University, 2016

Other

John acted as the Regional Informals Secretary for Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) in the Oxfordshire region from 2017 – 2019.